How to Answer “Why Are You Interested in the Role?”

Every employer wants to feel special. Understanding the deeper motivations behind why an applicant is interested in the role will give them an insight into the candidate’s suitability and interest.

A candidate has the whole interview to address the nuances of their application, so the answer to this question should be unambiguously powerful and get to the very core of what the role means to them. It is often an early interview question, so keep the answer simple to allow the interviewer to explore the more subtle aspects later in the discussion.

There are several angles that you could explore in the answer:

Explain one specific reason why it is a fit. You have the whole interview to share the multiple reasons why you want the job, so maybe focus on a specific reason that you know will also resonate with the interviewer. You want them nodding along with you.

Demonstrate that it is your logical next step. You can’t argue with a logical and practical answer in this situation. Your resume hopefully suggests that this role would be the next step in your career – all you need to do is say it out loud.

Connect your potential with the role. This question is a perfect opportunity to show that you have explored the subtleties of the job description. Make the link between the job’s demands and where you want to go in your career.

Interested in the role?

Allow yourself to get a little emotional. On hearing this question, you should sit up that little bit straighter with a glint in your eye. This is a job that you have been dreaming about. Literally. Allow your passion for the role to overflow that little bit.

Keep it career related – not about personal needs. Personal considerations such as working arrangements, money or family reasons should not feature in your answer. Stick to why you want the job from a career point of view – personal angles can come later in the interview.

The worst thing you can do with a question like this is pause. Any candidate who is keen on the role would be able to talk about this for ages, so a stuttering answer will ruin your chances. If they feel you don’t care enough, you might as well walk out the door.

If you offer a couple of home-run reasons, the interview will get off to a great start. There are not many questions where you can outline your enthusiasm so openly. 

Set out your stall with an unmistakably positive tone of being interested in the role. Maybe even reply with an exploratory question of your own…. 

“I am curious. Why are you interested in me?”

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).