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When an interviewer asks, "What interests you about this position?" the best answers strategically connect your skills and values to the company's specific needs, demonstrating a clear fit and genuine enthusiasm. A strong response is not generic; it is a researched, tailored answer that highlights mutual benefit. Based on our assessment experience, candidates who succeed with this question typically use one of three effective approaches: the passionate, analytical, or mutually beneficial answer.
Understanding the interviewer's goal is the first step to crafting a powerful answer. This question is a core part of the candidate screening process, designed to assess several key areas. The interviewer wants to see if you have deeply analyzed the job description and understand the role's explicit and implicit requirements. It also tests whether your career goals align with the company's direction and evaluates your ability to articulate how your experience directly applies to their challenges. A vague answer can signal a lack of preparation or genuine interest, while a specific one builds credibility and shows you are a serious contender.
This approach focuses on aligning your personal values with the company's mission. Instead of just stating you "love" the company, explain how your professional ethos connects with their work. For example, you might say, "I'm particularly drawn to this role because of your company's public commitment to sustainable manufacturing. In my previous position, I led a initiative to reduce waste by 15%, and I am excited by the opportunity to apply that experience to your broader sustainability goals." This shows passion backed by actionable experience, proving you care about more than just the job title. Remember to maintain a professional demeanor—enthusiasm is good, but it must be grounded in substance.
An analytical answer directly maps your quantifiable skills to the requirements listed in the job description. This method is highly effective because it demonstrates critical thinking and research. For instance, if the job requires expertise in a specific Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, you could state, "The job description highlights the need for optimizing the sales funnel using Salesforce. In my last role, I used Salesforce analytics to increase lead conversion by 20% over six months, and I'm keen to apply that same data-driven approach here." This strategy turns the interview into a structured interview where you provide clear, verifiable evidence of your capability. It shows you view the role not just as a job, but as a problem you are equipped to solve.
This advanced strategy balances what you can offer with what you hope to gain, showcasing long-term thinking. It answers the question from both the company's perspective and your own career development path. You might say, "I am interested in this marketing manager position because it allows me to leverage my expertise in launching products in the Asian market, which I see as a key growth area mentioned in your annual report. Simultaneously, your company's renowned mentorship program would be invaluable for developing my skills in global brand strategy." This frames you as a strategic investment, highlighting how the relationship supports both organizational objectives and your professional growth, which is a key factor in talent retention.
Conclusion Crafting your answer to "What interests you about this position?" requires careful preparation. Thoroughly research the company and role before the interview. Always align your skills with the company's stated goals, providing concrete examples. Avoid discussing salary or perks at this stage, as it can undermine the perception of your motivation. A well-prepared answer significantly increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
