That question, “Why do you want to work here?” always makes me freeze. You know you want the job, but the words just get stuck and you end up saying something generic that sounds fake. Pole sana, it’s a real struggle.
But relax, this is a problem we can fix. The truth is, most people get it wrong because they don’t know the simple formula. This article will break down the exact do’s and don’ts so you can give an answer that truly impresses.
Why This Happens: Common Causes
Lack of Proper Research
Many candidates just apply through BrighterMonday or Fuzu without digging deeper. They see a job title and salary, click “Apply,” and hope for the best. When the interview comes, they haven’t studied the company’s mission, values, or recent projects in Kenya, so they have nothing specific to say.
Focusing Only on Personal Gain
The natural instinct is to talk about what you need: the paycheck, the office location, or the job stability. You might think, “This company is in Westlands, traffic si mbaya,” but interviewers hear that you only care about yourself. You forget to connect your skills to the company’s actual problems.
Using Generic, Memorized Answers
People prepare one standard answer like, “I want to grow my career in a dynamic environment,” and try to use it for every interview, from Safaricom to a startup in Karen. It sounds rehearsed and shows zero effort. The panel can tell you’d give the same answer to their competitor.
Nervousness and Pressure
In the heat of the moment, with a panel staring at you, your mind goes blank. You start rambling about anything, maybe even mentioning a cousin who works there, which is a total don’t. The pressure to perform makes you forget the simple points you actually know.
How to Fix: Job Interview Answer: The Do’s and Don’ts of “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
- Do Deep Company Research: Go beyond the job ad on LinkedIn or MyJobMag. Visit the company’s official website, read their “About Us” and news section. Check their latest projects in Kenya and their social media pages like Twitter or Instagram to understand their culture and public voice.
- Connect Your Skills to Their Needs: Identify a specific challenge the company mentions. For example, if it’s a bank talking about expanding digital loans, explain how your fintech experience can help. Show you’ve thought about how you fit into their actual work, not just their office.
- Prepare a Structured, Three-Part Answer: Craft a response that covers: your admiration for their work (mention something specific), how your skills match their goals, and your excitement to contribute to their Kenyan team. Practice saying it out loud until it sounds natural, not memorized.
- Practice with a Friend or Mentor: Do a mock interview. Ask a friend to play the interviewer and give you honest feedback on your answer. This helps kill the nervousness and makes your delivery smooth and confident for the real panel.
If you still feel stuck after preparing, don’t panic. Consider talking to a career coach or visiting a professional development workshop at institutions like the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). Sometimes, a fresh perspective from an expert can help you articulate your value more clearly. You can also reach out to professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn for informal advice on how they approached similar interviews.
How to Prevent This Problem in Future
Here are specific habits to build so you’re always ready for that question:
- Create a “Company Research” folder for every job you apply to. Save links to their website, news articles about them, and their social media profiles. Review this folder for 30 minutes before any interview call.
- Follow your target companies and industry leaders on LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts to understand their current focus and challenges in the Kenyan market.
- Develop a flexible answer template based on your core skills. Before each interview, customize it with two specific points about that particular company. This makes preparation faster and more effective.
- After every interview, jot down the “Why work here?” question you were asked and your answer. Reflect on what felt strong or weak, so you continuously improve your response for next time.
The Bottom Line
Mastering the “Why do you want to work here?” question is all about shifting your focus from what you need to what the company needs. It’s not about reciting a generic script, but showing you’ve done your homework and can see yourself solving their specific problems. When you connect your skills to their mission, you move from being just another applicant to a valuable potential asset.
So, before your next interview, take that extra hour to research deeply and craft a genuine, tailored answer. Your confidence and preparation will speak volumes and set you apart from the competition. Sawa? Go get that job!
Frequently Asked Questions: Job Interview Answer: The Do’s and Don’ts of “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” in Kenya
What’s the biggest mistake people make when answering this question?
The biggest mistake is giving a generic, self-centred answer focused only on salary, location, or personal growth. It shows you haven’t researched the company at all.
Interviewers want to hear how you will contribute, not just what you plan to take away from the role. Always link your answer to their specific goals.
How can I research a Kenyan company effectively before an interview?
Start with their official website and “About Us” page. Then, check their latest news and active projects on their social media pages, especially LinkedIn and Twitter.
Look for mentions in local business news. Their current market challenges in Kenya will make your answer relevant and impressive.
Is it okay to mention the company’s reputation or brand as a reason?
Yes, but you must go deeper than just saying “it’s a good company.” Explain what specifically about their reputation you admire, like their innovation or community impact.
For example, don’t just say you like Safaricom; mention a specific service like M-PESA and how it has transformed lives.
What if I’m applying for many jobs and don’t have time to research each one deeply?
This is a trap. If you want the job, you must make time. Skimming the company’s LinkedIn profile and latest two news articles can give you enough for a tailored answer.
Quality over quantity. It’s better to apply to fewer jobs with strong, researched applications than many with weak ones.
How long should my answer ideally be?
Aim for about 60-90 seconds—concise but substantial. Structure it in two or three clear parts: your admiration for their work, your relevant skills, and your enthusiasm to contribute.
Practice it to avoid rambling. A clear, confident, and brief answer is always more powerful than a long, winding story.
