The question “What interests you about this role?” is commonly asked during job interviews. Interviewers use this question to gain insights into your motivations for pursuing the career path or joining their organization. Crafting a well-thought-out response can showcase your suitability for the position. This article explores the purpose of this question, offers advice on how to answer it effectively, and provides sample responses to assist you in preparing for your interview.
Why Do Employers Ask ‘What Interests You About This Role?’
The question “What interests you about this role?” is posed by employers to gain insight into your motivations, passions, and career aspirations. Your response to this question can provide valuable information about your suitability for the position and your alignment with the company’s culture and values.
Employers want to ensure that you are genuinely interested in the specific role at their organization, rather than simply seeking any job for the sake of a salary. They seek to hire individuals who are committed, motivated, and driven to excel, contributing to the long-term success of the company.
Additionally, this question allows employers to assess your understanding of the job’s responsibilities and requirements. It helps determine whether you have conducted thorough research on the organization and the position, demonstrating your awareness of the expectations associated with the role.
Your answer also sheds light on your qualifications, attitude, and genuine enthusiasm for the position. Overall, it provides valuable insights into your overall fit for the job, enabling employers to make a well-informed hiring decision.
How To Answer ‘What Interests You About This Role?’
To deliver a compelling response to this interview question, consider the following steps:
1. Research the company and the role
Before your interview, invest time in thoroughly reviewing the job description and conducting research on the company. This will enable you to gain a clear understanding of the role’s responsibilities and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. During the interview, showcase your preparedness by discussing the company’s recent accomplishments, noteworthy projects, or initiatives.
In addition to that, emphasize the company’s culture and values, highlighting how they resonate with your own personal and professional aspirations. By linking your passion for the company’s mission to the specific job requirements, you can authentically demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
2. Focus on your strengths
After gaining a solid comprehension of the role, reflect on how your skills and experience directly align with the job requirements. Provide specific examples of the skills you possess that make you an excellent match for the position. To further emphasize your qualifications, incorporate skill-related keywords from the job description into your response.
Identify areas of overlap between the job requirements and your previous work experience, showcasing instances where you have successfully performed similar tasks. Moreover, consider highlighting a specific problem or potential trend within the organization that you have identified, demonstrating how your expertise can contribute to its resolution. This approach not only showcases your alignment with the role but also highlights your problem-solving capabilities.
3. Show enthusiasm and appreciation
Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the company in the specific role you are interviewing for. Communicate what excites you about the company, such as your passion for the industry or your admiration for its values and culture. Articulate how you envision personal and professional growth within the role and your desire to contribute to the long-term success of the organization.
Display genuine enthusiasm for the company and demonstrate your passion for the meaningful work it undertakes. This conveys your dedication to the position and your eagerness to make valuable contributions to the company’s achievements.
4. Be authentic
Pinpoint the particular aspects of the job that ignite your enthusiasm, such as the prospect of engaging in intriguing projects, collaborating with a talented and diverse team, or acquiring new skills and knowledge. Elaborate on how these specific elements align with your career objectives and personal interests.
The more precise and detailed you are in explaining your motivations for desiring the job, the greater the likelihood of persuading the recruiter of your genuine interest. Specify the skills you anticipate developing through this role, or discuss the individuals you aspire to work with and the reasons behind your desire to collaborate with them. By providing specific examples, you demonstrate a clear understanding of how the position aligns with your goals and how it can contribute to your professional growth and fulfillment.
Example Answers To Respond To ‘What Interests You About This Role?’
Below are five sample responses to the interview question, tailored to candidates from different professional backgrounds and levels of experience:
Example 1
Here is an example answer for novice software engineering candidates:
“I am enthusiastic about this role as it offers me the chance to apply the knowledge and skills I acquired during my studies to real-world challenges. Although I may lack professional experience, I have completed several relevant projects in college, allowing me to work with popular programming languages and enhance my problem-solving and analytical abilities—qualities that are essential for this role.
I am eager to utilize these skills in a professional environment and learn from experienced engineers within the team. Furthermore, I am impressed by the company’s reputation for innovation in the software engineering field. Their dedication to promoting gender equality and caste diversity in the workplace strongly resonates with my personal values. I view this role as an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and further develop myself as a software engineer.”
Example 2
Here is an example answer for product development candidates with intermediate experience:
“I am genuinely excited about this role for several reasons. Firstly, I am deeply impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as these values align perfectly with my own. The opportunity to contribute to a team that is dedicated to creating innovative products from recycled materials, and benefiting the environment, is something that truly motivates me.
Secondly, my background in product development has equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in this role. I have a proven track record of cross-functional teamwork, which I believe will greatly contribute to the company’s success. Collaborating with experienced designers and engineers who share a passion for their work is an enticing prospect.
Overall, the chance to join an organization that is making a tangible difference is exhilarating. If given the opportunity, I would be proud to be part of a team that is committed to driving positive change and leaving a lasting impact.”
Example 3
This is an example answer for a fashion design candidate with moderate experience:
“I am genuinely interested in this role because it presents a remarkable opportunity to work alongside a renowned fashion brand and contribute to its creative vision. The company’s unwavering focus on sustainable fashion deeply resonates with my personal passion and values. The prospect of working with eco-friendly materials and innovative techniques greatly excites me, as I am eager to explore new avenues for incorporating sustainability into my design process.
One aspect that particularly captivates me is the collaborative environment fostered by the team. I am eager to join forces with fellow designers and professionals to explore fresh design techniques and ideas. The opportunity to learn from the collective expertise of the team and contribute my own insights is truly invigorating.
Furthermore, I am highly impressed by the company’s reputation for delivering high-quality fashion apparel at reasonable prices. This commitment aligns perfectly with my own values as a designer, as I believe in making fashion accessible without compromising on quality. Additionally, the privilege of working alongside esteemed fashion designer Mr. Malhotra is an exceptional opportunity that I genuinely cherish.
In essence, I view this position as a transformative journey, where I can collaborate with a talented team that shares my passion for sustainable fashion. Together, we can create a positive impact on the garment industry, inspiring change and paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
Example 4
This is an example answer for an experienced chef:
“I have a genuine passion for crafting delicious culinary creations that not only meet but exceed the expectations of discerning restaurant patrons. The opportunity to work for a brand that places a strong emphasis on excellent customer service and prioritizes the development of its employees fills me with enthusiasm. I firmly believe that these factors are integral to fostering a productive workplace environment, ultimately resulting in elevated cuisine and satisfied customers.
What particularly excites me about this role is the chance to contribute my ideas and culinary expertise to the menu. I am eager to collaborate with other talented chefs in establishing a cohesive and high-performing kitchen environment, drawing upon my experience in previous roles. Furthermore, the prospect of working with high-quality ingredients and employing advanced culinary techniques to create unforgettable dining experiences is truly exhilarating.
Overall, I am thrilled about the potential to showcase my culinary skills and creativity within this brand. By combining a commitment to excellence, a collaborative kitchen atmosphere, and the use of top-notch ingredients, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the brand’s success and consistently deliver exceptional culinary experiences to valued customers.”
Example 5
Here is an example answer for a highly experienced marketing manager:
“I have accumulated extensive experience in the field of marketing over the course of my career, and I am consistently seeking roles that present new challenges and opportunities for growth. Witnessing firsthand how effective marketing strategies can drive business growth, engage customers, and establish a strong brand image, I am eager to apply my expertise in solving your marketing challenges.
What particularly excites me about this role is its emphasis on strategic planning and data-driven decision-making, two areas in which I have consistently excelled. I thrive on formulating innovative marketing plans that facilitate company expansion and foster meaningful connections with the target audience. My goal is to develop novel approaches that not only attract customers but also cultivate long-lasting relationships with them. Leveraging my in-depth knowledge of market research and data analysis, I am confident in my ability to identify emerging trends and create data-driven plans that yield measurable outcomes. With my extensive background in market research and analysis, I strongly believe in the potential of efficient marketing tactics to significantly impact the company’s bottom line.
In summary, my passion for marketing, coupled with my expertise in strategic planning and data analysis, positions me well to contribute to your organization’s success. I am thrilled about the prospect of joining your team and playing an instrumental role in driving growth and achieving marketing objectives.”
Similar Questions To ‘What Interests You About This Role?’
- What aspects of this role appeal to you?
- What attracts you to this position?
- What about this role excites you?
- What piques your interest in this opportunity?
- What specific elements of this position caught your attention?
- Can you share what motivates you about this role?
- What makes you enthusiastic about this particular job?
- How do you see yourself being engaged in this position?
- What aspects of this role align with your professional interests?
- What sparks your curiosity about this opportunity?
