Why are you applying for this position at our company?
Suggested answer
This question checks one simple thing: did you read the job ad and look into the company, or are you sending the same application everywhere? The interviewer doesn't need to hear praise for the company. They want to see you connect what they need with what you have done.
A good answer usually has three points, one or two sentences each:
- One specific detail from the ad or about the product. For example: "The ad says the frontend team writes tests for their own work and does code review. I'm looking for exactly that kind of place."
- Evidence that you fit that detail. "My personal project is an expense-tracking app written with React and TypeScript, with 21 unit tests. I'm used to working through pull requests from my team project at university."
- What you want to learn here, said honestly and specifically: "I've never worked with a large codebase that many people edit at once, and I want to learn how to do that from the team."
What to avoid:
- Generic sentences that fit any company: "a dynamic, professional environment", "a big company with lots of opportunities".
- Talking only about what you would receive (salary, a short commute) without saying what you would contribute. Those reasons are completely legitimate, but they shouldn't be your only point.
- Saying something wrong about the company's product. If you haven't been able to try it, say what you have read about it.
Prepare ahead: reread the job ad, underline the two requirements you have the clearest evidence for, and spend ten minutes on the company's website or product. Keep the CV you sent to this exact company, because the interviewer will ask questions based on it.
Bonus points: finish with a question back about the daily work, for example how the team reviews code at the moment.