How to Answer: Why do you want to work for Netflix?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Netflix job interview.
4. Why do you want to work for Netflix?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious why you want to pursue a career with them. They are well aware of how competitive winning a position with their company is, and they are rightly selective about who they choose to bring on board. Your reasons for wanting to land a job with them might offer more insights as to why they should hire you. For example, someone who shares their passions, values, and desires to perform in an independent working environment they'd likely view as someone who is pursuing the job for all the right reasons. Whereas someone who is more interested in what working for Netflix would do for their future career opportunities or is enticed by the pay and benefits, they'd perceive as pursuing the job for all the wrong reasons.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 19th, 2024
What You Need to Know
To retain its top talent, Netflix advertises with pride that it pays at the top of its market. "Pay more than anyone else likely would, pay as much as a replacement would cost, pay them as much as we would pay them if they had a higher offer from elsewhere." In addition to their pay, their benefits are extremely generous as well. They also go on to acknowledge how working for them could increase one's professional worth. "You learn a lot at Netflix working on hard problems with stunning colleagues, and that increases your market value. Knowing that other companies would quickly hire you if you left Netflix is comforting. We see outside interviewing as acceptable and encourage employees to talk with their managers about what they learn in the process. Ultimately, your ability to earn a great income is based on your skills and reputation, not on your seniority at one company."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 19th, 2024
Focus Your Answer On
Netflix prides itself on fostering a unique work culture built on the premise of avoiding rules. For example, here are several value propositions Netflix spreads across its website, attesting to what a great place they are to work for. "Great entertainment thrills and inspires. It sparks laughter, tears, gasps and sighs, stirring our emotions and nourishing our spirit. Ever since humans learned to speak, storytelling has been essential to our happiness. At Netflix, we aspire to entertain the world, creating great stories from anywhere and offering greater choice and control for people everywhere. To help us succeed, we've created an unusual employee culture. Our core philosophy is people over process, and why we try to bring great people together as a dream team. With our people-first approach, we can be more flexible, creative and successful in everything we do."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 18th, 2024
Experienced Example
"I want to work for Netflix because I love everything that is Netflix. I admire every aspect of the company's business model and really believe that every other entertainment platform should get rid of week-to-week viewing and launch entire series all in one day as Netflix does. I love the work culture Netflix has built. And, having forged my path through this industry, there is no company I'd rather work for. I want to work with the best, learn from the best, take on new exciting challenges, and push my limits. Learning as much as I have about your values and behaviors, in all honesty, I already feel like I am a member of the team. That's why I want to work here because, to me, it feels like the perfect tailored fit."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 18th, 2024