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

Your answer should address the skills and experience you offer and why you’re a good culture fit. Every interview question is an attempt to gather information to inform this hiring decision.  Many interviewers will also specifically ask you to make your case with one of these questions:

• Why you are a good fit for the position
• The trait that makes you unique for the job
• Why you think you are the best person for the job
• Explain how your background and previous experience makes you a good fit.

You must have concise answers for this question to increase your chances of landing the job. The job of the interviewer is to hire the best person whose answers and disposition fits the job they are hiring for, and you must deem it importantly necessary to provide an honest and concrete answer to this question.  You should bear in mind that every HR personnel takes a huge risk when hiring, and as such, they need you to give them a run for the risk they are taking.

Before you get invited for an interview

1. Brainstorm “Why should we hire you?” by asking yourself What are the requirements of the vacant position? What are your greatest accomplishments?  What stands you out from typical candidates? Try to jot the answers to these questions so you will not forget.
2. Arrange your points in the order of importance. Try to use bullet points; do not memorize your answers verbatim, else you might forget. The allocated time for you to answer this question is roughly 1-3 minutes, you cannot afford to blow this privilege by starting with unimportant points
3. Practise. Once you feel confident of the points you have, practise over and over again. The essence of practising is to give you mastery of the answers.

Examples 

“Well, I have all of the skills and experience that you’re looking for and I’m confident that I would be a superstar in this project management role. It’s not just my background leading successful projects for top companies —  or my people skills, which have helped me develop great relationships with developers, vendors, and senior managers alike. But I’m also passionate about this industry and I’m driven to deliver high-quality work.”

“Honestly, I almost feel like the job description was written with me in mind. I have the 6 years of programming experience you’re looking for, a track record of successful projects, and proven expertise in agile development processes. At the same time, I have developed my communication skills from working directly with senior managers, which means I am well prepared to work on high-profile, cross-department projects. I have the experience to start contributing from day one and I am truly excited about the prospect of getting started.”

“I have the experience and the attitude to excel in this production assistant position. I have almost two years of television production experience — including two summers interning at The Ellen Show, where I was exposed to all aspects of TV production and worked so hard the first summer that they invited me back for a second summer and gave me more responsibilities. During my senior year at UC San Diego, I have been working part-time for a production company, where I have served in an assistant role but also recently had the chance to help edit several episodes. I have a reputation for getting things done — and with a smile on my face. That’s because I love working in the television industry and am excited to learn and get experience in every way possible.”

Good luck!