As a hiring manager, one question I always make sure to ask candidates is some variation of “Why are you interested in this position?”
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for job seekers to prepare a thoughtful and persuasive answer. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the critical reasons why I ask this question, what I’m looking for in a candidate’s response, the best way to structure your answer, mistakes to avoid, and include numerous effective sample responses appropriate for all levels of candidates.
I ask this question, or some variation of it, for a few key reasons:
The other major consideration for me is determining what degree to which the candidate will engage with and remain loyal to the company long-term. If the candidate seems lukewarm or to only want the job as a temporary stepping stone, I know there is a higher likelihood they will quit shortly after being onboarded - costing us significantly. The best candidates articulate how the position and our company specifically accelerates their career as part of a clearly defined professional plan.
Candidates who provide well-researched and thoughtful responses that speak to our core business needs have a much higher likelihood of moving forward and potentially receiving an offer from us.
Beyond gauging your overall fit and enthusiasm, we use your response as part of evaluating your communication skills, preparation, strategic thinking and motivations. Providing a weak, generic answer often spells doom for a candidate’s chances. Know this question is coming, and be ready with a response catered specifically to the role and our organization.
While the exact phrasing may differ slightly, as a candidate you should prepare for some version of the following questions:
When preparing your answer, follow this basic 3-step formula:
Open your answer by briefly summarizing the key responsibilities and skills required for the job based on the job description.
Prove you understand by echoing some main requirements - this displays due diligence and shows why you are genuinely interested. Bring up unique aspects of the role that excites you verses past positions you’ve held.
Next, explain how your background and professional goals align. Be specific by naming particular skills, accomplishments and motivations that directly connect with key elements you described about the role and our company mission.
This establishes your fit beyond merely having the right technical skills, but actually caring about and contributing to core business outcomes.
Wrap up your response emphasizing your passion and excitement to positively contribute your talents and experience within the team and organization if provided the opportunity. Keep it concise but leave no doubt regarding your engaged commitment level.
This final piece underscores your cultural fit, demonstrating the enthusiasm and mindset required to thrive in our performance-driven environment. You want the hiring manager envisioning your success within the role at the company.
Let’s explore more examples across roles and experience levels...
“After extensively researching Global Media Group, I’m confident my skills in digital analytics and passion for media trends position me to excel in the Marketing Data Analyst role. I’m particularly interested in taking ownership of campaign performance analysis and identifying process efficiencies - challenges I know I would thrive on based on my internship experiences. What excites me most is contributing my skills to an industry innovator like Global that values employee input to drive market leadership.”
The candidate displays initiative researching the company and has tied their core interests - digital marketing analytics and innovation - directly to the position. Concluding with excitement around company values demonstrates cultural fit beyond purely technical skills for an entry-level candidate with limited full-time work experience.
“With over 8 years overseeing digital marketing campaigns, your Senior Product Marketing Manager role strongly appeals as my next step to manage an integrated team of specialists. After reviewing several high-performing campaigns your company has executed, I know I could optimize and scale your product launches utilizing my technical knowledge and collaborative leadership style. What is most exciting is contributing my unique skill set to an analytics-driven organization on the cutting edge, where I can continue growing as a manager.”
This works because the hiring manager wants to see your proven experience lets you immediately oversee key campaigns and personnel to advance the company mission. Demonstrating you’ve researched successful campaigns shows your strategic evaluation skills. Concluding with excitement around company values demonstrates cultural fit beyond purely technical skills for a manager.
“With 10+ years modernizing IT systems for national retailers and leading cross-functional technical teams, I was immediately drawn to the IT Director position based on CloudClear’s company-wide digital transformation initiatives. After reviewing your plans to overhaul core platforms supporting rapid expansion, I am confident my background implementing similar large-scale, customer-facing systems uniquely qualifies me to propel these mission-critical efforts. What inspires me most is positively impacting customer experiences by leading IT innovation for a forward-thinking brand like CloudClear committed to their people.”
This works because: For senior roles, hiring managers expect candidates have thoroughly researched major company initiatives relevant to the open position. This allows you to speak in-depth about specific projects tied to strategic priorities you could lead. Highlight shared values around innovation and people to show passion for long-term fit beyond a paycheck.
“As a recent college graduate aiming to launch my career in customer support, I was drawn to XYZ Company’s stellar reputation for employee training and advancement potential for top performers. After researching details around your newly expanded Midwest call center operations supporting the latest cloud product launches, I know my natural rapport-building and troubleshooting skills align perfectly with the Customer Service Agent role. I’m excited to prove myself on such an innovative product team so I can advance in a dynamic, industry-leader like XYZ.”
This works because: Even for entry-level roles, you need to demonstrate passion for the company and role beyond just needing an income. Referencing specific operations tied to growing business segments and career growth opportunities showcases sincere interest in contributing long-term, not just needing a temporary job.
“With over seven years providing extensive administrative and event planning support for executives in the health technology sector, the Executive Assistant opening immediately caught my attention. Beyond possessing directly transferable capabilities supporting senior leaders, what most excites me is Smith Technologies’ rapid expansion and mission to improve patient health through AI innovations. I welcome utilizing my organizational talents so you can maintain momentum converting research into life-changing products as a company committed to employee work-life balance.”
This works because: For internal support functions, highlight your interests go beyond merely executing basic tasks in a role but actually contributing to important company outcomes in your unique way. This establishes you as a passionate supporter of the overall mission who will drive leaders’ effectiveness through quality support, not just do the minimum required.
“After a decade managing HR functions for retail brands, the Regional Talent Acquisition Manager role strongly appealed given Outdoor Adventures prioritization on establishing an industry-leading employee experience across 200+ locations. Analyzing your top workplace awards and extremely low turnover rates compared to the outdoor retailer industry benchmark, I know my specialized capabilities developing localized operational HR strategies positions me to significantly expand these successes across the Mountain region. What fuels my passion is positively impacting 2,000 people leaders in my home state by sharing Outdoor Adventures’ commitment to empowering employee growth.”
This works because: For specialized support functions like HR, showcase you did extensive research into what makes the company’s approach superior to competitors. Tie your unique HR expertise to accelerating and expanding those successful practices across new locations or business lines. Values alignment and geography closeness is a bonus.
“As a recent computer science graduate passionate about troubleshooting complex technical problems to strengthen user experiences, I was highly motivated reading through CloudClear Technologies’ accolades for unparalleled customer support. After researching details surrounding your start-of-the-art Utah help desk hub staffed 24/7 by specialized support teams, I know my customer-focused mindset and analytical capabilities make me a standout fit as a Level 1 Technical Support Agent. What is most exciting is resolving customer issues with cutting-edge tools at an innovative industry pace-setter actively opening advancement paths for top performers.”
This works because: Even for telephone-based support roles, display your aligned interests in specific relevant operations that empresa sizes the company’s strengths you will be directly contributing to. Highlight values alignment around innovation and career growth showing how the role accelerates your long-term goals.
“With over five years successfully managing complex software implementation projects within the healthcare industry, I was immediately drawn to Alpha Technologies’ Project Manager opening based on your firm’s impeccable reputation delivering customized safety solutions for leading hospital systems nationwide. After reviewing several published case studies showcasing your emphasis on building cross-disciplinary teams that become trusted partners to clients, I know my technical leadership style and process improvement mindset will significantly multiply Alpha’s customer satisfaction and retention rates if provided the opportunity.”
This works because: For project management and delivery-focused positions, reference specific published examples of successful work relevant to what you would perform. This displays strong research skills identifying the key outcomes hiring managers want you to achieve. Reiterate unique leadership strengths that accelerate specific performance metrics to quantify your potential impact.
Beyond the steps and examples provided above, keep these additional tips in mind when crafting your answer
While the above examples and tips should help you formulate an impressive response, let’s discuss a few common mistakes candidates make that can instantly eliminate your chances:
“Honestly, your job ad was the first one that came up in my search this week that I felt I could get an interview for.”
Why this doesn’t work: Signals desperation instead of thoughtful interest. Do not give the impression you apply without discretion just for interviews or merely want any job.
“I’m not feeling challenged in my current role and am just looking to make a change.”
Why this doesn’t work: Does not state positive reasons specifically tied to new company/role and gives impression you have underperformed or become disengaged in previous jobs. Risk of quick departure.
“Your company is close to my house and based on the salary listed, I could definitely use the extra money.”
Why this doesn’t work: Suggests commute/comp plans are main drivers, not passion for opportunity. Very poor motivator unlikely to drive long-term engagement.
Getting the best candidates truly excited for new opportunities with my firm has made a tremendous positive impact. I hope this guide gave you as a job seeker critical insights into what hiring managers like myself want to hear when we ask “Why are you interested in this position?” during interviews.
Remember, hiring managers evaluate your response from multiple angles beyond purely technical skills, including:
Keep this advice top of mind as you prepare responses and showcase how the role and company accelerate realize your full potential while making significant contributions. If you follow the steps provided, you will undoubtedly separate yourself from other applicants!
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