Why Are You Interested in This Position? How to Answer It Best

When preparing for a job interview, one of the most common and crucial questions you will face is: "Why are you interested in this position?"

A recent study by LinkedIn found that 86% recruiters and hiring managers believe that behavioral interviewing techniques are beneficial. Therefore, as an aspiring job seeker, you should be ready to answer these kinds of questions effectively.

How you answer reveals your genuine interest, your understanding of the job description, and how well you align with the company's culture and goals. Nail this question, and you set yourself apart from other job seekers and experienced professionals in a competitive job market.

Why do hiring managers ask this question?

Hiring managers use the question "Why are you interested in this position?" as a gateway to understanding several critical elements about a candidate. This includes:

• Assessing genuine interest: It helps hiring managers gauge if you have a sincere enthusiasm for the position rather than just a generic desire for any job.
• Understanding alignment with company goals: It reveals whether your professional journey and values align with the company's mission, culture, and long-term objectives.
• Evaluating relevant skills and experience: It provides insight into how well you understand the job requirements and how your specific skills match the role's focus.
• Predicting long-term commitment: Your answer can indicate whether you're likely to stay and grow with the company or if this role is just a steppingstone.

This question essentially allows interviewers to differentiate candidates with a deep understanding of the role and a clear career plan from those who are less prepared.

What opportunities does this interview question present?

Now, as the job applicant, responding to this question thoughtfully lets you:

• Showcase your knowledge: Demonstrate your research about the company's innovative approach, culture, and the position's expectations.
• Highlight relevant skills: Use specific examples from previous jobs or projects that align perfectly with the job description.
• Reveal your career aspirations: Discuss how the job fits within your career trajectory and professional development goals.
• Establish rapport: The interview transforms into a genuine dialogue, allowing you to ask insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture.
• Stand out from other candidates: A well-prepared, genuine response can position you favorably against others by emphasizing your unique qualifications and enthusiasm.

How to answer, "Why are you interested in this position?"

1. Research the job position

Begin by reviewing the job description in detail. Understand the specific skills, practical tasks, and responsibilities that the role you are applying for demands.

This prepares you to highlight how your relevant experience and skills meet or exceed those job requirements. For example, if the position focuses on data analytics and reporting, identify your hands-on experience with those tasks from previous jobs or projects.

2. Consider the company's goals and values

Dive deep into the company's mission statement, core values, and recent news about its culture or projects. It could be the company's emphasis on employee development, cross-functional teams, or innovative approach to industry challenges. Aligning your answer with their values shows a strong cultural fit.

3. Align with your career goals

Reflect on how this position aligns with your long-term career growth and professional journey. Emphasize your desire for continuous learning, exposure to new skills, or expanding your expertise in a particular area. This highlights a thoughtful career plan and a long-term commitment to professional development.

If you're a fresh graduate, you can focus on how the role offers a unique opportunity to build foundational practical skills and grow within the organization.

4. Create a structured response

Remember-a clear and structured answer is memorable. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a simple framework:

• Introduction: Briefly state your enthusiasm and the specific job.
• Body: Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and alignment with the company's values.
• Conclusion: Reaffirm your excitement about the role's opportunities and your potential contribution to the success.

5. Make sure to ask relevant questions

Finally, demonstrate your interest by asking thoughtful questions about the role's focus, team dynamics, company culture, or employee development programs. This shows you're already envisioning how you can fit into their dynamic team and contribute effectively.

Best answer examples

Example 1: Digital marketing specialist

"I'm genuinely excited about this Digital Marketing Specialist position because it perfectly aligns with both my professional skills and career aspirations. At my previous job, I led several large-scale projects that involved data analytics and audience segmentation, which improved our campaign ROI by 20%.

I've researched ABC Company's innovative approach to digital marketing, especially your recent emphasis on customer personalization, which resonates with my belief in genuine customer engagement. The job description highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and I excel in working with product, sales, and creative teams.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for professional growth and continuous learning in a company with strong core values, and I'm eager to contribute positively to your team and company culture."

Example 2: HR professional

"This HR position interests me because it aligns perfectly with my professional journey and passion for employee development. The job description emphasizes creating programs that foster a positive company culture and enhance employee retention, which has been a focus in my previous roles.

At my current company, I helped implement a mentorship program that increased employee satisfaction scores by 15%. I admire how ABC Company prioritizes continuous learning and supports career growth, which matches my career plan of becoming an industry expert in HR strategy.

I'm excited about the opportunity to join a dynamic team that values diversity and inclusion, and I see this position as a great platform to apply my practical skills in talent management while contributing to the company's success."

Example 3: Software developer

"I want this job because the role aligns with my technical skills and my desire for professional development in software engineering. The specific job requires expertise in Java and cloud computing, both of which I have gained through several large-scale projects at my current company.

I appreciate ABC Company's focus on innovation in the tech industry and your commitment to agile development and cross-functional teamwork. This position is an exciting opportunity for me to work on challenging problems and continue my career growth while contributing to products that improve user experience at scale.

My personal interests in problem-solving and continuous learning make this role a perfect match for my career aspirations."

Crafting a strong answer to "Why are you interested in this position?" is a valuable part of the interview process. It offers an opportunity not only to highlight your relevant skills and experience but also to demonstrate your professional growth mindset and alignment with the company's mission and culture.

By researching thoroughly, structuring your response clearly, and providing specific examples, you'll create a compelling answer that sets you apart and moves you closer to receiving that coveted job offer. Your best next step would be to discover your expected salary based on your job title and location by using the Personal Salary Report.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about "Why are you interested in this position?"

How can I show genuine interest in my answer?

Demonstrate genuine interest by connecting your personal career goals, relevant experience, and specific aspects of the company or job that excite you.

Use concrete examples from your previous jobs or education to show your understanding of the role's requirements and the company's values.

What if I don't have much experience for the position I want?

Focus on your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the position. Explain how your personal interests, projects, or academic background have prepared you to meet the job's requirements and how the role aligns with your career aspirations and plan for professional growth.

Should I mention salary or benefits when answering this question?

It's best to focus on the role, company, and your career development rather than salary or benefits. Hiring managers ask this question to assess your motivation and fit, so keep your answer aligned with how you can contribute to the company and grow professionally.

How can I make my answer stand out from other candidates?

Provide specific examples that relate directly to the job description and company values. Show that you've done your homework by mentioning recent company initiatives or culture highlights and connecting those to your skills and career goals. Ask insightful questions to demonstrate your deep understanding and enthusiasm.