How to Respond When an Employer Asks: ‘Why Should We Hire You?’

Image: Business Insider

Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert and author, says the final question among the three mentioned above could be the best opportunity to prove that you are a good fit for the company’s vacant position. When recruiters ask this question, they want you to convince them that you are the best candidate.

However, because the scope of the question “Why should we hire you?” is too broad, it can cost you points if you give a poor answer. Expert Lynn Taylor suggests: “One technique to answer this question is that you must think of three key reasons that demonstrate why you are the ideal choice for the employer”.

Below are some specific suggestions for tips that can help you answer the above question in an interview, according to Business Insider.

“When reading or hearing details about job requirements announced by employers, you can take note of some keywords that will help you target the appropriate response when asked. For example, if the job requires organizational skills, you can take note of some related programs, software related to organization and management that you know how to use. After noting them down, you will have data built from the actual needs of the business,” Taylor said.

At this point, you need to “market” yourself in a special way by asking questions: What makes you uniquely qualified for this position over your colleagues? How does your background knowledge align with their tasks?…

There are three main factors that you should consider: providing the employer with a big picture of yourself and your working process, discussing your accomplishments and demonstrating that you have excellent people skills. All of the above content should be shared in a concise way.

For example, you can share information about: the company you have worked for X, which field you worked in for how long, using which skills, knowledge and being educated in which area. If you have been promoted regularly or assigned greater responsibilities, don’t forget to let the recruiter know. Next, talking about your achievements is also an opportunity for you to talk more specifically about specific projects that demonstrate relevant experience and skills you have. Finally, you should show the employer that you have good qualities and soft skills, suitable for the position you are applying for (such as: trustworthy, good team player, a motivated leader…).

Expert Taylor says: “Managers all want to ensure that you are a worthwhile investment. They want to minimize risk and avoid mistakes. This is an opportunity for you to use the answer from the example questions below to show the benefits that the company can enjoy if they hire you”.

– Have you ever reduced costs by percentage or a certain number for the company?

– Have you ensured new customer and expanded current business operations?

– Have you streamlined production and business operations?

– Have you ever reduced the company’s revenue?

– Have you developed new programs to increase the company’s revenue?

“Once you have made strong arguments about why ‘I should be present in this company’, you need to show your enthusiasm and passion. No matter how good your job application looks, you still need to show that you are truly dynamic and want this job,” Taylor shared.

When marketing yourself to the employer, you can easily get lost in long answers and exaggerate the truth. Therefore, be careful when answering. By practicing at home, paying attention to necessary elements and being confident, you can excel in interviews and get your dream job.