Answering That Inevitable Question: Why Are You Interested In This Position?

You are sitting in front of a panel interviewing you for your dream job, and one of the interviewers asks, “Why are you interested in this position?”

The question is simple – but it is also the most meaningful one from the interviewers’ perspective. Why? Because it single handedly provides them with a clear insight to your interests, skills, and if you are a good fit for the company. In short, this question alone helps them size you up as appropriate or not for the job. So before you answer the question, take a look at what you need to avoid:

Don’t Forget to Mention the Company

It is perfectly all right to mention your passion about the applied position or the skill you possess to handle the position properly – but, if you do not mention the company itself; you are raising red flags about your selection. You need to let the hiring personnel know why you would like to use your skills, talent, and passion for their company in particular.

Never Miss Out On Aligning Yourself with the Company

This is perhaps the most commonly repeated mistake by candidates everywhere. May be you want this job position because it gives you a chance to add and polish your marketing skills; or because you could learn more about quantitative analysis while at it. However, this is not what the interviewer is looking for. What they need to know is how you, as an employee, can incorporate your skills to contribute in achieving the greater goals of the company. They are looking for what’s in it for the company – not you.

Irrelevance is a Complete No-No!

The moment you’re asked this questions, a hundred reasons may pop up in your mind. Your son’s kindergarten is in close proximity, or you just got a rental residence nearby, or the company has better perks than your previous job – this is all irrelevant! Think of the core reasons why you think this job is important for you. Don’t waste your time on things the interviewer is not interested in.   

Answering the Wrong Question? Think Again!

This particular question is aimed at knowing your future plans and prospects; not at the situation you’re currently facing, or how much you hated your previous job. Refrain from any details regarding you old or incumbent job. Detail out the skills you have developed from them, but there is no point in going into deeper discussions of how you acquired them.

This seemingly innocuous question has bamboozled even the smartest of the lot. The key is to keep your audience in mind, and avoid making the mistakes we have just listed. A mere “Why are you interested in this position?” can make or break your interview – an interview you can land only when you have a resume to impress!

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