I get asked this question by job seekers all the time.
It’s simple, really.
Just be honest – what do you like about their company? Is it products, reputation, prestige?
( I ) can’t tell you what you like about company X because it’s your opinion — not mine.
If you are interviewing for Nike Shoes, then maybe you like their style or reputation.
If you are interviewing for a job at Ford Motor, then maybe you like the quality of their car, reputation.
If interviewing with IBM, then maybe you like the culture or the prestige of working there, but be specific.
What I’m trying to drive home to you is it is your decision about what you like. I wouldn’t go in to interviews telling them I want to work there because it’s cool. Your answer needs to have a little more substance. Generally though, focusing on why you like their products is probably the best thing you can like about a company because it’s what they are most proud of.
Do you think Google prides itself on being a cool place to work? No, they pride themselves on providing a valuable and free service to every person on the planet to help them find what they are looking for. Now that’s cool.
-Don
