How to Answer “Why Are You Interested in This Position? – One of the questions an employer usually asks to an interviewee is “why are you interested in this position?” Just in case you’re wondering, there’s no sign that this question will be excluded from the job interview list question because this question remains relevant. Particularly, employers want to know how the interviewee will answer that question.
There’s a lot to unload about this question. In order to understand the meaning of that question and what the employer expects from you by asking that question, this article will help you to also know how to answer “why are you interested in this position?”
Reasons Employers Ask “Why are you interested in this position?”
First of all, it is important to know the reasons an employer asks that question to every interviewee during a job interview. By understanding the reasons, you can hit their expected answers better. Because they look forward to your answer.
When you give your answer, there are at least two judgments that come into their mind. First, you understand the question. Second, you don’t. You need the job, so you better figure out what it takes to get the job.
Actually, there are two things you need to know at once. The reasons an employer ask that question and what they actually expect from you. Both have to be learned at the same time. So you can deliver the right answer. And what is that?
1. The employer wants to know if you understand the position you’re applying for
2. The employer wants to know if you’re genuinely interested or generally how you feel about the job
3. The employer wants to know your goal or plan and if it aligns with the role you’re applying for
The employer wants to find the right candidate and that is their main goal from the hiring process. Usually an employee is considered the right candidate if their plan and goal is aligned with the company’s. There’s also a chance that they can work for the company for a long time because it proves their loyalty. But first of all before anything, the employee knows what they’re doing.
Their loyalty and big contribution to the company are valuable assets for the company. This is something that can only come fruity after a long time. Strategic employers would totally consider candidates to that extent. Particularly, an employer would consider candidates that potentially can give the company the expected advantages.
How to answer “why are you interested in this position?”
To answer that question, you need to relate with the reasons an employer ask this question, as previously already explained. Because some of the things you learn are pulled from that explanation.
1. Give a clear answer
Giving a clear answer on that question means that you understand the position you’re applying for. You also have the capability to communicate what you understand clearly. All of these combined would make a positive impression to the employer and proof of your competency. Thus, increasing chances to hire you.
2. Be genuine with your answer
The employer can tell if you’re not enthusiastic, excited, or genuine with the job interview process. This can affect their impression of you. Actually, most job seekers are obviously enthusiastic for their job interview. It’s just that sometimes they are nervous.
When they’re nervous, they can’t think clearly and would result in stuttering or other things that overshadow their performance. Also making them unable to perform their best potential at job interviews. And this is something that every job seeker would not want to happen.
Though you want to come off impressive, make sure that you are not going to appear snobbish or exaggerating. For example, you’re applying for customer service. It’s tough for the employer to believe that that’s your dream job. Unless customer service is one of the high paying jobs, your answer doesn’t sound genuine. In fact, exaggerating.
Since the question is “why are you interested in this position?” This is your opportunity to express yourself. Still, in a formal and polite manner. So, being genuine with your answer should also be followed with delivering your answer with manners.
3. Let them know that you’re actually interested with the job and the company
There can be cases where the job seekers are interested in the company more than the job, or the opposite. Especially if the company is famous or prestigious. Though you may also be in that situation, be careful to appear unbalanced to the employers. It would make you unprofessional.
Employers usually appreciate it if you are interested in the company because it means that their company branding succeeds. That general public has a positive impression of the company. But, you’re there to apply for a job. So be like a professional job seeker. Don’t get starstruck!
In the opposite case, the job seekers are only interested in the job but not the company. For example, if the company is relatively unknown. Usually, it’s rather ideal to be interested in the job first and foremost.
If that’s not the case, show excitement and enthusiasm during the job interview when you’re asked this question nevertheless. That way, they’ll know that you’re actually interested in the job, the position to be specific.
4. Relate your answer with your career goal
The answer to the “why are you interested in this position” question is not just a description answer. To impress the employer, you will need to be able to relate the answer to other aspects. Elaborate your answer. One of the many ways to elaborate your answer is by explaining how your position is aligned with your career goal.
5. Make them feel like you only see them, no other company
Employers are familiar with any type of job seekers. No exception, job seekers who are applying for many job vacancies. Actually, it is normal. The employers can understand that.
What you have to pay attention to is to not act like they are the second option. No company would accept that behavior. They want to know how happy you’re to be in that company and work for that position passionately. So make them feel special.
6. Do your research
This is the thing you must not ignore, do your research. The other key to give the right answer on “why are you interested in this position?” is to do your research on the company and position you’re applying for. And surely, this process takes time.
Collect as much information about the company and the job. So you know what to say and what’s not. Remember that not all information you gain from research need to be addressed. You still have to sort out what needs to be said and to be kept for yourself.
Giving a good answer to this question will show the employers that you’re knowledgeable about the company, the industry, and foremost, the position you’re applying for. However, to do your research is the key to give the right answer for this question.
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Key answers to “why are you interested in this position?”
You can answer that question by developing these topics.
1. The company reputation and how the position you’re applying for will give you the chance to contribute positively for the company
It’s always right to praise the company. Among everything you can praise, is the company reputation. However, you can’t just do that and stop. You need to also develop your answer by adding what you can contribute to the company, through the position you’re applying for.
2. The leadership team reputation and how attractive is that for you
If the employers are known to have a positive reputation, usually they attract job seekers easily. As obviously as it sounds, you’re totally okay to mention that. Even if they’re aware of it already. But, again, you still have to explain why that aspect is attractive to you and how you contribute to the company.
3. Appreciating their products or services
If you show them that you appreciate their products or services, you also respect theirs. The employers would love to see candidates who can respect their products or services. It is an attractive aspect to employers.
4. Appreciating their strategies, community involvement, training programs
In order to know about the company’s strategies, community involvement, or training programs, it takes research. Because information related to that is usually not easily accessed. By stating that you appreciate it, you display a sign that you have competency for the position, are knowledgeable, and done your research perfectly.
5. Appreciating the company culture and values
Though this question is one of the first questions asked during a job interview, you can already start with stating the company culture and values. Whether they fit your work style, or other reasons, appreciating the company culture and values can interest the employers.
6. Appreciating their growth
Talking about the company’s growth is definitely a sign that you’ve done your research properly and care for the company. Appreciating their growth can impress the employers.
Anticipating question “why are you interested in this position?” can help you to calm during a job interview. It’s not a secret that every interviewee gets this question during a job interview. Giving a concise answer to this question will let the employers know that you’re knowledgeable and consider hiring you if you fit what they’re looking for in a candidate.
