How to answer "Why should we hire you?" (with examples)
The interview stage of the recruitment process is crucial for several reasons. It allows the hiring manager to check if you are on par with what you said on your resume, see how you handle pressure, assess whether you're a cultural fit, and clarify expectations between each other. Essentially, you're trying to convince the interviewer why the company should hire you.
You can bet that any hiring manager would ask you this question along with other common interview inquiries, such as your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. But "Why should we hire you?" is the crux of your job hunt. Everything you do during your application should work towards answering it.
This make-or-break question summarises what you have to offer, from your skills to your work ethic and personality. Beyond repeating the qualifications you listed on your resume, your answer should reflect your confidence in your capabilities. You want to assure the hiring manager that you're the most suitable person for the role.
When the Vulcan Post Singapore asked a group of employers about interviews that excited them the most, their answers were similar: The job seekers understood the role and company to which they were applying, they were sincere and engaging, and they stood out. One CEO also advised, "Go to the interview with a feeling that this is the only job you are going for and you are the best candidate. Do your homework (about the company and the job) and familiarise yourself [with] the industry."
Are you ready to tick off all these boxes? This comprehensive guide will give you the advantage in crafting an effective, compelling, and fitting answer to the tricky interview question of why the company should hire you.
- Step 1: Understand the question
- Step 2: Prepare your answer
- Step 3: Craft a winning answer
- Step 4: Practise your answer
- Step 5: Delivering your answer
- Sample answers to common job interview questions
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Step 1: Understand the question
Why do employers ask why they should hire you?
Shouldn't they be the ones answering the question? But if you don't know why you're the best person for the job, how could they?
Hiring an employee is comparable to an investment: Companies see employees as assets that help them generate income or gain profit. Recruitment is a pivotal business decision. According to Business.com, a bad hire can cost 30% of their annual salary.
From a hiring manager's perspective, the question, why should we hire you, is also another way to ask:
- How will the company benefit from you?
- Is this a good business decision?
Your answer helps employers gain greater insight into your qualifications and attitude, along with your point of view as to why you think you are the best fit for the role.
1. Assessing if you are the one
Will you be a valuable addition to the team? Are you equipped with the skills and experience relevant to the role? Do your previous achievements and unique selling points show the potential to significantly contribute to achieving company goals?
2. Evaluating your enthusiasm for the company
A remarkable background or wealth of work experience does not always assure a fitting employee. Hiring managers also take into consideration a job seeker’s enthusiasm and passion. Ultimately, there may be a lot of qualified applicants who can do the job, but the difference lies in their level of interest and vigour towards doing it well and succeeding in it.
3. Gauging your problem-solving skills
Hiring managers look for: the capacity to work under pressure, and the ability to foresee possible challenges, manage business risks, and demonstrate efficiency in solving work-related obstacles.
What do interviewers want to hear?
1. Your unique selling points
Years of experience show competence but remember, the hiring manager will likely talk to several other job seekers with the same credentials. Given this, a hiring manager often looks for a bonus trait – a je ne sais quoi, if you will.
Are you fluent in another language or two? This is the perfect time to bring it up! Highlight what sets you apart from other applicants and how the company can benefit from it. For instance, if you are applying as a hotel receptionist, being knowledgeable or fluent in another language gives you a competitive edge since hotels often welcome guests of different nationalities.
2. How will you add value to the company?
It’s one thing to talk about your skills and another to explain how your skills can provide positive results for the company – employers would prefer to hear the latter.
Demonstrate how you add value by providing detailed and measurable examples of your accomplishments relevant to the job requirements.
3. How does your skill set match the position?
Hiring managers look for someone with competent technical skills based on the role they are trying to fill, but you should not neglect your soft skills.
When SEEK asked Manisha Maligaspe, recruitment lead for Oceania Transaction Advisory Services at EY, about the importance of technical and transferable skills in job interviews, she responded:
“It’s a competitive job market and we want candidates to show they have good technical skills, but that they will also fit the culture of the organisation. Demonstrating that you have soft skills such as problem-solving is critical. That can set apart two individuals when they’re going for the same job.”
Highlighting your hard and soft skills gives the employer the impression that you are a well-rounded employee, able to do the job excellently both individually and in a collaborative setup.
Step 2: Prepare your answer
Research the company and the role
Angling your skills to address what the company specifies is an ideal strategy when applying for a job. Do this from your job application email to your resume to your pitch, and you have a higher chance of making a memorable impression on the interviewer.
Study the company ethos and identify "keywords" in the job description. Is the organisation big on social causes? Talk about your volunteer work. Does the job description ask for a fun-loving, charming sales executive? Exhibit your bubbly personality.
Having adequate knowledge of the company and the job role allows you to tailor your answers to the interview.
1. Investigate the company culture
Company culture refers to the organisation's values. A Culture IQ and Entrepreneur survey reveals that a high-performing culture means more engaged and productive employees, which is why hiring managers assess your personality. If your attitude is incompatible with the company, you might throw a wrench in the team's camaraderie. Likewise, you could end up feeling left out and frustrated.
If you believe you're a perfect fit, highlight it in your answer and demeanour.
2. Have a full understanding of the job's responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with all aspects of the role to better evaluate and underscore your skills in a way that will help you stand out.
Assess your skills and experience
Former Google Vice President Claire Hughes Johnson shares that self-awareness is the quality she constantly seeks in job seekers. “Sure, your experience and skills matter, but they can be learned," she wrote . "And when someone is highly self-aware, they’re more motivated to learn because they’re honest about what they need to work on. They also relate better to their colleagues and managers.”
List your positives and perceived negatives. Seeing them written gives you a better view of your strengths and accomplishments, as well as the traits you need to work on (which will come in handy when asked about your weaknesses).
Here’s a guide on how you can practise self-reflection to help you make better career choices:
Reflect on yourself.
Take the time to validate yourself and process life events such as failures, accomplishments, mistakes, and your behaviour and attitudes in different circumstances. In those circumstances, identify your strengths and weaknesses: the things you are naturally good at and those that need improvement. Be on the lookout for soft skills you may have acquired over time.
Talk to others.
Find out how others see you:
- Where do they think you excel?
- How are you as a team member?
- What do you need to improve on?
Match your skills to the job requirements.
Consider this example. You are applying for a graphic artist position in a famously collaborative company. Technical skills, such as knowledge of Adobe software and design principles, are highly valued and are likely a given for all applicants. However, not everyone possesses transferable skills like cooperation, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. Talk about a specific experience where you used these traits for success.
Develop a unique selling proposition (USP)
Few job seekers are truly unique. What distinguishes you from other candidates is how you communicate your passions and how you will add value to the company. Keep it short but detailed, and emphasise what makes you stand out. It could be your educational background, years of experience, training, network, or strong leadership skills and ability to motivate others.
Step 3: Craft a winning answer
Be specific and relevant
1. Use examples to demonstrate your skills
Sharing past experiences is one way you can avoid giving a generic answer.
Don't say: I understand that the position requires experience in sales. I have been working as a sales representative since graduating.
Instead: I am a highly motivated sales representative with strong networking and organisational abilities thanks to three professional years as a real estate agent. In my former company, my excellent ability to develop and maintain positive client connections led to a 10% increase in my team’s sales record.
2. Tailor your response to the company and role
A tailored answer shows how well you did your research and your interest in the company, which, in turn, conveys your determination to get the role.
Show enthusiasm and interest
Employers often look for passionate job seekers because they demonstrate genuine care for the job and their internal motivation to succeed.
Develop your “why.” Why are you in this field? Why do you want to join this company? What makes you eager to succeed in this role?
Example: One of my passions is being able to contribute to the improvement of the lives of others. I have read about your advocacy and how you give back through outreach programs every quarter. It would be an honour to be part of a company that shares my passions and values.
Common phrases to avoid:
- “I need a job right now and this position seems to fit my abilities.”
- “This job is my stepping stone to reach my career goals.”
- “I’ve heard about the benefits and competitive pay the company offers its employees.”
While you are pitching yourself, remember that the question is still about the company – why should they hire you?
Keep it concise
Stick to a clear and focused message and avoid unnecessary details. Stick to this formula: your unique selling proposition, your passion and determination to be part of the company, and what you can offer should they decide to hire you.
Common mistakes to avoid
Being too generic
In a nerve-wracking situation such as an interview, it’s easy to blurt out irrelevant or generic answers when caught off guard. When the hiring manager asks why they should employ you, your default response might be, "Because I have the skills and qualifications you need."
We can't overstate the importance of customising your responses. In the highly competitive Singaporean job market, lip-service statements and platitudes like "I like working with people" and "I can be an asset to your team" won't cut it.
Always show, not tell. Share experiences and insights as much as possible.
Neglecting to mention accomplishments
Often, job seekers mistake highlighting their accomplishments as a form of bragging. In turn, they fail to show the hiring manager how equipped they are to deliver results. Give credit where credit is due. When discussing your successes and accomplishments, the secret lies in speaking humbly and authentically – sticking to facts instead of labels. Using measurable results also helps release your statements from biases, conveying a more objective point of view.
Don't say: I was the best leader the company ever had.
Instead: Since joining the bank, my team and I doubled sales and even gained a five% increase in monthly customers.
Focusing solely on yourself
Avoid spending minutes merely talking about yourself. Demonstrate what you can offer by conveying how you can be a valuable asset to the team.
Try using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach to help you develop a clear and confident answer.
Step 4: Practise your answer
Run it through friends or family
Practising with a friend or a family member can help ease your anxiety before the big day. Getting constructive feedback can also help you improve. Did you sound a bit overconfident there? Tone it down.
Use mock interviews to fine-tune your answer
Mock interviews are an effective way to practise and hone your communication skills. Test yourself against different personalities and scenarios. It can help you work on your interpersonal flexibility skills. It's ideal if your mock interviewer has a keen sense for spotting potential weaknesses in your answers. It could be a career coach, a mentor, a trained professional, or a friend who works in the hiring industry.
If no one is available, you can also use JobStreet's Interview Practice Tool, which can help you assess your performance.
Anticipate potential follow-up questions
Have a list of possible follow-up questions. Ask your mock interviewer to spot holes or areas in your answers that require elaboration. You can’t be over-prepared!
Practise elaborating on your main points
Formulate a compelling elevator pitch that summarises your strengths, achievements, and potential.
Step 5: Delivering your answer
With your explanation ready, here are some tips to ace your delivery on the day of the interview.
Stay confident and authentic
- Maintain eye contact and good posture.
- Speak with conviction and sincerity.
Adapt to the interviewer's reaction
- Gauge the interviewer's response.
- Be ready to adjust your answer if needed.
Sample answers to common job interview questions
“How do your background and experience prepare you for this role?”
My previous role as an administrative assistant developed my ability to prioritise tasks, manage my time effectively, and hone my organisational skills.
I mastered my written and oral communication skills by talking to suppliers, clients, and supervisors from other departments. I believe I can apply these skills to the role of an executive assistant and provide high-level administrative support to the executives in your company.
“What can you bring to this role?”
According to the job description, you’re looking for a digital designer who can conceptualise and execute different materials offline and online and perform video editing and motion graphics.
I am proficient in using Adobe applications and knowledgeable in video editing and creating motion graphics. Video content is one of my passions. Recently, I finished my certificate training in Adobe Premiere and After Effects. I want to bring my expertise to create high-calibre video and motion graphic content for your company.
“How do you believe you can add value to our organisation?”
My most compelling attribute is my passion for caring for others. I desire to serve, inspire, provide care, and make a difference in my patients' lives. I am very proactive in finding ways to enhance patient care and ensure they effectively and efficiently receive constant medical care.
As the chief nursing officer in the paediatric department, my team and I maintained 98% patient satisfaction and overall team effectiveness under high-demand situations.
“Why are you a good fit for this role?”
Although I am a fresh graduate of Early Childhood Education, I have been proactive in equipping myself with the role of a preschool teacher. While completing my studies, I worked at the local daycare for two years to gain experience in working with children. Through this, I acquired time management and organisational skills.
I am familiar with classroom management since I led daily activities such as music and movement for the children. I also developed my creativity through planning educational and sensorial offerings as part of the daycare’s program.
“Why are you the ideal candidate for this position?”
I understand that your company will launch a new brand soon. With the previous brand I handled, I was able to develop a social media marketing campaign that successfully increased brand awareness and engagement by 50% and improved monthly sales by 30%.
I believe that aside from my work experiences, my newly added training in search engine optimisation and market research, along with my creativity and excellent organisational and collaborative traits, will aid in successful brand identity development, customer awareness, engagement, and sales for your company.
“How will your skills and experience benefit our team?”
I worked as a marketing manager for two years and have had experience working with a broad range of clients – from start-ups to high-profile companies.
I especially enjoy projects that allow me to think outside the box and collaborate with like-minded individuals. In my previous company, my team and I successfully launched ads that went viral and garnered awards for creativity and uniqueness. These projects have made an indelible impact on our clients and increased product awareness and monthly sales significantly.
I hope to be able to do the same for your company’s products and inspire the marketing team to create strong and memorable ads and campaigns.
Conclusion
Preparedness is the key to acing a job interview, especially the tough question of why a company should hire you. Remember specific instances that prove your mettle, practise your communication skills, and do your research.
Coming into the interview well aware of the company’s needs, your qualifications and experience, and with a healthy dose of confidence will drive home your conviction that you’re the best person for the role. And if you believe it, the hiring manager will, too.
Looking for job leads or just ways to work better? Make a JobStreet profile so you can find your dream role. You can also check out our Career Advice page for updated and expert advice to win at work. Don’t forget to download the JobStreet app on Google Play and the App Store for easier access.
FAQs
- How long should my answer be?
Think concise. Keep your answers succinct but packed with strong key points relevant to the job and the position. Over-explaining might register as overcompensating. Remember, turn your charm on. An engaging answer won’t feel dragged out if you ace the delivery.
- What if I don't have much experience in the field?
People can get a job without experience. It’s not always the basis of a competent employee. Some companies even prefer someone with a clean slate that they can train specifically to their preference. Highlight your soft skills, which you may have learned during university. Discuss how your values match, as well as your passion for joining the company.
- How can I showcase my soft skills in the answer?
Use the STAR approach. Talk about an instance that required you to step up, innovate, or go beyond your job description.
- Should I focus more on my past achievements or future potential?
Study the position you are trying to fill, then assess which one would be best to highlight. Typically, fresh graduates or people who switched careers and are new in the field could opt to talk about their potential. However, you should still discuss any relevant experience that helped mould your work ethic and values.
- What if the interviewer doesn't ask this question directly?
The interviewer doesn’t have to outrightly ask why they should hire you. The whole application process already answers that question. Moreover, variations of this query include: Why are you the best candidate for this job, what sets you apart from other candidates, and how can you add value to the company?
- How do I address gaps in my work history or skill set?
Lying and making up excuses will only ruin your chances of employment. Be honest when explaining an employment gap. Did you have to take a mental health break or a little R&R? Studies show that an employment break could lead to greater productivity. This may impress potential employers.
Also, focus on the things you learned during the gap. Did you learn to be more patient? Did you discover your priorities?
- Is it appropriate to discuss salary expectations in this answer?
The best time to talk about your salary expectations is when the employer opens the discussion on the subject. This topic usually comes up during the job offer and it might appear presumptuous to ask in the middle of the hiring process.
- How can I remain confident if I'm nervous during the interview?
Breathe. A simple pause will do wonders for your nerves. SEEK’s Resident Psychologist, Sabina Read shares that developing a broad perspective towards your interview can help. You may or may not get the job, and that’s okay. You will have other opportunities and will most likely grow from this experience.
- What if I'm overqualified for the position? How should I approach the question?
Be honest with your decision to apply for a lower job position. Rather than focusing on titles, focus on the skills that make you suitable for the role and underscore your willingness to grow and learn.
- How can I effectively research a company's culture and values before the interview?
- Visit their website and read through their vision and mission.
- Evaluate their online presence and check their social media profiles.
- Observe the work environment.
- Talk to someone you know who works there.
