"Why are you interested in the position?" is a popular job interview question. Employers ask this to see if you have researched the company and role. They want to know if you are genuinely excited about the job and if your goals match what the company offers. Answering it well can show you are a good fit.

Takeaways

1. Match Your Skills: Talk about how your skills and experience fit the job requirements. Highlight relevant work you've done before.
2. Show Passion: Explain why you are excited about the role. Share what you find interesting about the job and the company.
3. Company Values: Mention how the company's values align with your own. This shows you've researched them and care about their mission.
4. Career Growth: Talk about how this job fits into your career goals. Let them know you see a future with the company.
5. Specific Reasons: Avoid vague answers. Be specific about what drew you to this job, such as the team, projects, or opportunities for growth.

Five Answers on How to Respond to "Why are you interested in the position?"

Answer 1:

I am interested in the position because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact. For example, in my previous role as a volunteer coordinator, I found fulfillment in organizing events that contributed to the community's well-being. I believe this position will allow me to continue making a difference in a more impactful way.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's passion for helping others and their desire to make a positive impact, citing past experiences in a similar role. By connecting their personal values to the responsibilities of the position, the candidate demonstrates a genuine interest in the job.

Answer 2:

I am interested in this position because I have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact. For example, in my previous role as a volunteer at a local shelter, I found great fulfillment in assisting those in need and want to continue that work in a professional setting.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's passion for helping others and making a positive impact, showcasing their alignment with the values and goals of the position. By providing a specific example from their past experience, the candidate demonstrates a genuine interest in the role and a desire to continue making a difference in a professional capacity.

Answer 3:

I am interested in this position because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact. For example, in my previous role as a volunteer coordinator, I was able to connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities that made a difference in the community, and I believe this position will allow me to continue to contribute in a meaningful way.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's passion for helping others and making a positive impact, drawing on their previous experience as a volunteer coordinator to demonstrate their ability to connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities. This shows a genuine interest in contributing to the community and aligns with the values of the position they are applying for.

Answer 4:

I am interested in the position because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact. For example, in my previous role as a volunteer coordinator, I found great joy in connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities that aligned with their interests and skills, and I believe that this position will allow me to continue to contribute to a cause I care deeply about.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's passion for helping others and making a positive impact, showcasing their alignment with the values and goals of the position. By sharing a specific example from their previous experience as a volunteer coordinator, the candidate demonstrates their relevant skills and experience that make them a strong fit for the role.

Answer 5:

I am interested in this position because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact. For example, in my previous role as a volunteer coordinator, I found great fulfillment in connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities to give back to the community. I believe this position aligns well with my values and allows me to continue making a difference.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's passion for helping others and making a positive impact, citing past experience as a volunteer coordinator. By emphasizing alignment with personal values and the opportunity to continue making a difference, the candidate effectively conveys genuine interest in the position.

Five STAR Method Answers on How to Respond to "Why are you interested in the position?"

STAR Answer 1:

Situation: I was looking to transition into a more challenging role within the healthcare industry.

Task: I wanted to utilize my experience in project management and passion for improving patient care in a new setting.

Action: I researched the company's commitment to innovation and patient outcomes, which aligned with my career goals.

Result: My interest in the position grew as I saw the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the organization while furthering my professional development.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate expresses interest in the position by highlighting their desire for a more challenging role in the healthcare industry, their relevant experience in project management, and their passion for improving patient care. They also mention aligning company values with their career goals, showing a strategic approach to their job search.

STAR Answer 2:

Situation: I was looking to grow in my career and saw the job posting for this position.

Task: To find a role that aligned with my skills and career goals.

Action: I researched the company, its values, and the job responsibilities to ensure it was a good fit.

Result: I became excited about the opportunity to contribute to a company with a mission I believe in and where I can continue to develop professionally.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The response effectively conveys the candidate's motivation for applying to the position by highlighting their proactive approach in researching the company and job responsibilities. It demonstrates a genuine interest in the company's values and mission, as well as a desire for professional growth and alignment with their career goals.

STAR Answer 3:

Situation: I was looking for a new opportunity that aligned with my skills and interests.

Task: To find a job that would allow me to grow professionally and make a positive impact.

Action: I researched the company and found that this position not only matched my qualifications but also offered room for growth and development.

Result: I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and continue learning in a role that aligns with my career goals.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate is interested in the position because it aligns with their skills and interests, offers room for growth and development, and matches their career goals. They have researched the company and believe that this role will allow them to make a positive impact while continuing to learn and grow professionally.

STAR Answer 4:

Situation: I was looking to transition into a role where I could utilize my project management skills in a more collaborative team environment.

Task: I wanted to find a position that aligned with my career goals and provided opportunities for growth and development.

Action: I researched the company and the position to understand how my skills and experience could contribute to the team and help achieve company objectives.

Result: I found that this position not only matched my career aspirations but also offered a platform to further develop my project management skills while working with a talented team.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate is interested in the position because it aligns with their career goals, offers opportunities for growth and development, and allows them to utilize their project management skills in a collaborative team environment. They researched the company and the position to ensure that their skills and experience could contribute to the team and help achieve company objectives. This position not only matches their career aspirations but also provides a platform to further develop their project management skills while working with a talented team.

STAR Answer 5:

Situation: I was looking to transition into a new role that aligned more closely with my passion for marketing and social media.

Task: Find a position that allowed me to utilize my skills in digital marketing and social media management.

Action: I researched various job opportunities and came across this position that focused on developing and implementing social media campaigns.

Result: I applied for the position and successfully landed an interview, where I could further express my enthusiasm and experience in this field.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate is interested in the position because it aligns with their passion for marketing and social media. They were seeking a role that would allow them to utilize their skills in digital marketing and social media management, which led them to research and apply for this specific position focusing on social media campaigns. This demonstrates a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the responsibilities associated with the role.