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In this article, you’ll learn how to craft an answer that connects your skills and passion to the job, while standing out as a confident, thoughtful candidate. With simple strategies and examples, you’ll be ready to leave a lasting impression. Let’s get started.
How to Answer "Why Are You Interested in This Position"
Answering "Why are you interested in this position?" is about aligning your skills, interests, and goals with what the company and role offer. Here's how to do it effectively.
1. Start with the Company
This is where you prove you’ve done your research. Employers want to see you’re genuinely interested in them, not just looking for any job. Mention something specific about the company; its values, reputation, or a recent achievement, that aligns with your interests or goals.
For example, if the company is known for innovation, you could say, “I’ve always admired how [Particular Company Name] stays ahead of the curve with groundbreaking products like [specific product or service]. That kind of forward-thinking approach is exactly the environment I want to be a part of.”
2. Highlight the Role
Once you’ve captured their attention with your enthusiasm for the company, shift the focus to the job itself. Zero in on specific responsibilities or challenges outlined in the job description that excite you or match your relevant skill set. Highlight how these align with the company culture and explain why those aspects of the role are a great fit for your experience and career goals.
For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you could say:
3. Connect to Your Future
Employers love candidates who see their job as more than a pit stop. Use this step to explain how the position fits into your long-term goals and how you’ll add value to the company over time. Think of it as answering two questions at once: “What’s in it for you?” and “What’s in it for us?”
4. Practice the Delivery
Your answer is only as good as how you deliver it. Even experienced professionals need to practice until their response feels natural and conversational, not stiff or rehearsed. Record yourself answering the question, then listen for tone, clarity, and pacing. Better yet, ask a friend to play the interviewer and give honest feedback.
Here’s a pro tip: Smile when practicing. Smiling affects your tone, making your voice sound more confident and friendly, which can make a big difference during an interview.
Examples of Strong Answers: "Why Are You Interested in This Position?"
A strong answer combines your passion for the company, excitement for the role, and alignment with your specific skills and goals. It’s about showing genuine interest, not just listing facts. Here are examples tailored to popular job types to help you craft a standout response.
Marketing Manager Example
Software Engineer Example
Answers to Avoid: Common Pitfalls
When crafting your response to this key interview question, avoid these missteps that can send the wrong message to the interviewer.
1. The “I Just Need a Job” Answer
Saying you’re interested just because you need a job makes you seem uninterested in the specific role. Employers want to know why their job excites you, not just that you’re looking for work.
Instead: Show enthusiasm for the company and the specific role. Talk about what motivates you beyond just earning a living like contributing to meaningful projects, highlight relevant skills, or aligning with the company’s mission.
2. Focusing Too Much on Perks
Leading with perks like benefits, flexible hours, or free snacks can make you seem self-serving. While perks matter, they shouldn’t be the main reason you want the job.
Instead: Highlight how the company’s values, culture, or work aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. For example, focus on opportunities for growth, meaningful work, or the impact you want to make.
3. Being Too Vague or Generic
A generic answer like “This seems like a good opportunity” won’t impress anyone. It suggests you haven’t done your homework or aren’t genuinely interested in the role.
Instead: Get specific. Mention particular projects, values, or achievements of the company that resonate with you, and tie them back to your skills or passions.
4. Overloading Your Answer with Buzzwords
Using too many buzzwords makes you sound rehearsed and insincere. It can also make your answer feel shallow without real examples to back it up.
Instead: Speak naturally and authentically. If you mention something like innovation, give a concrete example of how that inspires you or relates to your skills.
5. Centering the Answer Solely on Yourself
Talking only about how the job helps you can make you seem self-centered. Employers want to know what you can do for their team, not just what the job does for you.
Instead: Balance your answer by explaining how you can contribute to the company’s success while growing professionally.
6. Sounding Robotic or Rehearsed
A rehearsed or overly polished answer can come off as inauthentic. It makes it harder for the interviewer to connect with you on a personal level.
Instead: Practice enough to feel comfortable, but keep it conversational and natural. Focus on being sincere and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Conclusion
Answering “Why are you interested in this position?” is your chance to stand out by showing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. It’s not just about your skills, it’s about how those skills align with their mission and goals. By being specific, authentic, and thoughtful, you’ll prove you’re not just looking for a job, but for this job.