How to answer the question ‘Why should we hire you?’ with confidence
This is a very common question asked, and the way in which you answer it is likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the job interview. The interviewer will be asking this question to test a variety of things, and given that you can anticipate that it will come up, it’s not a bad idea to prepare for it.
In this short read, we’ll discuss why this question is asked, what the key points are to include in your answer, and some common mistakes to avoid.
Why do interviewers ask this question?
First, it’s worth panning the camera back to think about why interviewers ask this question.
Testing your understanding of the role | The interviewer wants to know if you have a clear understanding of the role, what the deliverables are, and where you’ll fit into the team. They may also want to begin to see if you’re a cultural fit and whether you’ve shown enough curiosity about the role and the firm.
Can you express yourself with clarity and confidence? Under the pressure of a job interview, are you able to perform? Have you got the ability to articulate in a clear and compelling manner the value that you bring? Can you present yourself in a professional manner?
The ability to be flexible in the moment | If you’ve been able to gather more information about the job requirements during the interview, are you able to adapt your prepared answer to reflect your new understanding?
Answering this question with clarity and confidence
With all of that in mind, there are several points to ensure that your answer touches on.
Creating a match between their need and your value | You’ll have been able to gain an understanding of what their business needs are and, therefore, why they want to make a hire. It’s important that you’re able to put what you have to offer in the context of their needs. You may have learnt what their needs are from the people you’ve already met, the job spec — if it’s still accurate — and any briefing that you’ve had from a recruiter (taken with a massive pinch of salt).
Take each component of what they’re looking for and match it with a distinct element of your value proposition.
Examples | For each element of the value you offer, it’s essential that you provide a brief example of how you’ve done something similar in the past. Each example must include the context, when, for whom, challenges, what your part in the story was, the result, and the impact.
It needs to be relevant to your perception of their needs and something they can relate to. It will make the claims that you’re making about your value add credible.
Differentiate yourself | Achieving the points above, when said with confidence and conviction, may well be enough to get you over the line in the eyes of the interviewer. You can perhaps offer one or two ideas about what differentiates you from your competitor candidates. This might be the ability to analyse and think through tough questions during the interview, thus displaying your intellectual ability. It might be that you have experience in other areas of finance, which gives you additional insights. If possible, come up with something that sets you apart and which you believe will resonate with the interviewer.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming that you really do understand what they are looking for | I’d suggest using “couching” phrases such as: “My understanding from what I learnt from the job spec is that…” or “What I’ve gathered from the two people I have met so far is …”. This slightly cautious wording allows you some latitude if your view is not shared by the interviewer.
This is not bragging | Conducting ourselves with a due sense of modesty is an admirable trait. However, a job interview is a rare occasion in which explaining the value you can bring matches what they need for their business. Obviously, this is done with the right tone, avoiding any exaggeration or hyperbole — just the facts well articulated.
Avoid rambling on | I’d suggest that your answers are succinct and to the point. Make the key points clearly without feeling the need to repeat them to ensure they hit the mark. Another idea is that once you’ve given your example, you can stop. If you have other relevant examples prepared, you can always say, “I have other examples if you’d like.” That will be quite sufficient.
So what can you do now?
Become very clear about the five or six ways in which you can add value, to that specific firm, in that specific role.
Do your research. Do your best to understand what they are looking for from the interviews you have had with them so far and from the job spec, etc.
Formulate questions to confirm your understanding of their needs or elicit that if you are going in blind.
Create answers with specific, detailed and relevant examples.
Practise and rehearse. Once you’ve gained some ability and confidence, ask your rehearsal partner to try to trip you up with surprise versions of this question or pushbacks on your answers.
I hope you’ve found this useful. This question is very likely to come up, even if it’s somewhat disguised in form. Preparation based on our suggestions will no doubt stand you in very good stead. If you’re preparing for an upcoming interview and would like some advice, let’s talk. This is a core part of our Foundation Coaching programme. Click on this link to book a call to find out more.