It’s one of the most intimidating questions you’ll hear during a job interview: “Why should we hire you?” It almost feels like a trap, but it’s not—employers genuinely want to know why they should give you an offer over other job seekers.
Instead of letting this question paralyze you with fear, use it as an opportunity to show off your unique skills and highlight what makes you a good match for the position!
Here we’ll discuss how to prepare for this tricky interview question and provide tips on crafting an impressive answer that’ll leave the hiring manager wanting more! So read on for our top strategies for acing the “Why should we hire you?” job interview question!
RELATED: How To Answer: “What Can You Contribute To The Company?”
“Why Should We Hire You?” Job Interview Question—Answered!
What the Interviewer Is Really Looking for When Asking This Question
Tips for Answering the “Why Should We Hire You?” Question
First things first, let’s talk about why it’s essential to prepare for the “why should we hire you?” question.
Think of it this way—you’re competing against several other candidates who have similar key qualifications and experience as you do. The interviewer has a limited amount of time and resources to choose the best person for the job. If you can’t convince them that you’re the best choice, then they’ll choose someone else.
Thus, it’s crucial to prepare for this question by doing company research, understanding the job posting, and identifying your unique selling points. By doing so, you can tailor your answer to the job requirements and show the interviewer that you’re not only knowledgeable about the job and the company, but that you also have the skill set, personality, and motivation to excel in the role.
What the Interviewer Is Really Looking for When Asking This Question
Now that you know why it’s crucial to prepare for this question, let’s talk about what the interviewer is really looking for when asking this question during the hiring process.
Essentially, they want to know why you’re the most ideal candidate for the job. But what does that really mean?
Well, the interviewer is looking for someone who fits these main criteria:
Unique Qualities
When answering the question, you should focus on your unique qualities that differentiate you from others. A good approach is to emphasize your strengths, all the skills, and experience that align with the job description. Don’t just repeat what’s on your cover letter and resume—share some examples of past experience and how you’ve used your skills in the past.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you could discuss how you developed and executed a digital marketing strategy for social media that increased engagement and generated more leads. Highlighting your unique qualities will demonstrate your value to the company and show that you’re a strong candidate for the role.
Here are some sample answers:
- “My background in project management makes me an ideal fit for this position. I understand how to plan and manage complex projects from start to finish. My work experience has also taught me how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and refine processes to maximize efficiency. In addition, I’m highly motivated and willing to go above and beyond what’s expected of me.”
- “I believe I can make an immediate impact with my background in web development and design. My experience has taught me how to create user-friendly websites that are visually appealing and meet customer needs.”
Remember, review the job ad and all the qualifications, and look for transferable skills or unique experiences that you can draw from.
Here are some soft skills, hard skills, and qualities that employers look for in a job seeker:
- Team player skills: Employers want someone who can work cohesively in a group, supporting their colleagues and bringing their individual strengths to the table.
- Organizational skills: Companies love a well-organized employee because they know they can rely on them to keep things on track.
- Strong work ethic: Simply put, a good work ethic means showing up on time, giving 100% effort on every task, and taking responsibility for your actions. Employers want someone who they can trust to get the job done right, without any hand-holding or constant reminders.
- Interpersonal skills: Hiring managers love candidates who can communicate clearly, empathize with coworkers, and solve conflicts in a professional manner.
- Technical skills: Interviewers are constantly on the lookout for individuals who are adept at working with various software and programming languages. From web development to database management, having strong technical skills can give you the edge you need in the job market.
- Communication skills: Employers want team players who can communicate effectively, both verbally and written. Even more important is the ability to listen and understand what others are trying to say.
- People skills: Being personable is key in any job. Companies want people who can connect with colleagues and clients on an interpersonal level while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Problem-solving abilities: Whether it’s a tricky customer complaint or a complicated project, having the ability to come up with creative solutions is key in any industry.
- Leadership abilities: Companies want someone who can take charge and motivate a team to success.
- Time management: Employers want to see that you can prioritize tasks, plan your day effectively, and meet deadlines with ease.
- Adaptability: In a rapidly changing job market, adaptability is truly key. Companies need employees who can quickly pivot and work in different environments.
Passion
The hiring manager wants to know that you care about the company and the work you’ll be doing. So, show your passion!
Share your enthusiasm for the company’s goals, mission, and values, and reflect how it resonates with your personal beliefs. Enthusiasm and passion can be incredibly infectious and can drive engagement from other employees as well.
For instance, if you’re applying for a customer service role, you could share how much you enjoy helping people and how you’re motivated by resolving customer issues.
Employers want to hire people who are excited about the work and can bring their unique perspective and passion to the role.
Here’s a sample answer:
- “I believe I’m the best candidate for this position since I’m passionate about customer service and helping people solve their problems. I believe in the company’s commitment to providing customers with excellent service, and I’m excited to be part of that mission. Additionally, I have experience working in similar roles, so I understand how important it is to provide efficient and effective solutions for customers.”
Accomplishments
Another way to stand out during your job search is by sharing your accomplishments. This provides evidence of your relevant skills and shows that you can deliver results.
When answering the question, highlight an achievement that you’re proud of and explain how you achieved it.
For example, if you’re applying for a sales manager role, you could discuss how you exceeded your sales targets in your last job by developing relationships with clients and using a consultative approach to close deals.
Sharing your accomplishments can give employers confidence that you’re an achiever and can deliver high quality work and results.
Here’s an example answer:
- “I’m proud of my success in leading sales teams to exceed the goals for our product. I put together an effective strategy that focused on building relationships with customers and using a consultative approach to close deals. Our efforts resulted in increased revenue and customer satisfaction.”
RELATED: Situational Interview Question And Helpful Guidelines For The Job Interview
Initiative and Drive
Employers love candidates who take initiative and drive projects forward, so emphasize your ability to take ownership of a project or task, and describe how you can help move the company forward with your ideas and actions.
This could be shared by walking the hiring manager through examples of when you proactively looked for new ways to do things, whether on the job or in your personal life.
Here’s an example answer:
- “I’m a self-starter with the drive to take initiative and move projects forward. In my previous company, I identified an opportunity to streamline our customer service process, which resulted in improved customer satisfaction ratings. On a personal level, I started an online business that generated over $5K in revenue within its first year.”
Motivation
The ability to stay motivated is essential for any successful career. Show the hiring manager that you know how to keep a positive attitude and maintain focus in challenging situations.
Share stories of when you had to step up and take charge in order to get things done, or when you overcame obstacles to reach your goals.
Here’s an example answer:
- “I’m capable of staying motivated even in difficult times, which I’ve demonstrated by successfully completing past projects under tight deadlines or when faced with challenging obstacles. I’m confident in my ability to stay focused on results while keeping a positive attitude.”
Cultural Fit
It’s important to talk about how you’re a cultural fit. Hiring managers want to know that you’ll get along with the team and have a positive impact on company culture.
Talk about how you share the company’s values and how you’ll add to their collective ideas and perspectives. Maybe you’ve done some research and found out that the company values work-life balance, and you’re passionate about taking care of your mental health. Elaborate on that point and how you think you can add to the company’s culture.
Here’s an example answer:
- “I’m passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted. I believe that in order to do great work, you need to be surrounded by people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. At my previous job, I helped create a more welcoming workplace environment by organizing team building activities and setting up programs to support mental health.”
Tips for Answering the “Why Should We Hire You?” Question
Now that you know how to answer the question, here are a few final tips to help you prepare:
- Research the company: Read up on the company website and look for its mission, values, and culture. You can then tailor your response to demonstrate how you’ll fit right in with their team.
- Practice your answer aloud: Don’t just memorize a script—practice answering the question in a conversational manner so that you sound natural and confident during job interviews.
- Be concise: Avoid rambling on about unrelated topics and make sure your answer is concise and direct.
- Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not—let your enthusiasm and passion shine through. This will make it easier for hiring managers to connect with you and visualize what it would be like working with you in the future.
- Be prepared for follow-up questions: Hiring managers may probe deeper into your answers, so be ready with additional examples and stories to support your response.
- Avoid generic answers: Generic answers like “because I’m the best” won’t help you stand out. Make sure your responses are unique and tailored to the company and position you’re applying for.
Final Thoughts
The “Why should we hire you?” question can be a massive opportunity to showcase what you bring to the table. By doing your research, quantifying your achievements, expressing your passion, and showing confidence, you can deliver an impressive answer!
Remember, it’s not just about you, it’s also about what you can bring to help the company grow and succeed.
If you’re looking for a company you can grow with, check out what we have to offer here at The Virtual Hub! We’re always looking for talented and motivated individuals to join our team!
Up Next:
0 Comments