How to Answer "Why Are You Interested in This Position?"

When answering "Why are you interested in this position?", craft a response that demonstrates genuine enthusiasm while connecting your specific skills to the role requirements. The most compelling answers show knowledge of the company, explain how the position aligns with your career goals, and highlight particular aspects of the role that excite you.

Try to mention something unique about the company that genuinely resonates with you. At the same time, avoid general phrases like “I just need a job” or “It sounds interesting.” These responses tend to sound unprepared. A little research beforehand can make a big difference. Take time to study the job description, explore the company’s mission, and review recent projects or news, so your answer feels personal and well thought out rather than generic or copied.

An example for a strong answer follows this framework: "I'm interested in this [position] at [company name] because it aligns perfectly with my experience in [relevant skills] and my passion for [industry/field]. What particularly excites me is [specific aspect of the role or company], as it connects with my background in [relevant experience].” 

In this guide, you’ll uncover why this question matters so much, how to shape a response that stands out, which answers to avoid at all costs, and real examples to inspire your own. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, you’ll walk away with the tools to tackle this question with clarity and confidence.

Why Recruiters Ask "Why Are You Interested in Applying for This Position?"

Every question asked by a recruiter has its own purpose, especially in delving deeper into the information about the applicant and assessing their suitability for the available position.

Here are the reasons why recruiters ask about why a candidate is interested in applying for a position that you need to know.

1. Understanding Motivation and Work Readiness

Your answer to this question not only reflects your understanding of the role and the ins and outs of the company, but also provides an indication of your motivation and readiness to find a job.

This helps recruiters evaluate how prepared and serious you are in pursuing the position and how well you fit the company's needs.

2. Alignment of Vacancy with Career Plan

When applying for a job, a candidate generally has a career plan that they want to achieve. On the other hand, recruiters want a high employee retention rate.

Therefore, this question will help recruiters understand how well the offered position aligns with your career goals so that it can be in line with the long-term vision of the role offered.

3. Delving into Knowledge about the Applied Position

Some people apply for jobs without really understanding what their responsibilities will be in the position, but are only interested in the salary or a particular industry sector. Therefore, it is important for recruiters to dig into your knowledge about this.

Also Read: 15+ Top Interview Questions and Answers 2023

Tips for Answering the Question "Why Are You Interested in This Position?"

To make a good impression on recruiters, here are 5 tips you can apply to formulate an answer that will grab the recruiter's attention and get you through the interview stage.

1. Research the Company Background

Before the interview, take the time to gather information about the company you are applying for. Knowing the company's vision, mission, values, and work culture will provide a strong foundation for answering this question with confidence.

2. Provide Specific Examples

Stating your interest in the company's mission is not enough. You need to strengthen your answer with specific concrete examples.

For example, tell a story about a particular experience or value of the company that is attractive and aligns with your personal values and aspirations. This will make your answer more convincing and give the recruiter a clear picture of your motivation.

3. Understand the Job You Are Applying For

Have a good understanding of the duties and responsibilities associated with the position you are applying for. When answering the question "Why Are You Interested in Applying for This Position?", show how your experience and skills are relevant to the position.

If you don't have any relevant work experience, explain how you plan to contribute and grow with the company.

4. Evaluate Yourself Carefully

In addition to discussing your fit with the company, take the time to evaluate how the position aligns with your career goals and plans.

Review what you want to achieve and consider how much the position can help you achieve those goals. This will help you provide an honest and detailed answer to the recruiter.

5. Ask Relevant Questions

In addition to answering questions, take the opportunity to ask the recruiter questions. Ask intelligent and relevant questions about the position, upcoming projects, and team dynamics. This not only shows a deep interest in the company, but also opens up the opportunity to gain valuable information about your potential role in it.

To sum up, answering the question “Why are you interested in this position?” requires thoughtful preparation. Start by researching the company to understand its values and culture. Then, support your answer with specific examples that connect your interests to the company’s mission. Ensure you understand the job responsibilities and align them with your skills and experience. Reflect on how the role fits into your long-term career goals to demonstrate intentionality. Finally, show genuine curiosity by asking relevant questions during the interview. This will not only highlight your interest but also your initiative and professionalism.

Also Read: Mastering the Thank You Email After Interview in Singapore

Answers to Avoid

The answer to the question "Why are you interested in applying for this position?" can be a determining factor in moving on to the next stage of recruitment. Here are some answers that should be avoided to prevent a negative impression from the recruiter.

1. "I need a job"

This answer should be avoided because it can give the impression of a lack of motivation and only highlights the need for a job, without showing genuine interest in the position being applied for.

Basically, recruiters are looking for individuals who show a strong interest in the role being offered and have a fit with the company's values, not just looking for a job with a pragmatic motivation.

Therefore, try to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the position being offered. In this way, you can attract the recruiter's attention by showing your suitability for the job requirements.

2. "I'm interested because the salary is higher"

While a higher salary is often an attractive option, emphasizing this during an interview can make the recruiter feel uncomfortable. They are more interested in assessing your interest in the job you are applying for and the contribution you can make to the company's success.

Focus on your relevant skills and experience and how you can help achieve the company's goals. By highlighting these aspects, you can show your commitment to the position you are applying for and your willingness to contribute positively to the work environment.

3. "I meet the qualifications required"

This answer is not entirely wrong. However, during an interview, it is likely that all candidates have met the basic qualifications. Therefore, it is important to show what makes you unique and a good fit for the position.

Tell them about your accomplishments and how you can add value to the team. By emphasizing the contribution you can make, you can show the recruiter that you are not only qualified, but also an individual who can make a positive impact on the company.

4. "I think this job could be a stepping stone for my career"

This answer gives the impression that you will only be working at the company you are applying for for a short time. This is of course contrary to the recruiter's expectations. Instead, explain how the role you are applying for will help you in your personal development and make a meaningful contribution to the company.

By emphasizing how you plan to integrate with the role, you can show your enthusiasm for the job and your long-term commitment to the company. This will reinforce the impression that you are not just looking for a temporary job, but also want to grow and develop with the company in the long term.

How to Structure a Strong Answer: A Practical Framework

Before diving into the example answers, it’s useful to have a clear structure in mind. Having a clear outline ensures your answer stays on point, sounds confident, and reflects the preparation you’ve done. The following five-step framework will guide you in creating a compelling and personalized response:

1. Start with a Genuine Expression of Interest

Open your answer by clearly stating your enthusiasm for the position or company. Avoid generic phrases. Try to be specific about what caught your attention. This shows that you’re not just applying to every job you see, but that there’s something intentional about this choice.

Example: “I was immediately drawn to this role because of your company’s innovative approach to sustainability in tech.”

2. Connect the Role to Your Relevant Skills and Experience

Briefly outline how your background matches the requirements of the position. Mention specific skills, past projects, or accomplishments that directly relate to the role. This is your chance to demonstrate that you understand what the job entails and that you have something valuable to offer.

Example: “With three years of experience managing end-to-end marketing campaigns, I’m confident in my ability to contribute to your upcoming product launches.”

3. Demonstrate Alignment with the Company’s Values or Culture

Employers want people who will thrive in their work environment. Show that you’ve researched the company by referencing its values, culture, or mission, and explain how these resonate with your own principles or work style.

Example: “Your emphasis on collaboration and continuous learning reflects exactly the kind of environment where I do my best work.”

4. Explain How the Role Fits into Your Career Goals

Clarify why this position makes sense for you professionally. Show the recruiter that you’re not only a great fit now, but that you also see a future with the company. This helps demonstrate your vision of growth and reduces the concern that you’re just looking for a short-term opportunity.

Example: “I’m looking to deepen my expertise in UX research, and this role’s focus on user-centered design aligns perfectly with where I want to grow next.”

5. End on a Note of Enthusiasm and Forward Momentum

Wrap up your answer by reaffirming your excitement about the opportunity and your eagerness to contribute. This reinforces your motivation and leaves a strong final impression.

Example: “I’m truly excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to meaningful projects that drive real impact.”

By following this structured approach, you’ll be able to craft an answer that’s both authentic and impactful. It helps you stay focused, highlight your value, and show a genuine connection to the role and company. Now, let’s look at how this framework can be applied in real interview scenarios through a few sample answers tailored to different backgrounds.

Example Answers for "Why Are You Interested in This Position?"

After understanding the motivation behind this question and the strategies for providing an effective response, Talentport will provide some example answers that can be used both generally, for fresh graduates, and for candidates who have work experience.

1. General Answer

"I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity because this position is fully in line with my interests and values. In addition, I am confident that this role will give me the space to develop professionally.

Throughout my career, I have always strived to make a positive contribution through innovation. I believe that this position is the ideal platform for me to turn my passion into tangible results.

I am also very impressed with the alignment of the company's values with the principles I hold, such as integrity, collaboration, and a passion for making a significant difference.

Not only that, this position also provides opportunities for continuous learning. I am very enthusiastic to explore my interest in developing new skills, overcoming project challenges, and collaborating with experienced professionals."

2. Answer for Fresh Graduates

"As a recent graduate interested in UI/UX design, I have taken courses and internships to strengthen my skills. My college focus was on UI/UX design principles, user research, and prototyping. My internship experience also included designing user interfaces for various projects.

These experiences have enhanced my practical skills and deepened my interest in creating engaging user experiences.

I am very ready to apply my skills to this job. I believe the transition from college to career is a natural step, and I am ready to make a maximum contribution. I am confident that I can bring new energy and enthusiasm to the team, as well as collaborate with experienced professionals to achieve significant results in UI/UX design."

3. Answer for Experienced Candidates

"I am very interested in the digital marketing position at this company because it opens up an exciting opportunity for me to apply my diverse skills and experience in this field.

Through work experience in various industries and markets, I have gained valuable insights into designing appropriate digital strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement.

From the job description I have seen, this role involves managing various aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, social media, and content creation. In previous workplaces such as ABC Company and DEF Agency, I have led cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive digital campaigns that consistently deliver measurable results, such as increased website traffic, higher conversions, and improved brand sentiment.

I am very interested in this position because it gives me the opportunity to contribute and collaborate with a talented team so that the company can stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovation.

To clarify the contribution I can make, could I know more information about the team structure and ongoing projects that might involve me?"

‍Those are some tips and examples of how to answer the question "Why are you interested in this position" correctly. By preparing for the interview seriously, you can increase your chances of success in the recruitment process.

For those of you who are looking for exciting career opportunities, Talentport is the ideal platform to connect with the best jobs globally. Join Talentport as a digital talent to expand your network and access exciting career opportunities. Register now and start your journey to a brilliant career!

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