“Why Should We Hire You?”: 5 Best Answers to This Tough Interview Question

“Why should we hire you?”

Every job interview will feature this question in one form or another, and no matter how well we think we’ve prepared, it’s a question that can still intimidate any interviewee. 

But landing a job interview is the first goal of any job hunter. It’s your golden opportunity to show the hiring manager what you can contribute to the company and what makes you one of their potential assets. 

In this article, Jobstreet shares five best answers that will help you ace that interview and get you closer to getting your dream job.

Also read: Answer These! Top 12 Common Job Interview Questions Asked By Philippine Companies

Why Should You Be Prepared to Answer this Question?

“Why should we hire you?” is one of the most common job interview questions but also one of the most difficult to answer to the interviewer’s satisfaction.

Fresh graduates may be asked, “Why should we hire you with no experience?” That’s a tough one, and it’s best to brush up on the answers that will give you an edge. Also read: A sample resume for fresh graduates in creative fields that will get you noticed

During the hiring process, the hiring manager sifts through dozens, even hundreds, of applications. From among these, they compile a shortlist of candidates whom they want to meet in person for a job interview. Their aim is to determine who among the shortlisted candidates is the best fit for the job.

But when they’ve read all the resumes and CVs, it’s often the case that they realize that many applicants have roughly the same type of skills, education, and other qualifications for the job. They need to find out what sets certain people apart from the rest. 

This is the reason hiring managers ask, “Why should we hire you?” It’s to help them ensure that they offer the job position to the best possible candidate. 

By asking this question, the interviewer can discover how well you answer tough questions and conduct yourself in a crucial situation; what you believe you can contribute to the company, and how you can accomplish this; and your mindset and attitude toward working, among other factors. Your answers will help them decide if you are a good cultural and operational fit. 

Your goal at the interview is to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best person for the job. Being prepared with answers that are likely to impress them not only with your qualifications but also your ability to conduct yourself in critical situations will give you an advantage in the selection process. 

‘Why Should We Hire You’ Best Answers

If you’ve ever typed into a search engine this string of words: ‘why should we hire you best answer sample’ – then it means you know how important it is to your job hunting success that you give the best answer when asked this question. 

You’ve come to the right place! Read on for five sample answers that will make you better prepared for that important job interview.

“I have differentiated experience in this field.”

Most applicants for a position will have the education and other basic qualifications for the job. But you need to show you have an edge, and one way to do this is to mention any particular experience you’ve had in that field or role. 

Give specific details that will show the interviewer what exactly you have done and how you did it. For example, if applying for a game design job: “I created an educational mathematics game for elementary schoolchildren.” If applying for a pastry chef job: “I made 500 pastries in my home kitchen to cater for a wedding event.”

“I have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

Many business and HR analysts agree that these are among the most important skills in today’s volatile and uncertain world. Tell the hiring manager how well you can come up with solutions and analyze business situations by giving examples from your experience. Filipinos know the value of ‘diskarte’ and how this quality gets things done – if you have this, you definitely have an edge over the rest!

“I am adept at establishing relationships with other people.”

This is another soft skill that is of great value in the workplace. Implementing projects and fulfilling tasks are done in team situations. A person who gets along well with others can build linkages across teams and departments and get the job done easily and well.

“I have great communication skills.”

In today’s digital world, having communication skills is a major asset. Let the interviewer know the level of your reading comprehension and writing skills. Also mention your strengths in public speaking and conversation, liaising and coordinating, and using software and social media for writing and publishing. 

“I have strong initiative and drive.”

Managers are looking for employees who are self-starters, need minimal supervision, and set high standards for their work. If you are the kind of person that gives 100% to produce the highest quality output, then let the hiring manager know. It’ll give you added points and get you closer to getting that job.

When stating your answers, make sure to quantify them. Mention how many hours you worked for your college organization, the awards and competitions you won, all the instances when you came up with solutions to problems. It’s the details that make the difference!

Also read: 8 Ways to Answer the Job Interview Question “What Is Your Weakness?”

More tips to Ace That Job Interview

Enlist a friend to do a mock interview with you. 

Try to practice the questions and answers with a friend or relative. It’ll help you build confidence and make it easier for you to be relaxed at the actual interview.

You can even use JobStreet’s Interview Practice Tool!

Preview the outfit you’ll wear to the interview. 

It’s important to project your professionalism, and one way of doing this is to show up looking your best. Research the dress code at the company you’re applying to, and wear something one notch above that – this shows that you know what’s appropriate in a business setting. A suit or outfit with a blazer projects confidence and always looks professional. 

Be yourself.

In the end, the interview should feel like a conversation, not a thesis defense. Establish rapport with your interviewer the moment you meet them. Try to relax so that you will talk smoothly and naturally. It’s always best to be yourself and approach any situation with sincerity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect with others.  

Looking for your dream job? If you are ready to make the search, #SEEKBetter jobs by creating or updating your profile. For more jobs just a thumb scroll away, download the JobStreet app on Google Play or the App Store. 

Need help with writing your resume or practicing for an interview? Check out our Career Tools. 

And for more expert tips, head to Career Resources.