{"id":1970,"date":"2022-07-25T14:26:25","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T14:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=1970"},"modified":"2023-06-26T07:19:47","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T07:19:47","slug":"why-are-you-interested-in-this-position","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Answer: \u201cWhy are You Interested In This Position?\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Job interview questions can be very stressful. And a lot of applicants actually find abstract questions such as \u201cwhy are you interested in this position\u201d the hardest to answer. Here are a few best practices for handling questions like these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-long-do-job-interviews-last\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1437\">how long job interviews last<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position-1.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to Answer: \u201cWhy are You Interested In This Position?\u201d\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position-1.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position-1-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position-1-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69deed737eeff\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69deed737eeff\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#Why_do_employers_ask_%E2%80%9CWhy_are_you_interested_in_this_job%E2%80%9D\" >Why do employers ask \u201cWhy are you interested in this job?\u201d<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#Some_other_ways_employers_may_ask_this_question\" >Some other ways employers may ask this question<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#Steps_for_Answering_%E2%80%9CWhy_Are_You_Interested_in_This_Position%E2%80%9D\" >Steps for Answering \u201cWhy Are You Interested in This Position?\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#How_to_structure_your_response\" >How to structure your response?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#%E2%80%9CWhy_are_you_interested_in_this_position%E2%80%9D_examples\" >\u201cWhy are you interested in this position?\u201d examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#Examples_of_what_NOT_to_say\" >Examples of what NOT to say<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_employers_ask_%E2%80%9CWhy_are_you_interested_in_this_job%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Why do employers ask \u201cWhy are you interested in this job?\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be a whole range of reasons why an employer may ask you this question. Some of the most common things they may want to learn by asking it include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You understand the position you are applying for and what it involves<\/li><li>You are passionate and enthusiastic about the opportunity<\/li><li>Your work experience and educational background align with your career goals<\/li><li>You will make positive contributions to the company<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be, of course, other reasoning behind the question. Your interviewer may be using the question to see how you stand out from other candidates applying for the same position. If you and several other candidates have the same credentials and experience, finding out who is more interested in the job, may actually be the deciding factor for your potential employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to answer the <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"283\">\u201cWhat Makes You Stand Out from Other Candidates?\u201d<\/a> job interview question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"748\" height=\"553\" src=\"http:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/why-interested-this-position-tips.png\" alt=\"Why are you interested in this position - summary\" class=\"wp-image-5279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/why-interested-this-position-tips.png 748w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/why-interested-this-position-tips-300x222.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/why-interested-this-position-tips-50x37.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_other_ways_employers_may_ask_this_question\"><\/span>Some other ways employers may ask this question<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different ways to phrase the \u201cwhy are you interested in this job?\u201d question. Here are just a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>What makes you the best candidate for the job?<\/li><li>What are you the most passionate about?<\/li><li>Why do you want to work for us?<\/li><li>What makes you resign from your current position?<\/li><li>What do you want to achieve in your new role?<\/li><li>How do you stand out from other applicants?<\/li><li>What do you want to gain from this experience<\/li><li>And more<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about<a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/job-interview-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"97\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> the 10 most common job interview questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to use resume builder<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_for_Answering_%E2%80%9CWhy_Are_You_Interested_in_This_Position%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Steps for Answering \u201cWhy Are You Interested in This Position?\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhy are you interested in this position?\u201d may be quite a complicated question to answer \u2014 especially if you are caught off guard. This is why we strongly recommend that you come prepared. Here are some of the steps you can take to get ready to answer this question during a job interview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Make sure you understand what job you are applying for.<\/strong> Look over the job description one more time before the interview and note down any important keywords that describe your future responsibilities. You can then reiterate these words to the interviewer when you are answering the question to signal that you are on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do some research on the company you are applying to.<\/strong> Make your read up on the company you want to work for. Try to learn about the company\u2019s culture, mission, long-term goals, strategies and more. You can usually find this information on the company\u2019s website or their social media pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Check in with your professional network.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve been working in your field for a while, you\u2019ve probably developed connections in the industry. Check with the people you know if they have any extra information on the company you plan to work for that could be useful during the job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Find specific examples that can help you answer the question.<\/strong> It\u2019s always better if you can answer a job interview question with specifics. Think of examples from your previous employment that can demonstrate your fitness for the job. This may be a reference to a project you worked on, your teambuilding skills, your professional achievements, etc. Your examples could also be about the company you plan to work for. You can mention specific projects that the company has that you would love to be a part of, mention what you are especially looking forward to getting started on and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Talk about your career goals.<\/strong> If you don\u2019t have much work experience yet that can back up your interest in the job, use your career plans and goals to find common ground with your employer. You can mention how getting this job will help accelerate your professional development and how eager you are to learn on the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick up some <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/words-to-describe-yourself-in-an-interview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"234\">new worlds for describing yourself in a job interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_structure_your_response\"><\/span>How to structure your response?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to give your answer a clear structure. Consider basing your answer around these three points of information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>How working for the company will help you develop professionally<\/li><li>How the position aligns with your future goals<\/li><li>What makes this particular job unique<\/li><li>What makes you a good fit for this job<\/li><li>What you expect to accomplish in the new position<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s essential that your answer to this question highlights that you have carefully studied the job description and know what\u2019s expected of you. It\u2019s also preferable to complete your answer with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebalancecareers.com\/questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview-2061205\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.thebalancecareers.com\/questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview-2061205\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">question to the employer<\/a> \u2014 so that you can show interest and develop this conversation further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CWhy_are_you_interested_in_this_position%E2%80%9D_examples\"><\/span>\u201cWhy are you interested in this position?\u201d examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few sample answers to the \u201cwhy are you interested in this position?\u201d question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sample answer if you are applying for the position of a marketing manager:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>I\u2019ve really enjoyed working as a social media manager with my current employer. However, I feel like I am ready to take on a bigger role and have more responsibilities. I am interested in all aspects of marketing \u2014 including social media management, marketing strategy and research, branding and advertising, retail marketing and more. <\/em><\/p><p><em>This is why I am very excited about this position as I believe that my years in digital marketing can be a good contribution to your team \u2014 and I can also continue my professional development with the help of your company. Could you advise what specific goals you plan to place for your marketing team this year?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Sample answer if you are applying for the position of a copywriter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>As long as I remember, I\u2019ve always been passionate about finding the best ways to put ideas into words. In my previous job, I put my skills to good use as a technical editor. However, I want to expand the scope of the things I write about and would really appreciate a role where I have more creative freedom. <\/em><\/p><p><em>As a marketing copywriter in your company, I believe I can work on a variety of diverse projects and use my writing and editing skills to help deliver your company\u2019s brand message, mission and more.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Sample answer if you are applying for the position of an office manager:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>In my current job I\u2019m in charge of a small office with three people. I handle office supplies, attendance and scheduling, phone calls and corporate events. I\u2019ve been in the job for five years and I feel that I\u2019ve learnt all I need to know and have managed to make our small office the most efficient in the company. I feel that I am ready to move on to bigger challenges \u2014 literally. <\/em><\/p><p><em>I want to be in charge of a bigger office, have more responsibilities and take on more challenges. I am sure that I will be able to do all of this in your company. But I also wanted to ask what your expectations are for your new office manager? What office projects do you find to be of the highest priority?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples_of_what_NOT_to_say\"><\/span>Examples of what NOT to say<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, we\u2019ve shared some tips for how to best answer the \u201cwhy are you interested in this job?\u201d question. However, there are also things you shouldn\u2019t say when answering it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Don\u2019t say that you see this job as a stepping stone to something bigger, better and higher paying.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t say that you are motivated solely by the benefits\/salary the company has to offer.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t base your answer on the fact that the scheduling\/fewer hours fit you better.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t use abstract and generic phrases like \u201cthis sounds like an interesting opportunity\u201d without backing it up with examples.<\/li><li>It\u2019s best to not seem too eager to get the job because you simply don\u2019t have any other options.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position_.png\" alt=\"final thoughts on Why are You Interested In This Position\" class=\"wp-image-1975\" width=\"800\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position_.png 704w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position_-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position_-50x24.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s sum things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cwhy are you interested in this job?\u201d question is not the easiest to answer \u2014 and it\u2019s best to come prepared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Do research on the company you are applying for.<\/li><li>Note down keywords from the job description that may help you with your answer.<\/li><li>Find specific examples from your previous work experience that can help you make your case.<\/li><li>Talk about how the work in the company can help you develop professionally.<\/li><li>Give your response a clear structure.<\/li><li>Go over \u201cwhat not to say\u201d in the paragraph above.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, don&#8217;t forget to <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/interview-thank-you-email\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"240\">show appreciation with an interview thank you email<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Job interview questions can be very stressful. And a lot of applicants actually find abstract questions such as \u201cwhy are you interested in this position\u201d [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[6,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1970"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6221,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970\/revisions\/6221"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1970"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=1970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}