6 answers
Alaina
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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How do you best answer this interview question "Why do you want to work here" Also how do you best answer surprise questions that catch you off guard? ?
I am an undergraduate student studying psychology. I have been applying for on campus jobs recently, but these questions always throw me off, and I am nervous to answer these questions at higher stakes interviews.
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6 answers
Kayla Graham, M.A.
Human Resources
8
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hello Alaina! This is a great question. While every interviewer may ask similar questions, they all may have different responses they are looking for. I believe the best option is to research the company values and tie your interest to one of those. They'll love that you researched the company and you'll be able to tie your own personal career values into it as well.
When it comes to surprise questions, I recommend taking a moment to think instead of rushing an answer out. I've been in many situations like this where I gave a quick, nervous response. And then later I think about what I could have said instead. If you give yourself a second to truly think about the nest answer the nerves will go away and you'll give a better, more clearheaded response.
When it comes to surprise questions, I recommend taking a moment to think instead of rushing an answer out. I've been in many situations like this where I gave a quick, nervous response. And then later I think about what I could have said instead. If you give yourself a second to truly think about the nest answer the nerves will go away and you'll give a better, more clearheaded response.
Harry Clapeck
Manufacturing
54
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
Not an easy question to answer. Every interviewer asks different questions. Some are to find out about you, some are to stump you, and some are to test you under stressful times to see how you react.
I suggest that you first study the company with which you are applying. Is it a company that you want a career with, or just to get working hours to earn a paycheck? That will dictate what you want to say.
But first, learn to stay cool under pressure. You don't need to answer a question immediately. Stop and give it a few seconds to settle in. Also, if it is a tricky question, maybe take the time to repeat the question. That will give you a few seconds to "regroup." Or reply back with something like "Wow, that is an interesting question. I haven't been asked that before" (they won't know if it is true or not - and doesn't matter).
You can also ask Google for ideas. It recommends the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure stories that highlight your skills and problem-solving abilities. Also, enquire about answering weird or seemingly challenging questions.
Remember, the interviewer is generally testing you under pressure. The answer may not be as important as the way that you react. Again, practice staying cool and relaxed (but not cocky). It will be plus points for you.
Focus on the task, not your uneasiness.
Good luck, Alaina!
Not an easy question to answer. Every interviewer asks different questions. Some are to find out about you, some are to stump you, and some are to test you under stressful times to see how you react.
I suggest that you first study the company with which you are applying. Is it a company that you want a career with, or just to get working hours to earn a paycheck? That will dictate what you want to say.
But first, learn to stay cool under pressure. You don't need to answer a question immediately. Stop and give it a few seconds to settle in. Also, if it is a tricky question, maybe take the time to repeat the question. That will give you a few seconds to "regroup." Or reply back with something like "Wow, that is an interesting question. I haven't been asked that before" (they won't know if it is true or not - and doesn't matter).
You can also ask Google for ideas. It recommends the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure stories that highlight your skills and problem-solving abilities. Also, enquire about answering weird or seemingly challenging questions.
Remember, the interviewer is generally testing you under pressure. The answer may not be as important as the way that you react. Again, practice staying cool and relaxed (but not cocky). It will be plus points for you.
Focus on the task, not your uneasiness.
Good luck, Alaina!
Kai Sin Tee
Global Account Operational
2
Answers
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Updated
Kai Sin’s Answer
When interviewers ask “Why do you want to work here?”, they are usually looking for clarity, fit, and motivation—not a perfect or dramatic answer. A strong response connects your background, the role, and what you hope to gain or contribute.
For example, as an undergraduate psychology student, you might explain that your academic interests draw you toward roles that involve working with people, research, or supporting others in an organized environment.
You can then show that you’ve taken time to understand what the department or position does and explain how it aligns with your skills or goals. Finally, emphasizing your willingness to learn and contribute as a reliable team member is often more important than sounding impressive—especially for on‑campus or entry‑level roles.
As for surprise questions, it’s important to remember that interviewers are not trying to trip you up.
These questions are meant to see how you think, reflect, and respond under uncertainty.
It is completely acceptable to pause briefly before answering.
Taking a moment shows thoughtfulness, not weakness.
When caught off guard, a simple structure helps:
-acknowledge the question,
-give a brief, honest response,
-and end with what you learned or how you’re growing from the experience.
In short, interviews at this stage are conversations about fit and potential, not tests of expertise.
Honest, thoughtful responses supported by simple examples are usually exactly what interviewers are looking for.
For example, as an undergraduate psychology student, you might explain that your academic interests draw you toward roles that involve working with people, research, or supporting others in an organized environment.
You can then show that you’ve taken time to understand what the department or position does and explain how it aligns with your skills or goals. Finally, emphasizing your willingness to learn and contribute as a reliable team member is often more important than sounding impressive—especially for on‑campus or entry‑level roles.
As for surprise questions, it’s important to remember that interviewers are not trying to trip you up.
These questions are meant to see how you think, reflect, and respond under uncertainty.
It is completely acceptable to pause briefly before answering.
Taking a moment shows thoughtfulness, not weakness.
When caught off guard, a simple structure helps:
-acknowledge the question,
-give a brief, honest response,
-and end with what you learned or how you’re growing from the experience.
In short, interviews at this stage are conversations about fit and potential, not tests of expertise.
Honest, thoughtful responses supported by simple examples are usually exactly what interviewers are looking for.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1381
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
Good question! This question throws off a lot of people, especially when nerves kick in. The good thing is interviewers usually are not expecting a perfect answer; they just want to see that you’ve thought about the role and can communicate clearly under pressure.
For “Why do you want to work here?”, try keeping it simple and specific. Talk about what interests you about the job, what skills you want to build, and how it connects to your goals. Something like:
“I’m interested in this position because I enjoy working with people and want to build professional experience while studying psychology. I also like that this role would help me strengthen my communication and organization skills.”
For surprise questions, give yourself permission to pause. You do not have to answer instantly. Saying, “That’s a good question, let me think for a second,” is completely okay and actually makes you sound more thoughtful.
The biggest thing is practice. The more interviews you do, the less intimidating those unexpected questions feel. Some students are nervous at first; you get better by going through it, not by already being perfect at it.
Best wishes!
Good question! This question throws off a lot of people, especially when nerves kick in. The good thing is interviewers usually are not expecting a perfect answer; they just want to see that you’ve thought about the role and can communicate clearly under pressure.
For “Why do you want to work here?”, try keeping it simple and specific. Talk about what interests you about the job, what skills you want to build, and how it connects to your goals. Something like:
“I’m interested in this position because I enjoy working with people and want to build professional experience while studying psychology. I also like that this role would help me strengthen my communication and organization skills.”
For surprise questions, give yourself permission to pause. You do not have to answer instantly. Saying, “That’s a good question, let me think for a second,” is completely okay and actually makes you sound more thoughtful.
The biggest thing is practice. The more interviews you do, the less intimidating those unexpected questions feel. Some students are nervous at first; you get better by going through it, not by already being perfect at it.
Best wishes!
Agnes Hon
International Tax Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Agnes’s Answer
Hi Alaina,
I think everyone here made some really good points, and adding on to that, I usually like to ask questions during the interview whenever I get the chance, and I also pay close attention to what the interviewer says throughout the conversation.
I think the best approach is not just to answer from what you prepared, but to connect your response back to the interviewer so that the conversation feels natural and not rehearsed.
I think everyone here made some really good points, and adding on to that, I usually like to ask questions during the interview whenever I get the chance, and I also pay close attention to what the interviewer says throughout the conversation.
I think the best approach is not just to answer from what you prepared, but to connect your response back to the interviewer so that the conversation feels natural and not rehearsed.
Erikka Froshiesar
financial analysis
3
Answers
Meridian, Idaho
Updated
Erikka’s Answer
The "Why do you want to work here?" question is a common one and I think the question really is, what can you do for us? Since it is a common question, prepare for it by researching the company, find out their core values. Talk about how your values align and how you can contribute to the success of the company. You can also talk about how you will also grow and develop by working there.