The purpose of a job interview is to help an employer assess whether you have the right skills and experience to join their organization. Your interviewer may ask how your long-term goals align with the needs of the business and how you would fit the company culture. One of the most common interview questions asked today is: “Why should we hire you?”.
This question is simple, direct, and helps a business get to know you better without having to ask a wide range of specific questions. Still, most applicants don’t know how to answer “Why should we hire you?” in a way that puts them in the best light. In this guide, we’re going to discuss how you craft the perfect “Why should we hire you?” answer to ace your next interview.
Example Answers to “Why Should We Hire You?”
Most people use mock interviews to prepare strong answers to common job interview questions. Keep reading for a sample “Why should we hire you?” answer for a wide range of different tech careers. After each sample response, we explain the key aspects of the answer to make sure you are ready to impress hiring managers.
Example #1: Front End Web Developer
Question
Why should we hire you for this position?
Answer
You should hire me for this position because of my proven ability to build efficient front end user interfaces in line with modern best practices. I am experienced in using JavaScript, as well as the React framework, to develop front end applications.
In my most recent job, I was tasked with making our company website load quicker. Through my work, I was able to improve loading and rendering times by 10 percent. I understand that you are looking for someone with knowledge of backend technologies as well.
I have spent my free time learning Ruby on Rails over the last few months, which I believe would be useful in this role. I would love the opportunity to use my skills for this position.
Why This Answer Is Effective
This answer is effective because the candidate has briefly mentioned specific tools they have used. They have also given an example from their last job about how they used those tools to have a measurable impact on the business.
Example #2: Software Engineer
Question
Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Answer
You should hire me over other candidates because my experience as an apprentice software engineer for Google has provided me with a unique blend of technical and soft skills that someone coming from a classroom setting wouldn’t have a chance to build.
Not only am I proficient in several programming languages, including Python, Java, and C++. I also have real-world experience working on a team with members from different departments. I was able to develop communication, time management, and problem-solving skills while ensuring our team produced high-quality work within a specific time frame and under budget.
Why This Answer Is Effective
Most applicants for software engineer positions will have strong technical skills under their belt. It is easy to forget the importance of soft skills in this industry. Hiring managers are looking for employees who can perform their job responsibilities consistently and without a great deal of management. If, for example, you gained job experience instead of a college degree, use that to your advantage.
Example #3: Database Administrator
Question
Why would you be a good fit for this position?
Answer
I am the perfect fit for this position because I have several years of experience in a similar role. During my time with John Smith Software, I had the opportunity to design and implement a database strategy to keep track of company financial records that remained free of any major security breaches for over four years.
I am passionate about remaining up to date with the newest technologies and trends in this industry, which is why I spent the last two months completing a database management bootcamp. This gave me a chance to further develop my SQL, data analysis, and cyber security skills.
Why This Answer Is Effective
Showing that you have experience succeeding in a similar role in your previous company allows your potential employer to have confidence that they can trust you to get the job done. This is also a perfect answer because it shows that you are driven and committed to going the extra mile to ensure you are on top of your game.
How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”
This question has become so common in job interviews because it allows employers to hear what you can bring to the company that no one else can. When you are preparing your answer to the question “Why should we hire you?”, make sure to brainstorm specific skills you have that can add value to the company.
Carefully read the job description to get an idea of what the company is looking for, then look back on your educational and professional history for examples of what you can bring to the table. If you are struggling with how to answer the question “Why should we hire you”, our tips below should help you get started.
Tip #1: Prepare for This Question in Advance
Everyone gets nervous about job interviews. That is why it is good advice to prepare ahead of time for tricky interview questions. You should spend time reading over the job posting to make sure your answers are specific. Which parts of that post resonate most with you, and which requirements do you think you can fill? What experience do you have that meets the “experience” listed in the job post?
By identifying your skills, you’ll find it easier to recognize the specific ways that you can be an asset to the company. In addition, you should also spend time researching the company’s goals and long-term mission. This will help you understand what values matter most to the business and help you figure out whether those values align with your goals.
Tip #2: Focus on the Employer’s Needs
This question sounds like it is about you and your wants, but what the interviewer really wants to know is how you can help the company. When you respond to this question, make sure that you talk specifically about your ideas on how you can help the business.
For instance, if you have discovered that the business believes heavily in developer relations, you could talk about your experience building a developer community. Or if a business aspires to help a million people accomplish a certain task, you could talk about your experience in scaling a team.
You should try to link your experience, skills, and characteristics to the exact job position for which you are applying. Make sure that you discuss all the capabilities and soft skills that make you the ideal candidate.
Tip #3: Use Statistics to Illustrate Your Accomplishments
Statistics are a great way to demonstrate your impact on a business. They are easy to understand and prove you have an impressive track record. Employers often see dozens or hundreds of resumes, and numbers that prove your achievements will stick out and help the hiring manager remember you.
Suppose you are applying for a web developer job. You might say that you helped speed up your former employer’s website by 25 percent or that you built components for a site with over fifty thousand users. Solid, numbers-driven examples are a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates and clearly showcase how you have helped a business in the past.
Tip #4: Mention Any Unique Traits or Experience
It can also be helpful to mention any unique characteristics or experiences that make you more qualified for a job. If you are applying for a job as a chef, for example, you could say that you participate in a local initiative to help food banks.
Although not directly relevant to your professional experience, this example will help you better demonstrate your value to an employer and set you apart from other applicants. Previous job roles may have given you unique soft skills that are transferable in ways you wouldn’t expect.
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Tip #5: Mention Real Examples
It can be tempting to use phrases such as “I would be a great fit for this position because I am organized/self-motivated/etc.” These are indeed positive character traits. Just talking about how you hold these traits is not enough, however. You need to show an employer that you have them.
In your interview, you should maintain a professional appearance, which will help you showcase some of your soft skills. You should also try to mention real examples of how you have used certain soft skills. So, if you say that you are self-motivated, you could mention an example of when you really needed to use those skills.
Tip #6: Tell a Story
Your answers to this question should be brief, but that doesn’t mean you should recite a list of bullet points that you have memorized. Instead, consider what makes you qualified for a job, and craft a short story about what makes you the perfect candidate.
First, discuss what you think the employer is looking for, then talk about how you have the skills and experience necessary to fill that need for the employer. Your short story could be about how you overcame an obstacle or used quick thinking to identify an unusual solution to a problem.
Tip #7: Answer With Confidence
If you don’t have confidence in yourself, it is difficult for employers to have confidence in your abilities. It is normal to be nervous and second-guess yourself during the interview process, but it’s important that you practice your answers enough that you can hide your jitters from the interviewer.
If you are struggling to overcome your nerves, remember to focus on the strongest skills and accomplishments you are proud of. Regardless of your educational or professional background, there is something unique that you can bring to the table.
Tip #8: Show You’ve Done Your Research on the Company and the Role You’re Applying for
Even if you are applying to a dozen job openings, it’s important to prepare specific sample answers for each job interview. The hiring manager will be able to tell if you give vague and general answers, and they will come to the conclusion that you don’t care enough about the job to research it properly.
If you mention specific elements of the job listing or speak about how a certain company value resonates with you, the interviewer will know that you are passionate about working with their specific company.
Tip #9: Be Enthusiastic and Show Interest
When you are up against a large number of qualified candidates, it’s important that you don’t give the interviewer easy reasons to take you out of the running. The interview process is the perfect place to show off your strong communication skills. If you seem like you have a bad attitude or have no interest in being there, the hiring manager won’t take the time to evaluate your skills further.
One of the best ways to show your interest is to discuss your ideas for how you could be an asset to the company in the position. This shows that you took the time to learn about the team and have thought at length about what you can bring to the role.
Tip #10: Be Specific and Brief
It can be difficult to speak eloquently in high-stress situations like job interviews. It’s challenging to quickly organize your thoughts, especially when you have a lot of information you want to communicate. But at the same time, keep in mind that if your answer is too long or disorganized, the interviewer may miss the most important bullet points.
Practicing answers to common interview questions like this is a great way to make sure you get everything you want to say into a succinct answer. Practicing will also ensure your answers are logical and well-structured. That way, the interviewer will have time to get through all their questions without cutting you off.
Common Mistakes When Answering “Why Should We Hire You?”
This sort of interview question stumps many applicants. When your nerves are running high, it’s hard to gather your thoughts and pitch yourself and your abilities. Here are a few common mistakes people make when they answer the “Why should we hire you?” question.
Mistake #1: Being Too General
It’s easy to answer “Why should we hire you?” with an explanation for why you want to work in this field, or why you find this general career interesting. This is a mistake because it doesn’t explain why you would succeed at the specific company you are interviewing for.
The point of the question isn’t to get to know you and your career goals, it is to get an idea of what you will bring to the company and test whether or not you have done enough background research.
Mistake #2: Being Dishonest
While it is normal to focus on your strongest accomplishments and to portray yourself in the best possible light in a job interview, you want to steer clear from overly embellishing your previous experience or skills.
The interviewer will be able to tell if you are exaggerating or telling made-up stories and will quickly lose interest in you. Most hiring managers would prefer to work with someone honest about their abilities than someone they can’t trust.
Mistake #3: Sounding Unprepared
It’s not a good sign if the interviewer asks why they should hire you, and you can’t articulate any convincing answer. Even if you don’t have a great deal of relevant academic experience or hands-on training, make sure to brainstorm a few specific skills you have that will be useful in the role.
This is a tough interview question, but regardless of your answer, make sure you speak clearly and confidently. That way you will make a good first impression on the interviewer. Some hiring managers value interpersonal skills just as highly as technical skills.
How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”
The question “Why should we hire you?” is intimidating. However, if you spend time preparing for this question, you should have no trouble delivering an effective response that articulates the impact you can make on an organization.
The main point to remember is that this question is not about you and your goals. Rather, it’s about how you can add value to the business. When you craft your “Why should we hire you?” answer, make sure you create clear links between your expertise and experience and the needs of the business. Use this opportunity to showcase your skills, with reference to examples.
Best “Why Should We Hire You?” Answers FAQ
Interviewers ask “Why should we hire you?” because they want to know what unique skills and perspectives you will bring to the role. The question can also give them an idea of how much you know about the company and the job title you are applying for.
How do I answer “Why should we hire you?” with no experience?
If you have no relevant experience, you should think of transferable soft skills that could apply to the role you are interviewing for. Answering “Why should we hire you?” with no experience is tricky, but you can still craft an effective response by utilizing projects you worked on in school, clubs you participated in, or volunteer experience.
What are other ways employers ask “Why should we hire you?”?
Employers ask “Why should we hire you?” in several variations, including “Why should we hire you over other candidates?”, “Why do you think this position is a good fit for you?”, and “Why should we hire you over other candidates waiting to be interviewed?”
How long should my answer be to “Why should we hire you?”
Your answer to “Why should we hire you?” should be no longer than two to three short paragraphs. Make sure you are prepared so your answer is specific and to the point. If you start rambling, the interviewer won’t be able to follow your train of thought. They can always ask a follow-up question if they want more information.
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