Navigating Interview Questions: Highlighting What Excites You About the Position and Company

During a job interview, one common question that can often catch interviewees off guard is, 'What interests you most about this position and this company?' The answer to this question can play a crucial role in enhancing your chances of landing the job. Let's explore a strategic approach to answering this question effectively.

Understanding the Job Ad

One of the easiest ways to find a compelling answer is by examining the job description. Most advertisements include details about the role, responsibilities, and potential growth opportunities. This section can provide valuable insights into what the hiring company values and associates with the position.

For example, consider the following excerpt from a job ad:

Working collaboratively within project teams and coached by experienced staff, you would build relationships with senior business leaders at our client companies. You would be responsible for interpreting the business needs and creating solutions to important technical development programmes. This role has the potential for rapid career progression in leadership, commercial management, or technical expert roles.

From this paragraph, we can extract several key points:

Collaboration with senior business leaders Technical and commercial understanding Potential for career progression

Using these aspects, you can tailor your response to align with the company's priorities and demonstrate your alignment with their vision.

Prompting Your Response

With the job ad in mind, you can craft a response that highlights why you are excited about the position and the company. Here’s an example of how you might structure your answer:

"I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively within project teams, where I can build relationships with senior business leaders. Working on technical development programmes requires a deep understanding of both technical and commercial aspects, which is something I am passionate about. I am also keen on the potential for career progression in leadership, commercial management, or technical expert roles, aligning with my ambitions to grow professionally and contribute to the company's success."

Playing the Game: Showing Alignment and Value

While being genuine is important, it's also wise to show alignment with the company's values and demonstrate the value you can bring. You can achieve this by doing thorough research on the company's website, social media channels, and industry presence.

For instance, you might mention:

The company's reputation and stability Opportunities for growth and development within the role The company's mission and how it aligns with your career goals

Here’s an example of how you might incorporate this into your response:

"I am drawn to the strong reputation and longevity of the company in this area. The opportunity to collaborate with senior business leaders and contribute to technical development programmes is particularly appealing. I am excited about the potential for career progression and the company's commitment to fostering professional growth. I feel I can contribute by drawing on my previous experience while learning and growing."

Conclusion

By carefully analyzing the job ad and conducting research on the company, you can craft a compelling response that highlights your interests in the position and company. Remember to play the game by showing alignment with the company's values and demonstrating how you can add value to the role.

Now that you have a clear strategy for answering this common interview question, go ahead and deliver a thoughtful and impactful response in your next job interview.