Job interviews can be tricky, especially when they ask questions like, “Why should we hire you?” This might sound simple, but it needs a good and thoughtful answer.
They might also ask:
- “Why are you the best person for this job?”
- “What makes you a good fit for our company?”
- “Why should we pick you over other people?”
No matter how they ask it, they want to know one thing: why are you the right choice for this job?
Why do interviewers ask this question?
When interviewers ask, “Why should we hire you?” they’re not just testing you—they genuinely want to hear your own thoughts. Even though they have your resume, they want to know how you see yourself fitting into the job.
You know yourself best. This is your chance to talk about your biggest strengths and how you can help in this role. Maybe there’s something cool about you that’s not on your resume, like speaking Japanese or getting a special degree. Now’s the time to share it!
Interviewers are also trying to pick the best person from a bunch of good candidates. They might have one person with more school experience and another with real-life work experience. By asking this question, they can see how you stand out.
They want to know what’s in it for them if they hire you. So when you answer, show them not just that you can do the job, but also how you’ll bring value to their company.
How to answer “Why should we hire you?”
Share stories that highlight your unique qualifications
Talk about things you’ve done that make you stand out. Instead of just listing what’s on your resume, tell a story that shows how good you are at something. For example: “At my last internship, I noticed our social media wasn’t very active. I started making fun and interesting posts, and in six months, our followers grew by 150%!” This shows you’re not afraid to take action and can make big improvements.
Explain how your skills align with the company’s needs
Show that you know what the company needs and how you can help them. This means you’ve done your homework and care about their goals. For instance: “I saw that your company wants to sell products in other countries. I’ve studied international business and speak Spanish, so I can help you reach new customers.” By linking your skills to their needs, you show you’re the right person for the job.
Express your excitement and how you’ll fit in
Let them know you’re really interested in the job and think you’ll get along well with the team. Companies like to hire people who are excited and will work well with others. For example: “I’m really impressed by how your company loves new ideas. I enjoy being creative and working with others to solve problems, so I think I’d fit right in.” This tells them you’re not just looking for any job—you want to be part of their team.
How not to answer
Don’t be vague—Skip generic statements that don’t impress
Saying things like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m passionate about success” doesn’t make you stand out because anyone can say that. It doesn’t tell the interviewer anything unique about you. Instead, share a specific example that shows how you’re a hard worker.
Don’t focus solely on yourself without connecting to the company
Talking just about your own skills without mentioning how they help the company isn’t enough. Saying something like, “I want this job to learn new things and grow my career,” doesn’t explain how you’ll be useful to them. Instead, mention how your skills can solve a problem or help the company reach its goals.
Don’t show desperation or talk about personal problems
Sharing personal hardships or saying you really need the job can make things uncomfortable. It shifts the focus away from your abilities and onto your personal issues. Keep the conversation professional and focus on how you can contribute to the company.
Sample answers to “Why should we hire you?”
Example #1
“I just graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering, so I’m up-to-date with the newest tech and programming languages. For my final project, I led a team that made a mobile app to help local businesses work better. Our app even won an innovation award at my university! I’m excited to bring my tech skills and fresh ideas to your company to work on exciting projects.”
Why this works:
This answer shows that the candidate has the latest knowledge and hands-on experience. Mentioning the award and leading a team highlights achievements and leadership skills. It also shows enthusiasm to contribute to the company’s projects.
Example #2
“Even though I’m new to the working world, I had an internship at XYZ Corporation where I used what I learned in my marketing classes. I helped create a social media campaign that increased engagement by 40% in just two months! I’m eager to bring my creativity and love for data to your team to help get great results.”
Why this works:
The candidate connects their studies to real-world success, showing they can apply what they’ve learned. Sharing specific numbers makes the achievement clear. Expressing eagerness shows they’re motivated to contribute.
Example #3
“Graduating with honors in Environmental Science gave me a strong background in helping the planet. In my classes and projects, I focused on renewable energy solutions. I’m passionate about protecting the environment and believe my knowledge can really help with your company’s green projects.”
Why this works:
This answer aligns the candidate’s passion with the company’s goals. It shows they have specialized knowledge that can benefit the company’s environmental efforts. Their enthusiasm indicates they will be a dedicated team member.
Example #4
“In school, I was active in the student business club and even became president in my senior year. This role helped me learn leadership and organization as I planned events and managed a team of 20 members. I believe these experiences have prepared me to work well on team projects at your company.”
Why this works:
The candidate highlights leadership and teamwork skills gained from extracurricular activities. It shows they can manage responsibilities and collaborate with others, which are valuable in any job.
Example #5
“My degree in Communications taught me strong writing and speaking skills. For my big project, I made a public relations plan for a nonprofit group. I’m excited to use these skills to help your company grow its brand and reach more people.”
Why this works:
This answer shows how the candidate’s education directly relates to the job. By mentioning a specific project, they demonstrate practical experience. Their excitement to contribute indicates they are enthusiastic and ready to help the company succeed.
Remember, your goal is to confidently show how your unique skills and experiences make you the best person for the job. By matching what you can do with what the company needs and showing your excitement, you’ll make a great impression on your interviewer.