When you’re preparing for a job interview, one of the questions you’ll likely be asked is, “What interests you about this job?” This can be a difficult question to answer if you’re not prepared. The interviewer wants to know what makes you excited about this position and why you would be interested in working for their company. To give the best answer, you need to research and understand what the interviewer is looking for. This article will discuss what the interviewer wants to know, what interests you about this job, examples of the best answers, tips for giving the best answer, and what not to say. Let’s get started!
What the Interviewer Wants to Know
When an interviewer asks, “What interests you about this job?” they are looking for more than just a general answer to the question. Instead, they want to know what makes this position appealing and why it would be interesting for someone like you who has a particular set of skills or experience that matches up well with their requirements.
This is important because it gives them information on what makes you tick and because they want to see if any potential red flags could lead them away from hiring someone who would not do well in their position.
The main things the interviewer wants to know from your answers are:
- Your interest in work
- What interests you about this job?
- What are you most excited about at work?
- Would you be interested in playing the job role?
- Are you interested in the position?
Let’s discuss each of those in detail to prepare your interview answers.
1. Your Interest in Work
Whether you are a fresher or an experienced person, you build your set of interests in your career. Those interests are not always the same, and those change over time.
For example, I was interested in developing software systems using Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) technologies a few years back. But that interest has now moved to Cloud Computing.
You do not have to mention all your working interests while answering the interview question. But do mention those that give you an edge over other interviewees and are relative to the current job profile.
2. What Interests You About This Job?
The interviewer wants to know what makes this position appealing and why it would be interesting for someone like you. You have a particular set of skills or experience. Would that match well with their requirements? Do your research and understand how you can answer in a way that helps them know you well.
Some interviewers do not want to hear about what you do not like. Therefore, it is essential to focus on what interests you in this job and how it can be an excellent fit for you.
When answering, do not just speak about the company but also highlight what role is being offered and why it would be an excellent fit for you. For example, what do the duties entail, and what do they involve? Why do those things interest you?
3. What Are You Most Excited About at Work?
What excites you? You don’t need a boss to monitor you when your work excites you. That is when you become proactive, innovative, and productive. Excitement is something more than interest. Interest is a cognitive process where you gather data and form an opinion. Excitement, on the other hand, is motivating. It comes from within.
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you and gets you going. So do your research about the company, the job role, and how it can excite you.
Sometimes people do get excited about things that others feel mere interest in. In such a scenario, the employer might select the person who loves the work.
4. Would You Be Interested in Playing the Job Role?
As we have already discussed, what interests someone in regular life does not always excite them in paid job roles. Moreover, the job role comes with more than just the job. For example, you need to be punctual, dressed as per the office code, report to seniors, and so on. Naturally, many people don’t like such things.
The interviewer wants to know if you would be interested in playing the job role if it is offered to you. It is about your interest in the job and whether you can do it or not.
If you do not have a specific answer, do not worry. Just say that you would love to do the job role if offered to you because of your interest in what it entails.
5. Are You Interested in the Position?
Do you like this position? The interviewer is not looking for a close-ended answer, like just a “yes/no.” Instead, the question allows you to describe your enthusiasm for the work.
Another thing the interviewer would like to know is if you have studied the job context or not. Many people keep applying without reading the job context in this age of job portals and LinkedIn. That increases the possibility that you are not interested or ready to play a role in the given context.
For example, maybe the job will require you to travel every week. If you miss that and still apply for the job, you are not the right person for the role. Unless you share your preference, it is tough for interviewers to identify.
To do their job well, people need to understand the context of their employment. If you do not have that understanding, it will be difficult for you to work with the team and deliver results.
Examples of the Best Answers
Now as you know what the interviewers are looking for in the question, you will make your answer. To help you craft your answer, here are some examples of the best answers to “what interests you about this job?”.
Example 1:
“I am interested in this job because the company is doing well and has a lot of potential for growth. I want to be a part of something that has a lot of opportunity to grow and where I can contribute in the sustainable growth .”
Example 2:
“I am interested in this job because it offers a lot of opportunity to learn and grow. I want to be in an environment where I am constantly learning and growing so that I can improve my skills .”
Example 3:
“I am interested in this job because it is a great opportunity for me to do something new and do what interests me. I have been working in a similar position as yours, but now I want to work on something that excites me.”
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
When answering the question “what interests you about this job?” it’s important to consider what the interviewer is looking for.
The best way to do this is by reading the job listing and understanding what the company is looking for in a candidate. Once you have a good idea of what they are looking for, think about how your skills and experience match those requirements. If several things interest you about the job, focus on one or two key areas where you feel your skills shine.
A job interview is a two-way communication. Both parties need to understand each other’s compatibility. To provide the best answer to the question, here are some tips.
- Research the company
- Read the job description several times to realize the role and context
- Confirm if you would like to play the role
- Find out if you would be excited to do the work
- Match the job requirements with your interests and preferences
- The interviewer wants to know if you are genuinely interested in the position, not just any job. Do your research on the company and ensure that you are interested in the position.
- Prepare an answer to the question. Keep it within 3 to 4 sentences.
- Edit your answers considering every point of this guide.
- Make it sound natural – not academic or theoretical.
- If you have any doubt about the job duty or context, ask immediately after answering this question.
What Not to Say
To answer the interview question, you need to avoid something.
- Don’t say that you don’t know much about the company or the job. However, you should not attend a job interview with an unknown employer.
- There is no question that you would join an interview in which you are not interested. So, don’t say that you are not interested in the job.
- Be honest with yourself. Do not choose to do this type of work if it does not interest you.
- Don’t say something negative about the job or the company. Negativity always has other branches of impact.
Preparing for Possible Follow-Up Questions
The question is not necessarily to be the last question of the interview. So, expect some follow-up questions. Also, be ready for questions about what you know about the company and the job.
If the interviewer asks you any questions, be prepared to ask some questions about the work schedule, expectations on the first day, team size, or culture.
The interviewer might also probe a little deeper into why this Position interests you. Be prepared to give specific reasons why you are interested in the role.
Example of follow-up questions:
- Why are you interested in this industry?
- What do you know about our company?
- Can you tell me more about the role and what your day-to-day would look like?
- Do you have any questions for me?
Of course, to answer such questions correctly, you should prepare adequately.
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Conclusion
When answering the question “what interests you about this job?” candidates should prepare adequately. This includes researching the company and understanding what the interviewer is looking for. They should also be prepared to ask questions about the company and the position. Job candidates should avoid saying that they do not know much about the company or the job, do not have any interest in it, or are not honest with themselves. Being prepared for possible follow-up questions is also essential.
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