Why should we hire you has been a question which has been passed down through decades of the interview process. The reason is simple. Many people possess the right qualifications fitted for every job. Since every company wants the best of the best, the question is always asked as a way of telling you, “why should we hire you instead of the tens or hundreds of other applicants.”
This is a tricky question, and one everyone who desires to get their dream job should know how to answer. The right answer to why should we hire you is what this article entails. You can also consider working with a recruiting company to make sure your resume makes it to the top of the stack and give you a chance at an interview.
While it isn’t every company that will ask you why should we hire you. An estimate of at least 75% of all interviewers asks this question. However, even if they do not ask, they still find a way to answer it.
Before we go into the why we should hire you question, let us explore other pitfalls you should avoid during an interview.
Things To Avoid In An Interview And In Answering The Question “Why Should We Hire You”
It is important to know that this question can come in several ways. However, the answer remains the same. Some common ways interviewers ask this question are:
- What makes you feel you are the best candidate for the job
- Why should we hire you
- Tell me why you think you are the right fit for the position
- What are you bringing to the company/position
Now, when answering the question, WHY, you do not want to give a generic answer such as I’m smart and qualified. Why, you ask? The reason is quite obvious. Every person coming for the interview obviously thinks they are smarter than the next. You need to be unique and distinguish yourself merely through the way you answer the question.
Also, you might have some impressive experience and skills in your curriculum vitae, and you want to show it off. While you should avoid sounding overconfident and cocky, now is the time to highlight some of your impressive skills and experience in a humble fashion.
Avoid memorizing a script for your interview, instead, have a proper preparation. Simply pick some points or questions you feel you will be asked, and dwell on them.
You also want to avoid speaking too much in response to a question. The more you talk, the less interested your potential employer will be. Simply state the message you are trying to convey and move on to the next.
Lastly, you want to take preparation really seriously. If you get to an interview, 60% of your employment process is already complete. All that’s left is impressing the Hiring Manager.
Why Should We Hire You: Method I
In response to this question, you want to thank your interviewer and then throw a question back at your interviewer for clarification on what the company truly needs. This question has to be asked expertly to avoid any red flags. With whatever answer you are given, you can be show off what they are looking for in a candidate. Once that is known, you can then refer to an instance where you performed the job with a positive outcome/feedback.
An example would be:
That’s a nice question. Although, I feel you have a slight advantage over me as regards what you’re looking for and since I am still learning about your company. It sounds as though you are in search of someone who will be able to handle customer concerns effectively and in a prompt manner. Is that accurate?
(Assuming the interviewer responds with a “Yes.”)
If that is the case, I would like to tell you about a time where I handled a customer issue, and they walked away with satisfaction and feeling confident in our capabilities and services.
Why Should We Hire You: Method II
You want to respond with a way that demonstrates your ability to perform the job responsibly and effectively. You also want to show proof and strategy you have used in accomplishing this task in a former workplace. The more details you can put into this, the higher your chances of being recommended by the Hiring Manager.
An Example Would be:
This is a dire question in this process, and I’m grateful you asked. Based on what you’ve said so far and from my personal research, your company needs a skilled communicator and experienced marketer. At my previous company, I was responsible for increasing their activity by 24%. By implementing targeted social media advertising, I will be bringing the same innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to your company, and your success will be my top priority.
Why Should We Hire You: Method III
Convey a high level of positivity and confidence. Make your answer a little generic while focusing on your skills, experience, and passion in the industry all at once.
An example would be:
For starters, I’m confident I have all the needed skills and experience listed in your job description. I’m also confident that I can make an abrupt impact on your company. It isn’t just about my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, it is my passion for the industry that has driven to me to succeed in every workplace and project I have ever had. If chosen for the job, I will continue to deliver outstanding work quality for the continued and improved success of your organization.
The Bottom Line
You might discover that in all of our examples, there is always a reference to a time you have filled the position they need in another company. This just shows experience. A company wouldn’t want to hire someone who has no experience handling the job. So, even as much as you haven’t filled that position before, it is also great to show instances where you have effectively done the task/job you are being interviewed for.