How to Answer the Interview Question, “Why Should We Hire You?”

I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of students over the years to help them refine and perfect their interview skills. One interview question that we always prepare for is “why should we hire you?”

We have to tackle this question because it’s a popular one and interviewers love to ask it. They’re trying to gauge what sets you apart from all the other candidates.

This question can be somewhat awkward because, to make an impact, you really need to know how to sell yourself to the interviewer.

Here, you’ll learn 4 simple steps to answer the popular interview question, “why should we hire you?” You’ll also learn what you can do to stand out from all the other candidates.

If we’ve never met before, I’m Heather Austin from ProfessorAustin.com and The Career Club on Facebook, and here, I share simple solutions to help you build a business or launch a career you love.

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This interview question comes in several different forms. You might hear it as:

“Why should we hire you?”

“What makes you a good fit for this role?”

“Why are you the best candidate for this position?”

I understand that this question may be a little uncomfortable for you to answer because you really have to know how to sell yourself. So let me help you out so you can really shine when you tell an interviewer why they should hire you.

Step 1 – Do Your Research

One of the best things you can do to stand out in any interview is to do your research. Find out everything you can about the company and the position.

Research the company’s website, review their LinkedIn page, evaluate their activity on social media – do whatever it takes!

This research will help you better understand what problems the company is facing and how you can help them solve those problems in your new role.

It will also help you understand what the company values most in its employees. As you research, compose a response ahead of time that will help you stand out from all the other candidates. (The following steps will help you do this!) 

Step 2 – Make a Direct Correlation

Now that you understand what the company’s pain points are, you need to demonstrate how your skills and expertise are a perfect match for the position.

To do this, carefully comb through the job description and highlight three key areas that you know you can prove that you excel in.

Most job descriptions are broken up into three main parts: major key responsibilities, specific job duties or functions, and qualifications. Pinpoint one item from each area that you can match directly to your career accomplishments.

A special note for students: It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of work experience. You can match items up from the job posting to your education and volunteer experience.

Now, although this interview question is very similar to the other popular interview question, “What are your strengths?,” keep in mind that your answer to this question will be structured slightly differently.

If you are wondering how to answer this other popular interview question of “What are your strengths?,” check out this video I made that’s got you covered.

Step 3 – Build Your Story

Have you ever heard the saying, “facts tell, stories sell?” To properly sell yourself to an employer, you need to develop a story around each item you highlighted in step #2.

For example, let’s say that a job description calls for someone that has superb analytical skills. If that is an area you excel in, then think back to a situation that demonstrates your analytical skills in action.

Be prepared to tell an engaging story of how you used your analytical skills to solve a problem, and be sure to explain the results that you achieved in that particular situation.

Step 4 – Show Your Uniqueness

Remember that the interviewer is asking this question because they want to know what sets you apart from all the other candidates.

Now is the time to show your interviewer that wow, you are different from everyone else interviewing for this position.

Think about what makes you unique and special. If you have a hard time pinpointing what makes you different, ask others that have seen you in action what they think you do well.

You could ask close acquaintances, family members, managers, coworkers, professors, and even classmates.

With the input you have received from others and your own ideas in mind, jot down a statement or two about what makes you unique. Make sure that that your unique talent or skill relates directly to the position you are applying for.

How to Answer This Question

When you answer this question, avoid answers like “You should hire me because I am a hard worker” or “You should hire me because I work well with others.” Here’s a better example of how to answer this question:

“From my understanding, one of the key requirements for this position is {mention one of the key requirements here}. You should hire me because I have a unique understanding and awareness of how {mention something you are aware of in the position or industry} effects our industry.”

 

“In my previous position, I had the privilege of {ensuring program success by motivating and driving my team to execute strategic planning so that we could reach client sales objectives}.”

 

“I also learned through my research that your company values {mention something you know the company values}. This is one of my greatest passions, and I know without a doubt that my experience in the this area will sustain company standards and lead the team to greater success.”

Best of luck! You’ll do great in your interview.

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