Just read up on them and give them back their values etc. Hopefully they will align with yours so you’ll be telling the truth. If they don’t … don’t apply.
This. I tell you boy as much as I want you feel sorry for people grieving over their unfulfilling career or income it never quits amazing me how many grown ass people have no idea how to format an attractive resume, won't even bother with a cover letter, dont bother researching anything about the company itself, have no rehearsed responses to the most common interview questions, and then shocked they ain't a 6 figure baller yet.
Not even putting in the little extra groundwork to cover all their bases and give them a clear edge in the hiring pool, but think they're entitled to a six figure job with a huge respected corporation.
OP on the question of "why do you want to work here." Of course the answer is not "I like the pay and yall seeem like a cool place to work." It is basically just an invitation to repeat and talk about their mission statement and show your personal interest in it. "I want to work here because I believe in a company that [insert their goals and mission here] while also offering many opportunities for my own personal growth." And If you really wanna impress the interviewer, look up the company's name in the news (in a positive light) and bring up something they've done recently or something they are being recognized for. "I know last month you guys [insert their newsworthy activity here] which I found so inspiring. I knew right then this is the place for me to contribute my own skills and grow."
The question of what makes you stand out is an open ended opportunity to talk about some past accomplishments from your previous work experience and also to, once again, show your passion for their mission or goals and talk about how you're skills will apply. Were you ever employee of the month or rewarded for performance at previous jobs? Did you have particular skills that you were known for and replied upon for? Were you known for being a kind and approachable team player? Did you lead or contribute to any long term projects for the company? If you have nothing to show for from your previous work than just fib some stuff insinuated above. You were known to be a team player who is very approachable. You were recognized as being both punctual and the most organized with goals and projects. But no matter what always add in something about being passionate about their mission and their goals. "And as a potential team member of [insert company name here I know my past accomplishments in [insert your chosen qualities here] will be an asset to your business and our goals."
Research, research, research the company that you are trying to join. I cant stress this enough. Go on their website. Read their mission statement. Search for the company in the news and be able to talk a little bit about what they are doing and how eager you are to be apart of that. The hiring person will love that, almost like you're already part of the team. Have things to say that shows them you have a REAL interest in what they do, their history, and what their goals are. Don't be one of thesr dumbasses that complain about not having a high paying job they want, but shows no passion or interest whatsoever for the job. Just think they're entitled to certain income at a certain without having to give a shyt about nothing except themselves. This is what separates the candidates that stand out and get the call back from the ones that get tossed out. All it takes is just a little giving a damn to nail a job interview so hard they almost have no choice but to call you back. Take it from someone who works in one of the most lucrative industries out there.