Explain why you are interested in this position

Why you are interested in this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an interview. Yet, it is just as easy to mess up your answer.

Our motivations for applying to certain job positions can vary. It could be more money, a nicer commute, or a change in career direction. No matter what your reasons are, here is how to answer “Why are you interested in this job?” and sail through your interview.

Why do they ask this question?

It seems pretty straightforward; you would not have applied to this position if you were not interested in it, so why do hiring managers ask this question?

Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly they want to make sure you are not just interested in the salary you would receive. Interviewers like to know that you have some loyalty to the company and would not leave if you received a better offer elsewhere. Lastly, they want to know that you are capable of doing the job they require and understand the value of this position.

Things to avoid

The issue with straightforward questions such as this one is that it is easy to give generic answers. The majority of people will do this, and whilst these answers are fine, they will not make you stand out. Another aspect to avoid is the perks of the job. Discussing things like vacation days may give the hiring manager the wrong impression of why you want to work for them.

Answering Methods

Experts across the globe will argue about the different ways to answer this question, but overall, it falls on personal preference. You should select the method that feels most genuine to your own interview style but keep in mind the type of job you are applying for. Emotive answers will not hold up well in the stock market sector but can be perfect when applying to care roles.

Connection Story Method

A connection story is something that links you directly to the company you are interviewing for; this can be their products, services, or even company culture. By starting your answer with the link you have to the company, your answer will sound more personalized and show you have done your research before your interview.

An emotional connection is key for this part of your answer. Pick things you admire or respect about this company in comparison to other companies within the field (do not name those companies!). Your main aim by using this method is to portray that you understand the company and why it exists.

Example Answer

“I’ve been using this company for the past five years, and every time I enter the establishment, I am greeted with friendly people who show a genuine interest in me as a customer. It feels like I am part of a community. I enjoy using your services and feel like I am in good hands. This is the sort of organization I would like to be a part of so I too can offer people the great service that has been offered to me by your company.”

Complimentary Method

For this method, you need to break down your answer into three parts whilst complimenting the company throughout. Firstly, you want to mention that your own skills and qualities fit those of the job description. This tells potential employers that you will be up and running within a role quickly. Also, it shows you understand what the position entails.

The next aspect you should mention is how you plan to stay in the role for a long period. When companies invest in your training, they want to know that this investment will payout, and you will remain within the company for the long term. Mentioning how you would like to grow within the company will help you stand out from other applicants.

Emphasize teamwork…

Finally, you should mention the team you would be working with. Praising the company’s choice of employees and mentioning positive traits they possess will show the interviewer how well you would fit in with their current team. Make sure to add genuine compliments about the company throughout.

Example Answer

“I am interested in this position for a number of reasons. I believe that the skills and qualities you listed in the job description fit those I have myself, which will allow me to perform highly in this role. Secondly, I am looking for long-term employment and a company I can grow in.

Having researched your company, I believe you have very high standards and offer excellent services to customers, which is an ethos I would like to be part of. Lastly, I think it is very clear that you hire ambitious and enthusiastic people. I think it is really important to be surrounded by positive people that will encourage me to continue to grow as an individual and as part of a working team.”

Qualification Method

Using this method, you are going to link your previous experience to the role you are applying for. This will demonstrate your research skills and your enthusiasm. First of all, consider specific situations you have previously dealt with and select ones that represent what you can do for this company.

The key is to be specific and relevant but also portray your enthusiasm during that situation. If you do not have a specific example from your previous positions, talk about the steps you have taken to lead up to this opportunity and how they have prepared you for taking the next step.

Display enthusiasm…

You should list the key qualities you want the interviewer to know about you and why this qualifies you for the role. Next, you should research the company and drop your knowledge about them into your answer. Consider why you do want to work for them, are they industry leaders? Do they treat their employees well? Are their teams diverse?

Finally, bring your enthusiasm. Tell them why you are excited about the position and why you enjoyed completing the projects you previously mentioned. Remember, it is not just your words that are important here; display your enthusiasm in your face and body language.

Example Answer

“I know this position will require me to manage the company’s marketing campaigns. In my previous position, I handled the organization’s digital marketing. During my time there, I increased the traffic to our website by 40% and subsequently increased our customer base.

I really enjoyed this part of my role and would be excited to continue working with these platforms. I am also excited that you are an innovative company and are not afraid to try new things. This is important to me as I enjoy taking on new challenges.”

Need More Interview Info And Advice?

Research is, and preparation is key here! So, take a look at some great online finds such as the Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Interview Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent, INTERVIEW with DESIRE and GET HIRED!: How to Ace the Interview, Sell Yourself & Get Your Dream Job, the Amazing Interview Answers: 44 Tough Job Interview Questions with 88 Winning Answers, how to Get That Job!: The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview, and How to Answer Interview Questions: 101 Tough Interview Questions available online in 2022.

Additionally, I’ve put together my guides on how to answer What Are You Most Proud Of, How Do You Handle Stress, What Are Your Career Goals, How Do You Handle Conflict, How Would You Describe Yourself, how to Answer Why Best Candidate Position, Why We Should Hire You, and, just as important, the Best Questions To Ask In An Interview to really ace it!

Final Thoughts

No matter what your reasons are for applying to a role, it is important that when you leave your interview that they remember you. So, avoid giving generic answers and show that you have researched the company.

Also, you will show that you understand the company culture as well as the full details of the position you are applying for. Lastly, always remember to dress appropriately and act professionally.

All the very best with your Interview!