Top Interview Questions - 4. Why should we hire you?

Are you the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to say why.  Make your response a concise sales pitch that explains what you have to offer the employer, and why you should get the job.

Welcome back! This is the 4th instalment of my 10 part look into the most common interview questions. So the panel poses this tricky question and you know your answer can make it or break it. How do you give it your best shot?

When an employer asks you, “Why should we hire you?” he/she is really asking, “What makes you the best fit for this position?”.

Here are some tips:

Match your qualifications to the job listing
To prepare an answer to this question, look at the job listing. Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and qualifications. Then, make a list of the qualities you have that fit these requirements. For each quality, think of a specific time that you used that trait to achieve something at work. For example, if you list that you are a “team player,” think of a time in which your ability to work well on a team resulted in a successfully completed project. 

Keep it concise
You want your answer to be brief no more than a minute or two long. Therefore, select one or two specific qualities from the list you created to emphasize in your “sales pitch.” Begin by explaining what you believe the employer is looking for, and how you fulfill that need.

Focus on your uniqueness
The interviewer wants to know how you stand out among the other applicants. Therefore, focus on one or two qualities you possess that might be unique, or more difficult to find, in other interviewees. For example, if you are very experienced with a certain skill that the job requires, say so. This is your chance to tell the interviewer why you would be an invaluable employee.

6 Examples of the Best Answers:

1. I think that my experience in the (widget) industry and my ability to work autonomously make me a good match for this position.

2. I have the savvy, experience, and superior communication ability to be an asset to your company.

3. Your company provides many services that I have had experience with, in a variety of capacities. I believe that my familiarity with the industry would make me a good fit for this position.

4. You have explained that you are looking for a sales executive who is able to effectively manage over a dozen employees. In my fifteen years of experience as a sales manager, I have developed strong motivational and team-building skills. I was twice awarded manager-of-the-year for my innovative strategies for motivating employees to meet and surpass quarterly deadlines. If hired, I will bring my leadership abilities and strategies for achieving profit gains to this position.

5. I have top-notch administrative skills and I believe I'd be an asset for the office. My skill set seems to be a perfect match for what you're looking for. In addition, I enjoy working with people, and would welcome the opportunity to be a part of your team.

6. You describe in the job listing that you are looking for a special education assistant teacher with an abundance of patience and compassion. Having served as a tutor at a summer school for dyslexic children for the past two years, I have developed my ability to be extremely patient while still achieving academic gains with my students. My experience teaching phonics to children ages 6 to 18 has taught me strategies for working with children of all ages and abilities, always with a smile. My previous employer often placed me with the students with the most severe learning disabilities because of my history of success. I will bring not only experience, but patience and creative problem-solving, to this position.

For more insight and tips, check out this article from the Business Insider - What to say when the interviewer asks, 'Why should we hire you?’
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​My next blog will discuss the 5th most common question - 'Why are you leaving or have left your job?'. See you next time!