What do you say...

[d000hg]

If you are a good contractor, you should have your choice of projects. "I need the money" suggests you are after anything you can get, rather than that you have chosen them as your preferred client.
I wouldn't want to work somewhere if the work seemed boring, the environment seemed unpleasant, or the logistics were a PITA.

Taking such a role would be my last option and I would be keeping half an eye out for something better. If the project you are joining is long-running, they are also probably having half an eye on future extensions.

[northernladuk]

I don't recall ever being asked this for a contract - it's more of a question for a permie role surely?

If the question ever came up for a contract, I think I'd be more concerned that the interviewer didn't really understand the type of resource he was attempting to engage.

Yep. I've had it a few times and the rest of the interview was clearly permie'esque as well but so be it. I'll give them what they want whatever they ask to get the role. Doesn't really bother me how they interview TBH as I'll be ready for both. That said I don't have to do coding type reviews, it's just chat which ever approach they take.

I tend to waffle about the project sounding interesting and a good opportunity for me to use xyz skills.

Exactly this. It might sound a rubbish question to us but I do think it's important to give them what they want which is someone who is interested and invested in what they do (even if we aren't). I personally don't think I've got skills and you are gonna pay me for them gives them what they want to hear for reasons Dark Black says. They are interviewing wrong so giving a contractor answer to a permie question is the best way even though it's absolutely correct.

[Dark Black]

I don't recall ever being asked this for a contract - it's more of a question for a permie role surely?

If the question ever came up for a contract, I think I'd be more concerned that the interviewer didn't really understand the type of resource he was attempting to engage.

[ladymuck]

“You have a situation that requires change. I have the skills to help with that change”.

It’s worked for me in the past.

Ooh classy. Nicking that.

[Gibbon]

Fortunately that's always easy for as its usually a different bit of an aircraft system that I'm curious to how its works. So I can be truthful.

Not so with one huge aero engine manufacturer in the midlands, it that case the truth is "because I'm into into self flagellation" otherwise known as there's nothing else around!

[cojak]

“You have a situation that requires change. I have the skills to help with that change”.

It’s worked for me in the past.

[ladymuck]

Ugh. What a crappy question.

I tend to waffle about the project sounding interesting and a good opportunity for me to use xyz skills.

[WTFH]

...when a company asks you why you want to work with them?

Do they expect something more than "because I'm free and I could do with the money"?

"What I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a highly valued supplier for people like you.
If you give me a contract now, that'll be the end of it. I will work with you, I will invoice you. "

[SueEllen]

Read the company website and say some bull read from the website.

[northernladuk]

IMO you shouldn't be contracting if you can't work this out. Selling yourself and securing the gig is part of the job. Contracting 101 surely.

So you have to think on your feet and give them a bit of warm and cuddly guff. It's not hard. Loads of bog standard stuff you can recycle. Project is interesting, interesting tech, use previous experience again, you find the vertical industry interesting. Absolutely anything that doesn't look like you are doing for the money. This should be second nature to a contractor.

[TheDude]

...when a company asks you why you want to work with them?

Do they expect something more than "because I'm free and I could do with the money"?

...because money can be exchanged for goods and services.

I absolutely detest companies that try and sell working for them as a lifestyle choice.

[PCTNN]

...when a company asks you why you want to work with them?

Do they expect something more than "because I'm free and I could do with the money"?