How to Answer ‘Why Should We Hire You’ Interview Question

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The question, ‘Why should we hire you?’ is an opportunity to set yourself apart from the other candidates and show that you have the skills needed for the job. In this article, we will look at specific steps you can take to put together a great response to this interview question. Preparing an answer to this popular interview question ahead of time will help you create a positive and memorable first impression with hiring employers.

Why employers ask, ‘Why should we hire you?’

Employers ask why you think they should hire you because they want to know what sets you apart from other qualified candidates. Most of the applicants who make it to the interview stage have similar experience, so the interviewer is asking you to prove to him or her that you are the best candidate. 

Learn More: How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Interview Question

Surprising ways employers ask, ‘Why should we hire you?’

Interviewers will sometimes find creative ways to ask why they should hire you or why you think you are a good fit for the company.

  • What makes you different from others we are interviewing?
  • Why should we take a chance on you?
  • What unique skills would you bring to the position?

Keep in mind that even if your interviewer does not come out directly and ask why the company should hire you, he or she is still expecting you to answer that question by the end of the interview.

How to answer, ‘Why should we hire you?’

When preparing your answer for this interview question, there are a few steps that will help you form a memorable response.

1.Review the job description.

As you are getting ready for your interview, take some time to look over the job description again. Make a list of all the requirements the employer has for the position, such as hard and soft skills, qualifications and education. Next, make a list of all the qualities you have that match those requirements.

2. Consider additional skills and accomplishments.

Once you have made a list of all your skills that match the requirements of the job description, consider any additional skills or accomplishments you have that will make you stand out from the competition. For example, you may have professional certifications that give you even more experience for the position.

3. Research the company.

Your next step is to research the company to learn more about its mission and goals. With this information, you can explain how your skills and experience can help the company reach those goals.

4. Provide concrete examples. 

As you are coming up with examples to help support your claim that you are the best candidate for the job, try to include as many concrete examples with numerical support as possible. For instance, if you are applying for a sales position and you increased revenue by 15%, use this fact to support your claim.

Learn More: How to Answer ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here’ Interview Question

Example answers to use in an interview

As you are preparing your answer for why a company should hire you, use the following examples as a guide to help you create a compelling response.

Example 1: Web designer

‘For the past five years as a web designer for ABC Company, I was responsible for updating the employee profiles and routinely posting information about upcoming events. I would like to bring my current experiences in coding and web design to support your goals of attracting new clients as I continue to grow in this field and take on more responsibilities.’

Related: Complete Guide to Common Interview Questions and Answers

Example 2: Administrative assistant

‘Based on the research I have done on your company, you are looking for an administrative assistant who has strong technology and interpersonal skills. In my previous position, I was responsible for answering phones, replying to emails and giving oral presentations to different departments in the company. Additionally, I managed our accounts using QuickBooks, used Microsoft Office to create a variety of informational documents for the company and have worked in numerous content management systems. I believe my diverse skill set will suit this position perfectly.’

Example 3: Marketing manager

‘For the past eight years, I have successfully managed a team of 10 employees in the marketing department. During that time, I was responsible for managing and approving budgets and developing ad campaigns. In fact, one campaign I was responsible for generated a 13% increase in brand awareness within our target audience. I am ready to advance my career, and I believe my skills will help your company meet its marketing goals.’

Example 4: Sales manager

‘In your job description, you mentioned that you are looking for a sales manager who can effectively lead a team of over a dozen employees. In my 10 years of experience as a sales manager leading teams of 10-20 salespeople, I have developed an effective set of team-building and motivational skills. Twice during my time at the company, I was awarded manager-of-the-year for my unique strategies that helped motivate employees and surpass annual quotas. If I am hired, I can bring these same abilities and strategies to this company to help you achieve profit gains.’