Written by Vaclav Koranda

How to Answer ‘Why Should We Hire You?’

This is a surprisingly common interview question, even though it arguably misses the point of the entire selection process. The purpose of interviews, assessments, and tests is to determine which candidate is the best fit for the role. When an interviewer asks this question, it can suggest that they have not yet formed a clear view of the candidates or are struggling to differentiate between them.

Although it doesn’t make much sense to ask such a question from the interviewer’s perspective, you don’t have to worry because it actually gives you a great opportunity to seize the initiative in the interview and insinuate yourself into the interviewer’s favor.

How to Build Your Answer

In your answer, highlight your skills, experience and personality traits that make you a great fit for the job. Try to find and point out shared values – for example, if the company is trying to be carbon neutral and you are also keen on saving the planet, express your admiration for their green efforts, and so on. When formulating your answer, reflect on your previous research into the company, what you know about them and their requirements from the job description, and also what has transpired in the course of the interview process so far. Don’t forget to expressly state your interest in the position.

Model Answers

Model Answer 1

“I understand you are looking for someone who can manage your finances across the SEA region.

  1. I have 15 years of experience managing corporate finance in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines;
  2. I have worked with SAP FI for 10+ years, and
  3. I am fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

So I think I am a very good fit for the job! I have always adored your brand and I resonate deeply with your strive for sustainability. I believe sustainability is the only way forward for humankind, and I just wish others would learn from your example. I would really love to work as a finance manager in your company!”

This answer makes use of the “Power of Three” rule, which is a principle that suggests that things presented in threes are inherently more satisfying and effective than other numbers. Three elements create a sense of completeness, balance, and memorability. It is believed that the human brain finds patterns and information presented in threes more engaging and easier to process. It can help you capture the interviewer’s attention, convey your message effectively, and enhance understanding and retention.

Model Answer 2

“Why not??”

I remember one guy who landed his job exactly like that. A year later, his boss handed him a promotion letter. When he asked, ‘Why me?’ the boss simply replied, ‘Why not?’ 😄 Sometimes, a surprising answer can yield surprising results. If delivered confidently, relaxed, and with a broad smile, it can make you stand out.

However, it’s important to note that bold and surprising answers may work in your favor when facing competition from numerous eager candidates who have meticulously prepared and memorized textbook responses. But if the interviewer is a jerk, it may not be well-received. In such cases, you should consider whether you want to work for a jerk. If the answer is yes, then it’s best to stick to prepared answers and hope for the best.

Model Answer 3

“I’ve been in the project management game for quite some time now, and I’ve seen my fair share of successes and challenges along the way. I am also very well versed with the project management methodologies you use, including Agile and Scrum. What sets me apart is my hands-on experience in leading diverse teams and delivering projects that truly make an impact.

You see, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some pretty complex projects, where tight deadlines and limited resources were the norm. But through effective planning and communication, I’ve always managed to steer my teams in the right direction and deliver results that exceed expectations. But what really drives me is the people aspect of project management. Building strong relationships with team members, stakeholders, and clients is key to driving project success. And with my collaborative nature and strong communication skills, I’ve always been able to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best work.

So, why should you hire me? Because I bring a blend of experience, adaptability, and people skills to the table that enables me to hit the ground running and make a real impact on your projects.”

Don’t forget to mention specific projects you have successfully delivered and industries with which specifics you are acquainted with.

What Not to Say

  • Steer clear of vague statements that don’t showcase your unique strengths like, “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a team player.”
  • Don’t put your needs forward, like “I really need a job” or “This company is a great fit because of the benefits package.”
  • Don’t answer their question with a question, such as “And why should I work for you?” – that is for sure a relevant question but time for it will eventually come later in the interview.
  • Don’t be arrogant – there’s a fine line between boldness and arrogance. If you want to be bold, make sure to keep a close eye on that distinction.

Good luck!

You May Also Like:

Do you want to get new posts directly to your mailbox? Subscribe here.

Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co and I will come back to you!

Leave a Reply