Answering 'Why Are You Interested in This Position?' Like a Pro

Do you know that India’s job market is projected to grow by 9% in 2025? This dynamic growth stems from a shift toward remote work, contract roles, and gig jobs across diverse industries. As India’s economic trajectory experiences remarkable growth, it’s poised to make a substantial impact on the global market by 2030. The surge in hiring, workforce expansion, and rehiring is driven by economic growth, regulatory changes, and technological progress, creating diverse opportunities for job seekers.

While these opportunities are exciting, a job interview often starts with the classic question: Why are you interested in this position? Crafting a compelling and strategic response in advance can help you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer. Your answer sets the tone for an engaging conversation and offers recruiters insights into your aspirations and compatibility for the role.

Read on for strategic tips on mastering this question and sample answers that will showcase your enthusiasm and help you stand out from other candidates.

What This Question Really Means

If answered correctly, the question of why you are interested in this position holds immense significance. This question helps employers understand your career objectives and whether your goals align with theirs. It also gives you a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm, qualifications, and suitability for the job, leaving a lasting positive impression on your interviewer.

Here’s what you should know before you prepare with why you are interested in this position sample answer:

Unpacking Employer Expectations

Your employer wants to hire someone with ideal job traits who believes in their mission and aims to make a positive impact. This will help them determine whether your skills and experience align with the role and their objectives.

Here’s what employers are looking for:

• Assessing Preparation and Enthusiasm: Employers want evidence that you’ve done your homework on the company and the role. Being proactive and well-prepared signals that you’re genuinely interested and committed. Additionally, your enthusiasm for the position reflects your potential for long-term engagement.
•  Signals Cultural Fit and Career Alignment: Your answer provides insight into your career aspirations and motivations. Discussing the role in relation to your values and ambitions demonstrates how well you align with the company culture. This sense of compatibility assures the employer that you’ll thrive in their work environment.
• Set the Stage for Further Negotiation: Enthusiasm and a clear presentation of your skills position you as a strong candidate. Discuss your plan to achieve career growth with skills for the workplace or opportunities to grow. Such a response builds trust and positions you favorably in the recruiter’s eyes.

A Candidate’s Opportunity 

Hiring and training new employees require significant time and resources. Estimates suggest that 3-5% of payroll costs are spent annually on employee training. Employers, therefore, value candidates who show genuine excitement about the role and demonstrate a strong likelihood of long-term commitment.

Such questions like why you should be hired for this internship or job give you a chance to highlight your interest in the position, inspiring confidence in your dedication. Here’s how to craft an impactful response by focusing on these objectives:

• Demonstrate Genuine Interest: A well-crafted, tailored answer shows your employer that you haven’t applied without preparation. By reflecting on the role, the company’s values, and industry trends, you can present yourself as genuinely invested in contributing to the position. This thoughtful approach sets you apart from candidates who may seem indifferent or unprepared
• Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience: When explaining what excites you about the role, provide an opportunity to integrate your relevant skills and achievements subtly. Refer to specific aspects of the job description and connect them with your strengths. This creates a direct link between your qualifications and the value you bring to the team.
• Spark Engaging Conversation: An insightful answer acts as a starting point for deeper dialogue with the employer. It allows them to explore your thought process, ask clarifying questions, and assess your understanding of the role’s requirements. Additionally, to ensure such interactive exchange, you can enroll in a free effective business communication skills course and show your enthusiasm for the position.

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How to Tailor Your Answer 'Why Are You Interested In This Position?" 

Though ‘Why are you interested in this position’ might seem like a simple question crafting an impressive response requires thoughtful preparation. Avoid generic answers and focus on the underlying ‘why’ to create a meaningful impact.

Reflect on Your Career Goals 

The question, “Why you are interested in this position?” helps employers evaluate how well you’ll fit into their team and environment. Instead of offering generic responses like “seeking new challenges,” draw clear connections between your skills, experiences, and the specific aspects of the role. 

Highlight how your career goals align with the company’s objectives. Discuss how the opportunity matches your expertise and enthusiasm while showcasing your understanding of the job.

Key points to consider:

• Your motivation, passion, and enthusiasm for the role.
• Skills and experience that closely match the job requirements.
• Alignment between your expectations and the role’s realities.

Example: 

“I'm particularly interested in this position because it aligns perfectly with my career goal of [specific goal, e.g., "deepening my expertise in data analysis" or "leading innovative marketing campaigns"]. It also offers an opportunity to utilize my skills in [relevant skill set] to contribute to [company's mission or focus area]. The chance to work on [specific project or challenge mentioned in the job description] excites me, as it resonates with my passion for [related area of interest].”

Research Like an Insider 

Before you answer the question, thoroughly research the company and the role for which you are applying. Dig deeper into the company’s website, news articles, and social media to understand its current projects, industry standards, and future goals. Here are some tips on how to do market research:

Parameters	Description
Company’s Website	Visit the company’s website and read its About Us page. You can explore the company, its executives, and any new stories or press releases about the recent development of the company.
Job description	Carefully examine the job position and take note of the essential responsibilities and requirements listed. You can also reach out to the people who work in the company and ask for their employer insights or pointers about the company culture.
Social Media Platform	To know more about the company culture, explore the social media of the company. Try to discern their tone and analyze who their target audiences are.
Glassdoor/ Linked In	Assess the day-to-day life stories of employees and the roles the company offers. These stories will give you firsthand accounts of experience and give you a glimpse into the company's work environment.

Example: 

What interests me about this position is the culture. Having heard much about the company, it sounds like a pleasant place to work. I was impressed by how you have created an environment where people feel comfortable and valued. I believe that’s really important, especially when you’re working together on projects that require so much creativity and collaboration.

I also feel that this position is a long-term fit for me because it will allow me to continue to grow professionally, which is important to me. I love learning new things and finding ways to improve my skill set, and I want to be able to do that in my career. This job would give me plenty of opportunities for growth.

Highlight the Mutual Benefit

Finally, you need to ensure that your answers make strong reference to how this particular position is a part of your career plan and help you achieve job satisfaction in the long term. You should also consider the company’s vision and mission statement and ensure your answer conveys the value you aim to provide to the company.

• Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, back up your claims with quantifiable achievements. You can add specific achievements from your academics or past roles that relate to the responsibilities of the new role. It will add credibility to your profile and give the recruiter an idea of how you can help the company be successful.
• Connect to long-term goals: When answering the question, think bigger than just the day-to-day responsibilities. Emphasize how the role will fit into your career trajectory and where you see yourself in the future. Be specific about the skills and experiences you hope to gain and how they align with your job motivation factors.
• Be Enthusiastic - Speak with genuine enthusiasm and let your passion for the role shine through your response. Project your confidence in your capabilities and share specific aspects of the role that convey your eagerness to contribute to the company’s growth.

Example:

I am interested in this position because it offers the opportunity to join a company with an excellent reputation and work on challenging projects. I have the necessary skills and drive to learn quickly.

In addition, my ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously will be a valuable asset. I am confident that I can be a successful member of the team and contribute to the company’s success.

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Sample Answers 

When you land the perfect job interview, you might find yourself lost for words when they ask you the question: why are you interested in this position? Your answer should involve role-specific preparation, showing that you're passionate and a perfect fit. To help you get ready for the question, here are some impressive sample answers for different positions.

Marketing Manager

I’ve really enjoyed working as a social media manager with my current employer. However, I feel ready to take on a bigger role and have more responsibilities. I am interested in all aspects of marketing, including social media management, marketing strategy and research, branding and advertising, retail marketing, and more.

This is why I am very excited about this position. I believe that my years in digital marketing will allow me to contribute to your team and continue my professional development with your company's help. Could you advise what specific goals you plan to set for your marketing team this year?

Copywriter

As long as I can remember, I’ve always been passionate about finding the best ways to put ideas into words. In my previous job, I put my skills to good use as a technical editor. However, I want to expand the scope of the things I write about and would really appreciate a role where I have more creative freedom.

As a marketing copywriter in your company, I believe I can work on a variety of diverse projects and use my writing and editing skills to help deliver your company’s brand message, mission, and more.

Office Manager

In my current job, I manage a small office with three employees. I handle office supplies, attendance and scheduling, phone calls, and corporate events. I’ve been in the job for five years, and I feel that I’ve learned all I need to know and have made our small office the most efficient in the company. I am ready to move on to bigger challenges literally.

I want to manage a bigger office, take on more responsibilities, and take on more challenges. I am sure that I will be able to do all of this in your company. However, I wanted to ask what your expectations are for your new office manager. What office projects do you consider to be of the highest priority?

Data Scientist

“As a data scientist, I have previous experience in machine learning and statistical analysis, which helps me stay current with industry trends and become a well-suited candidate for the challenges the role will present.

This position will be a significant step toward my long-term career goals. It will allow me to continue mastering and translating complex data insights into actionable business strategies.

Most importantly, your ethical AI approach resonates with my personal values; I always seek to contribute to data science advancements without compromising ethical considerations. Can you provide insights into the company’s current strategies or any upcoming developments in this area?”

Sales Representative

“With a five-year background in sales, I see myself as an excellent fit for this position. I am confident in my ability to effectively communicate the products’ value proposition and build strong client relationships. Furthermore, my willingness to embrace new challenges, regardless of circumstances, also aligns well with the role’s dynamic nature!

On another note, your company’s emphasis on a consultative sales approach which I believe is crucial in today’s competitive market, resonates with my own philosophy.

Being part of a team that is not just meeting but exceeding sales targets excites me, and I cannot wait to contribute my expertise to your organization! I am also curious to know more about the team dynamics and your company’s vision for growth in the next few years.”

Software Engineer

As a software engineer with over five years of experience in developing scalable web applications, I have a strong background in full-stack development, particularly with JavaScript frameworks and cloud-based solutions. My work at XYZ Corp involved leading a team to create a high-traffic e-commerce platform, which improved user engagement by 30%.

I am particularly interested in this position because of your company's reputation for innovation and cutting-edge technology. I am excited to work on your advanced AI projects, which align perfectly with my passion for machine learning and data analytics. I am confident that my problem-solving skills and experience with agile methodologies will allow me to make significant contributions to your team.

Moreover, I am impressed by your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. I am eager to bring my expertise in software engineering to your organization and collaborate with like-minded professionals to drive technological advancements.

Human Resources Manager

“With a handful of experience managing complex HR projects, I have successfully fostered solid employer-employee relationships and implemented effective talent management strategies in my previous roles. Strong analytical skills are also among my natural strengths, paving the way for data-driven decisions that positively impact your company’s human capital.

Based on prior research, I have also learned that your company is one of the first organizations to leverage forefront technology for HR processes, which makes this role all the more appealing to me. I am thrilled to contribute to the implementation/development of cutting-edge initiatives for career development in HRM or my own professional growth, which, in turn, promotes company goals.

As someone who values continuous learning, I would love to be a part of a company that invests in its employees’ development. Can you share any specific initiatives or programs to support the ongoing growth of the HR team and the broader workforce in general?”

Teacher or Educator

“For years, I have dedicated myself to shaping young minds and promoting a love for learning.

Your institution has a reputation for educational excellence; I believe joining your team would encourage me and other educators to make a real impact on students’ lives. I also seek to create a classroom where every student feels valued and included, and that’s why I’m very impressed by your school’s dedication to embracing diversity.

Drawing from my experience as a high school English teacher at [ABC] School with successful implementations of project-based learning, I am confident that my teaching style makes me an excellent fit for the role.”

Registered Nurse

“Your esteemed healthcare institution has a stellar reputation for high-quality patient care, and I am eager to contribute to that legacy! By joining your team, I expect to gain more valuable exposure to diverse medical cases, furthering my clinical skills and expertise in pediatric nursing.

With my keen attention to detail and ability to handle high-pressure situations, I am confident my background and relevant experience can contribute to the success of your healthcare team. Furthermore, my burning passion for patient advocacy and maintaining the highest care standards also aligns well with your company values.

If possible, could you provide more insights into opportunities for further education or career paths available to nurses within the organization?”

Customer Service Executive

“The structured training programs, as outlined in your company mission statement, align perfectly with my desire to continue developing my skill set and climbing the career ladder. In the long term, I aspire to move into a leadership role where I can contribute to shaping the customer service strategy of a dynamic, customer-centric organization.

All my previous positions have equipped me with a solid foundation in customer service, and my ability to remain calm under pressure has allowed me to handle even the most challenging customer interactions! I’m confident that my excellent interpersonal skills and adaptability make me a strong candidate for the dynamic, customer-focused environment at [XYZ] company.

On the other hand, I would love to gain further insights into the role's specific metrics or key performance indicators. Could you share more about your company’s performance expectations?

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20 Unique Q&A Examples for Your Interview Practice

Now that you understand the goals and motivations behind the question: “why are you interested in this position?” let's examine some sample answers that will help you craft your response. Your answer should provide a strong summary of your career experience and add context to your professional background. Here are a few examples of answers.

1. Why are you interested in this position?

"This role at [Company Name] aligns perfectly with my passion for [specific area] and my background in [relevant skills]. I’m excited to contribute to [specific company goal] while growing my expertise in [specific skill or industry]."

2. Can you tell me about yourself?

"I’m a results-driven professional with over 5 years of experience in marketing. I’ve led campaigns that have increased brand awareness and customer engagement, and I’m excited about applying my expertise in a new role where I can grow further and contribute to team success."

3. What are your strengths?

“I would say my ability to communicate effectively. Whether it's collaborating with teams or presenting to clients, I can break down complex ideas into understandable solutions that resonate with different audiences.”

4. What is your biggest weakness?

"I tend to be a perfectionist, which can sometimes slow down decision-making. However, I’ve been working on balancing quality with efficiency and prioritizing the bigger picture to maintain momentum.”

5. Why do you want to work for our company?

"I admire your company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Your mission to create environmentally friendly products resonates with my values, and I believe my background in project management can help contribute to your future growth.”

6. How do you handle pressure or stress?

"I handle stress by staying organized and focusing on one task at a time. I prioritize my workload and set realistic deadlines while ensuring I maintain clear communication with my team to manage expectations effectively.”

7. Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.

"In my previous role, we faced a significant product launch delay. I coordinated cross-functional teams, communicated proactively with stakeholders, and developed a recovery plan that allowed us to launch on time while meeting all key performance indicators.”

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

"In five years, I see myself in a leadership role where I can help mentor others and drive strategic initiatives. I’m eager to continue developing my skills and contributing to the success of the organization.”

9. Can you describe your leadership style?

"My leadership style is collaborative and supportive. I believe in fostering an environment where team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to share their ideas. I prioritize open communication, actively listening to my team’s concerns and feedback, and encourage them to contribute to decision-making processes.”

10. What motivates you?

"I’m motivated by seeing the impact of my work. Whether it’s solving a problem or helping a team achieve a goal, knowing that my contributions are making a difference drives me to perform at my best.”

11. How do you prioritize tasks?

"I prioritize tasks based on deadlines, importance, and impact. I use time management tools like to-do lists and project management software to stay organized and ensure that critical tasks are completed first.”

12. Why should we hire you?

"I bring a strong blend of experience, skills, and enthusiasm that align perfectly with the needs of this role. My proven track record in [specific skill] and my ability to collaborate effectively make me an excellent fit for your team.”

13. How do you deal with difficult colleagues?

"When dealing with difficult colleagues, I believe in staying calm and professional, focusing on clear and respectful communication. I try to approach these situations with empathy, first by listening to their perspective without judgment. If necessary, I calmly express my own point of view, ensuring I’m constructive rather than confrontational. I also try to find common ground or a compromise that benefits both parties and helps us move forward.”

14. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond at work.

"In my previous role as a project manager, we were working on a tight deadline to deliver a client’s marketing campaign. A few days before the launch, we ran into a significant technical issue with our analytics tool, which could have delayed the entire project. I took the initiative to work closely with the IT team to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue, even though it wasn’t part of my job. I also communicated regularly with the client to manage expectations and kept them updated on our progress. We were able to resolve the issue in time, and the campaign launched successfully on schedule. The client was thrilled with the outcome, and my team appreciated my proactive involvement in solving the problem.”

15. What do you know about our company?

“I’ve spent some time researching your company, and I’m really impressed by your commitment to innovation and sustainability. I know that you’ve been a leader in the [industry] for over [X years], and your [specific product/service] has set a high standard for quality and customer satisfaction. What really stood out to me is your recent initiative to [mention any recent company initiative, project, or achievement], which aligns closely with my personal values and interests.”

16. How do you handle feedback?

“I see feedback as an essential tool for personal and professional growth. I welcome constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity to improve. When I receive feedback, I make sure to listen carefully without becoming defensive, as I believe it’s important to understand the perspective of the person providing it fully. I take time to reflect on the feedback and consider how I can implement changes to improve my performance.”

17. Can you explain a time you worked in a team?

“In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, I was part of a team working on a product launch for a new line of products. We had a tight timeline, and each team member was responsible for a different aspect of the campaign in social media, content creation, email marketing, and event coordination.

I worked closely with the content and social media teams to ensure that the messaging across all channels was consistent and aligned with the campaign's goals. We held regular check-ins to discuss progress and troubleshoot any issues. At one point, we realized that our content schedule was falling behind due to unexpected delays from a vendor, which could have delayed the entire campaign.

To keep things on track, I suggested reallocating some tasks among the team to help catch up. By the end of the campaign, we managed to launch on time, and the product received positive feedback from both customers and the leadership team. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication, flexibility, and collaboration.”

18. What makes you unique?

“I believe what sets me apart is my combination of creativity and analytical thinking. I have a strong ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions, but I also ensure that my ideas are grounded in data and measurable outcomes. For example, in my previous role as a marketing strategist, I developed a creative social media campaign that resonated with our target audience. But instead of just relying on intuition, I analyzed engagement metrics to refine our approach, resulting in a 25% increase in conversions over three months.”

19. How do you stay updated in your field?

“I believe staying updated in my field is crucial for continuous growth and delivering the best results. I stay informed through a combination of methods. First, I regularly read industry blogs, journals, and newsletters to keep up with the latest trends and emerging technologies. For example, I subscribe to [specific industry sources] to stay on top of new developments.

Additionally, I attend webinars and virtual conferences, which not only provide valuable insights but also offer the opportunity to network with other professionals and learn from their experiences. I also take online courses or certifications to strengthen my skills in areas like [mention a relevant skill], ensuring that I’m constantly improving and staying ahead of the curve.”

20. How do you ensure success in your role?

“To ensure success in my role, I focus on a few key principles: clear goal setting, effective communication, and continuous improvement. First, I make sure I have a clear understanding of my responsibilities and the expectations for the role. I set both short-term and long-term goals to keep myself on track and ensure that I’m contributing to the company’s overall objectives.

Next, I prioritize open and consistent communication with my team and manager. I regularly check in to ensure we’re aligned on priorities and to address any roadblocks quickly. I also value feedback and see it as an opportunity to improve my performance, so I actively seek it out.

Lastly, I believe in continuous learning. I stay updated in my field, take on new challenges, and always look for ways to improve my processes. By staying flexible, focused, and committed to growth, I ensure that I’m always adding value and achieving success in my role.”

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How can upGrad Help?

Preparing for an interview might be one of the most stressful parts of your job search. On the one hand, you will be excited that your hard work on fine-tuning your resume and tailoring your cover letter is paying off. However, on the other hand, you need to get through the interview and worry about getting a curveball interview question thrown at you. 

In fact, 41% of candidates worry about not being able to answer a difficult question and 20% worry about looking nervous during their candidate experience. If you have an interview lined up, here are some popular upGrad courses that will show your candidate's uniqueness.

Course/ Certification Name	Learning Outcome	Duration
Ace Your Dream Job Interview with Our Expert-Led InterviewAce Program	A blend of practical experience, personalized guidance, and industry-specific insights to ensure you are well-prepared and confident for any job interview.	N/A
Getting Stay Interviews Right Course	Advanced Prompt Engineering course to craft prompts for accurate ChatGPT responses and master conversational flow for better customer support.	1 hour
Elevate Your Career with Comms eXpert: Our Soft Skills Development Program	A comprehensive program tailored to individual needs focused on enhancing business communication skills through live sessions that improve speaking, writing, and presentation abilities.	1 Month
Fundamentals of Communication Course	Designed to equip learners with skills related to the different forms of communication, such as writing, gesturing, speaking, and broadcasting.	1 hour
Master Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Course	Master effective speaking by getting insights on the aspects of oral communication and honing your public speaking skills.	2 hours

Master public speaking and presentation skills, speak with confidence, captivate your audience, and communicate effectively. Enroll now and elevate your skills!

Wrapping Up!

Giving a job interview can be nerve-wracking. Employers might make it quite difficult for you to crack these interviews with challenging questions. While most of the questions require you to answer with a mere yes or no, some will be asked to show your abilities and skill sets as a whole. One such question is: “why are you interested in this position?” There’s a reason why your interviewer asked this particular question. Giving vague answers will lower your chances of landing your dream job. Therefore, make sure there’s a personal touch to your answers so that you can make quite a noticeable impression on your interviewer.

Your answer should weave a narrative that will capture and leave a forgettable imprint on your employers. So, be thoughtful in your YouTube reply, finding the right balance and making sure your response hits the right notes. Whether you want to build your career in social media marketing or cybersecurity upGrad’s robust platform helps you master the skills of tomorrow and increases your chances of securing your dream job. Connect with our experts today and get on the path to shape your future.

You can also check out our following courses:

1. Master of Science (MS) in Data Science from LJMU & IIIT Bangalore
2. Generative AI Courses & Certifications| ChatGPT Certification | upGrad
3. Doctor of Business Administration | Online DBA Degree | upGrad
4. PG Diploma in Data Science (Certification) Online from IIITB

Reference Links:

41% of candidates worry about not being able to answer a difficult question and 20% worry about looking nervous during their candidate experience.	https://standout-cv.com/stats/job-interview-statistics
Do you know that India’s job market is projected to grow by 9% in 2025?	https://www.ibef.org/news/india-s-job-market-projected-to-grow-9-in-2025
In fact, Estimates point to that yearly 3-5% of payroll costs are spent on employee training.	https://www.financialexpress.com/jobs-career/upskilling-employees-is-training-an-investment-or-expense-3384032/