When you ask a candidate, "What drew you to this role?" what do you usually consider a good answer? I always get the well-researched, polished answer, but I've been finding it hard to differentiate between someone who is genuinely passionate and someone who is just looking for a job. Have you figured out a classic telltale sign of a truly interested candidate?

Not to sound rude, but stop expecting people to be passionate about exchanging their time and labor for the means to continue surviving in the capitalist hellscape we all live in.

If people are prepared and professional and qualified, let that be enough. Stop expecting people to want to bleed for a company that won't hesitate to underpay them or fire them at any time for any reason.

Genuine candidates tend to have an energy or excitement that feels authentic, and they often talk about what they hope to learn or accomplish, not just what they hope to get. Ultimately, it’s that combination of specific, personal connection and forward-looking curiosity that signals true passion for the position.

I always answer 2 fold. 1) how I am using my experience and what I can bring to the role to take the "next step" in my career goal and 2) how the company would allow for me to reach that "next step" in my career goal

For example if I am working in manufacturing for a smaller company but applying to a company in another industry within manufacturing I might say.

"I am interested in this role because it would allow me to use what I learned at xyz company and take it one step further. I am excited about the role with ABC company because it would expose me to accounting in the widget industry. Furthermore ABC industry is bigger (drop the revenue figure you got from doing pre interview research) and being involved in accounting matters that are unique to ABC company but might not be present in XYZ company would help broaden my experience"

If someone is legitimately interested in the company, that should just become obvious. They'll be able to talk about the company's history, or at least its recent history. And they'll be able to converse about its current challenges, and may mention how they see themselves contributing in that context.

Oh no, I never subject candidates to this type of question. It’s kind of outdated. I think we all know why people are looking for a job. It’s because they need a job. And making them come up with a song and dance to say why they want a particular or position over another it’s just cruel in 2025.

You’re expecting candidates to be pre-indoctrinated (code word “passionate”) about spending the better part of their day and life slaving away at whatever paper pushing, screen clicking, or mechanical job the company is offering. You don’t want someone like that in the long run as they’ll eventually wise up and become disenchanted by the reality of day to day work life. You want a candidate who’s aware and realistic already. They have the skills, they get paid for those skills, and that’s that. No fervor for higher causes that don’t really exist, unless their work is so humanitarian that it warrants that type of passion.

As long as the candidate isn't stuttering or at a loss of words , I will usually accept their answer. Most people just need a job

Trust me. You'll know it when you come across these folks. They're like gems. In 10,000 interviews, you're lucky if you come across 5 who actually have a meaningful response to that question. A majority of candidates won't know what company you work for & what role they're interviewed for. About 30-40% will read right from the job description or company overview. And a very slim margin will "wow" you. You'll see.