Why do you want to work here? The Answer that is Costing You Offers | FP&A Interview Question #28

Imagine sitting in an interview and facing the classic question:

“Why do you want to work for us?”

For many talented finance professionals, this moment causes a mental block, leading to generic or unprepared answers that cost them job offers.

The truth is, hiring managers are not just looking for enthusiasm; they want candidates who demonstrate a deep understanding of the company, its goals, and how the candidate fits into the bigger picture.

To help you stand out in your FP&A interviews, here is a powerful, step-by-step approach called the EGO framework.

This framework guides you to craft targeted, thoughtful answers that highlight your expertise, growth mindset, and understanding of the organization. Let’s dive into how you can use this framework to turn a common interview question into a compelling story that gets noticed.

The Problem with Generic Answers

Many candidates fall into the trap of giving vague or generic responses such as, “I admire your company culture,” or “This job sounds exciting.” While these statements might seem positive, they actually signal a lack of preparation. In FP&A roles where strategy and attention to detail are paramount, such answers suggest you want any finance job rather than this specific one.

Think of it this way: showing up with a generic answer is like bringing a cricket bat to a chess match—it simply doesn’t fit the context, and interviewers notice.

The EGO Framework: Expertise, Growth, Organization

The EGO framework breaks down your answer into three essential components that hiring managers care about:

Expertise
Growth
Organization

1. Expertise: Bring the Perfect Gift

Imagine you’re attending a birthday party.

Would you bring a random gift without knowing the birthday person’s preferences? Of course not. You would find out what they like and tailor your gift accordingly.

The same principle applies to interviews.

When asked why you want to work at a company, show that you understand what the company truly cares about. This means going beyond the surface and researching in detail:

Visit the company’s website and investor relations page.
Read quarterly reports, investor presentations, and recent announcements.
Identify key trends: Are they growing fast? Cutting costs? Launching new products?

Then, connect these insights with your FP&A skills. For example, one candidate noticed their potential employer was automating its supply chain. In the interview, she said, “That’s something I find very exciting. I worked on a project where automation saved us 15% in costs, and I would love to contribute to your supply chain automation project.”

This answer is simple, relevant, and powerful because it shows how the candidate’s expertise aligns perfectly with the company’s current goals.

Don’t just talk about what you want. Show how your past experience fits where the company is headed.

2. Growth: Show You’re In It for the Long Haul

Hiring managers want to know if you see a future with the organization or if you’re just interested in a short-term role.

Growth is about demonstrating your long-term commitment and how you plan to develop within the company.

Think about joining a new football team: you’re not just focused on the first match. You want to train with the best players and improve over time. Similarly, companies want to see if you will grow with them.

The mistake most candidates make is saying, “I want to grow,” without explaining how or why this particular company is the right place for that growth. This generic statement sounds like every other answer.

Instead, get specific. Research the company’s employee career paths on LinkedIn. Look for stories of people who started in entry-level roles and moved up to leadership positions. Check for programs like finance rotations, mentorship initiatives, or mobility tracks.

For example, a candidate said, “I noticed one of your leaders started as an intern and progressed through multiple roles. That really stood out to me because I am looking to build a long-term career here.” Another strong answer could be, “Your FP&A rotation program excites me because it offers experience across corporate and divisional teams, which aligns with my goal to build broad expertise.”

Being specific about growth opportunities shows you’ve done your homework and have a plan for your career development within the company.

3. Organization: Understand the Culture from the Inside

Finally, great candidates go beyond the company website and Glassdoor reviews to understand the company culture from those who live it every day. This is like choosing a school for your child—you don’t just rely on the school’s brochure; you talk to parents and students to get the real story.

Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn and ask thoughtful questions such as:

Do you enjoy working here?
How does the FP&A team support the company’s strategy?
What makes your finance team unique?

One candidate who did this learned about the company’s strong onboarding process and how storytelling plays a crucial role in presenting forecasts. In the interview, she said, “After speaking with your finance team, I learned how they partner closely with marketing on pricing decisions—that’s exactly the kind of cross-functional work I love.”

This kind of real, insider insight is far more compelling than generic statements and shows you truly understand the organization.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Answer Using EGO

Here’s how you can combine all three elements into a clear, concise, and impactful answer:

Expertise: “I’m very excited about your company’s move into predictive analytics because I have built models that do just that.”
Growth: “Your FP&A rotation program is the perfect way for me to develop skills across corporate and divisional teams.”
Organization: “After speaking with your finance team on LinkedIn, I learned how they collaborate closely with marketing, which aligns well with my passion for cross-functional work.”

This answer shows you’ve done your research, understand the company’s priorities, and are serious about adding value both now and in the future.

Final Thoughts

Before your next FP&A interview, use the EGO framework to research the company thoroughly and prepare a tailored answer to the question, “Why do you want to work for us?”

Remember:

Expertise: Align your skills with the company’s goals.
Growth: Show how you plan to grow within the organization.
Organization: Understand the culture through real employee insights.

By doing this, you’ll transform a common interview question into a powerful opportunity to showcase your fit and commitment, significantly increasing your chances of landing the offer.

If you’re serious about accelerating your FP&A career, consider the Certified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) offered by FP&A Professionals Institute.

Good luck with your interviews, and remember: the right preparation can make all the difference!

You can find more information about this and other FP&A resources, including books, courses, and free templates, on the FP&A Professionals website www.fpnaprofessionals.com

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