What do you know about our organization?
The interviewer wants to know that you have a genuine interest in the company and the opportunity. The goal of your response is to show that you have a passion for the company and that you've taken the time to properly research the position and organization before attending your interview.
"While preparing for this interview, I learned a lot about the company's mission to deliver excellent customer service and its commitment to environmental responsibility. I appreciate that the organization is working to make all offices green in the next 12 months through a better recycling program and optimizing new energy initiatives. I am an active promoter of lowering our company's carbon footprint by automating a range of customer interactions in my current role. Some of the initiatives I've helped implement this year have boosted customer satisfaction rates while improving our corporate response to climate change. I was excited to see a strong alignment between my values and the goals and mission of Company ABC."
"I conducted a great deal of research before coming in today. I was excited to see that Company ABC is expanding into the South American market. This expansion is an exceptional sign of growth and success and a good indicator that the new CEO has made impactful changes. I am thrilled to think that I could be an active member of the administration team in an organization with global reach."
"I have thoroughly researched Company ABC and see that the team recently earned an industry innovation award for a new ABC Software rollout. Congratulations on this amazing achievement! As an industry insider, I know that this award came with stiff competition, which tells me that your team is incredibly dedicated and focused on industry disruption and highly targeted customer solutions. Learning about the successes that Company ABC has experienced in the past 18 months adds to my high level of enthusiasm to join this organization."
"It's been my desire to join a high-growth startup for some time, so I was sure to perform detailed research on Company ABC before applying to this role. It seems this organization has crafted a healthy workplace culture centred around industry achievement, continued growth, and professional accountability. The energy here is contagious, and I am excited for the opportunity to learn more."
"I know that Company ABC is the industry leader, both in new product rollouts as well as excellence in employee training. I appreciate that the organization is dedicated to educating, training, and promoting team members from the inside. I read that your average full-time employee tenure is more than six years. That longevity is nearly unheard of in the retail sector and a quality that I value in my next employer."
"In my research, I found that this school is a state leader in student test scores. I have also heard that this school was voted the 'best place to work' within the district. The focus placed on nurturing students both academically and in personal growth is impressive. I was pleased to read the school's robust diversity, equity, and inclusivity plan since I am an active DEI advocate. I also appreciate that this school has numerous, highly active student-led groups focused on social issues; another passion I bring as an educator."
"I have researched many marketing agencies in our city and greatly appreciate Agency ABC's stand-out dedication to bringing affordable tech marketing solutions to small and medium business owners. As a marketing professional, I believe that great marketing can be accessible to all companies, regardless of size or budget. In addition to this alignment, I have spoken to a couple of your current employees, and they mention that the culture here is top-notch, a factor that is incredibly important to me as I look for my next opportunity."
Avoid giving a generic answer such as, 'I know your organization values diversity and inclusion and treats its employees well.' Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you must put in the effort to research the opportunity and go to your interview well-prepared with a highly-specific response. If you can apply your answer to any company, it's too generic.
You don't need to be an expert on the company history, but you should be knowledgeable about the company mission, goals, and job mandate. Start by searching the company website and take particular note of any recent news articles, events, or contributions they have made to the community. Identify their mission and values, then make a connection between the company's values and your own.
The depth in which you answer this question will show the interviewer your level of enthusiasm for the role, and it will highlight your diligence as an employee. First, do your research on the company and highlight some stand-out factors that set the organization apart from its competitors. Focus your response on the positive aspects that have attracted you to the company. Put a spotlight on those factors and then connect them to why you are a good fit for the role and organization.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Your company vision which is to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system, creating a world of mobility that is better for business, society and the environment. It is why you standing strong towards your competitors. The prestigious Green Truck Award 2017 is awarded to Scania's new generation R 450 Highline truck, based on its superior fuel performance was something that impressed me. You had a lot of competition when it comes to winning this award, so this tells me that your team is incredibly dedicated and focused toward a sustainable transportation future.
Rachelle's Feedback
I would suggest using complete sentences, summarizing the information you learned, and relating it back to why you want the job. The research you have done on the company is good!
"I love the vision of your company, which is what sparks my interest in this role. Your mission and vision are why your organization is standing firm against competitors. The prestigious Green Truck Award given to your R450 Highline Truck was very impressive, seeing that there was a lot of fierce competition for this award. This recognition shows me that your team is incredibly dedicated and focused on a sustainable solution for the future of transportation."
