How to Answer: “What Are You Most Excited About in This Position?”

 The interview question “What are you most excited about in this position?” is a fantastic opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and demonstrate how your interests and skills align with the company’s needs. This question is asked to gauge whether you’re genuinely passionate about the job and whether you’ve done the research to understand what the role entails.

A thoughtful, well-crafted answer to this question can differentiate you from other candidates by showing that you're not just looking for any job but are genuinely excited about the opportunity the company is offering. It's also a chance to show that you've thought carefully about how this position fits into your career path and how your skills and experiences will contribute to the organization’s success.

In this blog, we will guide you through how to approach this question, how to answer it effectively, and provide you with sample responses that will help you impress your interviewer.

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Why Employers Ask This Question

Employers want to understand your motivation and passion for the role. They are not just looking for someone to fill the position—they want someone who will bring energy and enthusiasm to their team. When interviewers ask you what excites you about the position, they are evaluating:

1. Your enthusiasm: Are you truly excited about the role, or are you just going through the motions?

2. Your fit for the role: Does your excitement align with the responsibilities and expectations of the job?

3. Your long-term vision: Are you interested in growing within the company or simply looking for a temporary position?

4. Your understanding of the company and position: Have you researched the company and role thoroughly, and do you understand how you can contribute to the success of the organization?

By answering this question thoughtfully, you can show that you’re a proactive and engaged candidate who understands the opportunity in front of you and is eager to contribute.

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How to Prepare for This Question

Before your interview, take some time to reflect on the following questions:

1. What attracted you to this role?
   What elements of the job description stood out to you? Was it the scope of responsibilities, the industry, the company culture, or the opportunity for growth?

2. How do your skills align with the position?
   Think about the specific skills you bring to the table and how they’ll be beneficial in the role. Consider any experiences that have prepared you for success in this position.

3. What excites you about the company?
   Research the company’s mission, values, and culture. What do you admire about the organization? How does the company’s direction align with your professional goals?

4. How does this position fit into your career goals?
   Consider how the position aligns with your long-term career aspirations. Are there opportunities for growth and learning that excite you?

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How to Structure Your Answer

To provide a comprehensive and compelling answer to “What are you most excited about in this position?”, follow this structure:

1. Express Enthusiasm for the Role:
   Begin your answer by expressing genuine excitement about the position. Focus on aspects of the role that resonate with you, such as the job’s responsibilities, the challenges it presents, or the opportunity to learn and grow.

2. Highlight Your Skills and Experiences:
   After expressing enthusiasm, discuss how your background, skills, and experiences align with the position. Show the interviewer that you’re well-suited for the role and ready to contribute from day one.

3. Mention the Company or Team:
   If possible, connect your excitement for the role to the company or team. For example, you might mention the company’s reputation, values, culture, or its impact in the industry. Showing that you're excited about the organization as a whole will make your answer even more compelling.

4. Show Long-Term Interest:
   Demonstrate that you're not only excited about the immediate tasks of the job but also about the potential for growth and development within the company. Show that you are looking forward to the opportunity to evolve within the role and contribute to the company’s long-term success.

5. Keep It Positive and Focused:
   Ensure that your answer stays focused on the positive aspects of the position and the company. Avoid mentioning anything negative about your current job or other positions you're considering. This is your chance to convey your genuine excitement, so stay focused on the positive attributes of the role.

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Sample Answers

Here are some sample answers to the question “What are you most excited about in this position?” tailored to different types of roles:

Example 1: Excited About Challenging Responsibilities

Response:
“I’m really excited about this position because it offers the opportunity to take on more responsibility and tackle new challenges. I’ve been working in a similar role for the past few years, and I’m eager to move into a position where I can not only use my current skills but also expand my capabilities.

I’m particularly excited about managing large-scale projects and working with cross-functional teams, as I know this will stretch my leadership and project management skills. I thrive in environments where I can contribute to big-picture goals while focusing on the details that lead to success. I’m excited to bring my strategic thinking and organization to help streamline processes and deliver results that align with the company’s goals.”

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Example 2: Excited About Growth and Learning Opportunities

Response:
“What excites me most about this position is the opportunity for growth and learning. The role involves working on innovative projects and collaborating with a talented team, which really excites me because I believe in continuous learning.

In my previous roles, I’ve always sought to develop new skills, and I’m looking for a position that allows me to continue that journey. I’m particularly excited about the training programs and mentorship opportunities at your company, which I see as a great way to deepen my expertise and broaden my career. This aligns perfectly with my personal goals of expanding my knowledge and becoming a leader in the field.”

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Example 3: Excited About the Company’s Mission and Impact

Response:
“What excites me the most about this role is the chance to work for a company whose values I admire and align with. I’ve been following your company’s mission for a while now, and I’m passionate about your commitment to sustainability and social impact. Being part of a team that is dedicated to making a positive difference in the world would be incredibly fulfilling.

I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team’s efforts in this space, particularly in how we can use innovation to further advance sustainability initiatives. My background in project management and my interest in environmentally-conscious solutions would allow me to bring fresh ideas and contribute to the company’s continued success.”

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Example 4: Excited About the Team Dynamic and Culture

Response:
“I’m really excited about joining your team because of the company culture you’ve fostered. From what I’ve learned during the interview process and through my research, your company values collaboration, creativity, and a supportive work environment. These are qualities I deeply appreciate and strive to bring to my own work.

I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with a team of professionals who share a passion for innovation and excellence. I thrive in environments where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and everyone’s input is valued. I’m confident that this role will allow me to build on my strengths as a communicator and collaborator, and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.”

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Tips for Crafting a Compelling Answer

1. Be Genuine

When answering this question, authenticity is key. Interviewers can tell when you’re being disingenuous, so it’s essential to be honest about what excites you about the role. Focus on aspects of the job that genuinely interest you, whether it’s the opportunity to work with a dynamic team, the challenges the role presents, or the chance to contribute to a meaningful mission.

2. Be Specific

Rather than offering a generic answer, get specific about what excites you. Is it the company’s approach to innovation? The scope of responsibility in the role? The opportunity to work on a particular project? The more detailed your response, the more it will resonate with the interviewer.

3. Tailor Your Response to the Role

Make sure your answer is tailored to the specific position you’re applying for. Reference the job description and emphasize the aspects that align with your skills and career goals. Showing that you’ve done your homework and understand the role will leave a positive impression.

4. Align Your Answer with the Company’s Values

If you’ve researched the company’s values, mission, or culture, be sure to mention how those elements excite you. Aligning your excitement with the company’s values demonstrates that you are a good cultural fit and are genuinely interested in the organization’s goals.

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Conclusion

When asked “What are you most excited about in this position?”, your response is a chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. By expressing genuine excitement, aligning your skills with the position’s requirements, and showing how the job fits into your long-term career goals, you can make a compelling case for why you are the right candidate. Be authentic, specific, and focused, and you will impress your interviewer with your enthusiasm and passion for the opportunity.

By carefully preparing for this question and thinking about the elements of the job that truly excite you, you’ll set yourself up for success in the interview and position yourself as a motivated and engaged candidate.