Why Do You Want to Work Here? Best Answers for UK Job Interviews

"Why do you want to work here?" is one of the most common UK interview questions, and one of the easiest to answer badly. The interviewer is testing whether you have done your homework and whether you will stay.

What a good answer includes

A strong answer has three parts: something specific about the employer, something about the role that suits you and a link to your own skills. If you can only say "it is close to my house" you have missed the point.

How to research quickly

• Read the About page and the latest news on the company website.

• Check their social media for tone and recent projects.

• Read the job advert again and underline the three most important requirements.

• For public sector and charities, read the annual report or strategy.

• For schools, read the latest Ofsted report. For care providers, check the CQC report.

Example answer: private sector

"I have followed your growth over the last two years, especially the move into online grocery delivery. This role is about improving customer experience, which is what I have done for three years in my current job. I would like to bring that to a company with a strong reputation for service."

Example answer: public sector or charity

"The council's priority on supporting residents to live independently matches the experience I have had supporting older people through volunteering. This job would let me use those skills every day and contribute to something I care about."

Example answer: entry-level job

"I like that you give new starters proper training and a clear route to supervisor. I am reliable, I learn quickly and I want to build a career with a company that will invest in me."

Things not to say

• "I need a job" or "it pays well" as the main reason.

• Anything generic that could be said about any company.

• Criticism of your current employer.

Quick answers

What if I do not know much about the company? Spend ten minutes reading their website. It makes a big difference.

Is it fine to mention pay? Not as the main reason. Wait until the interviewer raises it.

Want to practise with questions written for your exact job? Our question bank covers hundreds of UK roles with model answers, and every role has five questions free.

Practise for specific roles

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