How Can What Interested You In This Position Become Your Interview Superpower
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
The question "what interested you in this position" is a cornerstone of nearly every job interview, but its significance extends far beyond a simple formality. Whether you're vying for your dream job, seeking admission to a top university, or building rapport with a prospective client, your ability to articulate what interested you in this position can profoundly impact your success. This seemingly straightforward query is a golden opportunity to showcase your genuine motivation, thorough research, and ultimate fit. Mastering this response will not only boost your confidence but also elevate your professional communication across various crucial scenarios.
Why Do Interviewers Really Ask "what interested you in this position"?
When an interviewer asks what interested you in this position, they're not just looking for a factual recitation of the job description. They aim to uncover deeper insights into your alignment with the role and the organization. Employers want to understand your core motivation, assess your enthusiasm, and determine if your values resonate with the company culture [3][4].
Your genuine interest: Are you truly invested in this opportunity, or just looking for any job?
Your understanding of the role: Do you grasp the responsibilities and challenges involved?
Your alignment with company values: Do your personal and professional goals sync with the organization's mission and ethos?
Your potential for engagement and longevity: Are you likely to be enthusiastic and committed long-term?
Specifically, they seek to learn:
A thoughtful answer to what interested you in this position reveals your initiative and proactive nature, signaling that you've done your homework and are genuinely excited about contributing.
How Do You Prepare an Unforgettable Answer to "what interested you in this position"?
Crafting a compelling response to what interested you in this position requires more than just improvisation; it demands thorough preparation and introspection.
Research Rigorously: Before any interview or important meeting, immerse yourself in information about the company, the specific role, and the broader industry. Understand their products, services, recent news, mission, values, and company culture [1]. Look for specifics that genuinely resonate with you.
Identify Your Genuine Reasons: Reflect on what truly draws you to this opportunity. Is it a perfect match for your skills? Are you passionate about the industry or the company’s impact? Do their values align with your own? Are there specific growth opportunities that excite you? Be honest with yourself about what interested you in this position. Avoid clichés and dig deep into your authentic motivations.
Align with Your Career Goals: Consider how this position fits into your broader career trajectory. How does it help you achieve your long-term aspirations? Articulating this connection demonstrates foresight and commitment, showing that this isn't just a stepping stone, but a deliberate move in your professional journey [4].
By preparing this way, you ensure your answer to what interested you in this position is not just rehearsed, but deeply informed and authentically yours.
What's the Winning Structure for Answering "what interested you in this position"?
A well-structured answer to what interested you in this position follows a logical flow that highlights your motivation, knowledge, and fit. Think of it as a brief, compelling narrative:
Start with Specific Personal or Professional Motivation: Begin by stating your primary reason for interest. This could be a specific skill you want to develop, a problem you’re passionate about solving, or a particular aspect of the company’s work that inspires you.
Show Knowledge of the Company: Seamlessly weave in details you learned during your research. Mention the company’s mission, recent achievements, unique culture, or a specific product/service. This demonstrates you’ve done your homework and are genuinely engaged.
Highlight How Your Skills and Experience Uniquely Fit the Role: Connect your past accomplishments and unique abilities directly to the needs of the position. Explain how you will add value and contribute to their success [2]. This is where you answer not just what interested you in this position, but also why you are the right person for it.
Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Long-Term Commitment: Conclude by expressing your excitement for the opportunity and your eagerness to grow within the company. This shows you're looking for more than just a job; you're seeking a place to build a career [1][4].
Practice delivering your concise narrative until it sounds natural, confident, and enthusiastic, not rehearsed or robotic.
Are There Common Pitfalls When Answering "what interested you in this position"?
Even with preparation, candidates often stumble when answering what interested you in this position. Being aware of these common challenges can help you avoid them:
Being Vague or Generic: Phrases like "I need a job," "I saw the opening online," or "It sounds like a good company" are red flags. They indicate a lack of genuine interest and effort. To overcome this, use specific examples and facts about the company and role to demonstrate knowledge and genuine interest.
Sounding Scripted or Insincere: While preparation is key, a robotic, memorized answer lacks authenticity. Your response should sound like a natural conversation, not a recitation. Be honest and introspective about what truly draws you to the position, and avoid clichés that don't reflect your true motivation.
Failing to Connect Personal Goals with the Company’s Needs: Answering only from your perspective ("I want to learn X" or "I need growth") without linking it to how it benefits the company is a missed opportunity [4]. Clearly articulate how your unique skills and past experiences fulfill the company’s needs, demonstrating a win-win scenario.
Overlooking the Importance of Showing Cultural Fit and Alignment: Many candidates focus solely on technical skills and responsibilities, forgetting that companies hire people who will thrive in their environment. If you don't show an understanding of or appreciation for their culture, you might be seen as a poor fit.
These pitfalls highlight why a truly tailored and authentic response to what interested you in this position is crucial for making a strong impression.
What Are Some Strong Examples for "what interested you in this position"?
Seeing examples can help solidify your understanding of how to answer what interested you in this position effectively.
Connecting Personal Experience to Company Values: "I've followed [Company Name]'s work in sustainable energy for years, especially your recent initiative in [specific project]. My passion for environmental conservation, sparked by my volunteer work with [specific organization], aligns perfectly with your mission to innovate for a greener future [1]. This position would allow me to contribute my [specific skill] to a cause I deeply believe in."
Tying Specific Skills and Experiences to Employer Needs: "What truly interested me in this position was the opportunity to leverage my expertise in [specific skill, e.g., 'data analytics'] to help [Company Name] achieve its goals in [specific area, e.g., 'customer retention']. In my previous role, I successfully [quantifiable achievement relevant to the new role], and I see direct parallels to the challenges outlined in this job description. I'm excited by the prospect of applying my problem-solving abilities to contribute immediate value to your team [2]."
Showing Excitement About Company Culture or Industry Leadership: "I've been deeply impressed by [Company Name]'s reputation for fostering a collaborative and innovative culture. The recent articles I read about your [specific program or employee initiative] particularly resonated with my desire to work in an environment where continuous learning is encouraged. Beyond the fascinating work in [industry], it's the emphasis on [specific cultural value] that makes me incredibly enthusiastic about this position."
These examples demonstrate research, genuine interest, and a clear connection between the candidate's profile and what interested you in this position.
How Does "what interested you in this position" Apply Beyond Job Interviews?
The skill of articulating what interested you in this position isn't confined to job interviews; it's a fundamental aspect of effective professional communication in various contexts:
In Sales Calls: When approaching a prospective client, expressing genuine interest in their business, their challenges, or their current market position builds immediate rapport. Instead of just pitching your product, start by stating what interested you in their business or industry, demonstrating you've done your homework and care about their needs [3]. This sets a collaborative tone.
In College Interviews: Admissions officers want to know why you chose their institution. Articulating what interested you in their specific program, faculty, research opportunities, or campus culture shows intentionality and passion, making you stand out from generic applicants.
General Professional Communication: Whether networking, seeking mentorship, or initiating a new project, tailoring your message to show insight and passion relevant to the conversation can be highly impactful. Clearly stating what interested you in a particular topic or connection fosters stronger relationships and more productive discussions.
The ability to articulate your interest genuinely is a powerful communication tool that opens doors in many professional avenues.
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With what interested you in this position?
Preparing for an interview, especially for a crucial question like what interested you in this position, can be daunting. Verve AI Interview Copilot is designed to empower job seekers by providing real-time coaching and personalized feedback. With Verve AI Interview Copilot, you can practice your answers to common and complex interview questions, including honing your response to what interested you in this position. The AI analyzes your delivery, content, and confidence, offering actionable insights to refine your message and boost your performance. Verve AI Interview Copilot helps ensure your answer to what interested you in this position is polished, impactful, and authentic. Visit https://vervecopilot.com to learn more.
What Are the Most Common Questions About what interested you in this position?
Q: How long should my answer to "what interested you in this position" be?
A: Aim for 60-90 seconds, concise enough to be impactful but long enough to convey genuine interest and specifics.
Q: Is it okay to mention salary or benefits as part of "what interested you in this position"?
A: No, focus on the role's responsibilities, company mission, culture, and growth opportunities. Avoid discussing compensation here.
Q: What if I don't know much about the company's recent news for "what interested you in this position"?
A: Focus on their mission, products/services, or general industry impact. Acknowledge what you do know.
Q: Can I reuse the same answer for "what interested you in this position" for different jobs?
A: Absolutely not. Your answer must be tailored specifically to each company and role to demonstrate genuine, unique interest.
Q: How do I sound genuine and not rehearsed when discussing "what interested you in this position"?
A: Practice your points, not a script. Focus on conveying your authentic enthusiasm and passion, letting your personality shine through.
Mastering the art of answering "what interested you in this position" is more than just about landing a job; it's about confidently articulating your value and intentions in any professional interaction. By understanding the question's purpose, preparing thoroughly, structuring your response strategically, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can transform this key moment into a powerful opportunity to showcase your readiness and enthusiasm. Apply these insights, and watch how your ability to express what interested you in this position opens doors to new opportunities.
