How to Answer 'Why Should We Hire You?'

Confidence has a lot to do with interviewing - that, and timing.
~ Michael Parkinson

One of the most common interview questions is 'Why should we hire you?'. Answering this question can become very tricky and thought-provoking! The question is simple, nothing related to a third party...; it's simply about you and the reason why you are being interviewed.

It's obvious you are there to get the job, you are there because you want the money, and obviously you are not the same as the other candidates. Then why does answering this question take so much research and time?

This is because you are clear of what the job can offer, but you also need to convey what you have to offer to the job quickly. Obviously interviewers are not going to wait for long, maybe not even a minute, which isn't even enough to think of the first word; all one can do is say things like .. "well, umm, I ..", and then the interviewers say, "Thank you".

Let's say you managed to give them an answer, something like, "I am qualified, I have this work experience, I know about this application, I am a good learner ...", and so on. But don't you think that is something each and every job applicant will end up saying! So what makes you different?

An interview is scheduled for a limited amount of time. Everything is based on the time frame, quickness, and meeting expectations. Everything asked in an interview has a purpose behind it. There are minimum vacancies and too many people claiming that they are best suited for the job!

Of course, the interviewers are the best people to judge who is more suitable, but by asking you this question, they want to know about your point of view and convincing power to influence their decision. So, basically what they are looking for is - -

Your decision-making skills, because you need to quickly decide which quality would be the best to put forth in front of the interviewers which will help you get the job. This also allows the interviewers to judge your time management skills.

Now that you know the purpose of why this question is so important for both you and the person interviewing you, let us see what would be the elements that should be included to make the answer most appropriate.

The key is to uncover the needs of your interviewer while you answer. Below are some answers that might help you get a clear picture.

Could you help me with the most important priorities you are looking for this position?" Or, if you are sure that you have done a thorough research for the same, you can add, "All I could make out from my sources of information is that you are looking for a person who ... "

Try to interact with the interviewers and ask them relevant questions about the company which will ultimately help you mold your answer accordingly.

Always focus on your job related strengths and skills. If you have a similar prior work experience, then always support your answer along with your success story as an example. A relevant example would be, "I have worked in a similar job profile demanding the same qualities and skills you are looking for.

As this job is target oriented and demands quickness in decisions and actions, I think I can use my existing knowledge and maximize the resources which will prove beneficial to the company." (State your success story in support of the same.)

In case you are a freshman, you cannot cite a previous work experience to prove your point. In this case, the employers will look at how correctly you have judged your potential. The key to impress them here is to be fairly confident when you speak out. Make sure you don't end up talking too much about yourself and make a negative impression!

An example is, "Although I lack prior experience, my personality and knowledge will allow me to adapt and fulfill the needs of the organization and meet its expectations.The urge to learn and explore is more important than experience, which makes me a suitable candidate for this job." (List individual skills like communication, leadership, team worker, etc.)

An interview is nothing but two parties judging each other's personality traits acquired in a lifetime, within a few minutes! When you choose to go further with an interview call, you consider what the job has in store for you. You look at the reputation of the firm, the money that you are likely to get, the career growth in the future, and so on.

However, at this point, it is more important to consider your strength that can become an asset to the company. Which is why, before going to the interview, instead of focusing on what you should wear to impress the recruiters from the outside, also focus on your inner qualities to impress them on a whole.

Use these job interview tips to have an edge over the others. Frame your answer in such a way that it meets the organizational demands and highlights how you can be an asset to the company. All the best!