Whilst you'll never really know for sure what an interviewer is going to ask you until the interview itself, there are some questions that are pretty much a given. No matter what the role, no matter what industry sector the startup is in, there are certain questions which you definitely ought to prep for - no matter how experienced a candidate you may be.
Questions such as the classic "So, why do you want to work here?" It's a commonly asked question, yet it's one where many candidates, unfortunately, let themselves down. However, if you answer it in the right way, it can go a long way to helping you impress those interviewers.
Got an interview coming up and thinking about how to approach this one? Here are a few of the things that you shouldn’t do and shouldn’t say and for a little extra inspiration, some of the things you might actually want to consider when you’re thinking about reasons…
Things not to do and why…
Blag it - Don't assume that you'll be able to wing it on the day and somehow manage to wow the interviewers with your reasons and rationale. If you haven't thought it through, chances are your response will sound both insincere and most probably cliché-ridden.
Make it all about you - This isn’t the time to waffle on about how you and your career will benefit if you get this role. Those reasons really shouldn’t be at the forefront - it could appear like you don’t care about the company at all and just looking to abuse them for what you can get. No one wants to hire that kind of mentality into their team! The interview may be all about you, but this question is your opportunity to turn the tables and flatter them galore! Highlight all the reasons why you admire the company, the product or service they’ve created, its mission, its goals, and its achievements to date. Only after you’ve outlined all those, should you go on to talk about how you would benefit too as it shows you recognise what an incredible opportunity they could be giving you.
Only give a couple of reasons - Even the most ill-prepared candidate would be able to do this off the top of their head! It’s simply not enough. Cite one or two reasons as to why you want to work there and it’ll come across as though you haven’t prepared at all (even if you have), that you don’t really care and that research is not your kinda thing! Instead, take some time during your interview prep to carefully consider all the pros and benefits. Make a list and aim for at least 5 potential reasons as to why this is the company for you.
Things not to say and why…
The practical or mundane stuff - don’t make the mistake of saying that you’re interested in a role because of where it’s based or because of the remuneration package on offer. Is that really conveying any sense of enthusiasm to the interviewer about the job or the company or the industry sector it is in? Absolutely not! Legitimate reasons they may be but reasons that you’re best keeping to yourself!
The stock or generic responses - Forget the “it’s such a great opportunity” line. Yawn! Want to stand out from the other candidates? Make sure your answers stand out too. That doesn't mean coming up with bizarre or off-the-wall reasons as to why you want this company. Instead, go beyond the same-old, same-old - make your answers personal and unique to you. Dig deep in advance and figure out all that is good about this company and why this startup is the one for you.
Fake and empty praise - Don’t assume that if you lavish praise on the company you’re on to a winner! If you’re being interviewed by either the startup founder or by people who have been with the company for a long time, they will have an innate pride and passion for the business. They’ll be able to spot pretty easily if you’re being disingenuous. Instead, have well-thought-out, robust, and considered reasons as to why you want to join them. Let them see your passion and enthusiasm. It’s about sincerity, not about what you think they want to hear.
Reasons you might want to consider…
Product / service - Is what they have created new, innovative or exciting? Do you use it yourself? If so, are you a fan and why?
CEO/Founder - Does the founder or CEO inspire you? Why do you find them inspiring? Are you impressed by their story, their motivation for starting the business, the journey they’ve made to date or what their goals and mission are? Do they have a personal twitter account that can give you a little more insight into what they’re all about?
Growth - Are you impressed by how far they’ve come already or are you excited by their future plans and ambitions for growth? Do you want to make sure you’re a part of that?
Company Values - Do they align with your own and really resonate with you? Do you feel a certain affinity with them and know that you would be a good fit for this company? Impressed by how they look after their team?
Customers - Who are the company’s main customers? Do they include anyone that you know or whose opinion you truly value? Do any of their customers particularly inspire or impress you?
Awards - Have they won anything of note in their sector or industry? Have you been blown away by the awards and accolades they’ve won to date? If they’ve gained recognition by winning awards, it clearly shows drive and adds to their credibility.
Social Media - Have you checked out their social channels? Looked at their Facebook/Instagram/ Twitter/ TikTok/Linkedin/Blog? What does it tell you about their company culture? Does it appeal to you and is it something that you yearn to be a part of? Remember that checking their socials isn’t just something to do if you’re applying for a Marketing role! It can be very revealing and give you a real insight into the company culture, drive and what they’re all about.
Feedback websites - Check out the company’s reviews on Google, TrustPilot, FeeFoo or Facebook. What do their customers say about them? Are they generally positive or are there any glaring issues? Do they respond to any negative reviews? If so, how.
Competitors - Do you know who their competitors are? Where do they stand in the market? How do they compare? Are there any areas that they seem to do better in? Do they have a particular USP that gives them the edge over the competition?
From this, you should be able to generate 5 reasons that are personalised to the startup and to you, and merely by going through this process of coming up with five reasons, you will be very solid in your own head as to why you want to work there. This level of certainly and confidence will shine through.
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Offering personalised, consultative service, at TableCrowd Talent we’re a specialist recruitment agency with our finger on the pulse of the startup and scaleup scene. We are committed to matching graduates, professionals and C-level executives to exciting startup and scaleup jobs across London, the UK and Europe.
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