How to Answer “Why Are You Interested in this Position?” in an Interview: The interview process is one stage that is present in almost every job search. The interview process can often be nerve-wracking, especially when the applicant is presented with difficult questions. The question “Why are you interested in this position?” is one that is frequently unexpected by job candidates. This inquiry tries to determine a candidate’s drive and suitability for the position and the business. This blog post will provide you insightful advice on how to create a strong response in order to help you answer this question with assurance and distinction.
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Why do hiring managers ask applicants, “Why are you interested in this position?”: When asking “Why do you want this job?” during interviews, interviewers often seek to learn the responses to the following four key questions:
A. Do you comprehend the post for which you are applying?
B. Do you have a passion for the job?
C. Are your objectives and experience in line with the position?
D. Will you make a positive contribution to the business?
The first three interview questions are frequently addressed by interviewees in their replies, however it is often possible to miss the fourth. Always keep in mind that companies respect applicants who wish to make a significant contribution to corporate objectives while also furthering their own careers.
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At what point in an interview are you likely to get the question: “Why are you interested in this position?”
Frankly speaking, “Why are you interested in this position?” is a question you can encounter at any time during the employment interview. The interviewer may use this question to set the tone for the talk, therefore it’s most likely to come up early on in the meeting. As the hiring manager looks to gauge your enthusiasm for the opportunity in the course of the interview, when you’ve learned more specifics about it, it can also come up at the end of the interview.
Watch out for alternative questions like, “Why do you want to work with us?” or “What can you bring to bear if given this position?”
Ways To Intelligently Tackle This Question
1. Research and Understand the Position: You must properly research and comprehend the position you are seeking for before your interview. You can better match your interests, experiences, and skills to the job’s needs and organizational culture by taking this step. Examine the job description, duties, requirements, and any other information that is accessible. Keep in mind the values, mission, and vision of the business. Using this information, you may modify your response to demonstrate your comprehension of and excitement for the position.
For instance, if you’re seeking for a job in accounting, your duties might be:
A. inventory management and counting
B. ordering products
C. putting inventory invoices online
D. balancing the bills
E. interacting with suppliers
You can use this information to determine which professional qualities to emphasize in your response. You may give a response similar to this one in response to the example above:
“I want this position because I’m searching for a chance to apply my aptitude for math and my attention to detail. I believe I will succeed in this role because I have the interpersonal abilities to build trusting connections with vendors and the accounting software experience to competently manage invoices and inventory databases.”
Your reasons for applying and your pertinent qualifications will be communicated through a response that uses terms from the job description, such as this one.
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2. Research the Company: Make sure to research the organization you are interviewing with in addition to reading the job description. You might show the interviewer that you are particularly interested in the role if you have done your study on the organization and its business plan.
Good starting points are as follows:
A. Website of the business
B. Coverage in external media
C. Personal relationships with employees
3. Highlight Your Skills and Experiences: Make the most of your chance to showcase your pertinent qualifications by sharing your experiences, successes, and talents. Determine the essential qualifications listed in the job description and relate them to your prior successes. Be sure to emphasize how your special skills make you the perfect candidate for the position and allow you to contribute to the growth of the business. Give concrete examples to demonstrate your expertise and potential influence.
“I believe my qualifications are especially appropriate for this position because…”
“I think I possess the knowledge necessary to be successful in this position and at the organization because…”
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4. Connect with the culture and values of the business: Employers frequently look for applicants who not only have the required abilities but also fit with the culture and values of the organization. Find out about the organization’s culture, basic beliefs, and mission.
Find areas where your values and those of the firm overlap. Show your commitment to the organization’s mission and how it aligns with your own values. This will demonstrate your dedication to the mission of the business and your possible cultural fit.
5. Express Your Enthusiasm: Genuine excitement for the job and the organization must be shown. Express your enthusiasm about the chance to participate, learn, and develop. Emphasize particular facets of the position or the company that appeal to you and make you truly thrilled about the possibility of working there. The interviewer will remember you for your zeal.
“This career opportunity excites me since it will enable me to…”
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6. Personalize Your Response: Adapt your response to demonstrate your familiarity with the company. Mention current events, initiatives, or projects that the company is working on, and explain why they have caught your attention. This personal touch will show that you have put in the time and effort to learn about the organization outside of the scope of your job description.
Think about your career goals. Think about your long-term professional objectives and how this employment fits in with them. Think about the abilities you want to gain, the chances you want, and how this position fits into your larger career plan. You can show your devotion and commitment by expressing a sincere interest in the company’s growth and advancement prospects.
“In line with the company’s objectives which are… I believe I can contribute to this opportunity’s exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry by/with my…”
7. Make Mutual Benefits a Priority: Be sure to emphasize how the organization will profit from your abilities, experiences, and distinct perspectives in addition to expressing your interest.
Describe how your contributions can help them solve their problems, enhance their procedures, or promote innovation. By focusing on the shared advantages, you highlight your value as a candidate who can have an impact.
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8. Conclude your response with a question: Ending your response with a pertinent question for the interviewer is a terrific strategy to differentiate yourself from other job candidates. The interview becomes more conversational when you conclude your statement with a question. Additionally, it demonstrates that you’re not afraid to seek clarification when necessary. Such questions may include the following:
A. What is the one thing I can do in this position to provide you the most return on your investment?
B. How might you define my success in this role a year from now?
C. In the upcoming five to ten years, where do you see the business/company going?
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Conclusion
Some job applicants become paralyzed when asked questions like “Why are you interested in this position?” or “Tell me about yourself,” fearing they’ll answer them incorrectly. However, if you plan ahead for the interview and anticipate the topic, you’ll avoid feeling lost for words and have a better chance of providing a salient response.
It takes planning and reflection to come up with a thoughtful response to the question, “Why are you interested in this position?” You can effectively respond to the question “Why are you interested in this position?” during your interview by using the techniques described in this blog post. Don’t forget to do your homework on the position and the firm, align your career goals, highlight your abilities and experiences, demonstrate your fit with the company’s values and culture, demonstrate enthusiasm, tailor your response, and underline any potential benefits for both parties. Making a positive impression on the interviewer by giving a thoughtful, sincere response will demonstrate your suitability for the job. Success with your interview!
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.