why should we hire you?

At some point during your career you will almost certainly be asked the interview question "With so many talented candidates, why should we hire you?"

It is a ridiculous and insulting question, but we can't blame interviewers for asking it because it's their job to ask question and find the Best candidate for the Company.

Also, at first glance, it sounds very straightforward and simple, doesn’t it? But It ends up being one of the trickiest interview questions you can get.

Common Mistake:

Many people end up answering this question like below.

“Why should you hire me? Well, let’s see… I want this job, and I can do the work. Oh, and I’m free to start immediately.”

Some people also answer like below.

"Because, I am ready to work on low salary than other employees."

Believe me, that won’t work. 


So now you can see, the whole interview itself boils down to this one question.

So, how do you answer this meta interview question correctly?

When an interviewer asks why should I hire you?, they are really asking:

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

So, use the why should I hire you? question to sell them yourself once and for all.

How to Answer "Why Should We Hire You"

1. Show that you have RIGHT skills and experience to do the job and deliver results for which you are applying


2. Explain them well, how hiring you will make their life easier and less painful. That will build trust on you.

Tip: Reread the job ad you applied to. Use this information to guide your answer.


3. Convince that you’ll fit in and be a great addition to the existing team and company culture


4. Show your enthusiasm and keenness for performing required duties, not just capability. But also don’t go overboard.


5. Be honest with both yourself and your prospective employer



Still feel complex ? Not to worry..
Here are some sample ways to answer the question during Interview.  

Sample-1

Interviewer: With so many talented candidates to choose from, why should I hire you?

You: That's a great question! You definitely have the advantage over me, since you know exactly what you're looking for and I'm just learning about your company.  It sounds like you need someone who is going to deal with issues A, B and C in their first six months on the job. Shall I tell you about how I handled those issues at my last job?

Sample-2

Interviewer: Why are you the best person for this job?

You: When I read the job posting, I noticed that you specifically mentioned you were looking for someone with X , Y and Z skills. Now, my resume may have told you that I have more than five years of work experience for exact same skills that you are looking for. However, what my resume does not include are the various other additional A and B skills that I’ve become familiar with. I believe that this experience, coupled with my personable attitude and hard work ethic, is why I am a great candidate for the job.

Sample-3

Interviewer: Why should I hire you over other candidates?

You: I am relatively new to this City, having just moved here from the city about five months ago. Since I’ve been here, I’ve frequented this Office for some or other reason,  and I’ve always been impressed by the friendly and helpful staff here. If you allowed me the chance to prove myself, I am sure that I would be an excellent addition to your already-amazing staff. All this, along with my relevant work experience, is exactly why you should hire me!

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

Every hire is a risk for the company. Your interviewer will also be taking a personal career risk in recommending a particular candidate to hire. If the candidate performs well, Mr. Interviewer looks brilliant and gets a pat on the back.

If the candidate turns out to be a not good ( meaning either doesn’t perform well, doesn’t get along with the team, leaves the job prematurely, etc.), the interviewer looks like a in-competitive and his professional reputation suffers too.

With this question, your interviewer is asking you to sell him on you and your status as the best person for the position.

Make Interviewer's job easier by convincing him that:

• Hiring you will make him look smart and make his life easier

• You will fit in beautifully and be a great addition to the team

• You can do the work and deliver exceptional results

• You possess a combination of skills and experience that make you stand out from the crowd

What If Interviewer Don’t Ask Me this Q?

What if you prepare a beautiful answer and they never ask you why you’re the best candidate? You may have to look for another opportunity to share your thoughts on the subject.

Don't worry. You effort will not go in vain. At least, the process of preparing the answer will help to tell your response to other questions like below :


• What are your strengths?

• Tell me something about yourself ?



Don’t’ forget to leave your comments…happy reading !