How to Answer “Why Are You Interested in this Position”?

A typical interview question employers ask during job interviews is, “Why are you interested in the position?” The reason behind this question is that the organization wants to find out why you want to work for them, and the specific motive behind why you applied for the position.

To convince the employer that you understand the role you are to play in the company and that you share the same vision as with the organization, your answer must explain in detail that you are interested in the job at the company.

Focus more on discussing the opportunities you see with the new job rather than showing concerns with your current situation or organization.

However, to answer this question, we will be discussing the best ways to approach such issues with examples.

Read More: HR Interview Questions

Steps to Answer “Why Are You Interested in this Position”?

1. Research on the Job 

• An idea about this question earlier before going to the interview will help you to answer the employer, displaying professionalism and readiness quickly. To come up with a good response, you must first know the responsibilities of the position.
  Reviewing the job description thoroughly before the interview is a great idea. Will you interact with customers? Will you be responsible for supervising and organizing our sales team, developing business plans, meeting planned goals, and working with our marketing department on lead generation?
  Having such knowledge is vital to communicate your motivations for the role correctly and to understand which of the qualifications are most relevant.
• Example, if applying for a Sales Manager position, your responsibilities might include:
• Managing the company’s sales by developing a business plan that envelopes sales, revenue, and expense controls.
• Meeting the company’s sales goals.
• Placing individual sales targets with the sales team.
• Monitoring sales goals and reporting results as necessary.
• Supervising the sales team.
• Working with the marketing team to generate more leads.
• Overseeing the training of new sales representatives.
• Developing your sales team through knowledge education.
• Promoting the company and products.
• Understanding the loyal and potential customers and how they related to the company’s products.

With the above example, you could respond to the question with an answer such as:

Read More: Reason for Leaving the Last Job- How to Answer?

“I want this job position because I am looking for an opportunity to exercise my skill by developing new strategies to increase the sales of the organization. I’m sure that this position will allow me to succeed because my interpersonal skills help me to establish meaningful relationships with customers, and my experience with sales managing strategies allows me to manage my sales team and the sales confidently.”

If you give an answer using the above keywords from the job description, you will communicate your motivations for applying, as well as your relevant qualifications.

2. Research The Company

• It is a crucial step, as you must have some knowledge about the company you want to work in. If you can prove beyond doubt that you have researched the company and its business models to the interviewer, you are one step away to secure the job.
• Are the best places to start your research for the company?
• The company website: Start from the “About page,” blogs, and social media handles. 
• Outside media coverage: Search for recent news or press releases related to the company.
• Personal networks: Consider reaching out to those who may have some knowledge about the company culture and inner working.

Read More: How to Answer – Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

3.  Organize Your Answer

• You are done with your research on the job description and company as it relates to your background; you have to digest and structure your answer. Be prepared to respond to questions without having any expo. It is advisable to remember a few key points you want to discuss, instead of memorizing it.
• Be ready for your answer. Make sure you address the following information in your response.
• How is this job going to help you advance in your career?
• How does the job relate to your future goals?
• Describe one unique thing about this job.
• Why should we consider you for this position?

The answer you should give has to show that you spent the time to look deep into the job itself and reflected on whether the role was honestly the best fit for you now and in the future. Lastly, it shows that you’re interested only in that specific position.

4. Surprise The Interviewer By Ending Your Answer With A Question

• The best way to stand out from other job applicants is to surprise the interviewer by ending your answer with a related question. Concluding your answer with a subject creates a two-way dialogue, make the interview more conversational.
  Besides, it shows that you’re willing to ask questions when you need more clarity.

Read More: How to Answer Tell Me About Yourself?

Best Examples of Answers to “why Are You Interest in This Job?”

Below are a few examples to answer the above steps:

1. Marketing Manager

• For the past seven years, I’ve enjoyed working with my current employer, but right now, I’m ready to take on a new role that requires more leadership.
  As I manage four teams consisting of 18 people each, I noticed that this job would require me to manage ten groups of 40 employees—a challenge I’m happy to take on. Would you reveal to me; the types of teams you need someone to put together?”

2. Architect

• I enjoy working on small-scale market projects in my current job, and this role permitted me to make use of my technical skills for larger projects with higher impact.
  I’m willing to combine my artistic talents with my technological know-how to create stunning designs for top industry leaders. Would you tell me more about what you’re looking out for in an ideal candidate for this job?”

3. Business Analyst

• I valued my time at my previous job, and I saw no opportunity for growth that aligns with my career goals. But this position fits perfectly with my skill set and long-term career goal.
  I also applied for a role at a company like yours that supports under-served communities, which is I’m passionate about. Can you disclose to me more about how the company creates growth opportunities for people who work here?”

Knowing how to approach this question allows you to go for an interview with confidence. This can also help you to feel ready for any other possible item.