Why Are You Interested in This Position? Craft The Best Answer

Interviewers, including the hiring manager, ask, "Why are you interested in this position?" to uncover more than just your interest in a paycheck. This question digs into your understanding of the role, your enthusiasm for the company, and how well you align with their goals.

Last update:
01/01/2024
Why Are You Interested in This Position? Craft The Best Answer

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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.

Two professionals discussing a job interview.


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.”

📌 Why this works: It shows you care about the company beyond just getting a paycheck. This immediately makes you stand out from candidates who give generic responses like, “I heard you’re hiring.”

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:

“I noticed this role emphasizes creating data-driven campaigns. In my current job, I’ve launched several successful campaigns by analyzing customer data to shape creative strategies. I’m eager to bring that expertise to your team.”

📌 Why this works: This step connects what they need with what you bring to the table. It shows you understand the role and already see yourself excelling in it.

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?”

For example

“Long-term, I’m passionate about becoming a leader in [specific field]. I see this role as the perfect opportunity to grow those practical skills, particularly in [specific area like team leadership or strategy development]. I’m confident I can make an immediate impact while learning from the talented people on your team.”


📌 Why this works: Employers don’t just want someone who’s qualified—they want someone invested. Showing you’re thinking ahead demonstrates commitment and ambition, which are always attractive qualities.

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.

📌 Why this works: Even the best answer can fall flat if it sounds robotic or insincere. Practicing helps you sound polished while staying authentic.

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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

"I’ve always admired how [Company Name] uses storytelling to connect with its audience. Your recent campaign on [specific campaign] stood out to me because it was both creative and data-driven, which perfectly aligns with my approach to marketing. In my current role, I led a multi-channel campaign that increased engagement by 35% through innovative strategies like [specific tactic, e.g., interactive social media content].

I’m excited about the opportunity to bring that same level of strategic creativity to your team, contribute to groundbreaking campaigns, and grow my expertise in brand strategy with a company that’s redefining modern marketing."


Software Engineer Example

"What excites me most about [Company Name] is your dedication to using technology to solve real-world problems, especially through projects like [specific project or area, e.g., AI for healthcare]. In my last role, I developed an application that reduced user processing time by 40%, while also leading a team to implement scalable cloud infrastructure that improved system performance by [specific metric].

I’m eager to bring my expertise in [specific programming languages or frameworks] to your team and contribute to innovative solutions that make a tangible impact, all while continuing to grow alongside talented colleagues at [Company Name]."


A candidate and interviewer discussing how the job role aligns with the their mission and their career goals.

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.

HR Manager Conducting Interview


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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mention career growth in my answer?

Yes, but keep it balanced. Highlight how the role helps you grow while emphasizing what you’ll bring to the company. Employers want to see that you’re invested in their goals, not just your personal ambitions.

How can I make my answer unique?

Personalize it by referencing specific details about the company or role that resonate with you. Mention a shared value, recent accomplishment, or unique aspect of their culture to show you’ve done your research and genuinely care about joining their team.

Is it okay to talk about salary or benefits?

Avoid mentioning salary or benefits when answering this question. Focus on the role, company values, and how your technical skills match their needs. This is about showcasing your interest in contributing to the organization, not what you’re getting in return.

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