How Do You Answer What Attracted You?

To answer what attracted you to a role or company, focus on specific aspects that genuinely interest you and connect to your aspirations. A compelling answer demonstrates that you have researched the opportunity and see a clear fit.

Crafting Your Answer

According to the provided guidance, a strong answer involves explaining how the role aligns with your career goals, how the company's work interests you, or how it connects to something you're passionate about. By doing this, you effectively show the interviewer your understanding of both your own objectives and the company's needs.

Why This Approach Works

• Alignment with Career Goals: Discussing alignment shows you are forward-thinking and view this position as a stepping stone in your professional journey. It indicates you have a plan and see this role as a logical and beneficial move.
• Interest in Company's Work: Expressing genuine interest in the company's products, services, mission, or industry shows you've done your homework and are enthusiastic about contributing to their success.
• Connection to Passion: Linking the role to something you are passionate about reveals your intrinsic motivation and dedication. This can make you a more engaged and committed employee.

Highlighting these points demonstrates your understanding of what you seek in a position and how that matches what the company is looking for.

Structuring Your Response

Here's a simple way to structure your answer:

1. State Your Primary Attraction: Begin by identifying the main factor that drew you in (e.g., the specific responsibilities, the company culture, the industry impact).
2. Elaborate Using Key Themes: Explain how this factor aligns with your career goals, connects to your interests, or relates to your passions, using details from the job description or your research about the company.
3. Connect Back to the Role: Briefly reiterate why this makes the role a strong fit for you and how you can contribute.

Practical Examples

Here are a few examples illustrating how to incorporate the recommended themes:

• Aligning with Career Goals: "I was particularly attracted to the opportunity to lead projects in X technology, as it directly aligns with my long-term career goal of becoming a senior architect in that field. This role offers the hands-on experience and scope I'm seeking to achieve that."
• Interest in Company's Work: "I've followed [Company Name]'s work in [specific area, e.g., renewable energy solutions] for some time and am incredibly impressed by your innovative approach. I'm genuinely interested in contributing my skills to a company making such a significant impact."
• Connection to Passion: "What really attracted me was the company's mission to [specific mission, e.g., provide accessible education]. This resonates deeply with my personal passion for education equality, and I'm excited about the possibility of using my [your skill] to support such meaningful work."

What to Include vs. What to Avoid

By focusing on these key areas – career goals, company interest, and personal passion – and providing specific examples, you can give a thoughtful and effective answer that highlights your suitability for the role.