One of the most revealing things about a candidate is how they answer the interview question: Why should we hire you?
Although it can be tricky to answer, thinking about it strategically is crucial. Follow our tips below for acing this part of the interview.
Planning Ahead for the Interview Questions
The process of going through an interview can bring nerves and anxiety, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
There is one way to combat this: spend time getting comfortable with answering open-ended questions to articulate your strengths clearly and concisely.
Follow our preparation steps below to help you feel more comfortable.
STEP 1: Study the job description.
Try This: Prepare a list of the keywords you find in the job description.
For example, if the description calls for an “adaptable, culturally competent team player”, plan to use those words in your practice answers.
STEP 2: Prepare answers to practice with a friend (or even in the mirror!)
Remember this: The answers, “I am a hard worker,” or “I am a team player,” are too generic. Focus on providing the kinds of specific details potential employers seek.
You should also try writing brief examples of times when you demonstrated your ability to work hard.
STEP 3: Review your “Why should we hire you?” answers and look for examples that overlap.
This tactic will help you streamline your responses.
Try this: Have a friend or family member compare your answers, too. Sometimes others have a way of helping us see our best attributes.
Keep in mind, when someone poses the interview question, “Why should we hire you?” they are really asking a series of questions in one.
Take the opportunity to include very specific examples that highlight things like:
- Why are you a good fit for this particular role?
- What can you bring to the table that others cannot?
- How can the team benefit from bringing you on?
- Why are you the best candidate for the position?
Let’s break down potential answers for each of the questions listed above to help you further prepare.
1. Why are you a good fit for this particular role?
By now you already know the top skills required for the role.
Here, highlighting hard skills directly related to the position is more impactful than highlighting desired personality traits.
2. What can you bring to the table that others cannot?
Here is an opportunity to highlight skill-based traits that make you unique and provides “Why am I the best candidate for this position?” answers.
Consider talking about “extracurriculars” like:
- Clubs
- Organizations
- Hobbies
- Travel
As long as they serve to highlight your ability to do a good job, showcasing these things can only add to your potential value.
3. How can the team benefit from bringing you on?
A good answer for “Why should I hire you?” is to describe personal traits. Explain the ways in which you can fill the gaps currently felt by the team.
Focus on showcasing traits that highlight your ability to work well with others.
Personal traits like adaptability, good listening skills, problem-solving skills and others will shine here.
4. Why are you the best candidate for the position?
Showcase your confidence when this question comes up! Be direct in your answer by repeating the phrase “best candidate for this position”.
You determined your strongest skills and traits earlier. Now is the time to express them in one impactful sentence that definitively answers the interview question: “Why should we hire you?”.
As you can see, the interview question, “Why should we hire you?” is not as hard to answer as you may think!
Take Cues From Your Interviewer
With your pre-interview preparation complete, set yourself up for even greater success with one extra step: taking cues from your interviewer.
Taking cues from your interviewer means two things in this case:
- listen to their words and phrasing
- watch their body language
This is the communication concept called mirroring. It is used to build a connection with another person by subtly emulating their verbal style and physical mannerisms.
For example:
If the interviewer uses a certain adjective (incredible, amazing, spectacular), work that same adjective into one of your answers where applicable.
If the interviewer tends to say “I see” vs. “I hear” or “I feel”, this indicates a preference for the visual sense. You can modify your answers to include visual words like see, look, imagine, view and more.
If the interviewer talks with their hands, naturally match their mannerisms.
If the interviewer leans forward in their chair, try doing the same.
Confidence Comes with Preparation
Going into an interview feeling confident is based on preparation. Taking the time to practice various interview questions can set you up for success!
