The amount of people who freeze when asked the job interview question "Why should we hire you?" is too damn high!
For no reason too.
Sure, the question is a bit tricky, but with the right approach you should be able to breeze through it. All while impressing your recruiter.
In short, when an interviewer asks the question "Why should we hire you?", they want to know why you, of all the candidates, are the right fit for the job, their company and their overall bottom line. In other words - are you the one?
We'll go over this question in detail and offer you tips and answer examples that will help you formulate the perfect response.
Best general answer to "Why should we hire you?"
There is a simple 6 step formula that career coaches recommend when answering the interview question "Why should we hire you?".
Step 1: Study the job listing. Understanding the ins and outs of the job at hand is a great way to put together a response that aligns with the company's demands. Ensuring both you and the employer are on the same page.
Step 2: Make it about them. Yes, your answer should be about how you are the right candidate for the job. However, it should be answered in a way that fulfills your potential employer's needs. In other words, give them what they want.
Step 3: Start the answer with a brief statement. A good way to do this is by stating you understand what they're searching for in an employee (skills, experience, and character).
Step 4: Voice your experience. Although you have listed your experience on a resume. We advise you to pick 2 to 3 things that stand out to you from the job listing and restate how your experience can fulfill those requirements.
Step 5: Present your benefits. Don't just state the skills you possess (features). Instead, talk about how your noteworthy skills, experience and personality traits can bring improvements into the job, team, or company (benefits).
Step 6: Be humble. Fight the need to over embellish your accomplishments. Sure, you might have the proper technical skills for the job, but you also need to show them your soft skills, for example answering this answer with tact.
Best general answer (example)
In the end, a general answer following the statement, experience, benefit formula should be something along these lines:
Or, another way to answer this question:
12 sample answers according to your job position/experience
A good general response can take you a long way.
However, when replying to any interview question it's always wise to tailor your response to the job at hand.
This is especially true if you're conducting your interview online, as recruiter's tend to have back-to-back interviews and therefore limited time. (Quick virtual interview tip: In order to avoid speaking over the recruiter due to internet delays, try to pause for a second or two when responding online).
Basically, the more you show you understand the job, the company, and its work culture. The higher the chances of you coming ahead of your competition.
Here are a few answer examples from different job positions and experience levels that can help you formulate an impressive response.
Best answer for a customer service job #1 (example)
Best answer for a customer service job #2 (example)
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Best answer for a fresher #2 (example)
Best answer for a teacher #1 (example)
Best answer for a teacher #2 (example)
Best answer for a nursing job #1 (example)
Best answer for a nursing job #2 (example)
Best answer for a fresh graduate #1 (example)
Best answer for a fresh graduate #2 (example)
Best answer for accountant #1 (example)
Best answer for accountant #2 (example)
How to answer the question "Why shouldn't we hire you?"
Sometimes recruiters like to throw oddball questions you don't find in your average job interview guide like, "Why shouldn't we hire you?" or "What is your biggest weakness?".
Usually, such questions are asked in order to gauge your limits, strengths and weaknesses, and to observe how you handle yourself in stressful situations.
Hence, why a good way to answer these question is to:
- Keep your cool.
- Collect your thoughts. Now's a good time to take a sip of water (Reason to always say yes when they offer you water).
- Reverse the question. Pull out your reverse UNO card and flip that weakness into a strength.
- Be honest. Even Superman has a weakness. If you're to show one, show a weakness you overcame.
- Don't be too negative. Negativity is not the best of traits and is definitely not good as a first impression.
With that said, here's an answer example if the company you're applying for values creativity and self guidance:
Similar job interview questions
The question "Why should we hire you?" comes in many variations, but with similar intentions. Such as:
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why are you fit for the position?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What will you bring to the position?
- Why are you the right candidate
- Why should we take the risk in hiring you?
"Because I'm the best!" probably won't cut it 😉 A better way would be to briefly reiterate why you're a great fit by summarizing what they're looking for vs. what you bring to the table: "As well as over a decade of experience as a fine dining chef, I believe my resume and our interview today demonstrate my passion for creating and serving incredible food, leading teams to success, and putting restaurants on the culinary map. As a customer, I've had excellent experiences in your restaurant and fully believe in what you do. I'd be thrilled to be part of your growth and continued success!".
–Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert
Other common job interview questions
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" is a question asked by recruiters in order to gauge if a potential employee has the ability to commit long-term, especially to a job, project, or company. A good general answer to this interview question is:
"Within 5 years, I see myself in a position that continues to challenge me and that provides me opportunities to grow my skill-set."
"What are you passionate about?"
When answering the question "What are you passionate about?" it's important to be as specific and honest as you can. Recruiters ask this question in order to see what you're truly into and how you think. Also, how you answer this question might also affect where you get placed in the company, so embellishing could backfire.
"Why did you leave your past job?"
In regards to the question "Why did you leave your past job?" What you don't say is just as important as what you do say. Here are do's and dont's:
Do:
- Answer truthfully
- Reframe question back to job prospect
- Show right amount of details
Dont's:
- Slander your past employer
- Overdo It with details
- Lie about why you left
If you really want to come prepared for the interview, here is an article that teaches you how to answer 100+ common job interview questions. Or simply watch the video guide below.
That's all, good luck in your interview!