How to answer why do you want to work here: Answer Guide 2027
Answer 'why do you want to work here' with three specific, researched reasons: something about the firm's business or deals, something about its culture or people, and something connecting your background to the role. In a why this company interview, specificity is everything — naming a recent deal, a conversation with an employee, or a practice strength beats any generic compliment.
What This Tests in a Why this company interview Question
- Whether you actually researched the firm or are recycling a template answer.
- Whether your reasons connect to your own background — motivation must be personal to be credible.
- Whether you understand what the firm does differently from its competitors.
How to Answer a Why this company interview Question
- Research three pillars: the business (deals, league tables, strategy), the culture (people you have spoken with), and the role fit (your skills and interests).
- Structure the answer: 'Three reasons — first...' keeping it under 90 seconds.
- Make it personal: tie each reason to something in your background so it cannot apply to any candidate.
Example phrasing: "Three reasons: first, your recent advisory work in [sector] matches exactly where I want to build expertise; second, everyone I have spoken with — including [name/role] — describes a genuinely apprenticeship-driven culture; third, my [experience] gave me the [skill] this role demands daily."
Common Mistakes in a Why this company interview Question
- Generic praise ('great reputation, smart people') that fits any firm.
- Reasons that are all about prestige or pay — never say these.
- An answer so long the interviewer stops listening; keep it tight.
This question is asked in literally every interview process, yet most candidates wing it — which is exactly why a researched, structured answer stands out so sharply. Ninety seconds of specificity here sets a confident tone for the entire interview.
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FAQ
How do I answer in a why this company interview?
Three specific, researched reasons — business, culture/people, and personal fit — in under 90 seconds.
What research should I do?
Recent deals or results, the firm's stated strategy, employee conversations, and how the role matches your background.
Should I mention prestige or compensation?
No — focus on the work, the learning, and the fit; prestige and pay are assumed, not stated.
What if I am interviewing at similar firms?
Find genuine differentiators per firm — sector focus, deal style, culture notes from conversations — and tailor each answer.
Preparing for Jefferies's interview? Our 2027 Jefferies Online Assessment (Situational Judgement Test and Cognitive Ability Assessment) Exact Questions and Answers has practice questions and answers — $79 one-time, instant download.
