Bonus Answer Tip: Be As Specific As Possible
Lets say youre going to talk about leadership. Dont just say, Yes, I led people in my last job. Leadership wont be a problem for me if Im hired.
Instead, paint a clearer picture by getting into some details. Tell them how many people you led, what topics you guided them on, how long youve been in leadership, and what you learned as a leader. And then show them that youre interested in leadership and that you enjoy it as well!
For example, you could say:
Yes, Ive led people for the past three years. I started with two direct reports and then hired an additional three people to grow my team to five total. I did their performance reviews, training, and more, and its an area I enjoy a lot and am targeting in my next position. Thats one reason I applied for this job I saw this Manager role has the opportunity to build and grow a team.
This is one of my favorite job interview tips in general.
The more specific you can be when telling a story, the more youll show youre a fit for this position. That doesnt mean you should answer every question with a story. If they simply ask, how many years have you worked with X? then the hiring manager wants a very basic answer, like, Five and a half years.
But when an interview question does ask for a story, this is how to respond effectively.
Ive got more example answers coming up next, so dont worry if youre still not 100% sure what to say when you answer this question.
The Interview Process Can Be Filled With Speed Bumps And Landmines
Don’t let the question of, Why should we hire you? trip you up along the way. The hiring manager is trying to find out why they should hire you over the others waiting to be interviewed, and if there are a lot of candidates, this response could make or break your interview.
Study these examples, pick out your unique qualifications as they relate to the position, be prepared, and you will ace the interview.
Do you need more help preparing? We’ve got a list of the most common interview questions, as well as how to answer them:
Show Them Youve Researched The Job And Know What It Involves
Next, you cant answer Why should we hire you for this role? if you dont know what the company wants/needs in that role.
The fastest and easiest way to know what the hiring manager needs is to look at the job description. Whats mentioned near the top, or most often on the page? If something is the first bullet point you can bet its pretty damn important most likely.
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Why Should We Hire You Example #: New College Grad / Fresher
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.Thats because I love working in the television industry and am excited to learn and get experience in every way possible.
Why We Like It:
What Not To Say
Dont give a memorized response. While its important to practice this pitch for a fluid delivery, dont go crazy trying to memorize it. Rather, have a general idea of what youre going to say and tailor it based on how the interview is going. For example, if an interviewer indicates that another quality or skill is more valuable to the organization, then you should be sure to work that into your response.
Dont make it about you. The hiring manager is looking for what you can offer the company, not what they can do for you. Focus on your key strengths and qualifications for the job, rather than on what you are looking for in your next position.
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Best Example Answer Formula For Why Should We Hire You
My impression based on the job description is that you need someone who can do < key responsibility of the job> . In my last role, I did < similar task or accomplishment youve done in the past> , so Im confident I will be able to step into this role and begin contributing quickly for you. As a side note, Im also personally very < interested/passionate> about < topic related to the job youll be doing> , so Id be very excited for the opportunity to step into this role.
If you follow the steps above and organize your answer like the interview answer examples we looked at, youll have a great answer for why should we hire you.
This is how you can make sure you sound confident when you explain why they should hire you in the interview.
Explain Why You’re A Good Fit For The Job And Company
Employers want to hear how you are qualified for the position, why you would be a good fit for the company, and how you will assist in development and growth. Don’t sugarcoat your answer or exaggerate your abilities. Recruiters want to hear the truth. Honesty and accuracy is the way to navigate your answer.
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Tips For Answering Why Should We Hire You
Consider these tips when you’re formulating your answer:
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Be brief and direct. Try to keep your answers straightforward to keep the hiring manager’s interest. You should have a sincere answer that sums up why they should hire you since the rest of your interview answers should detail your specific skills and experience.
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Focus on what you can do for the company. Make sure your answer explains what you can bring to the company. Your successes should relate to the company and how you can help it excel. Just as you want to know that the role is a good fit for you, the hiring manager wants to know you’re a good fit for the company.
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Give a genuine response. To ensure you provide a genuine answer, prepare a few talking points, but don’t memorize your entire response. You will sound more natural when you have an outline to build from.
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Elaborate on your resume. By the time you interview, the hiring manager has probably already read your resume, and they will probably have a paper copy with them. Instead of repeating the same information they can find on your resume, detail your bullet points and how they make you a good fit. Giving more detail helps the hiring manager learn more about what you can do for the business.
Examples To Answer Why Should We Hire You
If you are unsure how to answer Why should we hire you?, take a look at these ten examples below to understand how to start and end your answer.
Why Should We Hire You Answer: Example 1
As this is an agency, you have clients from different sectors, and I believe my versatility and writing creativity could be a helpful tool here. I can work productively and calmly when under pressure. When a crisis arises, I know that I need to keep calm because anything else will only worsen the situation, and working while feeling panicky will only delay progress. And the ability to work under pressure is a skill much-needed in an agency. Moreover, I have the required qualifications and skillsets and the months I spent interning at Pink Blush magazine contribute to my experience as a fine writer.
Why this answer works: It shows you have researched the company and know what it needs. You are also highlighting your strength which will help the company. Plus, it doesnt sound boastful or too modest. It is the right amount of confidence and professionalism.
Why Should We Hire You Answer: Example 2
In my 7-year long and ongoing professional life, I have attained the right experience and enhanced my skills, vital for this position. And as a success-driven person and as I plan to go far in this field, I want to work for the best in the industry, and you are it. I believe that together, we will bring fruitful results.
Why Should We Hire You Answer: Example 3
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Examples Of The Best Answers:
Example 1:
Based on what you said today and the research I have done, you are looking to boost your online and social media presence to help you stand out from the competition. At my previous company, I was able to increase buyer activity by 32% by creating targeted social media advertising. I plan on bringing the same entrepreneurial spirit to your company and will be looking to share my best ideas with the team.
Explanation:This response uses numerical results to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform key job responsibilities. It also indicates that the candidate understands the needs of the company and shows what they can bring to the table.
Example 2:
Your job listing states that you are looking for someone with excellent communication skills and a great deal of patience. In my time as a volunteer caregiver, I have learned the value of patience when working with the elderly. I have also recently attended a management course that focused on improving communication skills in the workplace.
Explanation:This response is great for candidates with limited industry experience. Instead of focusing on job-specific skills and qualifications, you can highlight life skills that would be beneficial in the workplace.
Example 3:
Explanation:Employers want to know how you stand out from the pack. This response focuses on the qualities and achievements that will set you apart from the other candidates. It highlights certain skills that the other interviewees might not have.
When Will You Encounter This Question
Product management interviews are usually broken down into three or four rounds. The first initial interview is generally conducted by a recruiter. Once you make it past that, you will continue on to a second round with either a Director or Head of Product.
If the company youre interviewing with is large enough, there might even be a Chief Product Officer present. The recruiter does not decide whether or not you land the offer its the people you meet after you make it through the first two rounds who make that call. The third and fourth round lock in the final candidates for the company to choose from.
Why should we hire you? is, generally speaking, not a question that shows up in those initial couple of interview rounds. If your interviewer asks this question, it will be in the final stages of your interview process. The question will come up when the interviewer has gotten all the information they need about you and your abilities.
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Why Hiring Managers Ask Why We Should Hire You
When a recruiter asks why they should hire you, they want to know the reasons you think you are the best first for the open position. Employers hire people to solve various problems, which range from building a brand to streamlining processes to boosting sales. When you make a pitch for a job, you aim to prove to the employer that you are the best person to solve the problem.
When answering this question, try to convince the interviewer that:
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You have a perfect combination of experience and skills that make you an outstanding candidate.
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You will fit in well and make a great addition to the company.
Why Do Hiring Managers Ask Why Should We Hire You
When interviewers ask, Why should we hire you for this job? remember that it is not a random question. There are reasons that they would ask you this. Take a look at some of the main reasons interviewers ask this question.
- To check if you have the right skills and experiences.
- How well youd fit in with the company.
- To know if youd be the perfect candidate for the position you are applying for.
- To see how well you sell yourself and how you stand out from the other candidates.
What you need to remember is that when you answer this question, while you sell yourself, you also need to convince the hiring manager/interviewer that hiring you will be practical for him because not only will you be able to deliver, but you will also make him look good.
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How To Answer The Job Interview Question: Why Should We Hire You
Monster Contributing Writer
Im sure weve all groaned under our breath when we have been asked this question during an interview. Personally, I have frequently felt a primal urge to exclaim that the only reason I am putting myself through this process is because I need to earn money. Of course, this is not something that is discussed during a civilized interview because, for some reason, we have evolved into a world where discussing our primal needs are considered taboo. Nevertheless, there are certainly myriad reasons why you are attending a job interview that do not revolve around remuneration. Whatever the reasons, it is always in your best interest to consider your responses before you even set foot in the room. Here are some tips to help you think this through a little more clearly.
Know yourself
I would always recommend that you fully understand your motivation for attending an interview. Ultimately, if you are not able to fully justify your presence to yourself, how are you expected to convince someone else to hire you? It is important for you to take the time to lay out the precise reasons why you applied for the job ahead of the interview. This will allow you to prioritize your reasons and to provide an honest and legitimate answer when this question is posed. This is the first and most important step of all.
Be unflinchingly honest
How can this benefit the company?
Show and tell
Turn the question around
Why Should We Hire You Sample Answers
Based on my research and everything you have said so far your organisation is seeking an administrative assistant with outstanding technical and interpersonal skills. As well as being an excellent communicator with experience in giving oral presentations, I am fluent in software programs relevant to the role such as Spreadsheet Suites and content management systems. I would relish the opportunity to show what my skillset can do for the company.
This answer clearly references the job requirements and shows that the candidate has the skills and qualifications necessary.
The job posting clearly states that you require a special ed teacher with compassion and patience. I have taught dyslexic children for four years and have the ability to be patient while still ensuring my students improve academically. This experience includes teaching phonics to a wide age range, and I truly enjoy the breakthrough moments.
This answer involves a relevant story highlighting skills and experience.
I possess all of the experience and skills called for by this project management role, and I am convinced that I will deliver for this company. As well as leading numerous successful projects for major organisations, I am passionate about the industry and pride myself in always producing my best. My interpersonal skills have been developed throughout my life and enable me to develop excellent working relationships with managers, clients, colleagues, and customers.
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Keep Your Core Values In Mind
Why should we hire you? is one of the easiest questions to ask, yet one of the hardest to answer, said Martin Welker, CEO at Zenkit. The answer gives candidates the opportunity not only to shine, but to demonstrate why theyre the perfect fit for the role, not just a good fit, Welker said. Its also a great way for an interviewer to see what a candidate will bring to the job, such as new and innovative ideas, mindset and work ethic, he said.
In addition to researching the role and company, Welker urged job candidates to consider their own values. What do you hold dear? What do you hope to achieve in life? What do you want to be doing in five years? he said. Then ask yourself the big question: Does this role assist me in achieving this? Candidates are often so focused on landing a job that they fail to reflect on why they want it in the first place, he said.
Show Them Youre Interested In This Type Of Work
Theres a difference between being able to do something and wanting to do it. Thats why showing interest is important to eliminate any doubt of whether youd want to do this type of work.
If you dont convince them youre enthusiastic about the work, theyre going to worry that youll lack motivation, get bored, quit soon after starting, etc. And these are all big fears hiring managers have, which can cost you the job offer.
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How Not To Answer Why Should We Hire You
For Welker, the biggest red flag is when job seekers dont know why he should hire them. I sometimes feel that they expect to be hired because they applied for the job and attended the interview, he said. Candidates also sometimes start listing general qualities, such as hard worker, good communicator and fast learner, but fail to connect with the role itself. Not preparing dashes the opportunity to shine even worse, it can make a candidate appear more like a liability than an asset, Welker said.
