"Why should we hire you?"
That's an interview question many of us tend to really dislike. For one thing, we need jobs and we need money and you're offering both, soooo...
But it's not that simple. Hiring managers and employees alike weighed in after Redditor petervibes asked the online community, "What's your best 'Why should we hire you?' response?"
Read on, and you might learn how to tackle the dreaded question the next time it gets volleyed your way.
"Literally a candidate once said..."
Literally, a candidate once said, "Because I'm good, I know I'm good, I have the data to show I'm good, and based on this interview, you know I'm good too."
And to be fair, she was and is.
"I once had a banker..."
I once had a banker tell me a story about a former army captain interviewing for an investment position. They asked him why they should hire him. His answer was "I've killed people for 33k a year, what do you think I'm going to do for a 6 figure job?"
He got the job.
"I had an incredible recruiter..."
"What can your company offer to make me want to work for you?"
I had an incredible recruiter, and she taught me to "interview" the company I was working for--where it was less about me convincing them I was worthy and them trying to convince ME to accept the offer. It's important to show that you have standards and expectations that you expect the company to uphold.
Current company promised that they would help me grow into more senior roles during the interview, and every time I think I've reached the limits of my role I bring up their promise and we discuss whether or not a promotion/raise is in line--and if it isn't, what I need to do and what THEY need to do to help me get there.
"If you lack experience..."
If you lack experience you say: "My lack of experience also means I lack bad habits, and since I'm a quick learner, I would come to you with a clean slate that would give you the chance to mold me into the exact type of employee you want on your team."
"To be transparent..."
I recently said "because I'm a bad*ss."
To be transparent, it was for an internal position in another department so I happened to know that was the right kind of humor for the individual interviewing me.
"I often ask..."
I often ask candidates what makes them a good candidate for the position. I want to make sure they understand what the role is, and how they can apply their skills, interests, and background to the position. In my opinion, the best answer to this question is one which demonstrates that you have a particular skill or some special sauce that you can apply to the work or the team to make it better. Most jobs, even ones which require specialized skills, can be done by multiple people who have the needed skill set. What interesting or unique aspect can you personally provide that sets you apart?
"I just got hired..."
Being honest.
I just got hired at a CPA firm recently. They are known for having extensive interviewing processes which last weeks, but I got hired on the spot.
After a 2 and a half hour long interview they asked why they should hire me, i.e. typical elevator pitch. I had a few years of experience but just got my accounting degree, so I probably was not a top candidate.
My answer was very simple: I don't know half of what is required to do this job, but I am teachable. I am here to learn and to help you. I'm respectful to clients and management but do expect the same in return. I'm extremely loyal when treated with respect (they have had a problem with quick turnover). If you are willing to work with me, I will go out of my way for you.
They asked for a break and came back with a written offer shortly after. They said I seemed like the only interviewee to give an honest response to that question that wasn't boastful.
"I've been working for them..."
"Because I WANT to work here. Yeah I could go work for SoullessGloboCorp and make more money, but... I like this company better. Does right by its customers and employees. Good vision and long term thinking. I like the people, you're closer. This is a match for me and the company. I hope you can see that too."
I've been working for them for a LONG time now.
"All two..."
All two of my big boy jobs were positions I had already planned on staying at least 5 years. So I highlighted that not only would I be a valuable addition to the team, but I also plan on staying for at least the intermediate-term future. With so many of my employment cohort looking for that next stepping stone (gone anywhere from 6 months to 2 years in), that made me a novel prospect.
"Your response..."
Tie it back to your key strengths and how they would benefit the organization.
Let's say you are interviewing for management at Target and the role description has a lot of elements for leading a team.
They ask "why should I hire you."
Your response should be something like "engaging and inspiring others is a key strength of mine. At my last role, I was part of (STAR answer example). That leadership quality is part of core expectations for a leader at Target and I will produce similar results for you here."
Interviewers are usually scoring you on a guide. Thorough research on the company and the role will help produce better answers and help the interviewer see how well you would fit.
