How to Answer the Question: ‘Why Are You Interested in This Role?’
Whether you look forward to the opportunity to communicate your interest or you dread it, the question ‘Why are you interested in this role?’ is commonplace in job applications and interviews. It is often one of the first questions asked and can be required to be addressed in various formats - in a job application portal (eg. Seek), as part of a cover letter, via email, or during an interview. This question is designed to assess your enthusiasm for the position, your understanding of the role, and whether you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and industry.
Answering this question persuasively can set you apart from other applicants. In this blog, we explore why this question is so important to get right, the common mistakes applicants make, and how you can communicate a memorable and impactful response.
Why Do Employers Ask This Question?
Employers ask this question to gain insight into:
Your Genuine Interest: They want to know if you are truly excited about the specific role or if you’re just applying for any job.
Your Research and Preparation: A well-prepared answer demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and the company.
Your Fit for the Role: Your response helps them assess whether your skills, experiences, and passions align with the job requirements and company culture.
Why Do Candidates Struggle With This Question?
Many candidates struggle to answer this question due to:
Lack of Preparation: Without adequate research on the role, applications often resort to vague or generic responses, which can actually be detrimental to your application.
Insufficient Conviction: Some struggle to articulate their passion or enthusiasm, making their answers sound uninspired.
Failure to Connect: Applicants may not be able to clearly link their skills, interests, or values to the role or company.
How to Structure Your Answer
To communicate a strong response, focus on the following areas:
The Role Requirements: Highlight specific aspects of the job description that excite you, such as key responsibilities, required skills, or opportunities for growth.
Example: ‘I am excited about this role because of the focus on project management and team collaboration. I enjoy coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve results, and I’m confident that my previous experience leading similar projects aligns perfectly with this position.’
The Company’s Mission and Values: Show that you’ve researched the company and are aligned with its goals and culture.
Example: ‘I’m inspired by your company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Having worked on green initiatives in my previous role, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission of creating environmentally friendly solutions.’
Your Personal Fit: Connect your skills, experiences, and passions to the role, explaining why you’re the right candidate.
Example: ‘This role offers the perfect opportunity to apply my five years of experience in digital marketing while also expanding my skills in social media strategy, an area I’m super passionate about.’
The Importance of Personalisation
Personalising your answer to the specific role and company is essential. Generic responses such as ‘I’m interested because it sounds like a great opportunity’ won’t make a good impression, and may actually harm your chances of your application progressing. Instead, dig a little deeper when responding:
Reference details about the role from the Position Description (PD): These provide clear hints about what the employer values most.
Mention something unique about the company, such as recent achievements, workplace culture, or industry reputation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being Too Vague/Generic: Avoid saying something that could apply to any job. Responses like ‘I think this job would be a good fit for me’ and ‘I’m looking for a new challenge’ lack substance.
Focusing on Salary: While compensation is important, this is not the time to discuss it.
Lack of Enthusiasm: Employers want to see genuine excitement for the role and their company. A disinterested tone can be a red flag.
Final Tips
Do Your Research: Read the job description thoroughly, understand the key requirements and capabilities of the role, explore the company’s website, and stay up to date on industry news. For additional preparation, consider this resume writing tips Australia to strengthen your application.
Practice Your Answer: Rehearse your response so you can deliver it confidently.
Stay Positive and Enthusiastic: Let your passion for the role and company become evident in your response.
Answering ‘Why are you interested in this role?’ can be tricky as it is such a broad question, however it is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm, preparation, and alignment with the job. By communicating a thoughtful and personalised response, you’ll stand out from other applicants and moving one step closer to landing your dream job.
For more tips on how to answer other common job application questions, including ‘What are your strengths?’, ‘What are your weaknesses?’ and ‘Tell me about yourself’, check out this article on Seek: Common interview questions and how to answer them - SEEK