How to Answer "What Interests You About This Position?" (2024)

Preparing for an interview might be one of the most stressful parts of your job search. On one hand, all your hard work fine-tuning your resume and tailoring your cover letter is paying off. But on the other hand, now you need to get through at least one interview, and you’re worried about getting a curveball interview question thrown at you.

While it’s true that you can’t know exactly what questions an interviewer is going to ask, you can prepare for the most common questions you’re likely to encounter. And one of those questions is often about your motivation for applying for the position.

Why Employers Ask “What Interests You About This Position?”

Your interviewer wants to know that you’re not just applying for any job that comes your way. They want to see that you’ve done your research and understand what the role entails.

If you can’t answer this question convincingly, it’s a red flag for the interviewer that you might not be committed to the role if they offer it to you. Open-ended interview questions give the interviewer a better feel for your personality and work style and how you’ll fit in with the team.

And lastly, the interviewer is trying to discern if you’ll be an excellent fit for the company and the culture. This is your opportunity to show them that your career goals make you a perfect fit for internal growth down the road.

How to Answer “What Interests You About This Position?”

When preparing your answer, think about what drew you to apply for this position in the first place. Your response should be specific and demonstrate that you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate. Use the following questions to help frame your answer:

• Was it the company’s mission or values?
• The opportunity to use a particular skill set?
• The chance to work with a specific demographic?
• The ability to take on more responsibility?
• The potential for long-term career growth?

Your answer should show that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the position and have the skills and qualifications to excel in the role.

— Include the Desired Skill Set

Suppose you’re applying for a management position. You might mention that you’re delighted at the internal opportunities the company is known for, and you’re excited to lead a team and help them develop to their full potential.

Or, maybe there’s a specific technical skill that is communicated in the job description. During the interview, focus on the skills the employer is looking for and how your skills match those. You can also provide real-world examples of the experience you have utilizing those skills.

— Mention Long-Term Goals

No matter what position you’re interviewing for, try to mention how the role aligns with your long-term career goals. You’ll show the interviewer that you’re committed to the company and interested in staying with the organization for the long haul.

— Avoid Being Self-Focused

Don’t just say that you’re interested in the position because it pays well or because it’s a step up from your current role. Those are superficial reasons that any candidate could give. Instead, focus on what makes this position ideal for both you and the employer.

— Thoroughly Research the Company and the Position

You can’t wing this answer. You need to speak confidently and knowledgeably about the company and the role. The best way to do that is to research, research, research.

• Visit the company’s website and read its “About Us” page. Then, spend time on LinkedIn exploring the company and its executives. They’re likely to post any news stories or press releases about recent developments at the company.
• Carefully examine the job posting, and list the essential responsibilities and requirements. Reach out to anyone you know who works for the company or has in the past. Ask them for their insights or any pointers about the company culture.
• Speaking of company culture, the company’s social media is often your best resource. Try to discern their tone and who their target audience is. What do they emphasize as the values they present to their audience?

Sample Answers for “What Interests You About This Position?”

Suppose you’re applying for a job in online marketing. Your answer might sound like this:

I was interested in this position because it emphasizes creativity and innovation, which are two qualities I value in my work. I also see an opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth by developing new marketing strategies. With the company’s focus on sustainable practices, I feel we have the opportunity to make a big impact while focusing on healthy and innovative growth.

Or, perhaps you’re applying for a job as an account manager. Your answer might sound like this:

I was attracted to this position because it allows me to work with various clients and industries. The company has an excellent reputation for supporting small businesses, and I’m passionate about your work with youth. I’m excited to use my skill set to help businesses of every size create sustainable growth.

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Blending Your Interests With the Company’s Interests

While open-ended questions can be intimidating at first glance, if you prepare ahead of time, they’re an excellent opportunity to highlight why you’re the best candidate for the role.