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How to Effectively Answer"Why Should We Hire You?"in a Job Interview!




When an interviewer asks, "Why should we hire you?" they're not just seeking a list of your qualifications—they want to know why you're the right choice to meet their needs. Unlike the question “Why do you want to work here?” which is about your motivations, this question focuses on the benefits you bring to them. To answer well, you should highlight why you're a strong fit for the company’s mission, culture, and specific job requirements.

Why Employers Ask This Question

Employers ask this question to:

1. Gauge how well you understand their mission and priorities.


2. See how your skills would contribute to their goals.


3. Assess your cultural fit with the organization.


4. Identify unique qualities that distinguish you from other applicants.



The question may come in different forms, such as "What makes you a good candidate for this position?" or "Why should we choose you over other candidates?" No matter how it’s phrased, the key is to communicate a balanced fit for both sides—your ability to help them and your alignment with their values.

Preparing for This Question Before the Interview

To be ready for this question, consider these steps:

1. Study the Job Description:
 Identify required and preferred skills, then compare these with your own abilities. Emphasize the “must-have” qualifications, as these are essential.


2. Research the Company: 
Check the “About Us” page and recent company reports to understand their values and mission. Look for areas where your values align and consider whether any mismatches are deal-breakers.


3. Practice Your Responses: 
Practice answering this question aloud, ideally the day before your interview. Practicing out loud helps with delivery, making your response sound more natural and confident.



Key Elements of a Strong Answer

A compelling answer should:

Showcase relevant experience.

Connect your skills with the company’s culture.

Highlight unique skills and growth potential.

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.


Answering the Question Effectively

1. Focus on the Match: 
Find specific aspects of the role or company that excite you, and frame your response to show how your experience aligns with their needs. For example, instead of saying “I’m a great project manager,” you might say, “I have experience managing complex projects and meeting tight deadlines, which I believe is crucial to success in this role.”


2. Emphasize What Sets You Apart: 
Make unique connections to the job description, highlighting recent and relevant experience. For instance, if the job is in marketing and involves a rebranding initiative, you might mention specific rebranding projects you’ve handled in the past.


3. Create Vision Statements:
 Help interviewers visualize you in the role by describing how you would contribute to their goals. For example, “I see myself leveraging my ability to [relevant skill] to support your mission of [company goal].”


4. Show Cultural Fit:
 Demonstrate that you align with the company’s values, but be authentic. If the company values teamwork, you might say, “I appreciate that you highlight high-performing employees. I thrive in supportive environments and believe I could contribute positively here.”


5. Use Their Words to Your Advantage:
 By the time this question comes up, you can often refer back to what they've emphasized in the interview. If they highlighted the importance of certain qualities, use these as a guide to frame your response, such as “As we discussed earlier, I have a track record of managing large accounts, which I believe would be valuable in this role.”


6. Be Concise: 
A concise answer will hold their attention better than a long one. Summarize your key points and finish with a statement of your genuine interest in the role.



Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s tempting to list personal achievements, avoid making this response all about you. Employers want to be reassured of your ability to help them reach their goals. Avoid responses that focus solely on your desire for growth or praise your accomplishments without tying them to the company's needs.

Some examples of what not to say:

"I’ve won multiple awards and distinctions."

"This is a great opportunity for me to grow."

"I want to advance my career in this field."


Conclusion:
Ultimately, you want interviewers to see you as a well-rounded fit for the role, the company, and their team. Craft a response that shows your skills and excitement about their specific goals. This mindset will help you answer with confidence, making you a strong candidate for the job.
#HarvardBusiness #JoelSchwartzberg

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