Mastering the Interview Question: "Why Should We Hire You?"

One of the most common—and often one of the most challenging—questions you’ll encounter in an interview is, "Why should we hire you?". It’s the perfect opportunity for candidates to showcase their skills, experience, and value to the employer, but it requires a well-crafted response. Here's how to answer confidently and effectively.

1. Understand What the Employer is Really Asking

When an employer asks this question, they are essentially looking for a candidate who:

• Aligns with the company’s needs.
• Has a clear understanding of the role.
• Can demonstrate how they will add value to the organization.

They're not just looking for someone qualified—they want the best fit for the company culture and goals.

2. Do Your Homework

Before crafting your answer, research the company thoroughly. This includes understanding:

• Company culture: Review their website, social media, and LinkedIn presence to grasp their values and what matters to them.
• Job description: Tailor your answer to the key skills and responsibilities mentioned.
• Challenges and goals: What are the current challenges the company is facing? Show how you can provide solutions.

A personalized approach will demonstrate that you're not just another candidate, but someone who has thought deeply about the role and their fit.

3. Highlight Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

This question is your chance to showcase your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)—what sets you apart from the other candidates. Here’s how to craft a powerful response:

• Skills and experience: Link your qualifications to the job requirements. Be specific about how your skills match the role.
• Achievements: Mention relevant accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to deliver results. For example, instead of saying “I’m good at sales,” say, “In my previous role, I increased sales by 20% within the first six months.”
• Cultural fit: Employers value candidates who fit into their company culture. Mention if your work ethic, values, or soft skills align with the team’s culture.

Example Response:

"You should hire me because I have a proven track record of delivering strong marketing results. At my last job, I led a campaign that increased website traffic by 35% within three months, using SEO and content strategies. Additionally, my collaborative approach and adaptability align well with your team-oriented culture. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in digital marketing to help achieve your company’s growth objectives."

4. Keep It Concise and Impactful

Avoid long, rambling answers. Instead, focus on conciseness and clarity. A great structure for your response is:

• Opening statement: One sentence that sums up your key point.
• Body: 2-3 concise points that highlight your skills, experience, and achievements.
• Closing: End with confidence, emphasizing how you’ll contribute to the company’s success.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearse your answer multiple times. Practicing out loud helps you refine your wording and delivery. Confidence is key here. Nervousness or hesitation can undercut even the best response. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or using LinkedIn’s mock interview feature to get feedback on your delivery.

LinkedIn Profiles for Inspiration:

Here are some LinkedIn profiles of professionals who excel at positioning their unique value, which could inspire your own answer to this question:

• Stacy Donovan Zapar – Stacy is a renowned talent acquisition leader who emphasizes the importance of connecting personal strengths to business impact.
• Omar Zenhom – A thought leader in business and marketing, Omar’s LinkedIn profile showcases how to clearly communicate value in both interviews and personal branding.
• Laszlo Bock – The former SVP of People Operations at Google, Laszlo’s approach to hiring and company culture is a masterclass in aligning personal strengths with company needs.

6. Use STAR to Frame Your Answer

Consider using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to give a well-rounded answer:

• Situation: Provide context or background.
• Task: Explain the challenge or task you were faced with.
• Action: Describe the actions you took to solve the task.
• Result: Share the result, preferably with data or quantifiable outcomes.

For instance, you might say: "At my previous company (Situation), we faced declining website traffic. I was tasked with reversing this trend (Task). I implemented a content marketing strategy and collaborated with the SEO team (Action), which led to a 35% increase in traffic over three months (Result)."

7. Be Confident but Humble

While it’s essential to communicate your worth, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Use a tone that is assertive, but not boastful. Employers appreciate candidates who are sure of their abilities but also willing to contribute to the team effort.

Conclusion

The “Why should we hire you?” question is your chance to shine and set yourself apart from other candidates. By preparing a thoughtful, tailored response that highlights your skills, experience, and fit for the company, you’ll leave a lasting impression. Remember, preparation, personalization, and practice are key to mastering this question.

Further Reading and LinkedIn Learning Resources:

• Crafting Your Personal Brand by Dorie Clark
• Answering Tough Interview Questions
• Why Should We Hire You - The Perfect Answer

By leveraging these techniques, you'll be well-prepared to give an answer that truly resonates with interviewers.