Mastering the ‘Why This Company?’ Interview Question: A 6-Step Framework

2 min readOct 10, 2024

The second most common question in interviews?

“Why this company?”

Most people pass by with an ‘okay’ answer.

Here’s a Framework to take your answer from that okay 6/10 to an awesome 10/10:

1. Deep Dive into Company Research

Go beyond the company’s website. Dive into:

- Recent product launches
- Financial reports
- Industry news

Create a “company insights” document. For every piece of information you find, add a note about why it matters to you.

List out potential weaknesses for this specific role and company. Be brutally honest.

Create a two-column list:

- In the left column, list your potential weaknesses.
- In the right, reframe each as a strength or perspective you bring to the role.

Now that you have deep company insights and self-awareness, start connecting the dots. List out the:

- Perspectives
- Experiences
- Skills

You have that most closely align with the company’s needs & values.

Draw lines between your experiences/skills and the company’s needs/values. The strongest connections are your key talking points.

For more details, check out the deep dive where I coach 5 PMs on improving their responses.

A clear structure is crucial for a compelling answer. Create a structure that feels natural to you.

Then, create an outline of your response.

Limit yourself to 3–4 main points. Under each point, list the specific details and connections you want to make.

Now put it all together.

Write your full response & pay attention to smooth transitions between your main points.

Then, read aloud & ask yourself: “Does this sound like me? Does it clearly show why I’m a great fit for this company?”

The final step is all about practice and refinement. Record yourself delivering your response. Watch it back with a critical eye.

- Which parts flow well?
- Where do you stumble?

Refine your response based on these observations & record again.

Now — don’t just ‘pass this question.’

Go ace it.