Why Should I Hire You: Interview Best Answers

As a job seeker, one of the most common and important questions you’ll face in an interview is “Why should I hire you?”

It’s a straightforward question that can make or break your chances of landing the job.

However, answering it isn’t always easy. You need to show the interviewer that you’re the best fit for the role while standing out from other candidates.

In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and insights on how to answer this question confidently and effectively.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Question: “Why should I hire you?”

Before diving into how to answer the question, it’s crucial to understand what the interviewer wants to know.

Essentially, they want to know what makes you the best candidate for the job.

They’re looking for specific skills, experience, and qualities that align with the position’s requirements.

You need to demonstrate that you have what it takes to excel in the role and contribute to the company’s success.

To answer the question effectively, you must avoid common mistakes such as giving generic or vague answers.

Avoid using buzzwords or cliche phrases such as “I’m a team player” or “I’m a quick learner.”

These phrases are overused and don’t provide any specific information about your skills and experience.

How to answer “Why should I hire you?” in an interview

To answer the question effectively, you need to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the role.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experience

Begin by researching the job requirements and understanding what the employer is looking for.

Then, match your skills and experience with the job and provide specific examples of how you’ve used those skills in previous roles.

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you can highlight your experience in developing successful campaigns, managing social media accounts, and creating compelling content that resonates with the target audience.

Be specific about your achievements, and quantify them wherever possible.

Providing concrete examples will help you stand out from other candidates.

Communicating Your Passion and Enthusiasm

Employers are not only looking for candidates who have the necessary skills and experience, but also those who are passionate and enthusiastic about the role and the company.

Show the interviewer that you’re excited about the opportunity to work for their company and that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Start by expressing your interest in the company and sharing your personal and professional goals. Discuss how the role aligns with your career aspirations and what you hope to achieve in the position.

Additionally, demonstrate your motivation and drive by discussing how you plan to add value to the company and contribute to its success.

Showcasing Your Personal Qualities

In addition to your skills and experience, your personal qualities also play a crucial role in the interview process.

Employers are looking for candidates who have the right mindset and work ethic to thrive in the role.

Therefore, it’s important to showcase your personal qualities that align with the position’s requirements.

Identify key qualities for the job and discuss how you possess them.

For example, if you’re applying for a leadership role, you can showcase your communication skills, ability to motivate and inspire others, and willingness to take on new challenges.

Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and provide specific examples of how your personal qualities have contributed to your success in previous roles.

Dealing with Potential Challenges

As mentioned earlier, you may not have all the necessary experience or qualifications for the role.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t be a great fit for the position. Here are some tips on how to address potential challenges during the interview:

Addressing Gaps in Your Experience or Qualifications

If you’re lacking experience in a particular area, don’t be afraid to acknowledge it.

However, be sure to discuss how you plan to address the gap and provide alternative perspectives or solutions.

For instance, if you’re applying for a role that requires experience in a specific software program, and you don’t have any, highlight your willingness and ability to learn quickly.

Mention your experience in other similar software programs and how you’ve adapted to new tools in previous roles.

Discussing Any Concerns the Interviewer May Have

Sometimes, an interviewer may have concerns about your candidacy that you need to address.

For instance, they may have reservations about your ability to work in a team, or they may question your ability to handle a high-pressure environment.

Whatever the concern may be, make sure to address it directly and honestly.

Provide examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to handle similar situations.

This will show the interviewer that you have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the role.

Providing Solutions or Alternative Perspectives

If the interviewer asks you why they should hire you instead of another candidate with similar qualifications and experience, take the opportunity to provide alternative perspectives.

Discuss how your unique combination of skills and experience can benefit the company in ways that another candidate may not. Highlight any specific achievements or awards that set you apart from other candidates.

What to Say in an Interview When Asked “Why Should I Hire You”: Examples

Here are two unique examples of how to answer the question “Why should I hire you?” in an interview:

Example 1:

“I believe that my combination of technical expertise and leadership experience makes me the ideal candidate for this role. In my previous role as a software engineer, I was responsible for leading a team of developers and managing the entire software development lifecycle. I also have a strong understanding of industry trends and emerging technologies, which I can leverage to drive innovation and growth for your company. Moreover, I’m a quick learner and a problem solver, with a passion for delivering high-quality results that exceed expectations. I’m confident that I can bring a lot of value to your team and help you achieve your business goals.”

Example 2:

“I think my passion and enthusiasm for this industry and this role set me apart from other candidates. I’ve been following your company for a long time and have been impressed with your commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. I believe that your company’s values align with mine, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission. Additionally, I’m a strong communicator and collaborator, with excellent interpersonal skills. I believe that I can bring a positive attitude, a fresh perspective, and a willingness to learn to your team. I’m confident that I can make an immediate impact and help your company achieve its objectives.”

Final Thoughts

In summary, the question “Why should I hire you?” is one of the most important questions you’ll face in a job interview.

It’s important to understand the question and provide a thoughtful, specific, and persuasive answer.

By highlighting your skills and experience, communicating your passion and enthusiasm, showcasing your personal qualities, and addressing potential challenges, you can convince the interviewer that you’re the best fit for the role.

Emma Oluwatobi

Meet Emma Oluwatobi, the career advisor who knows how to level up your job search game without breaking a sweat. With years of experience in the job/career advisory niche, Emma has helped countless job seekers land their dream jobs. While he’s not writing his next helpful piece, he’s sure busy playing video games.