When you're applying for a job, one of the questions that you're likely to be asked is why you're interested in the position. This can be a tricky question to answer, but it's important to give a thoughtful response.
Do all interviewers ask this question?
While not all interviewers will ask this question, it's a good idea to have a prepared answer ready. It's an opportunity for you to explain why you're interested in the job and what makes you a good fit.
The reason why employers ask such a question is that they want to hire people who are really interested in the position and not just looking for any job. By asking this question, the interviewer can get a sense of your motivations and see if you're a good fit for the role. For example, if the interviewer asks a potential employee who is only interested in the salary, they will likely not be a good fit for the job.
How to answer?
When answering this question, it's important to be specific and talk about why you're interested in the company and the role. You can also mention what stands out to you about the job, and explain how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position. Here are a few tips for answering this question.
Be specific:
When explaining why you're interested in the job, be specific and talk about why you're drawn to the company and the position. Explain what interests you about the company and what caught your eye about the job posting. You can give different examples for each like "I'm interested in the company's history" or "I like the way the job is described and it looks like a good fit for my skills."
Talk about your skills:
When talking about why you're interested in the job, you can also mention how your skills and experience make you a good fit. For example, if you have experience in customer service, you can explain that you're interested in this role because it involves working with customers. Or if you have experience in marketing, you can explain that you're interested in this position because it involves developing marketing plans.
Be passionate:
One of the best ways to answer this question is to be passionate about why you're interested in the job. Show the interviewer that you're excited about the possibility of working at the company and that you're really enthusiastic about the position. This will help the interviewer see that you're a good fit for the job. For instance, you can use phrases like "I'm excited about the opportunity to work at your company" or "I'm passionate about this position and I know I would be a great fit."
Be truthful:
It's important to be truthful when answering this question. Don't make up reasons or lie about why you're interested in the job. The interviewer will likely be able to tell if you're not being truthful, and it could hurt your chances of getting the job. You can use such phrases as “I’ve been following your company for a while and I’m impressed by your work” or “I read about the position and it seems like a perfect match for my skills.”
How do you know that your answer was acceptable?
When you have already given the answer to why you are interested in this very position, you will be able to see it on the interviewer's face. If the answer is satisfactory, the interviewer will have a smile on his or her face, and will also ask you follow-up questions about your motivation.
Also, they can ask additional questions if your answer sounded interesting to them. For instance, the interviewer can ask you to share more details about your skills or experience after you've explained why you're interested in the job. Or this person may ask you to provide an example of a time when you've used your skills in a similar situation.
If the interviewer is not satisfied with your answer, you will see it on his or her face as well. This person may also ask you to elaborate on your answer or may ask you different questions about your motivation. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when answering this question:
- Be positive: Be sure to answer this question in a positive way. Don't talk about anything negative, such as why you're leaving your current job. Instead, focus on why you're interested in the new position.
- Do your research: Before the interview, research the company and the job so you can be prepared to answer this question. This will help you sound more informed and enthusiastic about the job.
- Avoid giving generic answers: Generic answers, such as "I'm interested in this job because it's a good company" or "I'm interested in this job because it pays well," won't impress the interviewer. Instead, be specific and talk about what you like about the company and the position.
- Practice your answer: Before the interview, take some time to practice your answer to this question. This will help you feel more confident when you're asked a question during the interview.
Keep in mind that the question of why you are interested in this job is just one of many that an interviewer can ask. It's important to be prepared for a variety of questions and to take the time to practice your answers. By being prepared and practicing ahead of time, you'll be more likely to give a confident and impressive answer in your next interview.
Other questions you may be asked
In addition to asking why you're interested in the job, interviewers may also ask other questions related to your motivation for applying. Here are a few examples of other questions that you may be asked:
What do you know about the company?
This question is similar to "why are you interested in this job." The interviewer is looking to see if you've done your research on the company and if you're really interested in working there. To answer this question, you can talk about what you like about the company and why it would be a good fit for you.
What do you know about the position?
This question is also similar to "why are you interested in this job." The interviewer wants to know if you've researched the position and if you understand what the job entails. To answer this question, you can talk about what you like about the position and how it matches your skills and experience.
What are your career goals?
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your long-term goals and how they align with the company's goals. To answer this question, you can talk about your plans for the future and how working at the company would help you achieve your goals. These are just a few examples of questions that you may be asked about your motivation for applying for a job. By preparing ahead of time and practicing your answers, you'll be more likely to give a confident and impressive answer in your next interview.
Samples for you to use to answer the question "Why are you interested in this job?"
1. I'm interested in this job because it's a good fit for my skills and experience. This job is right for me because it matches my qualifications and I have the required skills for it. I can give a certain example that shows how my past experiences make me a good fit for this job. For instance, I can talk about a time when I had to use the skills that are required for this job.
I'm also interested in this job because it's a good fit for my interests. This job is interesting to me because it's related to my field of study and I have always been interested in this topic. I can talk about how my interest in this topic started and why I'm still interested in it.
In addition, I like the company and I think it would be a great place to work. I've done some research on the company and I like what I've seen. The company has a good reputation and I think it would be a great place to develop my career.
Finally, I think this job would be a great opportunity to learn and grow. I would be able to learn new skills and gain new experiences. I would also have the opportunity to work with a great team and contribute to the company's success.
2. I would like to get this position because it is important for my career growth. This position can lead to other opportunities in the future, and I would like to be a part of that. The company is also doing well, and I want to be a part of a successful team.
I am passionate about this job because it helps me use my creativity. I have always loved to be creative, and this job allows me to do that. It also allows me to work with a great team, which is something that I value.
I applied for this job because it is a perfect match for my skill set. After looking through the job description and requirements, I realized that I have all the necessary skills and qualifications for this position. In addition, this job also requires skills that I am passionate about, and I would love to learn more about them.
3. The main reason I am interested in this job is that it is an excellent match for my skills, experience, and interests. Based on my research, this job seems like it would be both challenging and enjoyable, which is important to me.
I am also interested in this job because of the company's reputation. I have heard only good things about the company, and I think it would be a great place to work. In addition, the company's values align with my own personal values, which is important to me.
Finally, I would like to work for a company that is making a positive impact on the world. I want to work for a company that is doing something good, and I think this company fits that description.
4. There are several reasons why I am interested in this job. First, this job is a perfect match for my skills and experience. I have the necessary qualifications for this position, and I know that I would be able to do the job well.
Second, I am passionate about the company's mission. The company's goal is to make a positive impact on the world, and I want to be a part of that. Third, I would like to work for a company that has a good reputation. The company has a good reputation, and I think it would be a great place to work. Finally, I would like to work for a company that is growing. The company is growing, and I want to be a part of that growth.
Bottom line
There are many reasons why you may be interested in a job. The most important thing is to find a job that is a good match for your skills, experience, and interests. However, there are other factors to consider as well, such as the company's reputation and mission. Keep all of these factors in mind when you are looking for a job, and you will be sure to find the perfect position for you.
