How to answer "Why do you want to work for this company?"

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to answer the common interview question: 'Why do you want to work for this firm?' The speaker introduces the 'EGO' framework, which stands for Expertise, Employees, and Growth Opportunities. The video emphasizes conducting thorough research on the firm’s strengths, networking with current employees, and using real-life case studies to highlight growth opportunities. By aligning personal goals with the firm’s values, candidates can craft a thoughtful and unique response that showcases their preparation and enthusiasm, making them stand out in competitive interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on the EGO framework (Expertise, Employees, Growth Opportunities) when answering 'Why do you want to work for this firm?' in an interview.
• 😀 Expertise: Understand what the firm wants to be known for, not just what it is known for. Research the firm’s strengths through league tables, news, and other resources.
• 😀 Tie the firm’s expertise to your personal interests and story, showing why their achievements resonate with you.
• 😀 Employees: Go beyond general praise. Network with people at the firm to understand what makes the employees special and unique.
• 😀 Speak to multiple employees across different divisions and seniority levels to gain a fuller understanding of the firm's culture.
• 😀 Relate the firm’s employees’ qualities (e.g., excellence, work ethic, high standards) to your own goals and values.
• 😀 Growth Opportunities: Don’t just say there are opportunities—provide real-life case studies and examples of employees who have progressed within the firm.
• 😀 Show that the firm operates as a meritocracy, where hard work and results are rewarded with growth opportunities.
• 😀 Highlight internal mobility and flexibility at the firm, especially if you are uncertain about your long-term career path.
• 😀 Diversity and inclusion: If from a less privileged background, mention the firm’s programs for diverse candidates and how they align with your story and aspirations.

Q & A

What is the EGO framework used for in interviews?

The EGO framework is a tool used to answer the common interview question 'Why do you want to work for this firm?' It consists of three components: Expertise, Employees, and Growth Opportunities. Each part helps you structure your answer in a way that highlights the firm's strengths and how they align with your personal goals.

How should you approach answering the question about expertise in an interview?

When answering about expertise, focus on the firm's specific strengths and areas where it excels compared to its competitors. Research their rankings, recent achievements, and strategic focus. Tie these elements back to your own interests, showing how the firm’s expertise aligns with your career aspirations.

What’s the difference between knowing what a firm is known for and understanding what it wants to be known for?

Knowing what a firm is known for is important, but understanding what it wants to be known for is a deeper level of insight. This involves researching the firm's current goals, initiatives, and the direction it's heading in. It shows you're not just interested in its past achievements but also in its future growth and impact.

Why is it important to connect the firm's expertise to your own interests?

Connecting the firm's expertise to your own interests makes your answer more personal and authentic. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the work the firm does, and that their expertise aligns with your career goals, making you a better fit for the role.

How can you use networking to improve your answer about employees at a firm?

Networking allows you to gain insights directly from current employees. By speaking to them, you can learn about the firm's culture, what makes the employees unique, and why they enjoy working there. Mentioning these insights in your answer shows that you’ve put effort into understanding the firm from an insider perspective.

What’s the importance of speaking to multiple employees at a firm during the interview preparation process?

Speaking to multiple employees from different divisions or seniorities helps you gather a more comprehensive understanding of the firm’s culture and work environment. It demonstrates that you’ve done thorough research and are genuinely interested in the firm, which can make your case stronger in the interview.

How can you incorporate real-life examples to discuss growth opportunities at a firm?

You can incorporate real-life examples by researching employees who have climbed the ranks at the firm. For instance, if you find a story about an intern who became a managing director, you can use that as evidence of the firm's meritocratic culture and opportunities for growth. This adds credibility to your answer.

Why should you highlight a firm's diversity programs or initiatives when talking about growth opportunities?

Highlighting a firm's diversity programs can show how inclusive it is, and how it provides opportunities to individuals from varied backgrounds. If you come from a less-advantaged background, you can tie this to your personal experience and explain how these initiatives are meaningful for your career development.

How does internal mobility at a firm like Morgan Stanley enhance its growth opportunities?

Internal mobility allows employees to move between divisions or roles, offering them the flexibility to explore different career paths within the same firm. This is especially valuable early in a career when you're unsure of your long-term interests. It shows that the firm encourages exploration and professional growth.

How can the EGO framework be used to craft a compelling story in an interview?

The EGO framework can help you craft a compelling story by structuring your answer around the firm’s expertise, the value of its employees, and the growth opportunities it provides. By linking these elements to your personal experience and career aspirations, you create a narrative that makes you stand out as a well-prepared and motivated candidate.