“Why should we hire you?” is one of the most common interview questions people dread answering. But, it doesn’t have to be! Let’s think about it. What sets you apart from other candidates? Does your current professional profile reflect all of your key accomplishments, experiences, and skills to make you stand out in a crowd of applicants?
In order to get the job you want, you’ve got to set yourself apart from the competition. You’ve really got to sell yourself. As with any good sales pitch, you need to show value added. Think back on the skills you have acquired in your previous roles that other candidates may not have had. Did you get a high GPA in college? Do you have a proven track record of success in your past roles? Have you taken any special certifications or courses that are valuable in the position you’re going after? This is your chance to get creative, and really showcase your unique skills and experiences.
Hiring managers want to know what you can bring to the table that no one else can. They also want to know that you’ve been listening to their asks, and that you’ve studied the job description. It’s a great idea to use some of the key phrases from the job description in your answer. For example, if the job description states, “Strong problem solving and communication skills required.” Say something like this as part of your answer, “I know that you’re looking for someone with exceptional problem solving and communication skills, and as you can see in my resume, I have a proven track record of solving problems of a diverse scope. [Insert example of a problem you’ve solved in your current role]. I also have well developed communication skills, and [Insert example of how you use your communication skills in your current role.] Based on these experiences, I am confident I would be a strong asset for you in both of these areas…” No matter what your answer ends up being, make sure to share it with enthusiasm and excitement. Confidence and positivity are key in how you answer.
The truth is, the hiring manager should already have a good idea of what sets you apart based on your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. If you haven’t already showcased what sets you apart in your professional profile, then you wouldn’t have landed the interview to begin with. Once you have a stand-out professional profile, your answer to this question should be easy. All you have to do is reiterate and summarize your key accomplishments which you’ve already shared in your professional profile. If you don’t know where to start, or you feel anxious about how to answer this question, call us today (816)986-0909 and let us help you with interview coaching, outstanding resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. We want to help you stand out in a crowd of applicants, so you can land the job you’ve always wanted!