Job interview-why should we hire you-How to answer
How would you answer the question? Give them
great reasons.
This is one of those broad questions that can take
you down the wrong road unless you have done
some thinking about what to say ahead of time.
This question deals with your ability to sell
yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why
should the customer buy?
Answers that WON’T WORK -
“Because I need a job.” – This answer is about
YOU – “they” want to know what you can do for
“them.”
“I am a hard worker.” – This is a really trite
answer – almost anyone can say he or she is a
hard worker.
“I saw your ad and could do the job. – This
answers lacks passion and purpose.
STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the
interviewer’s attention -
“Because I have three years experience working
with customers in a very similar environment.”
“Because I have what it takes to fill the
requirements of this job – solve customer
problems using my excellent customer service
skills.”
“Because I have the experience and expertise in
the area of customer support that is required in this
position.”
This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer)
know what your product (YOU) can do for them and
why they should listen to what you have to offer.
The more detail you give the stronger your answer
will be. This is not a time to talk about what you
want. It is a time to summarize your
accomplishments and relate what makes you
unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.
Product Inventory Exercise
Start by looking at the job description or posting.
What is the employer emphasizing as requirements
of the job? What will it take to get the job done?
Make a list of those requirements on one side of a
piece of paper.
Next, do an inventory to determine what you have
to offer as a fit against those requirements. List
your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of
two or three key qualities you have to offer that
match each requirement that the employer is
seeking. Don’t underestimate personal traits that
make you unique – your energy, personality type,
working style, and people skills.
The Sales Pitch – You are the Solution
From the list of requirements and your matching
list of what you have to offer, merge the two into a
summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It
should be no more than two minutes long and
should stress the traits that make you unique and a
good match for the job.
Example
“With my seven years of experience working with
financial databases, I have saved companies
thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My
high energy, and quick learning style enable me to
hit the ground running and rapidly size up
problems. I have the ability to stay focused in
stressful situations, and can be counted on when
the going gets tough. I know I would be a great
addition to your team.”
Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will
give you the edge when asked questions like, “Why
should we hire you?” or “What can you bring to this
position?” This will be your chance to let the
interviewers know that you are the solution to their
problem.
Source: Insurance jobs
great reasons.
This is one of those broad questions that can take
you down the wrong road unless you have done
some thinking about what to say ahead of time.
This question deals with your ability to sell
yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why
should the customer buy?
Answers that WON’T WORK -
“Because I need a job.” – This answer is about
YOU – “they” want to know what you can do for
“them.”
“I am a hard worker.” – This is a really trite
answer – almost anyone can say he or she is a
hard worker.
“I saw your ad and could do the job. – This
answers lacks passion and purpose.
STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the
interviewer’s attention -
“Because I have three years experience working
with customers in a very similar environment.”
“Because I have what it takes to fill the
requirements of this job – solve customer
problems using my excellent customer service
skills.”
“Because I have the experience and expertise in
the area of customer support that is required in this
position.”
This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer)
know what your product (YOU) can do for them and
why they should listen to what you have to offer.
The more detail you give the stronger your answer
will be. This is not a time to talk about what you
want. It is a time to summarize your
accomplishments and relate what makes you
unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.
Product Inventory Exercise
Start by looking at the job description or posting.
What is the employer emphasizing as requirements
of the job? What will it take to get the job done?
Make a list of those requirements on one side of a
piece of paper.
Next, do an inventory to determine what you have
to offer as a fit against those requirements. List
your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of
two or three key qualities you have to offer that
match each requirement that the employer is
seeking. Don’t underestimate personal traits that
make you unique – your energy, personality type,
working style, and people skills.
The Sales Pitch – You are the Solution
From the list of requirements and your matching
list of what you have to offer, merge the two into a
summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It
should be no more than two minutes long and
should stress the traits that make you unique and a
good match for the job.
Example
“With my seven years of experience working with
financial databases, I have saved companies
thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My
high energy, and quick learning style enable me to
hit the ground running and rapidly size up
problems. I have the ability to stay focused in
stressful situations, and can be counted on when
the going gets tough. I know I would be a great
addition to your team.”
Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will
give you the edge when asked questions like, “Why
should we hire you?” or “What can you bring to this
position?” This will be your chance to let the
interviewers know that you are the solution to their
problem.
Source: Insurance jobs
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