Interview question “Why should I hire you?” is a standard question that is often asked of prospective employees. Unfortunately, an incorrect answer will reduce your chances of getting a job. To properly answer this question, you should do thorough preparation for the interview and link your skills and ambitions to the employer's goals.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Questions
Step 1. Do some research about the company
You should know some information about hiring practices and company culture before the interview. If possible, study examples from employees to find out what type of person the company fits so you can explain that you are a good choice.
- Use the internet to find information. Maybe you can find employees talking on social media. Check the company's social media and financial reports.
- Check out the company's website for their values, you can find them in the company's vision and mission statement.
- Also, read the latest news to find out what the company's recent programs are.
Step 2. Review the job description before the interview
A few days before the interview, take another look at the job description. Take a piece of paper to break the job description into two groups.
- Break down the job description into the skills and experience the company wants. Match your skills with what is outlined in the list. Maybe you have difficulty interpreting the company's wishes from employees because the company uses vague language. You must learn to decipher hidden meanings. For example, "dynamic" generally means someone who can handle problems and make predictions with confidence, while "spirited" means someone who is able to take the initiative when something has to be done. "Team players" are those who can work well with different types of people.
- If possible, divide into two categories, namely "must" and "good to have". Focus most of your attention on the "good to have" category, because if you do get an interview, chances are you have the required skills.
Step 3. Connect your skills and experience to the needs of the employer
Write a detailed response next to each qualification requested in the job description. Remember that you must describe the reasons that led to your solution to the employer's problem.
- For example, if your job description asks for experience managing a small team, list the positions you've held and accomplishments you've had.
- Use any relevant experience, including work outside the industry in question. For example, if you worked in a fast food restaurant while in college and supervised several people, that is a relevant experience.
- You can also mention experience for unpaid positions, especially if you've never worked. For example, leading a club on campus or acting as coach of an interclass sports team can also be considered management practices.
Step 4. Choose 3 or 4 points
After matching your skills with the job description, select the top 3 or 4 points when giving your answer. You don't want a lengthy answer, so choose the experience that best fits the most important job description.
Step 5. Practice your answers
Try giving answers in front of a mirror. Next, practice your answers in front of a friend or family member. Do this a few times so you remember the main idea. Don't let your answer sound memorized, but make sure the main idea sticks completely in your memory.
Part 2 of 3: Focusing During the Interview
Step 1. Listen carefully
Don't think that your preparations are complete when you step into the interview room. Bring paper or a book to take notes. Write down specific keywords, and identify the specific attributes and skills the company is looking for based on what the interviewer said.
Step 2. Write down what you didn't have time to say
Perhaps you do not have the opportunity to highlight the skills of communicating with others. Or, you may not have time to talk about computer skills. Make a note of this omission on a piece of paper, so you can address it in future open-ended questions, such as the question "Why Should I Hire You?"
Step 3. Estimate what the interviewer thinks of you
For example, you may notice that the interviewer thinks you are more than qualified if he or she keeps asking about your years of experience and how you would deal with younger employers. Or, maybe the interviewer thinks that you don't have the required skills, which you can see when he or she asks about specific skills that you are not very good at.
Step 4. Ask for more details
If the job description does not provide detailed information, feel free to ask yourself. That way, you'll better understand what the job entails, so your answers will be more relevant.
- Ask questions like “What goals should a new employee focus on once hired?” or “What qualities do you usually look for in a new employee?”
- You can also ask questions like, “What are the general day-to-day duties of this position?”
Part 3 of 3: Answering Questions
Step 1. Start with a wider perspective
When you start answering questions, focus on your overall fit with the company. However, talk about your past experiences and objectively share how you were valued at previous companies. For example, you could tell that you were the youngest employee in a managerial position at a previous company, because it shows that you can handle the position.
Step 2. List 3 qualities that make you a good fit for the employer's needs
Three examples of merit-backed qualities will show that you are a great fit for the job. In addition, this approach will give structure to your answer, compared to if you just babbled while answering.
- Use the preparation you did before the interview to answer questions.
- Try not to be nervous. Take a deep breath and give a short but thorough answer.
Step 3. Be specific about your experience
Don't give vague answers. Once you know the fact that you should have been accepted, try to be specific, not general.
- For example, don't give generic answers, such as "Experienced managers are better for employee morale and company development."
- Instead, try something like this: “You should hire me because I've managed a team for 10 years. During that time, I have reduced employee turnover and increased productivity by 10 percent.” This response provides specific reasons that you are a suitable candidate, according to what the company is looking for in the job description.
Step 4. Direct attention to the company
When answering, don't focus on why you want the job or that the position is good for you. Instead, focus on what you can provide for the company. That's what the interviewer wants to hear.
- For example, you may be prompted to say, "Working in an art gallery is my dream."
- Instead, say something that has that effect: “I know a lot of people want this position, but I've worked hard to be the best for this job. From my degree in art history to extensive internships in art galleries, I have acquired skills that will be of use to you.” Continue by mentioning some of the skills you acquired during those years.
Step 5. Use what you have learned
Take this time to share what you learned in the interview. Connect your skills to the company's desires. Similarly, use this time to highlight aspects of your skills that the interviewer missed.
- For example, you hear that the company is very focused on its people. Use this opportunity to highlight your socializing skills with specific examples from previous work.
- You could say something like: “In my previous job, I handled all service calls, and the data showed that customer satisfaction improved during my time there.”
Step 6. Change the interviewer's mind
If the employer feels that you are overqualified, underqualified, or lack experience, take this opportunity to convince the interviewer that you are the right person.
- For example, if the interviewer finds evidence that your abilities far exceed your qualifications, convey that you are trying to break new ground in your career, and that you are willing to start from the bottom.
- If the interviewer thinks you are underqualified, highlight other relevant skills.
- If you have not proven that you have sufficient experience for this position, highlight other relevant past experiences. In fact, you can make almost any experience relevant. Let's say you worked as a sales clerk at a store. It may seem irrelevant to office work, but it gives you the ability to work diplomatically with different types of people.
Step 7. Think of this question as an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a sales pitch that will sell for your cause, even in a very limited time frame. This question is usually asked at the end of the interview and may be a last resort to show that you are a good choice. Sell yourself as if you were designed to solve the company's problems.
