Make or Break Interview Question: “Why Should We Hire You?”

“Why should we hire you?” Basically, this question is one of the master strokes during an interview, this and similar interview questions such as, “give us reasons to hire you” or “what can you bring to our company” is something that differentiates the best candidates from the other, good candidates.

This question can be a real surprise to candidates who new to the interview process and have not done their homework! Companies also like to use this and similar questions as it is an excellent way to separate those who are casually looking for a job and whose who are 100% on seeking new employment.

For those who have done their homework, he or she would certainly come across this question as one of the most commonly asked question and also know how to handle it. In fact, handling this question is one of the symbols that a person has done their homework and is not just casual job seeker.

How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

When answering this question, ensure your answer does not come across to be arrogant, egotistic or unrealistic. You should focus on providing reasons to hire you over someone else in the best way you can.

Bear in mind the following:

1. Make a short list of all your advantages and create a paragraph that would point out the positive aspects that you have for the new job position.

2. Highlight the similarity of the job profile you are interviewing for to previous roles you have excelled in.

3. You can also take the interviewer’s attention towards your key skills and strengths, name – quick learning, excellent communication skills, etc.

4. Highlight your professional ambitions– the motivation and dedication that you have for the profession and the opening position.

5. The body language when you answer the question is important too. For example, your body language should make it clear that you have thought about the answer and given a carefully worded answer, instead of coming up with a made up, dummy answer.

An approach I would highly recommend is to break down the job requirement into a set number of skills and attributes. Then concentrate on each of the skills required for the role on offer highlighting how your skills, strengths and experiences complement the requirement, giving detailed examples and success stories on past experienced to support each point.
The “why should I hire you?” question could determine your success or failure at interview, so be prepared to shine and blow the competition away, while being mindful of the following:

1. Before this question, you’ve already talked about your experience, your education, your strengths and weaknesses and your skills. What else can you say?

2. Keep in mind that probably other candidates answered this question and this is your best chance to separate yourself from the others.

3. “Why should I hire you?” – Here is your chance to perform – go and sell yourself!! This question is not an open invitation to repeat and describe your profile. Your answer should not focus just about you – It should reflect back to the job requirements and to the company.

4. The interviewer wishes to observe what you can bring to the company – what is your real value. They’re offering you a ladder to a professional career with a good salary and benefits. What are you offering them?

Talent Emporium offers practical advice for job seekers from optimising your CV, conducting a job search, networking tips and interview techniques; you can join our mailing list to keep up dated with advice to ensure you keep ahead of the competition in your job search email info@talentemporium.com

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