Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a great impression and show why you’re the perfect fit. One common question that often trips up candidates is “What interests you about this position?”
This question gives you a chance to shine.
Your answer should highlight your genuine enthusiasm for the role and company while showcasing your relevant skills and experience.
It’s an opportunity to prove you’ve done your homework and demonstrate how your goals align with the position.
Preparing a strong response can set you apart from other applicants. With the right approach, you can use this question to emphasize your unique value and leave a lasting positive impression on the interviewer.
Key Takeaways
- Research the company and role to show genuine interest
- Highlight how your skills and goals align with the position
- Use this question to demonstrate your unique value as a candidate
Why Do Employers Ask “What Interests You About This Position?” During an Interview
Employers ask this question to learn more about you as a candidate. They want to see if you’re truly excited about the role and company.
Your answer helps them gauge your enthusiasm and fit. It shows if you’ve done your homework on the position and organization.
Hiring managers use this question to:
- Assess your motivation
- Evaluate your understanding of the role
- See if your goals align with the company’s needs
When you answer, you have a chance to showcase your knowledge. You can highlight how your skills match the job requirements.
This question also reveals what you value in a job.
- Do you care about growth opportunities?
- Is it the company culture?
- Or the work itself?
Your response gives insight into your career goals. It helps employers see if you’ll be satisfied and engaged in the role.
They want someone who will be happy and thrive in the position. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
So, when asked “What interests you about this position?” see it as an opportunity. It’s your chance to shine and show why you’re the perfect fit.
Common Variations of “What Interests You About This Position?”
Interviews can be tricky, but being prepared helps. You might hear different versions of this question during your job interview. Here are some common variations:
- Why are you interested in this role?
- What excites you about this opportunity?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What motivated you to apply for this position?
These questions aim to understand your motivation and fit for the job. They’re common interview questions you should be ready to answer.
Interviewers might also ask:
- What do you know about our company?
- How does this position align with your career goals?
- What aspects of the job description caught your attention?
These variations help employers gauge your enthusiasm and knowledge about the role. They want to see if you’ve done your homework.
Your answer should show genuine interest. It’s a chance to highlight how your skills match the job requirements. You can also express excitement about the company’s mission or culture.
Prepare for these questions by researching the company and position beforehand. This will help you give confident, well-informed answers during your interview.
How to Answer “What Interests You About This Position?”
Answering this question well can set you apart from other job candidates. Here’s a step-by-step approach to craft a compelling response that showcases your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
Step 1: Research The Company and Position
Research the company thoroughly. Visit their website and social media pages. Look for recent news articles or press releases. This will help you understand their mission, values, and current projects.
Make notes on aspects that excite you. Maybe it’s their innovative products or commitment to sustainability. Perhaps it’s their company culture or community involvement.
Your goal is to find genuine points of interest. This knowledge will help you answer sincerely and show you’ve done your homework.
Step 2: Understand Your Job Role
Review the job description carefully. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills. Think about how these align with your own experience and career goals.
Consider which parts of the job excite you most. Is it the chance to lead projects? The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology?
Make a list of 3-4 aspects that truly interest you. Be ready to explain why each one appeals to you personally and professionally.
Step 3: Make Connection to Your Skills and Experience
Connect your skills and qualifications to the role. Think about how your unique abilities make you a great fit. Consider both hard and soft skills.
For example:
- If the job requires teamwork, mention your collaboration skills.
- If it involves problem-solving, highlight your analytical abilities.
Prepare specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in past roles. This shows you can bring real value to the position.
Step 4: Practice and Don’t Rumble
Practice your answer out loud. Start with a brief, enthusiastic statement about why you’re excited about the role. Then, dive into 2-3 specific reasons.
For example: “I’m really excited about this position because it combines my passion for data analysis with my interest in improving healthcare outcomes.”
Keep your answer concise, about 30-60 seconds long. Use professional language that matches the company’s tone.
Step 5: Prepare for Follow-up Questions
Be ready to expand on your answer. The interviewer might ask follow-up questions about your interests or experience.
Prepare 1-2 questions of your own about the role or company. This shows you’re truly interested and engaged.
Remember to stay positive and enthusiastic throughout your response. Your excitement for the position should come through in your tone and body language.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to answer “What interests you about this position?” in a way that impresses your interviewer and helps you stand out as a top candidate.
Best Example Answers to “What Interests You About This Position?”
Crafting a great answer to this common interview question can help you stand out. Here are some strong examples tailored to different career situations. Use these as inspiration to create your own unique response.
Example Answer for a Recent Graduate
“This position interests me because it aligns perfectly with my recent studies in marketing. I’m excited about the chance to apply the digital marketing strategies I learned to help grow your company’s online presence. The opportunity to work on diverse projects and learn from experienced team members is very appealing to me as a new graduate eager to start my career.”
Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn can shine through in this answer. It shows you’ve done your homework on the role and company.
Example Answer for an Experienced Candidate
“I’m drawn to this position because of the innovative projects your company is known for. With my 10 years of experience in software development, I’m eager to contribute my expertise in AI and machine learning to push these projects further. The chance to mentor junior developers and shape the direction of new technologies is particularly exciting to me at this stage in my career.”
This response highlights your relevant experience and shows your interest in both contributing and growing within the role.
Example Answer for Applying for a Leadership Position
“This leadership role interests me because it combines my passion for team development with strategic business growth. I’m excited about the opportunity to guide a talented team and help shape the company’s future. Your company’s commitment to innovation and employee growth aligns perfectly with my leadership style and career goals.”
Emphasize your leadership skills and vision for the role. Show how your goals match the company’s needs.
Example Answer for an Industry Change
“I’m fascinated by the rapid advancements in renewable energy, which is why this position caught my eye. While my background is in finance, I’ve been following the clean energy sector closely. I’m eager to apply my analytical skills to this growing field and contribute to sustainable solutions. The chance to make a positive impact while learning about a new industry is incredibly motivating for me.”
Highlight transferable skills and show genuine interest in the new field. Explain your motivation for the change.
Example Answer for a Career Change
“This position interests me because it allows me to leverage my customer service skills in a new way. After 8 years in retail management, I’m excited to transition into HR where I can focus on employee satisfaction and development. Your company’s reputation for strong company culture and employee growth programs really appeals to me as I make this career shift.”
Connect your past experience to the new role. Show enthusiasm for learning and growing in a new direction.
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