Why Should We Hire You? – A Guide to Tackling One of the Toughest Interview Questions

Job interviews are one of the most important and challenging stages for candidates aspiring to take on a new position. One question that often causes stress for candidates is, “Why should we hire you?” This question can come in different forms, such as “What sets you apart from other candidates?” or “Why are you the best candidate?” To competently and convincingly answer this question, it is essential to not only present your skills and experience but also demonstrate your motivation and values, ensuring you strike the right balance between confidence and humility.

Like all interview questions, this one serves multiple purposes. Employers ask this question to gather information on:

• How well you understand the company’s mission, strategy, and values;
• How you envision contributing to the company’s success and what positive impact you can make;
• How well you fit into the company culture and whether your values align with the organization’s goals;
• If there is anything unique about you that makes you the best candidate for the role.

To successfully answer this question, it is essential to deeply understand and analyze the company and the specific vacancy. You need to understand what the company wants to achieve and how you can contribute to that goal. This requires thorough preparation and full awareness of the information, allowing you to craft a response that is not only effective but also convincing and impressive.

Before answering, it is crucial to carefully study the job description. It’s important to understand what skills and experiences are required and what the company aims to achieve with this position. Often, the job description clearly indicates what skills are essential and what are “desirable.” Afterward, you should compare your experience with these requirements and determine which skills and experiences to emphasize during the interview.

Additionally, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company is key. Resources like the company’s “About Us” page, recent reports, and blogs provide valuable information. These resources help you understand the company’s values, mission, and strategic goals, which in turn allows you to align your interview answers with the company’s values. If your values do not align with theirs, it might be a sign that this position isn’t the right fit for you. However, if they do align, that could become your key advantage.

Formulating a successful response starts with understanding the company’s goals well. Your objective should be to understand the company’s strategy, goals, and objectives in depth and illustrate your role in achieving these goals. Next, you need to present your experience and skills in a way that logically ties them to the company’s needs. This approach shows that you not only possess the necessary skills on a technical level but also are ready to apply them for the company’s success.

For example, if the company is looking for an employee who can expand into new markets and introduce innovative approaches, your response should focus on the experience that allows you to do so. You should discuss specific projects or initiatives where you successfully applied your skills in market research, customer acquisition, or product positioning. Also, highlight the skills that best align with the company’s needs and goals.

An effective answer demonstrates skills that are unique and well-matched to the company’s requirements. The answer should be clear, easy to understand, and specific. Mentioning general skills such as “good communication” or “strategic thinking” will not be enough if they are not backed up by specific examples. In your response, you must provide real-life examples that illustrate your competence and the skills the company needs.

Demonstrating cultural fit is also important for showing the employer that you are not only technically qualified but can also be a full-fledged member of the company’s team. For example, if the company values innovation and teamwork, your response should include examples that show your innovative thinking and teamwork skills. You can mention situations where working with the team led to significant achievements or where your innovative approach improved project outcomes.

A sample response could be:

“I believe I can effectively contribute to your company’s goals because I have the relevant experience in this field. For example, over the past few years, I have worked in the same area for which you are looking for a candidate, and I have successfully carried out projects involving market research, new customer acquisition, and product positioning improvement. I am also a team player and always strive to achieve maximum results through close collaboration with my colleagues.”

Such a response shows the employer that you have both the relevant experience and the motivation and willingness to be part of the team and help achieve the company’s goals. This way, you showcase your skills and demonstrate your contribution to the company’s success.

Additionally, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Don’t Overhype Yourself – Do not start by claiming you are the best candidate unless you have concrete evidence to back it up. Your answer should be realistic and convincing, without making overly ambitious claims that cannot be substantiated.
2. Avoid General Phrases – Do not use overly broad and generic phrases like “I am the best candidate.” Such phrases do not provide specific information or show your skills. Instead, focus on specific examples that demonstrate how you can help the company achieve its goals.
3. Show Interest Beyond Personal Gain – Do not say you want the job solely for your own development or to learn. Employers are looking for someone who wants to add value to the company. Therefore, your motivation should be connected to achieving the company’s goals, not just personal growth.

“Why should we hire you?” is a question that requires a well-thought-out, strategic, and convincing response. Your goal is to convince the employer that you are not only technically qualified but also a good fit for this company, this team, and these goals. Be specific, align your skills with the company’s needs, and express your motivation and enthusiasm.

Providing a good answer to this question requires an investment of time and energy, but ultimately, this investment will certainly help you succeed. A thoughtful and detailed answer shows that you are ready to work for the company’s success and that you can strengthen the team with your skills, experience, and enthusiasm. As a result, you will have the opportunity to be a successful, effective, and committed employee in a company whose goals align with your personal values and professional aspirations.

Based on materials from Harvard Business Review.