"What excites you about this job?" might sound like a feel-good question, but it’s actually a moment where interviewers look for real insight. They want to know if you’ve done your homework, if you truly care about the role, and if you’re here for more than just a paycheck.
It’s a common question, too. You might hear it in a first-round interview, during a final panel, or even casually from a hiring manager just trying to gauge your motivation. The good news? With the right approach, it’s a great chance to stand out.
Why interviewers ask "What excites you about this job"?
This question might sound casual, but there’s more behind it actually. Generally, interviewers ask it to see if you’ve taken time to understand the role and the company. They want to know what actually motivates you and whether you’re genuinely interested in working there.
If your answer is specific and thoughtful, it tells them you’re not just applying everywhere—you’re choosing this job for a reason. That makes you a more appealing candidate right away.
It also gives them clues about what matters to you. If you talk about the company’s mission, they’ll see that purpose is important to you. If you’re excited about learning new skills, they’ll know you value growth, etc. Your answer helps shape the direction of the rest of the interview.
People who are excited about their work tend to be more engaged and motivated once they’re hired. That’s what hiring managers are looking for: someone who’s not just qualified, but also energized by the job.
Common variations of "What Makes You Excited To Work Here?"
You might not always hear the question the same way. Here are a few different ways interviewers might ask it:
- What made you want to apply for this role?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What caught your eye about this position?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What excites you about working with us?
- What stood out to you about this opportunity?
How to answer “What excites you about this job?”
You’re in the interview, and they hit you with a version of “What excites you about this job?” It might seem like a soft question, but your answer can reveal a lot. Interviewers are listening for your enthusiasm, your fit for the role, and how well you understand what the job is really about.
This is your chance to show you’re not just applying randomly. You’ve thought about the role, the company, and how it connects with your goals. When done right, your answer can help you build momentum early in the conversation.
Here’s how to craft a great response:
1. Show you understand the role
Start by showing you’ve paid attention to the job description. Highlight one or two things that genuinely interest you. Maybe it’s the kind of work you’ll be doing, a specific tool or process, or the chance to work cross-functionally. Be specific, not generic.
“When someone’s done their homework, it’s obvious,” says career strategist Lana Brooks. “They’re not just saying they like the company—they’re naming details from the role that match their interests or experience.”
2. Connect it to your career goals
Next, tie your excitement back to your own growth. Does the job let you stretch your skills or take on new responsibilities? Maybe it’s a step toward a bigger goal. When you show how the role fits into your path, it helps the interviewer see you sticking around long term.
3. Talk about the company—not just the job
If you’re also excited about the company itself, say so. Maybe it’s the mission, the team culture, the leadership, or something you read in the news. People love to hear that you’re energized by the bigger picture, not just the tasks on the job listing.
4. Be genuine, not overly rehearsed
Finally, keep your answer natural and honest. You don’t have to sound like a cheerleader—just someone who’s genuinely looking forward to the opportunity. A little bit of real excitement goes a long way.
5. Focus on impact, not just interest
It’s great to talk about what interests you, but also touch on where you see yourself adding value. Maybe the company is scaling fast, and you're excited to help build processes. Or maybe you love solving problems, and the job clearly involves that. Excitement is more convincing when it’s tied to contribution.
6. Mention team or collaboration opportunities
If you thrive in team settings, talk about how the company’s collaborative environment or cross-functional work excites you. If the role involves working with product, design, or sales, for example, you can mention how those touchpoints match your strengths or interests.
7. Reflect your values and what motivates you
People often overlook this, but values matter. Maybe the company supports diversity, sustainability, or community impact—and those things resonate with you. Or maybe you're motivated by innovation, creativity, or continuous learning. Sharing what drives you personally makes your answer more authentic and memorable.
"What Excites You About This Job?" Sample Answers
It’s one thing to talk about excitement in theory but here is how to put that into words during a real interview. These examples will give you the tools to connect your interests, values, and experience to the role in a way that feels natural and intentional.
Sample answer #1: For someone applying to a mission-driven company
"I'm really excited about this role because of the opportunity to contribute to a company that’s focused on sustainability. I’ve always been drawn to work that has a bigger impact, and I was really impressed by the initiatives your team has led, like the zero-waste packaging program. I also noticed this role involves working closely with partners to bring those projects to life, which lines up well with the kind of collaboration I love and have done in my past roles. It feels like a great match between what I care about and what I enjoy doing day to day."
Sample answer #2: For someone excited about learning and growth
"What excites me most about this role is the chance to grow my skills in data analysis while contributing to a fast-paced product team. I saw that your team is experimenting with new analytics tools and building out dashboards for cross-functional use, which really aligns with what I’ve been working toward. I’ve taken courses recently to deepen my skills, and I’m eager to apply them in a hands-on way. I also love being in environments where people are learning from each other, and from what I’ve read about your culture, that seems to be a strong part of how your team operates."
Sample answer #3: For someone switching industries but staying in a similar role
"What really stood out to me about this job was how closely it ties to both my skill set and my personal interests. I’ve worked in account management for five years, mostly in the tech space, but I’ve always had an interest in education. When I saw that this role combines client management with helping schools and educators succeed, it clicked. I’m excited about the idea of applying what I already know while learning the ins and outs of a new field that really matters to me."
Sample answer #4: For someone early in their career
"I'm excited about this role because it gives me a chance to build on the research and writing skills I developed in school while learning from a team that’s clearly doing impactful work. I’ve followed your company’s blog for a while and always found your insights sharp and thoughtful, so the idea of contributing to that kind of content is really motivating. I’m also looking for a place where I can grow, and it sounds like there’s real opportunity here to learn and take on new challenges."
Sample answer #5: For someone who loves solving problems
"What really excites me about this role is the focus on problem-solving and process improvement. I saw that the team is working on streamlining operations and building out new systems, and that’s exactly the kind of work that gets me engaged. In my last job, I helped redesign part of our customer onboarding flow, which improved speed and reduced errors. I love digging into how things work and finding better ways to do them, and I can see myself bringing that energy here."
Key Takeaways
Obviously there’s no one perfect way to answer “What excites you about this job?” and that’s a good thing. Your answer should reflect you: your interests, your goals, and your connection to the company and role. That said, a strong response usually includes a few key ingredients. Here’s a quick recap of what to keep in mind:
What to include
Show that you’ve read the job description and understand what the role involves.
- Highlight what genuinely excites you - whether that’s the mission, the team, the work, or the opportunity to grow.
- Connect your answer to your skills, interests, or career goals.
- Prove that you’re not just looking for any job - you’re invested in this one.
- Be honest and natural. Enthusiasm matters, but it has to feel real.
A simple structure to follow
You don’t need a script, but a little structure helps. Here’s one easy way to shape your answer:
- The Role: Start with what draws you to the role itself—what parts of the work sound exciting or fulfilling to you?
- The Fit: Share how your background or strengths line up with what they’re looking for.
- The Company: Finish it up by saying what excites you about the company or team. This could be the mission, values, industry, or even recent projects.
For More Information
Want to feel even more confident heading into your interview? Check out these related guides:
- 9 Best Answers to "Why Should We Hire You?" Learn how to craft a compelling response that highlights your value and sets you apart from other candidates.
- What to Bring to a Job Interview From documents to mindset, here’s everything you need to walk in prepared.
- Top 19 Questions to Ask in an Interview Make a strong impression by asking smart, thoughtful questions of your own.
- Best Job Interview Simulators Practice makes perfect: these simulators help you rehearse and improve your answers in a realistic setting.
