“Why are you interested in this position?” caught Emily off guard during her interview at a tech startup last month. She had prepared for behavioral questions and technical challenges, but this seemingly simple inquiry left her stumbling through a generic response about “great opportunities” and “company culture.” The hiring manager’s polite nod suggested her answer missed the mark entirely.
As someone who’s sat on both sides of countless interview tables, I’ll show you exactly how to craft a compelling response that demonstrates genuine interest while positioning you as the ideal candidate. This question appears deceptively straightforward, but your answer can make or break your chances of moving forward.
Why employers ask “Why are you interested in this position?”
Employers use this question to gauge three critical factors: your genuine motivation for applying, your understanding of the role’s requirements, and your long-term commitment potential. Hiring managers want candidates who applied thoughtfully rather than spray-and-pray job seekers who submitted applications everywhere. They’re assessing whether you’ve done your homework about the company, the position, and how both align with your career trajectory.
Research from talent acquisition platform Workable indicates that 87% of hiring managers ask some variation of this question during first-round interviews. The response helps them identify candidates who demonstrate authentic interest versus those simply seeking any available position. Your answer reveals whether you understand what the job entails and can articulate how your skills and goals connect to their specific needs.
Variations of “Why are you interested in this position?”
Interviewers often phrase this fundamental question in multiple ways to catch candidates off guard or gather different perspectives on your motivation.
- What attracts you to this role?
- What made you apply for this position?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What interests you most about this opportunity?
- Why should we hire you for this specific role?
- What draws you to our company and this position?
- How does this role fit into your career plans?
- What excites you about this job?
- Why did this position catch your attention?
- What makes you think you’d be a good fit for this role?
- Why are you looking to make this career move?
How to answer “Why are you interested in this position?”
Structure your response using the three-pillar approach: company connection, role alignment, and mutual benefit. This framework ensures you address the employer’s underlying concerns while showcasing your preparation and strategic thinking.
Start by demonstrating specific knowledge about the company that genuinely resonates with you. Avoid generic statements like “you’re an industry leader” or “great company culture.” Instead, reference recent achievements, strategic initiatives, or values that align with your professional interests. Research the company’s recent news, growth trajectory, or innovative projects that sparked your genuine interest in joining their team.
Next, connect your skills and experience directly to the role’s requirements. Review the job description carefully and identify 2-3 key responsibilities or qualifications that match your background. Explain how your previous experience prepared you for these specific challenges and how you’re excited to apply your expertise in this context. This demonstrates that you understand what the job entails and possess relevant capabilities.
Finally, articulate the mutual benefit by explaining how this position serves your career goals while contributing value to the organization. Describe what you hope to learn, accomplish, or develop in this role. Explain how this opportunity represents a logical next step in your professional journey and how your growth aligns with the company’s objectives.
Keep your response between 60-90 seconds when spoken aloud. Practice weaving these three elements together smoothly rather than addressing them as separate bullet points. Authenticity matters more than perfection—let your genuine enthusiasm show through while maintaining professionalism.
Here’s an example response: “I’ve been following DataFlow’s expansion into predictive analytics, particularly your recent partnership with healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes. Having spent the past four years developing machine learning models for financial forecasting, I’m excited about applying these technical skills to make a meaningful impact in healthcare technology. This Senior Data Scientist position offers the perfect opportunity to leverage my Python and TensorFlow expertise while learning about healthcare data compliance—an area I’ve wanted to explore. The role’s focus on cross-functional collaboration also aligns with my goal of transitioning from individual contributor work to leading data initiatives that drive business decisions.”