How To Answer "Why Should We Hire You?": Steps + Best Sample Answers (2024)
A job interview can be a taxing endeavor—one that has left many reeling under anxiety and apprehension. Fear and sometimes the inability to handle interview questions like “Why should we hire you?” can lead us to lose out on our dream jobs.
But there is a way to ensure that interview questions—simple or tricky—don’t leave you sweating buckets. How? By preparing for them in advance.
This article will discuss how to answer one of the most common interview questions- Why should we hire you? To prepare for this important interview question, consider various aspects, like job requirements, the intended reason behind this question, variations, steps to frame the perfect answer, and more. Let's get started.
Why Ask: Why Should We Hire You?
If you have reached the personal interview round, it is pretty clear that the recruiter has been through your resume beforehand. In some instances, you might also have given an assessment or two before being cleared for the interview round. Thus, the recruiter/ interviewer probably knows all about your education, your work experience, if any, major accomplishments, technical skills, etc., through your resume and assessment rounds.
So, what are they looking for in the interview round? What do they really want to know through questions such as, 'Why should you be hired for this role?' or 'Why should we hire you with no experience?'
What is there that the resume is not able to convey?
Reasons Recruiters Ask This Question
Here are some key reasons why recruiters ask this question:
- Points that differentiate you from other candidates.
- To see if you are a team player and a good culture fit.
- To check your interpersonal skills and personality traits.
- To see if you are a strong communicator with leadership abilities.
- To get a deeper understanding of the responsibility you had at your previous company and your future career goals or career path.
- Would you be able to handle the work or the ability to handle high-pressure situations in the corporate environment?
- Are you willing to work on improving yourself?
- How well do you take criticism?
Remember that at the end of the day, the job of the hiring manager is to hire the most suitable candidate for the position. So, when you frame your 'why should I hire you' answer, highlight how you will be an asset to the company in question.
Your objective must be to project your strong points in a way that seems the best fit for the particular role being offered.
Before we discuss the key steps that will lead you to the perfect answer, let’s first look at common variations of 'why should we hire you’.
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'Why Should We Hire You?': Common Variations
Other than a straightforward question - 'Why should I hire you?’ or ‘Why should you be hired for this role?’, you might encounter variations of this question during your job interview. Some of these are:
- Why do you think you are suitable for this job?
- What differentiates you from other candidates?
- Why should we work with you, OR why should we select you?
- Why do you think you are suitable for this job? (or company?)
- Why should a company hire you?
- Everyone has experience and education, so why should we hire you?
- What sets you apart from other qualified candidates?
- Why should we hire you with no experience? (Specific to freshers)
- Why should we hire you for this role? (Here, the answer should be tailored to the job role)
- Why should a company hire you? (Don’t be thrown off by this one - even if the question seems generic (since it says a company rather than this company), the answer should be tailored according to the company)
How To Answer Why Should We Hire You?
We know the exact 'why should we hire you answer' will differ from person to person. But there are a few common steps that everyone must follow in order to frame a well-structured answer:
Step 1: Review the Job Description
The first step in crafting the perfect answer to 'why should we select you?' is to check your suitability for the role. This can be done by reviewing the job description, duties, and responsibilities in detail. These will help you understand what the recruiter is seeking in the ideal candidate.
Step 2: Research the Organization
The next step goes hand in hand with Step 1— research the organization. You need to know everything you can about the company culture, ethics, work environment, goals, etc. Then, look for a correlation between this information about the job (and company) and your personal traits and aspirations. All this information will help you craft the best 'why should we hire you' answer.
Step 3: Structure Your Answer
Once you have all the required information, prepare an outline/ structure for an answer to “Why should we hire you?” The outline should be flexible enough that you can use it for multiple interviews, filling in the information specific to the role/ organization.
Step 4: Quantify Achievements and Skills
You will need to make a list of your quantifiable achievements or accomplishments if you want to give a crisp response to 'Why should we hire you for this role?’ This is especially important for those who tend to ramble. Rather than sharing long stories, quantify what you have done and can do. Then, define the limit of words in which you want to relay that information to the recruiter, such that you include all the information possible.
Step 5: Focus on the Job Posting
At the core of crafting the perfect answer to 'Why should we hire you?' is the need to tie everything to the respective job profile. Anytime you come face to face with such an open-ended question, everything you say should iterate on your fitness for the role at hand.
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Why Should We Hire You Answer: Sample Responses for Job Seekers
We are sure the above steps will help you frame the perfect answer. But to give you a better understanding, listed below are a few ‘why should we hire you?’ answer samples.
“Why do we hire you?” Sample Answer 1 (Digital Marketing Role)
This is an important question, thank you for asking. Based on what I have understood from the job description, your company is looking for SEO expert with relevant experience in digital marketing. I believe I would be able to do justice to this role. In my previous role, I helped increase the social media traffic by 21% by implementing targeted social media advertisements and digital marketing campaigns. I am quite sure that I will be able to bring an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to your company, and our success will be my top priority.
This works because- There are multiple roles a marketeer fulfils. This answer highlights all the relevant skills in social media marketing and advertisements. It also quantifies your achievements in this regard and mentions how you possess the skills needed.
“Why should we hire you?” Sample Answer 2 (Web Development/ Design Role)
My experience and comfort with adopting and working on different technologies, specifically in the web design space, make me the perfect fit for this position. In my previous job, I was responsible for maintaining and updating the company website wherein I had to update employee profiles and post information regarding upcoming events, etc. regularly. I truly enjoyed what I was doing, which is what drew me to this position with your company. I would love to bring the coding and content skills I learned there to this position.
This works because- This answer touches on multiple important points, that is, your past responsibilities, your skills, and your work style, while also pointing out that you like to try new things and quickly adapt to them.
“Why should we hire you?” Sample Answer 3 (Leadership Role)
I am pleased to answer this question. What makes me a good fit for this job is the fact that in 12 years of working as a regional sales manager, I have effectively managed teams of over 20 people. I made sure to keep the overall spirits high and motivate my sales team. This helped us grab the 'Region of the Year' award for 2 consecutive years for consistently exceeding our sales goals. So with regard to the job description, my experience in sales and my leadership skills are a plus for this job role.
This works because - Mentioning an achievement like the one in this answer and supporting information gives the interviewer an insight that they need to know your suitability for the role. It also iterates on how you are eager to bring everything you learned to this position.
“Why should I hire you?” Sample Answer 4 (Highlights Patience & Communication Skills)
Having brilliant communication skills is critical to successfully fulfilling any role. Along with that one needs to be patient to march on as planned until fruition. The listing states that you are looking for someone with these skills and that is what makes me a good fit for this job. While volunteering and holding an office for the Commonwealth Games, I learned how to be patient with the athletes and participants from different walks of life. Participating and coordinating in the event helped me develop better communication and planning skills which are essential when performing the responsibilities.
This works because - This answer highlights how the candidate fits the bill perfectly, by sharing an experience wherein they employed those skills and developed them. You can take inspiration from this answer and describe the skills you possess that also fit the role that you are interviewing for.
“Why should you be hired for this role?” Answer Sample 5: (Marketing/ Market Research Roles)
After working in similar position with my previous organization for over 10 years, I successfully managed a team of more than 17 members in our marketing department. I was responsible for making the marketing strategy by conducting thorough market research. This helped me gather good industry knowledge for developing creative campaigns. In fact, one campaign I led generated a 43% increase in awareness among our target demographic. Now, I’m ready to use my growth mindset at your esteemed organization and deliver my best work.
This works because - This answer shows how you have the perfect balance of qualifications, experience, and the hunger to do better. The quantification of achievements and past experiences gives excellent insight into why a company should hire you for a market research position.
“Why should we hire you with no experience?” Sample Answer 6 (Fresh Graduate Example Response)
The qualifications and skillsets that I bring to the table cannot be limited by or compared to the traditional experiences that others may have. I have worked in four different organizations under different profiles. I have managed a full course load with a job at the university's admissions office. This taught me how to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities to meet the ask in every aspect of my life. In a fast-paced organization like yours, the ability to effectively prioritize and work hard is critical for success. My past experience shows that I possess these skills and that my growth trajectory from here on out will only climb higher.
This works because - Many freshers are worried about not having enough experience, and this leaves their tongues twisted when faced with the question - ”Why should we hire you with no experience?”. What they forget is that the interviewer already knows about their lack of experience, and the only thing they want to know is how they manage to take on the challenges through their hard work and innovative ideas. The answer above clearly highlights the positives and shows how you are willing to work to the best of your ability to grow and learn.
Experienced Candidates Sample Response (Sample 7)
As an experienced candidate with 3 years of experience in performance marketing, I believe I am the ideal candidate for this role because of my proven track record of driving successful marketing campaigns that have consistently exceeded targets and delivered measurable results. My experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of various digital marketing strategies, including SEO, SEM, social media advertising, and email marketing. I am skilled in analyzing data to optimize campaigns, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve performance. Additionally, my strong communication and collaboration skills have allowed me to effectively work with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. I am confident that my expertise and passion for performance marketing make me a valuable asset to your team.
This works because - it effectively highlights relevant experience and combines it with key soft skills for the role (communication and collaboration skills).
“Why should we hire you?” Answer Sample 8 (Start-ups)
I believe I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I am confident that I can make an immediate and positive impact on your company. I not only have experience in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also a passion and in-depth knowledge of the industry. Hence, I am confident that I’ll be able to deliver high-quality work and coordinate with the team to make this company grow at an exponential pace and meet all the business requirements.
This works because - The answer oozes confidence and highlights your leadership experience. It explains that you possess all the essential skills and experience needed for the said role.
We are sure that after going through these examples, you will know how to answer “Why should I hire you?” effectively and will not draw a blank. But we don't want you to fumble at any cost! So listed ahead are a few common mistakes that you must avoid making in the interview process when faced with the 'why should we hire you' question.
Common Mistakes In Responses
A few common mistakes that you must avoid when answering this question are:
- Narrating your resume - A lot of you might be tempted to mention the basics included in your resume. But remember that the interviewer already knows this, and the point of the personal interview is to get to know your people skills and understand you as a professional.
- Narrating your life story - There is no need to go on rambling about your life story and everything you have lived. All you need to do is show how you are a good fit for the job.
- Giving an overly memorized response - Don’t let it show that you have memorized your response beforehand. Giving a mechanical response might put the interviewer off.
- Being overconfident - This point needs special attention. There is a difference between being confident and overconfident. Be mindful of this difference, and don’t be overconfident or cocky when answering the question, 'Why should we hire you?'
- Lying or exaggerating - It may be tempting to bend the truth/ exaggerate a little or lie during an interview, especially when it comes to open-ended questions like 'Why should I hire you?' or 'What makes you a good fit for this job?'. But remember that being upfront is an attractive trait to have. If you have fibbed during the interview, you may fumble during cross-questioning. Instead, a better way to go about it is to honestly talk about your strong points and transferable skills that you have been to hone over the years through your professional experience.
- Not practising the delivery - If you think that merely framing the answer to 'Why should we hire you?' gets the job done, then you are wrong. It is important to practice your delivery a few times before you appear for the interview, to be comfortable with the answer, to improve delivery/ tone if needed, and not give out that you prepared for it in advance.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
- Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?
- Why Do You Want To Join Our Company?
- How would you describe yourself?
Conclusion
Answering the question "Why should we hire you?" is a critical step in the job interview process. By tailoring your response, quantifying your achievements, and expressing genuine enthusiasm, you can effectively sell yourself to potential employers.
Remember, your goal is to convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job and that you will make a valuable contribution to the company. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of securing the position you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How to answer, “Why should we hire you with no experience?”
This question usually comes from freshers or people with little experience for whatever reason. When tackling this question, it is important to show that you are aware of the fact that you don’t have the experience, but that does not deter you from working. Take this as an opportunity to highlight your skills, knowledge pool, desire to learn and grow, etc. Your job is to convince the interviewer that you will be a great addition to the team despite your lack of experience.
Q2. Replying to “Why do you want this particular job?”
The best approach here is to explain with conviction what drew you to that job profile and the company in the first place. Be as honest as you can be, and explain how you feel that the skill set you possess goes in accordance with what is needed for that job/ company. Do your homework, conduct research in regard to the company and the profile, and use that info to give a well-rounded answer.
Q3. What is the best answer to “Why should you be hired for this role?”
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to such subjective and open-ended questions. It is best to follow the steps we have mentioned in the article, review the job listing and job description well, quantify your accomplishments, and tie it all together in a way that highlights your hard and soft skills and projects you as a valuable asset for the company.
We know that giving interviews and selling yourself to an interviewer is easier said than done, but the guidelines shared here will certainly help you frame a good response to the 'why should we hire you?' question. The bottom line is to be your best true self, and everything will fall into place. #BeUnstoppable
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