Why are you interested in this position?

Interviewers ask this question to see if you've done your research and understand how your background aligns with the role. A strong answer connects your skills and goals to the company’s needs and mission.

Below are two example responses, each showing a different approach — one focused on skills, the other on personal motivation.

I’m interested in this position because it closely matches both my technical strengths and my long-term goals. The role involves building scalable backend systems using Node.js and working with cloud infrastructure — both of which I’ve worked with extensively in my last two roles.

What excites me is the opportunity to solve performance and architecture challenges at scale. I also appreciate that the position requires close collaboration with product and design teams, as I enjoy working in cross-functional settings to deliver user-centered solutions.

Overall, this role feels like a natural next step where I can immediately contribute while continuing to grow in the direction I’m aiming for.

• technical strengths: core areas where you have deep technical experience
• long-term goals: what you want to achieve in your career over time
• scalable backend systems: server-side architectures that can grow efficiently with user demand
• cross-functional collaboration: working together with teams like product, design, and QA
• natural next step: a logical progression in your career based on your experience

I’m drawn to this position because of your company’s mission and how this role contributes to it. I saw that the team is focused on building tools that support creators and educators — something I personally care about, as I’ve volunteered as a coding mentor for students.

The role combines both technical execution and user empathy, which I see as essential in building meaningful products. I want to be in a position where I can not only write good code, but also understand the people I’m building for.

That alignment between my values and the purpose of the role is what makes this opportunity really exciting for me.

• be drawn to ~: feel attracted or interested in something
• support creators and educators: help people who build or teach things
• user empathy: understanding users’ needs and experiences
• build meaningful products: create software that makes a real impact
• alignment between values and role: when your personal motivations match the job’s mission