Why do you want to work here specifically

The structure: what resonated with you about the company or product, what is close to you in technology and process, and how exactly you will be useful. The third step is required.

#Theory

#TL;DR

• Step 1: what resonated, the approach, mission, product or audience.
• Step 2: what is close to you in spirit, technology or process.
• Step 3: the bridge, "which is why my experience fits here".
• Without step 3 it is a compliment, not an argument.
• This needs at least an hour of preparation on the specific company.

#Example for a product company

I looked carefully at your product and how you build it, and it genuinely appeals to me. I like that your emphasis is not just on features but on quality, architecture and UX, treating development as an engineering craft. Your stack is also modern and close to mine, which is exactly where I am developing and where I can add value straight away. And working in a team with a culture of considered decisions and open communication matters to me.

#Example for a startup

I like that you are building a technical product with an emphasis on speed and quality of decisions. I am the kind of person who enjoys a systematic approach and can help build architectural stability while keeping things flexible. The startup format also suits me: the result of your work is visible immediately and the impact is real.

#How to prepare

Spend an hour: look at the product, the open repositories, the blog, the job posting. One concrete detail you can name works better than a paragraph of generalities.

#Common mistakes

• An answer that would fit any company.
• Compliments with no connection to your own experience.
• Obvious lack of preparation: you do not know what the company does.
• An honest "because you messaged me" with nothing after it.