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Why Are You Interested In This Position?

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Picture the scene: you’ve found a job listing online and the role sounds like a dream fit for you.

You’ve submitted your resume, and the employer has invited you to an interview.

Great! But then they hit you with the big question: “why are you interested in this position?” 

Well, what should you reply?

What should you tell them that will help you to pass the interview and get the job itself?

Well, we’ve got the answers for you!

In our guide below, you’ll find out all the best ways to answer this common question, as well as all the things to include in your answer. Read on!

Why Do Employers Ask This Question?

There are a variety of reasons that employers will specifically ask “why are you interested in this position?”, and it’s all about seeing how in line you are with their company and their values. 

When they ask the question, they want to get to know you in relation to them.

Your answer should tell them exactly why you want to work at their company, rather than any of their rival businesses, and why you chose this role in particular.

What’s going to make you do this position better than anybody else?

What makes you right for this role, and not any other roles that they’re also hiring for?

It’s all about getting precisely the correct person for this job in this company. 

The interviewer will want to know that your personality and drive is directly aligned with the company’s own, as well as your skill set being aligned with the skills required of the position.

How To Answer “Why Are You Interested In This Position?”

We would recommend following a set structure when answering this common interview question.

Firstly, you should begin your answer with something along the lines of, “I’m interested in this position, with your company, because…”

This is direct and to the point, reiterating what they’ve asked back at them, and position the role and the company as the key reasons behind your job application. 

Then, you’ll want to go through three small categories varying in the ways that you’re such a great fit. These are:

  • A good professional fit
  • A good fit with the workplace culture
  • A personal fit

We’ll get into each of these in a moment, but they’re all about touching on these key areas.

Remember, it’s never about the money!

Even though money is a big motivator in seeking work, that is not what an employer wants to hear.

It should always be about an interest in the role and the work, not the paycheck that comes with it. 

1. A Good Professional Fit

Why Are You Interested In This Position?

The first part of your answer should be all about your own personal skill set.

The employer wants to know that you can actually accomplish the work that they will be setting you, and that you’re more than up to the task.

They don’t want to hire somebody who will fail or fall behind on work, because that will affect their company.

Your reply should be a few sentences long, but full of detail.

You’ll want to talk about your skills and how they will benefit the employer, solving their biggest business problems.

On top of that, you want to make it absolutely clear that nobody else they interview will be able to bring the same – or better – skill set to the job.

You’re the one and only, so they should hire you.

Additionally, you can even speak about previous experience using those relevant skills in another company, and how they helped back then.

Proof is reassuring to them!

Example:

“I’m interested in this position, with your company, because I believe that my skill set suits it exactly. With my expertise, I can continually solve the issues that your company faces. In my previous position, I successfully solved similar problems ____. Your position will also help me to professionally and personally develop, refining my skills, while helping you at the same time.”

2. A Good Fit In The Workplace Culture

The employer wants to picture you as a part of their company.

Especially if it’s a small business, they want to be able to imagine you alongside their select team, getting on with everybody and sharing the same values as the company. 

However, this is also where research is essential.

You need to show that you know all about the company and the way it works, which is why you know that you’d suit its workplace.

Before the interview, look up things like the company’s workplace reputation, customer service quality, and position within the industry. 

Example:

“I also like the workplace that you create.
From my research on the company, it seems like you have a culture that fits my own values completely, as well as like-minded employees that I would get on with.”

3. A Personal Fit

Now is the chance to let them know more specifically about you, beyond how you align with their values and skills.

Personal reasons are something other candidates can’t offer identically – everyone is different!

The interviewer wants to hear something they haven’t heard in their other interviews, a human detail unique to your own passion for the job.

Example:

“The work that you do is very close to my heart, because (brief anecdote of how their specialized area has related to you in the past).
On top of that, I’ve used your products for years, and they’ve really helped me.”

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! When an interviewer asks “why are you interested in this job?”, make sure to cover all three of these bases.

Your reply should be direct and concise, covering both your professional and personal connections to the values and work of the company – and the role in particular.

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