How to Answer "Tell Me About A Time You Took Initiative At Work? How Did it Turn Out?" (With Sample Answers)

by Robert Tyler

Published at: January 27, 2024

Understanding how to articulate your interest in a role is a pivotal part of the job interview process. When interviewers ask, "What interests you about this role?" they're looking for insights into your motivations and to gauge whether you're a good fit for the company and the position.

Your answer provides them an opportunity to evaluate how your skills, experiences, and aspirations align with the job's responsibilities and the organization's goals. Crafting a thoughtful and genuine response requires an assessment of both your personal professional objectives and the unique attributes of the remote job you're aiming for.

Why Employers Ask This Question?

Employers inquire about your interests in a role to gauge several key factors that contribute to your potential fit within their organization. When you're asked about your interest in a particular position, it's your chance to connect your skills and experience with the job description provided.

• Understanding of the Job: They want to ensure that you have a thorough comprehension of what the job entails. This helps ascertain if you are applying with a clear picture of what's expected of you.
• Alignment with Company Culture: Your response can reveal how well your values and behaviors align with the company's culture. Employers are looking for candidates who will thrive in their work environment and contribute positively to the team dynamic.
• Enthusiasm for the Role: Your enthusiasm can be a strong indicator of your motivation and dedication. A genuine interest often translates to better performance and a commitment to achieving the company's goals.
• Connection to Career Goals: This question also serves to uncover whether the role aligns with your career trajectory. Employers are interested in how the position fits into your long-term career goals.

How to Answer This Question?

Crafting an answer to "What interests you about this role?" involves a delicate balance of expressing your career aspirations and expertise, while showing your enthusiasm for the company. Be prepared to articulate how the role aligns with your career trajectory and how your unique skills make you the ideal candidate.

Illustrating Your Career Goals and Aspirations

When discussing your career goals, it is essential to link them specifically to the position at hand. Show how this role is a strategic step in your career development. For instance, if your aim is to move into leadership, mention how this job provides the perfect blend of responsibility and learning opportunities.

Example Answer: "I'm passionate about advancing to project management, and this role's blend of team leadership and complex projects aligns perfectly with my career aspirations."

Highlighting Your Unique Qualities and Expertise

Employers look for candidates with a distinctive set of qualifications and unique skills that set them apart. Identify the assets you bring that are especially valuable to the role. Whether it's your knack for problem-solving or your expertise in a specialized area, ensure these are front and center in your answer.

Example Answer: "My unique experience in high-stakes negotiation and my proven track record in closing deals are directly applicable to the challenges this sales role presents."

Conveying Enthusiasm and Knowledge About the Company

Enthusiasm can be a differentiator. Combine this with your knowledge of the company's reputation, values, and mission to show genuine interest. Reference specific company achievements or culture elements that resonate with you, without resorting to flattery.

Example Answer: "I've always admired how your company prioritizes innovation and customer satisfaction. My own passion for implementing cutting-edge solutions and improving the user experience is why I'm so excited about this opportunity."

Remember, your motivation for wanting the role goes beyond a paycheck; it's about finding a position where your passion and career goals converge with the company's direction.

Sample Answers

When responding to the question "What interests you about this role?", it's crucial to keep your answers genuine, focused on the company, and reflective of your professional skills and growth objectives.

Good Sample Answers

1. Alignment with Mission: "Your company's commitment to environmental sustainability resonates with me deeply. I am excited at the prospect of applying my project management skills to advancing your green initiatives."
2. Growth Opportunity: "This role excels in offering leadership and learning opportunities, which I believe are pivotal for my career advancement as a sales professional."
3. Team Environment: "The collaborative team environment you've fostered is inline with my preferred working style. I thrive in settings where cross-functional teamwork is emphasized."

Bad Sample Answers

1. Generic Response: "I like this job because it seems interesting and I think I'd be good at it." (This answer lacks specificity and doesn't demonstrate genuine interest.)
2. Focused Only on Perks: "The high salary and extensive vacation time are what attracted me to this role." (This approach overlooks the core aspects of the job and can appear self-serving.)
3. Unrelated Skills: "I am interested in this accounting role because I have always wanted to learn graphic design." (This response does not connect your skills or interests to the attributes of the role.)

Conclusion

Your answer is a strategic opportunity to demonstrate that your professional goals and the opportunity at hand are in sync. A few reasons to consider when you articulate your interests in a job interview:

• Advancement Opportunities: Are there clear paths for growth in the role?
• Skill Utilization: Does this position allow you to apply your existing talents and expertise?
• Skill Development: Will the role provide opportunities for learning and skill enhancement?
• Cultural Fit: Do the company's values resonate with your personal principles?

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