Job-hunting is a demanding task. Not only do you need to have the required skills and knowledge, but you also have to know hot to sell yourself to the interviewer. Actually, no matter your skillset, if you do not know how to sell yourself, you will not get hired. It's that simple.
The interview process consists of several steps: the application, the review and the interview itself. If you get to the last stage, that means that you are the right candidate for the job. However, the chances of you actually being hired depend on how well you do in person. And, when you think about it, the whole job application process is one big answer to the 'Why should we hire you?' question, don't you think?
Why do you get asked this question?
The interviewer has one job to do - hire a competent person, the person who is the best among all the applicants. He or she will try and get every little detail about your past work experiences, the skills you claim to have, as well your personality. There is a simple reason for this. For one, the company needs an adequate employee.
Secondly, the interviewer is putting his or her reputation on the line. If you turn out to be lazy, ineffective, or worst of all, unreliable, the interviewer could be in trouble with the boss. Therefore, a lot is at stake here.
Another reason for THE question is the fact that many people lie on their CVs. Therefore, you need to justify everything you have put down on that piece of paper. When answering the question, you need to convince the other person that you can do the required work, that you are a team player and good with people, that you are a skilled and seasoned worker, and lastly, that the interviewer won't regret their decision to hire you.
How to answer: Why should we hire you?
Even though the question might be redundant, it is still widely used by interviewers. Therefore, you need some pre-interview preparation.
Sit down and think about what you have to offer to the company. Make a list or a summary of your best assets. Additionally, your answer should consist of the top reasons why they should hire you. Moreover, make sure you have some strong points in your answer. One word of caution though, while you are preparing your answer, pay attention to what the company is looking for. Do not stray too far from their ideal set of characteristics someone in that specific position should have.
Think of it like this: You are given only a minute or two to convince the employer to give you the job or at least a callback. You need to say everything that makes you the perfect candidate in those two minutes. And this is your only chance. No written CV or re-dos. It's just you talking. Go!
What did you come up with? Did you stutter? Did you forget to mention something?
It seems like a boring and harmless question, but it is the question that could make or break you. So, take it seriously no matter what.
Here are some important points to take into account:
●Research the company and its business, then figure out how you could help them make more progress. For example, if they are in the marketing business, and you have had some previous experience, then tell them exactly how your knowledge could benefit them. Also, if you found a problem, or just imagined one, make sure to include a solution to it in your answer. This will show that you are resourceful and have great ideas.
●Say why you would like to work in that specific position. Express your enthusiasm and love for the job. Employers love passionate people.
●Mention any accomplishments you might have, as well as major successful projects that you were a part of.
●Show you are a team player, but that you can also work independently if the situation presents itself. Basically, show that you are a competent and resourceful employee.
●Be concise and straight to the point - focus on the most important facts from your CV. Also, give examples to back up your claims. Avoid generalizing things, because that really doesn't say much and it could backfire on you.
In the end, remember that, if you are a good salesperson, you can sell anything. Even if you are not prepared beforehand, choosing the right words will do a lot for you. Moreover, avoid comparing yourself to others, but focus on what you can do instead. You are selling your own product, not someone else's. This is what will make them hire you.