How to Answer the No. 1 Job Interview Question
"Why should I hire you?" is a question asked in practically every job interview. As simple as it is, the interviewee's answer could make or break the chance of obtaining the job position.
Within this question is the underlying curiosity of what makes a job-seeker different from other potential candidates. What makes him or her stand out?
Upon hearing the question, interviewees might want to go into detail about an aspect of their life, personality, or best skills. While that's all very interesting, the first thing to remember when talking to an employer is to talk about oneself through the employer's eyes. Essentially, describe skills or achievements as they relate to the job.
Employers want to know what potential job candidates can do with them, if they will be a fit for the role, if they will bring something new or fresh to the job. A good answer to this question will make a connection between past experiences and the job position. It will take into account the goals of the company, job tasks, or interviewer. The answer should give more valuable information than just a list of hobbies and characteristics.
Although employers might enjoy learning about their potential employees, they also value practicality. This means that what a candidate says should be put in the context of the job. For example, if a candidate says, "You should hire me because I am hard-working," the interviewer will want to know the following: "What makes you so hard working? How would your ability to work hard transfer into this position? Others are also hard-working, why should we hire you instead of them?"
It can be helpful to have a few answers prepared. There is no formula for the perfect answer, but a well-rounded response includes three parts:
What the candidate believes to be what the employer is looking for.
This portrays the interviewee's interest in the position and company. It gives the employer a sense of connection, that who they are speaking to genuinely cares about the job values.
What about the candidate fits into the employer's vision.
This part is the candidate's selling point. This is where the question is answered, where the employer can figure out if the interviewee is a good fit for the position.
Evidence for the candidate's claim.
The interviewee must back up their selling point with specific, anecdotal evidence. Past experience with a similar task or role related to the position is key to show that the candidate's skills are legitimate.
Articles from Justin Shimoon
View blogSelf-driving cars may seem to many to be some far off fantasy of the distant future. In reality, how ...
If you're like many professionals tasked with driving an online marketing platform for a brand or pr ...
Great leadership comes from people who inspire others to be the best they can be. When leaders suppo ...
Related professionals
You may be interested in these jobs
-
Server
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 6 days ago
The Cheesecake Factory Toronto, Canada Part timeOverview: · Why Join Our Team: · Great earnings potential · Full and part-time hours available · Flexible scheduling to fit your life · Medical coverage starting at $5 per pay period, plus dental and vision · Paid vacation and sick time · No-cost Hospitality, GED and Associate ...
-
Used Car Manager
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 week ago
Steele Auto Group Charlottetown, Canada Full timeSteele Auto Group is seeking a Used Car Sales Manager to lead and grow our sales team at Discover Kia · As a Used Car Sales Manager with Discover Kia, you will be responsible for managing a team of sales representatives, setting sales targets, and developing strategies to achiev ...
-
PowerBI Developer
Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 5 days ago
CB Canada Toronto, CanadaPowerBI Developer · On behalf of our client in the Banking Sector, PROCOM is looking for a PowerBI Developer. · PowerBI Developer – Job Description · The candidate will be extensively working on Power BI Report Builder and DataFlows for the development of a centralized techno- ...
Comments