When you’re in a job interview, it’s your moment to show the employer why you’re the right fit. One common question you might hear is, “What challenges are you looking for in a position?” It’s not just about proving you’re ambitious—it’s also a chance to show that you’re excited about the job and how well you’d fit in.
Interviewers ask this question because they want to see more than just your skills—they want to know what keeps you motivated. They’re looking for people who are engaged, not just showing up to do the bare minimum. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys being challenged, that’s a big plus. It shows them that you’ll be excited about the work and that you’ll thrive in the role. The way you describe the challenges you’re interested in can also tell them a lot about your personality and work style, which helps them figure out if you’d be a great match for the team.
What interviewers are looking for when they ask about challenging yourself
When an interviewer asks what challenges you’re looking for, they’re trying to see if what you want matches what the job offers. If the job doesn’t give you the challenges or opportunities you’re excited about, you probably won’t be happy and might not stick around. That’s why interviewers want to know if your goals line up with the job.
They’re also checking to see if you’re motivated. Your answer helps them figure out if you’re open to learning new things, handling bigger responsibilities, or pushing yourself to grow. These are qualities they often look for in someone who’s a great fit for the job.
If you’re applying for a job that’s the same every day or doesn’t have room to grow, this question might not even come up. But if they ask it, it’s likely because the job will have challenges, and they want to know if you’re ready for them.
How to answer “What challenges are you looking for in a position?”
Assess your career goals
Start by thinking about where you want your career to go. Are you hoping to lead a team one day? Maybe you want to become a pro in a specific area, or perhaps you’re looking to switch gears into a different field. Knowing your long-term goals helps you create an answer that shows you’re not just thinking about the now, but also about how this job fits into your future.
Example: If you’re aiming to become a team leader, you could say, “I’m excited about taking on more leadership roles, and I’m looking for opportunities to guide and motivate a team toward shared goals.”
Think of the challenges that align with those goals
Now, match your career goals to the challenges this job might offer. If you’re dreaming of managing a team, maybe the challenge you’re looking for is motivating people and driving projects forward. If your goal is to become an expert in your field, you might be seeking out tougher, more complex projects that push your skills to the next level. Whatever your goals are, make sure the challenges you mention are realistic for the position.
Example: If you want to grow as a subject-matter expert, you might say, “I’m looking for the challenge of taking on more complex projects that require deep technical knowledge, so I can continue to build my expertise and problem-solving abilities.”
Name relevant aspects of the position
To wrap up your answer, mention a few things about the job that caught your attention. What made you excited about this role when you first read the job description? Was it the chance to work on a particular project, the team’s dynamic, or the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology? Including these details shows the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in this specific job, not just applying anywhere to get a paycheck.
Example: You might say, “I was really drawn to the collaborative environment you described, where the team works together to tackle challenging projects. I’m excited about the chance to bring my ideas to the table and contribute to those projects.”
How not to answer
Don’t cite challenges the job doesn’t offer
Avoid talking about challenges that don’t fit with the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role but secretly want to switch to a career in graphic design, it’s best not to mention your long-term goal of changing fields. This can make the interviewer worry that you won’t stay engaged in the position for very long, and they might question whether you’re fully committed to the role.
Saying something like, “Honestly, I’m hoping to move into graphic design, but this marketing job seems like a good stepping stone,” might make the hiring manager think you won’t stay in the position for long and that your heart isn’t really in it. Instead, focus on the challenges that directly relate to the position you’re interviewing for. Even if this job is a stepping stone for you, the goal is to show that you’re excited about the role and ready to bring your best.
Avoid mentioning unrealistic challenges
Similarly, don’t bring up challenges that are unlikely to come up in the job. For instance, if the position you’re applying for is more routine, don’t talk about wanting challenges that involve high-stakes decision-making or managing a large team if that’s not part of the role. This will make it seem like you haven’t really understood the job description or that you’re aiming for something completely different.
You shouldn’t say “I’m looking for the challenge of leading a department and managing big projects,” if the job you’re applying for is an entry-level position with no management duties. This answer could make it seem like you have unrealistic expectations for the role. It’s important to keep your answer grounded in the reality of what the position offers. You can still show ambition, but make sure it lines up with what’s possible in the job you’re interviewing for.
Sample answers to “What challenges are you looking for in a position?”
Example #1
“I’m looking for a job that will help me build on the technical skills I’ve recently gained. I just finished a certification in Amazon Web Services, so I was really excited to see that using AWS is a big part of this role. I’m eager to take on the challenge of applying what I’ve learned and growing in this area.”
Why this works: This answer highlights a recent accomplishment, like earning a certification, while showing enthusiasm for using that skill in the job. It ties the candidate’s desire to learn and grow directly to a core responsibility of the role, which shows that they’re ready to hit the ground running. It also communicates that they’re motivated to keep developing professionally, which is attractive to any employer.
Example #2
“I’d love a job that gives me the chance to think creatively and solve problems in new ways. In my last internship, we had to follow strict guidelines, so there wasn’t much room for new ideas. I really like that your company encourages fresh, out-of-the-box thinking, and I’m excited about the challenge of contributing to that.”
Why this works: This response references an internship or previous job, which shows they have some experience but are looking for more creative freedom. The answer is positive and forward-looking, expressing excitement about contributing to a company that values innovation. It also acknowledges the candidate’s desire to stretch their problem-solving abilities, which is a valuable trait for employers.
Example #3
“I’m eager to take on the challenge of working with and motivating a team. During my senior year in college, I led a group project where we had to work together to meet tight deadlines. I really enjoyed figuring out how to keep everyone focused and on track. I’m excited about the chance to bring that experience into a professional setting as part of this role.”
Why this works: For someone new to the workforce, this answer takes a relatable experience—leading a college project—and connects it to the skills needed for the job. It shows the interviewer that the candidate already has some experience working with teams and that they’re excited to take that skill to the next level in a professional environment. The answer emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and motivation, which are key traits for a management or leadership path.
Remember to keep your answers positive. These should be good challenges that excite you, not ones that overwhelm you. Focus on how the challenge fits with your strengths and how you plan to grow from it. This will show the interviewer that you’re motivated and ready to contribute.