Why should we hire you?, How to Answer Tricky Interview Questions, Part 2

Here's part 2 of a piece from CareerBuilder that offers advice on how to answer tricky interview questions. Here's today's question and their response:

Why should we hire you?

Here's the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and succinctly lay out your strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table. Be careful not to answer this question too generically, however. Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.

I'm ok with this answer in essence. But it needs a bit more detail.

There's really only one answer to this question and it's, "Because I could do a great job in this position, far better than anyone else." But you just can't say that -- it sounds overly cocky and is certainly too cold. But you need to say this in a nice, polished manner.

Here's what I'd do as I formulated my answer to this question (done before the interview as I suggested in part 1):

1. Think about what the job requires. What skills, abilities, experience, etc. the company needs.

2. Develop an answer that addresses these qualifications and uses specific examples from past jobs that back-up these claims.

3. Be sure to keep it brief. You can give specifics later if they ask for them -- but keep it broad at this point.

Sample answer:

I think you should hire me because I can do this job better than anyone else and deliver consistent results. 

My proven record substantiates this claim -- I have held positions in a variety of industries and business settings and in each of these, I've been able to identify opportunities and then capitalize on them to generate substantial business results. 

These results have been recognized by my employers through the awarding of additional responsibilities and compensation and by outside organizations such as when I won the ABC Award in 1992 and the prestigious XYZ Award in 1999.

So, what do you think? Any recommended changes?

Click here to read part 3 of this series.

Click here to read part 1 of this series.

Comments

[annab]

I think adding something about working well in the company's environment is important. Maybe about leadership within the team, working well with the group to achieve success.