The Best Way to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

One of the most daunting questions job seekers face during interviews is, “Why should we hire you?” However, this question is actually a golden opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates, especially if you’re aiming for positions with annual salaries of $100,000 or more. As a digital marketer with almost a decade of experience in crafting compelling narratives, I’ve learned the importance of presenting oneself effectively. Here’s how to leverage this question to highlight your unique value proposition and become irresistible to your potential employer.

Understanding the Question

Every question during an interview is asked for a specific purpose. The interviewer is looking for specific information that they can use to determine your candidacy. If you understand why your interviewer asked a specific question, you can give answers that persuade the interviewer in your favor.

Grasping the Employer’s Perspective

Employers ask “Why should we hire you?” primarily for two reasons. The first is to understand your qualifications. The second is to gauge how well you align with the company’s goals and culture. This is your chance to demonstrate that you’re not just a good candidate, but the perfect fit for the role. You do this by clearly stating your unique value proposition to the interviewer.

Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition

Your unique value proposition is the unique value that only you can bring to the role. Maybe it’s a unique skill, a qualification, a specific experience, any combination of those things, or something else entirely. Take time to figure out what unique value you bring to the role you’re interviewing for and use that in your answer.

Reflect on Your Strengths and Achievements

Reflect on your strengths and achievements to get an idea of the unique value you bring to the role.

Identify your unique skills: Consider the skills that set you apart from other candidates. Focus on those that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Highlight your achievements: Use specific examples of past successes to illustrate how you’ve effectively utilized your skills.

Align with the Company’s Needs

Value is subjective. That means your skills and accomplishments by themselves don’t mean much to an employer. You have to show how your skills will help achieve their goals to convince employers of your value. Research the company to find ways your skills line up with their needs.

Research the company: Understand the company’s challenges and objectives. Tailor your answer to show how your background can help address these specific needs

Speak their language: Use keywords and phrases from the job listing in your response. This not only shows that you’ve done your homework but also that you’re already in tune with the company’s culture.

Structuring Your Response

Once you’ve determined your unique skills and tied them to the company’s needs to create the unique value that you bring to the role, it’s time to craft a persuasive answer to the question at hand. Fortunately, persuasion has a structure. Use the following formula to develop an answer that will persuade your interviewer to view you favorably.

The Formula for a Compelling Answer

A structured approach can help you deliver a concise and impactful answer. Consider using the following format:

Start with your strengths: Briefly mention the skills and experience that qualify you for the position.

Provide evidence: Use one or two specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve applied these strengths to achieve results in the past.

Connect to the company’s goals: Explain how your skills and experiences make you uniquely positioned to contribute to the company’s future success.

Example Answer for a High-Salary Role

“For the past ten years, I’ve honed my skills in digital marketing, specializing in email and direct marketing campaigns that have consistently exceeded performance benchmarks. For instance, at my last job, I implemented a strategy that increased email campaign ROI by 40% within a year. I understand that your company is looking to expand its digital marketing efforts, particularly in direct marketing. My experience in creating high-impact campaigns, coupled with my passion for data-driven marketing, aligns perfectly with your goals. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in strategic planning and execution to drive significant growth for your brand.”

Tips for a Memorable Answer

Employers can’t consider you if they don’t remember you. Use the following dos and don’ts to make a strong positive impression during your interview.

Dos and Don’ts

Do be concise: Keep your answer focused and to the point. Aim for a response that’s no longer than 90 seconds.

Don’t be generic: Avoid vague statements that could apply to any candidate. Be specific about what makes you unique.

Do practice your delivery: Rehearse your answer but avoid sounding memorized. Aim for a natural and confident delivery.

Don’t underestimate soft skills: While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to mention soft skills that are relevant to the role and company culture.

Why Should We Hire You: Answered

Answering “Why should we hire you?” effectively is about more than just listing your qualifications. It’s an opportunity to present yourself as the solution to the employer’s needs. This demonstrates your ability to do the job and your commitment to contribute to the company’s success. By preparing a structured response that showcases your unique value proposition and aligns with the company’s goals, you can make a memorable impression that sets you apart in the competitive job market for high-salary roles.