Why Should We Hire You: 10 Best Answers to Ace Your Interview

Did you know that 76% of recruiters will pass on candidates they perceive as overly arrogant? That's right, so make sure to carefully think about your answers before answering an interview question.

Whether you're a first-time jobseeker or a seasoned professional in the industry, you probably already know that one of the most commonly asked questions during an interview is "Why should we hire you?"

But, how exactly do you answer that question? How do you maximize your opportunity to showcase what you've got and stand out from the rest? Let's find out!

Why do recruiters ask this job interview question?

Recruiters often ask the question "Why should we hire you?" to uncover what sets you apart from other candidates and whether you have the confidence and self-awareness to articulate why you're the best fit for the job.

This question helps hiring managers assess how well you understand the job description and the company's goals, as well as how your unique skills and experiences align with them.

It also reveals your ability to communicate your value clearly and concisely, which is essential in any professional role.

What opportunities does this question bring?

This job interview question is a prime opportunity for you to sell yourself in your own words. It lets you highlight your unique perspective, relevant prior experience, and demonstrated work ethic that make you the ideal candidate for the position.

By thoughtfully addressing this question, you can demonstrate your knowledge of the company's needs and explain precisely how you will help them achieve their goals.

It also offers an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and cultural fit with the organisation, which can help differentiate you from other applicants.

10 best ways to answer "Why should we hire you?"

There are a lot of strategic ways to answer this question, but here are the 10 best ways to help you create a structured and effective response:

1. Tie your skills to the job description: Start by carefully studying the job description to understand what the company values most. Tailor your answer to address specific skills and experiences listed, explaining how you have successfully applied them in your previous role or education.
2. Highlight your unique skills and perspective: Explain the unique skills or perspectives you bring that other candidates may not possess. This could be anything from specific technical expertise to your approach to teamwork or problem-solving. Mention how these differentiate you as the best person to stand out in the final interview.
3. Quantify your achievements with examples: Whenever possible, back your claims with quantifiable achievements from your previous job or projects. Including a proven track record and results like these in your response provides impactful content that matters to the employer.
   
   For example: "In my previous company, I streamlined processes that reduced project turnaround time by 20%," shows measurable impact and demonstrates your ability to contribute effectively.
4. Show your cultural fit and enthusiasm: Demonstrate that you have researched the company's website and understand its culture and goals. Explain how your values align with theirs and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute and grow within their team.
5. Emphasize soft skills and work ethic: Besides technical skills, mention relevant soft skills such as communication, adaptability, organizational skills, team collaboration, and a strong work ethic. These qualities convey that you uphold high standards and are a reliable and valuable team player who can handle new roles effectively.
6. Address how you solve problems: Frame your answer around how hiring you will solve a current problem or fill a critical need the employer has. This strategy helps the interviewer envision the tangible benefit you bring to their business and why your prior experience makes you a great fit for their challenges.
7. Reflect on your career goals and how they align: Briefly mention how the position fits your long-term career goals and motivation. This shows that you are looking for a mutually beneficial relationship and that you are likely to be committed and invested in the role, ready to adapt to evolving responsibilities and adjust to a fast-paced environment.
8. Remain confident but humble: Confidence in your answer is crucial, but avoid sounding arrogant or dismissive of other applicants. Balance pride in your accomplishments with humility and openness to learning. Showing you are open to feedback impresses the hiring manager and signals professionalism.
9. Practice but avoid memorizing word-for-word: Prepare your key talking points and practice delivering them in your own words so that you sound natural and authentic rather than rehearsed. This approach ensures your response is genuine and personable.
10. Be concise: Keep your response clear and to the point, ideally under two minutes, so you hold the interviewer's attention without overwhelming them with too much information. Use your resume and cover letter as foundational tools, but don't just repeat their content - instead, expand on how your background matters uniquely to this company and position.

What to avoid saying

Now, another way to ensure that you ace your interviews is by avoiding mentioning certain things, such as the following:

• Avoid mentioning salary, perks, or personal benefits as reasons for hiring you.
• Do not be generic; vague answers without specifics do not convince interviewers.
• Don't come across as arrogant or boastful about being better than other candidates.
• Avoid lying or exaggerating your skills and achievements; honesty is critical.
• Don't say "I don't know" or express uncertainty about why you deserve the job.
• Avoid giving overly long answers or unrelated personal stories.

Final tips and advice

Keep in mind that answering the question "Why should we hire you?" is just one of several ways to ace your interviews. So the best thing you should do is stay ready and confident about yourself:

• Do thorough research on the company using their website and recent news to gather impactful content.
• Understand the job description deeply and match your skills accordingly to demonstrate you are the best candidate.
• Use specific examples and data to demonstrate your impact in previous roles and how you meet the organization's high standards.
• Practice delivering your answer confidently, but keep it natural and personalized to your background and career goals.
• Follow up your answer by inviting the interviewer to ask more or discuss how you can contribute to their team.

Remember, this is your golden opportunity to shine and convince the hiring manager why you're the best candidate for the position. Now, you might be wondering-what's next after your interview?

After acing your interview, now would be a good opportunity to level up your preparations and discover your expected salary based on your job title and location using the Personal Salary Report.

By preparing well and focusing on these key points, you can confidently respond when the interviewer asks, "Why should we hire you?" and leave a strong impression that increases your chances of success in your job interview and any future new roles.