So, Why Should I Hire You?
This question is tricky because it can miraculously appear at the beginning of an interview as a means to set the pace for how long the interview will last. Or the question can hauntingly appear at the conclusion of the interview as a double check to see if you are in sync with the company values. In either case the interviewee should be prepared with a killer response that is assertive but not braggadocious.
The interviewer does not want a vocal resume or a canned, rehearsed speech. The key to answering the question positively is giving a seemingly spontaneous response that highlights what you can bring to the organization. It is important to remember that most often the interviewer is trying to fill the position with a person that naturally fits into the organization.
Now that you know, “Why should I hire you?” is a probable interview question, how should you prepare? Consider approaching the question as if the interviewer is giving you an opportunity to say in a short concise way WHY you are the “best fit” for the position. When you look at the question from this angle consider the following three points in your answer:
· Explain the experience you bring
· Articulate what you will do
· Summarize results
Let me leave you with a final personal experience so you understand that I am not giving out advice for a situation I have never faced. I remember an interview I went on years ago. After two grueling hours of interview questions, I was asked this final question, “Why should we hire you for this position?” Feeling very confident, I responded without skipping a beat by saying……….. “With my breadth of experience and wealth of knowledge, I can come in and facilitate change at a much quicker rate.” What do you think? Did I get the job?
Interviewers remember what you say first and what you say last so this answer needs to leave them with wanting you as an employee!
