How to Answer "What Interests You About This Position?" During an Interview

During a job interview, you’re likely to encounter the question, “What interests you about this position?” It’s an opportunity to showcase your passion, knowledge, and fit for the role while impressing the interviewer. Crafting a well-thought-out response can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. This article will guide you through the best strategies for answering this common interview question. Understanding how to highlight your unique strengths and align them with the job’s requirements will give you a competitive edge.

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

Before diving into how to answer this question, it’s important to understand why hiring managers ask it. Employers want to assess whether you:

Understand the role: They want to ensure you’ve done your research on the job and understand the responsibilities.
Align with the company’s goals: They are checking if your professional goals align with the company’s values, vision, and objectives.
Are passionate about the position: Employers seek candidates who show genuine enthusiasm and a desire to grow in the role.

A compelling response will convey that you’re not only qualified but also motivated to contribute meaningfully to the organization.

1. Research the Role Thoroughly

The first step to answering “What interests you about this position?” is to thoroughly research the job description. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and expectations for the role. Tailor your response to reflect your alignment with these factors.

Example: “What interests me about this position is the opportunity to lead a team of marketing professionals while driving data-driven campaigns. I noticed that one of the primary responsibilities is managing cross-functional projects, which is something I excel at. My previous role involved collaborating with various departments to launch successful campaigns, and I believe I can bring that experience to your company.”

By referring to specific aspects of the job, you show the interviewer that you’ve taken the time to understand what the role entails.

2. Align Your Experience with the Position’s Requirements

Next, focus on connecting your background with the key responsibilities of the job. If the position requires certain skills or expertise, highlight your achievements in those areas.

Example: “What excites me about this role is the focus on strategic decision-making within the finance department. In my previous job, I managed the company’s financial planning and analysis for three years, during which I led initiatives that increased revenue by 15%. I’m confident that my ability to interpret data and make informed financial decisions would add significant value to your team.”

Employers value candidates who can draw direct parallels between their previous experience and the demands of the job at hand. By doing so, you position yourself as a natural fit for the role.

3. Showcase Your Passion for the Industry or Company

Beyond just aligning your experience, it’s important to express genuine enthusiasm for the industry or company. Showing passion for the field can set you apart from candidates who merely view the role as another job.

Example: “I’ve always been passionate about the tech industry, particularly in cybersecurity. I’ve followed your company’s growth and innovation in this space, especially with the launch of your recent data protection software. The chance to contribute to such a forward-thinking company is what really excites me about this position.”

This response demonstrates that you are not only interested in the job but also in the company’s mission and long-term success, which employers find particularly appealing.

4. Discuss Opportunities for Growth and Development

Another strong angle to consider is emphasizing how this role aligns with your career aspirations. Employers want to hire candidates who are committed to their own professional growth.

Example: “What draws me to this position is the opportunity for leadership and continuous learning. I’ve always wanted to manage a larger team, and from what I understand, this role offers the chance to lead and mentor junior staff. The company’s investment in employee development, as well as the possibility of career advancement, aligns perfectly with my long-term goals.”

By expressing how this position fits into your broader career path, you show that you’re thinking ahead and envisioning a future with the company, which demonstrates commitment.

5. Tailor Your Answer to the Company’s Values

If you’ve researched the company’s culture and values, incorporate them into your response. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate that they align with the company’s mission and work culture.

Example: “I’m particularly drawn to this position because of your company’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility. As someone who is passionate about environmental conservation, I admire your commitment to creating eco-friendly products. I believe I can contribute by leveraging my marketing skills to promote your sustainability efforts and drive consumer engagement.”

This response indicates that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s ethos and that you are genuinely aligned with its core values, which can increase your chances of being seen as a cultural fit.

6. Mention How You Can Contribute

Finally, a well-rounded response should not only focus on what excites you about the role but also on how you can contribute to the company’s success. This is an opportunity to highlight your unique value proposition.

Example: “What excites me about this role is the chance to contribute to the company’s international expansion strategy. In my last role, I played a key part in launching our products in three new markets, which resulted in a 20% increase in revenue. I believe my experience in global market entry and scaling operations can help your company achieve its ambitious growth goals.”

By emphasizing how your experience can drive tangible results, you reinforce that you’re not just enthusiastic about the job—you’re ready to deliver value from day one.

Key Benefits of a Strong Answer

Providing a well-crafted response to “What interests you about this position?” can help you:

Stand Out from the Competition: A tailored answer shows that you’ve done your homework, giving you an edge over candidates who provide generic responses.
Demonstrate Your Fit for the Role: By aligning your skills and experiences with the job, you position yourself as the ideal candidate.
Showcase Enthusiasm: Passion for the role and the company can make a lasting impression on interviewers.
Highlight Career Growth: Expressing how the position fits into your long-term career plan can show that you’re serious about making a meaningful contribution.

Conclusion: Answer Your Interviewer with Confidence

Answering “What interests you about this position?” effectively can significantly boost your chances of landing the job. By researching the role, aligning your experience, showcasing your passion, and emphasizing how you can contribute, you’ll be able to craft a compelling response that resonates with hiring managers. Whether you’re aiming for a six-figure career or looking for a job with long-term growth potential, mastering this question will help you stand out as a strong candidate who is both qualified and genuinely interested in the position.