I've asked people "why are you applying to this role at this company, out of all the options?"

Honest answers like "it uses a tech stack I like and the salary is competitive" are fine. Sycophantic answers like "I just really believe in your mission and company values" are less endearing.

So what you are saying is that if you didn’t have to work to get money you would traffic drugs for kids? You son of a bitch, I’m in.

why dafuq people always asks “WhY dO yOu WaNt To WoRk HeRe???”

As often as not, I field this question with a straightforward "I have X years in the industry and you seemed like a promising fit." I might even gush about how wonderful the place looks and how charming the people are. Or note that it seems like your business is growing and how exciting it would be to join a team with such a bright future.

Like, I hate the question as much as anybody. But its so fucking boilerplate, I have to question why people are even mad at it. You've got a rookie pitcher sending one straight down the middle. Shove a rainbow up the interviewer's ass and move on. If they keep coming back to it, that's a red flag. But if they're just reading off "How to Hire Someone 101" ChatGPT notes, you should be able to breeze through the most predictable set of questions imaginable.

I think the point is that everyone works for money, wherever they work. The question is about why you choose that company to earn a salary, rather than another.

I think it's a good thing that companies have to compete for candidates with more than just salary. Job conditions are also important. Holiday days, parental leave, WFH etc. However, it needs to be in the contract.