Why Should We Hire You?

Navigating job interviews can be challenging, especially when faced with seemingly simple questions like, “Why should we hire you?” This question, while straightforward, requires a thoughtful and strategic response.”

Different ways this question might be asked:

• “Why are you the best candidate for this position?”
• “What makes you a good fit for our company?”
• “Why should we choose you over other applicants?”

Regardless of how it’s phrased, the essence remains: you need to articulate why you’re the ideal choice for the role.

Why do interviewers ask this question?

Hiring managers are perfectly capable of deciding whether you’re worthy of hiring. That’s the entire purpose of the interview process, after all. So why do they ask YOU why you should be hired? Mainly because they want to hear the reasoning straight from the source. 

You know yourself, your skills, and your accomplishments best, so you should be able to make the strongest argument in your favor. A hiring manager wants to understand what you view as your biggest strengths and how you see yourself contributing in this particular role. 

Also, hiring managers use this question to give you the chance to share any additional information that hasn’t been covered in your resume, cover letter, or interview process thus far that strengthens your candidacy. They can’t ask about what they don’t know, so if you’re fluent in Japanese or you went back to school to get a degree specifically for a position like this one, this is a great time to mention it. 

What interviewers are looking to hear

An interviewer can use a candidate’s resume to make a pretty strong assessment of whether they have relevant experience for the job. What they can’t assess so easily, though, is how candidates compare against one another. 

For example, candidate A might have a more advanced degree, but candidate B might have a couple of years of real-world experience in a similar position. Who is the better choice? This question, and the answers candidates give to it, can help them decide. 

Interviewers also want to learn how the company will benefit from hiring you–what’s in it for them? With this in mind, the perfect answer conveys not only your qualifications to do the job, but the value you’ll bring to the organization as an employee. 

How to answer the interview question ‘Why should we hire you?’

Highlight Your Unique Qualifications

Focus on specific skills or experiences that set you apart. Don’t read from your resume or try to quote it verbatim. Instead, share anecdotes or achievements that showcase your abilities.

Example: “In my previous role, I increased social media engagement by 150% in six months by implementing targeted content strategies.”

Align Your Skills with the Company’s Needs

Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework by linking your strengths to the company’s goals or challenges.

Example: “I noticed your company is expanding into international markets. My experience in global sales and fluency in Spanish could help drive this initiative forward.”

Show Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit

Express your genuine interest in the role and the company culture. Employers value candidates who are not only skilled, but also passionate and likely to thrive within the team.

Example: “I’m excited about your commitment to innovation, as it aligns with my passion for developing cutting-edge solutions.”

How not to answer

Being vague or generic

Avoid clichés like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m passionate about success.” These statements don’t differentiate you from other candidates.

Focusing solely on yourself

While it’s important to discuss your skills, ensure you relate them back to how they will benefit the company.

Displaying desperation

Refrain from sharing personal hardships or desperation for the job. Keep the focus professional and forward-thinking.

Sample answers to ‘Why should we hire you?’

Remember, your goal is to confidently convey how your unique skills and experiences make you the best fit for the role. By aligning your qualifications with the company’s needs and showcasing your enthusiasm, you’ll leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.