As a job candidate, one of the most frequent and critical questions that you may encounter during the interview process is, “What interests you about this job?”

Before we dive into the details of how to answer the question of what interests you about the job, let’s first set the context. In today’s competitive job market, there are often hundreds of applicants for a single job opening. Hiring managers have many options to choose from, and they are looking for the candidate who can demonstrate the strongest alignment between their skills, experience, and interests with the job requirements.

The Importance of Answering the Question

The question, “What interests you about this job?” is a critical one because it allows the hiring manager to gain insight into your motivation for applying to the job. Your answer can reveal a lot about your alignment with the company’s culture, values, and mission. It can also demonstrate your passion for the industry or work that the company is involved in. It is an opportunity for you to highlight your unique value proposition as a job candidate.

How to Structure Your Response

To structure your response to this question effectively, it is important to follow a few guidelines. Firstly, research the company and the job description thoroughly before the interview. This will allow you to highlight specific job responsibilities and requirements that align with your skills and experience.

Secondly, focus on what interests you about the job and how it aligns with your career goals. You can also talk about how the job could provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Be specific and give examples to support your answer.

Answering the question of what interests you about the job requires preparation, specificity, and a clear understanding of the company’s culture and values. By structuring your response effectively, you can demonstrate your unique value proposition as a job candidate and increase your chances of landing the job.

Understanding the Question

When it comes to job interviews, one of the most common questions asked is “What interests you about this job?” While it may seem like a straightforward question, it’s important to understand what the interviewer really wants to know with this question.

A. What the interviewer wants to know

When an interviewer asks about your interest in a particular job, they are trying to gauge several things. Firstly, they want to know if you have taken the time to understand the position and the company’s culture. They also want to know if your interests and values align with those of the company. Additionally, they are looking for evidence of your motivation and enthusiasm for the role.

Therefore, when answering this question, it’s important to demonstrate that you have researched the company and the role, highlight how your values align with those of the company, and express genuine excitement for the opportunity to work there.

B. Common mistakes to avoid

One of the most common mistakes candidates make when answering this question is to give a generic, uninspired response that sounds like it could apply to any job. This can be a missed opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the organization and the role.

Another mistake to avoid is focusing solely on what the job can do for you, rather than what you can do for the job. While it’s important to consider how the position fits into your career goals, it’s equally important to show how you can add value to the organization.

C. Reading between the lines

Reading between the lines of this question can reveal even more about what the interviewer wants to know. For example, if the job requires specific skills or experience, the interviewer may be trying to assess whether you possess those skills. If the position is in a highly competitive field, they may be looking for evidence of your passion and commitment to the industry.

It’s also worth considering the tone and context of the interview when interpreting this question. If the interviewer seems particularly interested in your answer, it may be because they are trying to understand if you are a good fit for the company culture. On the other hand, if the question is asked casually, it may be simply to break the ice and start a conversation.

Understanding what the interviewer wants to know with this question, avoiding common mistakes, and reading between the lines can help you answer “What interests you about this job?” in a way that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Researching the Company

Before walking into an interview, it’s important for job seekers to do their due diligence on the company. This includes researching the company’s mission, values, and culture, job requirements, responsibilities, objectives, as well as the industry and competitors.

A. Identifying the company’s mission, values, and culture

Understanding a company’s mission and values is crucial to understand their overall purpose and goals, and how they align with your own values. In addition, researching a company’s culture will give insight into their working environment and the attitudes and behaviors they exhibit towards their employees, customers, and partners.

This information can typically be found on the company’s website, social media channels, or through articles and press releases. Pay attention to the language and tone the company uses to describe themselves and their core values, as this can give you insight into what is important to them.

B. Finding out about the job requirements, responsibilities, and objectives

Before applying for a job, ensure that you fully understand the job requirements, responsibilities, and objectives. This includes understanding the skills and qualifications necessary for the job, as well as the day-to-day expectations for the role.

Start by reading the job description thoroughly, and then do further research by looking into similar job postings across the industry. Researching the background of the person currently in the role can also give insight into what the company is looking for.

C. Gathering information about the industry and competitors

To fully understand the company you’re interviewing with, it’s important to understand the industry and competitors they operate in. This can give insight into the broader business landscape, and how the company fits into it.

Start by researching the company’s competitors and how they differentiate themselves in the market. Look for industry trends and shifts, and consider how these might impact the company and their business strategy.

Additional research could include reading industry publications, attending industry conferences or events, and engaging with professionals in the field.

Showing a deep understanding of the company, their mission, values, culture, and industry during an interview can demonstrate a genuine interest in the job and a dedication to making a valuable contribution to the company.

Analyzing the Job Description

Before applying for any job, it is crucial to analyze the job description to determine if the position is a good fit for you. In this section, we will be discussing how to analyze the job description by identifying the key skills and qualifications required, understanding the job duties and responsibilities, and assessing the potential for growth and development.

A. Identifying the Key Skills and Qualifications Required

The first step in analyzing the job description is to identify the key skills and qualifications required for the position. This can be found in the job requirements or qualifications section of the job description. It is essential to pay close attention to these requirements as they are typically the minimum qualifications needed to qualify for the job. It is important to ask yourself if you possess the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job duties.

For example, if the job description requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, you need to have the appropriate educational background to fulfill this requirement. Similarly, if the job description requires a certain number of years of experience in a particular field, you need to have the relevant experience to meet this requirement.

B. Understanding the Job Duties and Responsibilities

Understanding the job duties and responsibilities is the next step in analyzing the job description. This information can be found in the job description’s responsibilities or duties section. It is important to read these sections carefully and assess whether the job duties and responsibilities align with your career goals and interests. Understanding the job duties and responsibilities is an essential step in determining whether you have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job.

For example, if the job requires excellent communication skills and interacting with clients, you must be comfortable communicating and have experience in customer-facing roles. Similarly, if the job requires programming skills or software development, you should be proficient in programming languages relevant to the job.

C. Assessing the Potential for Growth and Development

While the job description is an essential resource when analyzing prospective jobs, it is crucial to consider the potential for growth and development within the company. Will the company allow you to grow and develop professionally? What are the opportunities for advancement or career progression?

It is essential to research the company’s culture, mission, and values to determine whether they align with your career goals and interests. Analyzing career progression opportunities within the company is also important, as it will help determine whether the company can provide long-term career prospects.

Analyzing the job description helps in determining whether the position aligns with your career goals and interests. By identifying the key skills and qualifications required, understanding the job duties and responsibilities, and assessing the potential for growth and development, you can make informed decisions when applying for a job.

Identifying Your Motivations

When considering a job opportunity, it’s important to take the time to identify your motivations. This will help you understand what drives you and what you’re looking for in a job. Here are three key aspects to consider:

A. Self-reflection on your interests, passions, and goals

It’s important to understand what you’re passionate about and what motivates you. Take some time to think about your interests and how they could align with the job you’re considering. If the job is in an industry that you’re passionate about, you’ll likely find it more fulfilling.

You should also consider your long-term goals. How could this job help you achieve them? For example, if you’re looking to advance in a certain field, you may want to choose a job that offers growth opportunities.

B. How the job aligns with your values and aspirations

It’s important to find a job that aligns with your values and aspirations. Consider what’s important to you in a job, such as work-life balance, salary, or company culture. If the job doesn’t align with your values, you may not find it fulfilling.

Additionally, consider how the job fits into your overall aspirations. If the job is a stepping stone to a bigger goal, it may be worth pursuing.

C. Factors that could make the job fulfilling or rewarding

Finally, consider what factors could make the job fulfilling or rewarding. This could include things like working with a great team, having opportunities for professional development, or making a positive impact on society.

By identifying these factors, you can determine if the job is a good fit for you and what you’re looking for. Remember, finding a job that aligns with your motivations can lead to greater job satisfaction and career success.

Using Examples to Illustrate Your Points

When answering “What interests you about this job?”, using examples can help illustrate your points and convey your qualifications more effectively. Examples can provide concrete evidence of your abilities and experiences, and help you stand out among other applicants.

A. Why Using Examples Is Important

Using examples helps paint a clearer picture of your skills and experiences, making it easier for the hiring manager to understand how you can contribute to the organization. This can make your response more engaging and convincing, showing that you have experience in the relevant areas and are a suitable candidate for the job.

Additionally, examples can create a more memorable impression of you and your response. Sharing real-world experiences and challenges you’ve faced in previous roles can help the hiring manager visualize your capabilities and imagine you in the position.

B. Choosing the Most Relevant and Impactful Examples

When selecting examples, it is important to consider the job requirements and tailor your response accordingly. Choose examples that align with the skills and experience desired in the job posting and focus on the most impactful and relevant experiences.

Be specific in your examples, providing details and outcomes to illustrate your point. For example, instead of saying “I worked on a project that increased sales,” say “I led a cross-functional team in implementing a new marketing strategy that resulted in a 15% increase in sales.”

C. How to Structure Your Example-Based Response

When structuring your example-based response, use the following steps:

Start with a brief introduction that summarizes your interest in the job and the specific skills you want to highlight.
Provide a specific example that demonstrates your skills or experiences related to the job.
Discuss the impact your example had on the organization or project.
Connect your example back to the job, explaining how your experience could contribute to the organization if hired.

Your response should be concise yet detailed enough to effectively communicate your qualifications and experiences.

In sum, using examples is a powerful way to illustrate your points and communicate your qualifications when answering “What interests you about this job?” Be sure to choose the most impactful and relevant examples that align with the job requirements and structure your response for maximum impact.

Tailoring Your Answer to the Company and the Job

When answering the question “What interests you about this job?”, it’s crucial to avoid generic responses that won’t differentiate you from other candidates. This is where tailoring your answer comes in.

A. Why Generic Answers Won’t Cut It

Recruiters or hiring managers are looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in their company and the job they are offering. Generic answers show a lack of effort in understanding the company and the role, or worse, a lack of enthusiasm for the job. An applicant who delivers a canned or generic response risks blending in with the pool of unremarkable candidates, ultimately losing the chance to land the job.

B. Personalizing Your Response to the Company’s Values and Culture

You can impress the interviewer by researching the company’s values, mission, and culture. Use this information to personalize your answer, pinpointing specific factors that caught your attention and made you want to work for the company. Mentioning how you share the same core values as the company or admiring their impactful initiatives reflects your dedication to the company and your interest in the work they do.

C. Demonstrating Your Fit with the Job Requirements and Objectives

Tailoring your answer also means demonstrating your fit with the specific job requirements and objectives. Discussing how your skills, experiences, and accomplishments match the job’s qualifications and responsibilities, shows that you are well-informed about the job and have given thought to how you can contribute to its success. Be specific with your examples and emphasize how your achievements match the job’s deliverables. Doing so will give the recruiter a positive impression of how you can add value to their team.

Tailoring your response to the company and job is the key to standing out and demonstrating your interest and qualifications for the position. Use your research and personal experiences to show the recruiter why you are the best fit for the job.

Avoiding Red Flags and Negative Connotations

When answering the question ‘What interests you about this job?’, it’s important to avoid red flags or negative connotations. Here are a few tips on how to do so:

A. How to avoid sounding insincere or disinterested

It’s easy to fall into the trap of sounding insincere or disinterested when answering questions about your interests in a job. To avoid this, make sure you come across as genuine and enthusiastic. Use specific examples to show your passion, such as discussing projects or tasks that you found particularly interesting in your current or previous job. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and express curiosity about the position and company itself – it shows that you’re invested and interested in learning more.

B. Strategies to handle difficult or sensitive topics

Sometimes, answering the question about your interest in a job can involve discussing difficult or sensitive topics. For instance, if you’re leaving your previous employer due to a toxic work environment, you may need to address this in your response. The key is to be honest but tactful. Avoid badmouthing previous employers or managers, as this will only reflect poorly on you. Instead, frame your responses positively by emphasizing what you’re looking for in a new job and highlighting the values and goals that align with the company you’re interviewing with.

C. Common mistakes to avoid

There are several common mistakes that candidates make when answering the question about their interest in a job. These include:

Being too general or vague: Avoid generic statements like ‘I want a job where I can grow and learn’ – this doesn’t provide any real insight into your interests or goals.
Focusing too much on salary or benefits: While these are important factors, they shouldn’t be the sole reason you’re interested in a job. Focus more on the company culture, the role itself, and the opportunities for growth and development.
Overemphasizing the company’s reputation or prestige: It’s great to be excited about a company’s reputation or prestige, but make sure you’re also genuinely interested in the job and the work you’ll be doing. Otherwise, you’ll come across as insincere and disinterested.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can answer the question ‘What interests you about this job?’ in a way that showcases your passion and enthusiasm, while also avoiding red flags and negative connotations.

Preparing for the Interview

To give an impressive answer to the question, ‘What interests you about this job?’, you need to prepare well before stepping into the interview room. Below are a few tips to help you ace that interview:

A. Practice makes perfect

Take the time to practice answering interview questions, including the ‘What interests you about this job?’ question. Stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself the question, then answer out loud. Repeat the same exercise until you can confidently answer the question without hesitation, stuttering or forgetting important points. You can also try answering the question with different angles: Why are you passionate about this job? Why do you think you are the best fit? What skills and qualifications do you have that make you an excellent candidate for the job?

B. Anticipating follow-up questions

Think about the possible follow-up questions that the interviewer might ask based on your answer. For instance, if you mention the company’s culture and values in your response, expect a follow-up question about how you would fit into that culture. By anticipating such follow-up questions, you can prepare well-crafted responses that show your knowledge of the job’s details and requirements, your passion to work with the company, and your ability to handle challenging situations.

C. Incorporating feedback and adjusting your response

After practicing and anticipating possible follow-up questions, seek feedback from a trusted friend or colleague. Ask for their opinion on your response to the ‘What interests you about this job?’ question. Did your answer sound convincing? Did they understand your passion for the job? Were there areas that need improvement? Listen carefully to their feedback and make the necessary adjustments. Continue practicing incorporating the feedback and making sure that you can answer the question confidently and naturally.

Preparing for an interview is crucial to nailing the ‘What interests you about this job?’ question. With practice, anticipation, and feedback, you can show your passion, skills, and experience that make you the perfect candidate for the job.

What to Do If You’re Not Sure or Don’t Have a Strong Answer

When asked about what interests you about a job, you may not always have a strong answer or may not be sure about what to say. In such cases, follow the tips below:

A. Honesty is the Best Policy

It is crucial to be honest about your interests when answering the question. If you don’t have a strong answer, admit it. It is better to be honest about your shortcomings than to provide false information. Employers appreciate honesty and will sometimes overlook shortcomings if they see that you are transparent with them.

B. How to Leverage Your Curiosity and Willingness to Learn

If you’re not sure what interests you about a job, consider highlighting your curiosity and willingness to learn. This approach shows that you are open to exploring new opportunities and are eager to learn from those around you. You can also try to research more about the company and job role to identify specific areas that pique your interest.

C. Optimizing Your Answer Even If You’re Not a Perfect Fit

If you’re not a perfect fit for the job, you can still optimize your answer to make yourself a more viable candidate. For example, you can try to align your strengths with the job requirements and explain how you can contribute to the role. You can also express an eagerness to learn new skills or take on new challenges to show that you are committed to growing as a professional.

The key is to approach the question with authenticity and a growth mindset. Remember that no one is perfect, and employers value individuals who are willing to learn and grow in their careers.

Answering ‘What Interests You About This Job?’