NAIL THIS ONE INTERVIEW QUESTION AND STAND OUT INSTANTLY

You've likely practiced your "Tell me about yourself" until it flows like poetry. But there's another question - quieter, sneakier, and far more powerful that often gets brushed aside:

"Why are you interested in this role?"

It's not just filler. It's your chance to tell the company, I've done my homework, I'm genuinely excited, and I can already see myself here.

But here's the tricky part: most people fumble this one. They either say too little...or list things that sound like a job description.

So today, I want to walk you through how to get this answer right. Not just right but differentiating. Because when you craft this answer well, it signals that you're not just applying, you're applying with intent.

Let's break it down into three key elements: Industry, Company, Role, and one smart bonus tip at the end.

1. Industry: Show your curiosity

If you're making a switch or entering a new sector, don't just say "It's a growing industry." Everyone says that. Say why it's growing. Say why you care.

Example: "In a recent McKinsey article, I read that digital payments in Southeast Asia are expected to double by 2028 and find the shift in consumer behavior fascinating. I'd love to be part of a team building solutions in this space."

Even better? Share a personal connection. "After working remotely across emerging markets last year, I saw firsthand the role fintech plays in daily life, and I want to help expand that access."

Details like these make your answer believable, memorable, and human.

2. Company: Show you have done your homework

This is not the time to praise the company with generic lines like "You are a global leader." Instead, anchor your answer in specifics.

• Mention a recent initiative or product launch you admire.
• Reference an interview with their leadership that resonated with you.
• Talk about conversations with current employees (and yes, name-drop when appropriate). 

Example: "While preparing for this interview, I listened to your CEO's talk at TechAsia. The way she described building ethical AI products really aligned with my values. It's rare to find a company where the mission speaks so clearly."

You're not just admiring from afar, you're showing alignment. 

3. Role: Show your ambition (and humility)

Here's what many candidates play it too safe. They say: "This role matches my skills perfectly." That's... fine. But it's not compelling.

Instead, talk about what excites you and what you're hoping to grow into.

Example: "What drew me to this role is the opportunity to scale regional teams, which I've done before but what excites me the most is the chance to build a cross-functional strategy from scratch. I haven't led that end-to-end yet, and I'm eager to stretch into that."

Let them know you bring strengths and that you're here to learn. That balance is gold.

Bonus Tip: Use this even if the question isn't asked

Sometimes this question never comes up directly, but that doesn't mean you should wait for permission.

Start building your answer into your "Tell me about yourself." As you close that intro, say something like:

"As I reflected on where I want to grow next, this role stood out for a few reasons - the work itself, the leadership at [Company], and the direction of the industry. It just felt like the right fit."

Then pause. Give them space to ask a follow-up question, and you're already in the flow.

A Final Thought 

If you have been focusing only on your skills, consider this your nudge: interviewers don't just hire capability. They hire enthusiasm.

Get this answer right, and it can be the edge that tips things in your favor, especially when you're neck-and-neck with other qualified candidates. 

You've got this. And if you need more help preparing for your next interview, you know where to find me.

Until next week!

Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)