Why do Job Interviewers Ask “Why Are You Interested in This Position?

Interview Preparation Management
#1

Why are you interested in this position” is a common interview question that may appear to be a simple ice breaker during a job interview, but an interviewee’s answer provides a great deal of important information. There are other versions of the question as well, such as “Why do you want this job?” and “Why do you want to work here?” A common mistake is to confuse it with a question like “Tell me about yourself.” That question is primarily about the interviewee, whereas “why are you interested in this position” tells the hiring manager why this role is your dream job.

If answered correctly, the hiring manager can ascertain a job seeker’s career goals, why they’re leaving their current job, how the position aligns within their career goals, their level of motivation, as well as the candidate’s priorities and preferences. Every organization has a culture, and they want to ensure that anyone they hire fits in with that company culture.

Not every person seeks a new job for more than paying the bills, particularly early on in their career. If someone is on their first job search, the companies they interview with may be aware that the prospective employee isn’t in it for the long haul. In that situation, a good answer to “why are you interested in this position” shows that the applicant understands the role is a stepping stone