Inquiring 'why are you interested in this position' helps hiring managers assess your motivation, preparedness, and cultural fit, addressing one of the most common interview questions. Employers are interested in finding candidates who not only have the skills for the job but are genuinely excited about the role and the company. When you answer thoughtfully, you demonstrate your professionalism and how well your goals align with the company’s mission.
Tip
Your answer should align your professional aspirations with the company’s values and goals. Show you’ve researched them and understand their bigger picture.
How to Answer “Why Are You Interested in This Position?”
To craft a strong answer to 'why are you interested in this position,' follow these steps:
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Start with your interest in the field or industry.
Share your passion for the work or industry as you explain why you're interested in this position.
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Reference your research on the company.
Highlight specific aspects of the company’s mission, values, or achievements that resonate with your goals.
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Focus on a responsibility or value that excites you.
Identify a key aspect of the role that aligns with your skills or interests.
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Tailor your answer to your expertise.
Show how your previous experience or skills make you a great fit for this position.
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End with enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s success.
Emphasize your eagerness to join the team, showing why you're interested in the position and eager to make a difference.
Practical Example
“I am deeply passionate about sustainable development in the tech industry. Your company’s leadership in developing eco-friendly software solutions excites me. My previous experience in improving operational efficiency aligns perfectly with this role’s focus on scalable solutions. I’m eager to bring this expertise to your talented team and contribute to driving measurable impact.”
Best Strategies to Showcase Your Interest in the Position
Use these advanced strategies to ensure your response to 'why are you interested in this position' stands out:
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Research the company’s values.
Draw connections between their mission and your professional ambitions.
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Highlight long-term career alignment.
Explain how the role supports your growth and aligns with what you aim to achieve.
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Reference company achievements.
Mention recent successes or innovative projects that showcase why you're interested in the position.
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Showcase your skills in action.
Use your answer to outline how your expertise directly supports their goals.
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Personalize with a story.
Add an anecdote or example that demonstrates your passion to make your answer unique.
Tip
A personalized, specific response shows effort and genuine interest—qualities hiring managers highly value.
How to Structure a Strong Response to “Why Are You Interested in This Position?”
A strong answer to 'why are you interested in this position' follows this three-part structure:
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Part 1: Open with company knowledge.
Show that you’ve done your homework. Example: “I admire your commitment to empowering small businesses through innovative technology solutions.”
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Part 2: Tie it to your skills or past experience.
Discuss how your expertise aligns with the role, clarifying why you're interested in the position. Example: “In my previous role as a product manager, I developed features that increased customer engagement by 20%.”
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Part 3: Conclude with mutual benefit and enthusiasm.
End with how you can contribute and why you’re excited about their mission. Example: “I’m excited to bring my experience to your team and be part of groundbreaking solutions like these.”
Example
“I was immediately drawn to your company’s focus on renewable energy. In my last role as a project lead, I successfully reduced project timelines by streamlining workflows, which aligns with your vision for efficiency in green innovations. Joining your team allows me to contribute meaningfully to progress in sustainable energy while expanding my expertise in impactful projects.”
What Should You Avoid When Answering This Question?
Avoid these common mistakes when answering why you're interested in this position:
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Avoid generic, vague responses.
Saying things like “I’ve always wanted to work at a company like yours” lacks specificity and effort.
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Don’t fixate on personal gain.
Avoid answers focused only on salary, perks, or convenience, which make you seem self-centered.
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Steer clear of being underprepared.
Failing to research the company shows disinterest and reduces credibility.
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Never criticize others.
Badmouthing a previous employer reflects poorly on your professionalism.
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Don’t ignore role responsibilities.
Ensure your answer ties back to the actual tasks or mission of the position.
Unprepared or insincere answers can damage your credibility—take time to craft a thoughtful response.
Why Is It Important to Answer This Question Effectively?
Answering 'why are you interested in this position' gives you the chance to showcase your enthusiasm, preparation, and fit for the role. A strong answer demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and see this position as more than just another job. It also reflects how well your personal and professional goals align with the company’s objectives.
A confident, well-prepared response shows you take the opportunity seriously and sets the tone for the rest of the interview, helping you stand out in competitive hiring scenarios.
