Job Interview Question: What Interests You About This Job?

{Click here to read the original article on The Balance.}

There are a few general interview questions that you are likely to be asked, regardless of what job you are interviewing for. One question you will often be asked is, “What interests you about this job?” The interviewer will want to see that you know quite a bit about the job, what the key requirements are, what skills will help you to excel, and how your experience matches up with those expectations.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Why You are Interested in the Job

To help you prepare to answer a question about what interests you about the job, you should carefully read the job posting, noting the stated requirements, skills, and experience. It is also helpful to see if there is more information on the company website about what is expected in the role for which you are applying. Make a list of your skills that pair well with the stated requirements, and try to think of specific examples of when you used these skills for success on the job.

Best Answers

The best way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills and experience, using anecdotes from your previous positions. That way, the employer will see that you know about the job you’re interviewing for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

Example #1

For example, if you were interviewing for a Human Resources Manager job where you would be responsible for recruiting, orientation and training, you would want to discuss how you were responsible for these functions in your past positions, and why you are interested in continuing to develop your expertise in Human Resources management.

Example #2

Another example would be if you were interviewing for a Programmer / Analyst position. In that case, you would mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies, your experience in programming new applications, and your interest in and ability to problem solve.

Make sure you convey your appreciation for the opportunity to interview, as well as your enthusiasm for the position and your solid ability to do the job.