How to answer ‘Why should we hire you?’

‘Why should we hire you?’ is the question that both recent graduates and experienced professionals should prepare for. Convincing an interviewer that you are the right person for the job is a delicate matter. If we were to take a few lessons from the world of marketing, we can sell to the interviewer effectively without sounding egotistical.

What you should convey?

When you are asked the big question, there are a few key things that every interviewer is looking for. Many believe that interviewers are looking for individuality - which is true, so be yourself. But make sure you express something that relates to the job you have applied for. The following points vary in importance according to the company but are all sought-after attributes.

Passion - Employers want to know that you are passionate about the job and subject matter.

Team player - You could be spending 8 hours a day with your new colleagues. Your interviewer wants to make sure you can be a functioning part of this already established team.

Focus - In the ever-changing world of business, employers want to know that you are focused on the task at hand. Try to show them that you have a track record of accomplishing your personal goals and successfully completing business projects.

Fit/Application -  Would you be able to apply your skills knowledge and talent within the business you’re applying for including processes and procures.

Compile a list of your strengths

Behind every successful marketing campaign, is a SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. When planning your career journey, it’s a good idea to analyse your plan under these four points. When brainstorming how to answer the ‘why should I hire you’ question, look at your personal analysis. Try to combine your strengths with your weaknesses. For example: ‘I’m willing to spend time getting to grips with new and emerging technologies’. This indicates that you might not be strong with certain areas, but you are willing to be a team player and learn them.

How to close

If pre-interview nerves are getting the best of you, remember you are also interviewing the company, so ask intelligent questions and make sure that the company is the right fit for you. An example question would be ‘has this company delivered on your expectations when you joined’.

For more recruitment advice or help with your career journey contact the team at Meadows Recruitment today.

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