In 99% of interviews, there comes the inevitable question, “Why should we hire you?” Candidates are invited by their potential employers to promote themselves and explain why they should be the first choice to fill the available position. However, this is a question that can be difficult to answer. Many people find it hard to come up with a strong answer to this, even when they already boast a strong CV and skill set. So how can you impress your interviewers with a great answer to “Why should we hire you?”
1. Share relevant experiences
Personal experience can often be one of the greatest selling points to potential employers. Sharing relevant experiences you have had, such as stories or anecdotes, can provide strong evidence that you have the potential to fill the role available. A great way to do this, for example, is if you are being interviewed for a management role, give experiences you have had in managing projects or tasks, even if you were not working within a job title that had “manager” in the role specifically.
2. Expand on your personal skills and character
Think about what the interviewers are looking for and what the skills and character traits are that they will be interested in. Give examples of how you meet these criteria and have demonstrated these skills in the past – either in previous roles or within your personal life. Consider the wording on the job description and try to incorporate these into your answer, to make it clear that you can fulfil the job description.
3. Be specific about their company
It is important to be specific when answering “Why should we hire you?” and tailor your answer so that it relates to the company, as well as the position you are applying for. This is especially vital if you are in the process of interviewing for multiple opportunities, making sure you think about each company separately and what they are looking for.
Talk about how you can do the tasks in the job description, such as, “I can use my administrative skills to process customer data effectively” rather than “I have good administrative skills”, or “My friendly nature and organisational skills will mean that I can take initiative to keep contact with clients on a regular basis while managing their projects” instead of “I am friendly and organised”.
4. Avoid unnecessary details or stories
Despite sharing personal stories, it’s also vital that you give an answer that is considered and to-the-point. Avoid using superfluous language, clichés or telling long, irrelevant stories – all of which are unlikely to answer the question. This will demonstrate to your interviewer that you can answer questions carefully and that you are suitably prepared.
5. Sell your USP
What is it that makes you unique? Ultimately that is what the interviewer wants to know when they are asking “Why should we hire you?” Consider beforehand what skills, traits and personal experience could make you stand out amongst all the candidates applying for the job, and what you can uniquely bring to the role. A great way to do this is to get familiar with the job description and think about the skills and character traits you possess that would complement the employer’s requirements.
Interviewing with confidence
When you apply for a position through a recruitment agency, the company hiring will already have made a decision that you are a potential fit for the available role, which is why they have offered you the interview. Prepare and answer with confidence during the interview, and if you have any questions beforehand, 2i Recruit can help.
If you’re looking for opportunities within a specific sector, get in touch with 2i Recruit today and see how we can help you to find a position that is the best fit for you.
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