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“Why should we hire you?” This is easily one of the most common questions we come across during job interviews and is often a deciding factor in moving forward with the application or even landing a job. What makes this simple question challenging is that there are various ways to answer this tricky question.

For example, you may answer how well your work experience matches the job qualifications, or what unique skills you can bring to the table that makes you the best fit for the job.

While it is normal to get thrown off by this vague question, we can guide you in preparation for your next interview to create an impressive, well-thought answer.

In this blog, we will uncover how to answer “Why should we hire you?” and help you create the right combination of answers to master your interviews!

The “Why”

Before knowing how to answer “Why should we hire you?”, you need to understand the employers’ perspective on why they ask this question. Employers would love to know how qualified and well-fit applicants are for the job and the company. The question is a reasonable measure for interviewers to:

1. Learn how confident and competent you are

Employers are looking for people who have the determination and enthusiasm enough to get the position. Although nervousness is unavoidable, it is best to try to retain as much composure as possible as an applicant’s signs of awkwardness will make applicants lose track of the goal of the interview and may appear unappealing to employers.

2. Know what your experiences and passions are

This will showcase your key skills, as well as your interests professionally and personally. Employers are looking for something that would be able to differentiate you from others and highlight how well you can fit in the role and the company culture.

3. Observe how you handle tasks and situations.

One of the important things employers would look for is how well your critical thinking and innovative decision-making skills are enough to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table.

How to answer “Why should we hire you?” interview question

It is important to ask yourself, “Why am I applying for this job?” Take note of the following and show up to interviews prepared while leaving a lasting impression on the hiring teams.

1. Review the job you are applying for

Take note of the requirements in the job description since this will help you understand what skills and qualifications the company needs from an ideal candidate and provide you with an idea of what qualities you already have and may learn. Let them know as well that you have the passion and eagerness to grow to take on new challenges and learn the skills you may lack when applying for the position.

2. Make thorough research on the company you are applying to

This would be a huge factor in the application process because you need to be sure that the job position interests you and that your background, values, and goals align with the company’s mission, vision, and goals. This would help you and the interviewer see how you fit into the company and its culture. Remember to mention your research and what you have learned about the company during the interview.

3. Highlight your skills and experience

Focus on your specific, relevant background and how it will bring success to the position and the company, but don’t forget to offer something unique that would be an advantage and make you stand out from others as well. It could be an experience that isn’t part of your resume, volunteering jobs, coursework you may have taken, or transferable skills such as fluency in other languages, or technical knowledge. It may be something that isn’t in your resume and isn’t strictly work-related or something you may have picked up from past experiences.

Read more here for your guide on How to Write an Effective Resume

4. Emphasize your adaptability and teamwork skills

Working in teams is unavoidable and you will need to adapt to a diverse group of people. Being a team player is something employers take notes of because this will let them know how you adapt to a work environment and their company.

5. Keep your answers precise and relevant

They don’t exactly have to be short but make sure that your answers are specific and do not deviate from the point you want to come across, and at the same time make certain that you get to tell your story on how your experiences came to be.

6. Be honest, sincere, and relaxed

It is important to sound articulate without trying too hard. Do not sound desperate or give a memorized answer as they can be off-putting to hear in interviews, and don’t oversell yourself as fabricating your solutions might disappoint you and your employer in the long if you land the job. Avoid underselling yourself and give negative self-assessment as well. Give yourself more credit, and don’t pass up the opportunity to market yourself.

Remember that there are no perfect answers to the question and the right combination of all of these 6 steps along with frequent practice will surely help you become comfortable and polished in answering, and eventually ace that interview. Best of luck!

To learn more about how you can prepare for pre and post-interview questions, click here!