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You've found your dream job, applied to the company, sent in your resume and to your great joy, you've been invited for an interview. You think you're prepared and to your delight, the conversation seems to be going well until the time interviewer asks that one question that every interviewee dreads, "Why should we hire you for this position?"
Of course, this question may come in a variety of different forms such as "Why do you think you are the best-qualified candidate for the job" or "What do you think sets you apart from everyone else applying for this position?"
You know in an instant that no matter how smoothly the rest of your interview has gone, your entire future with this company hinges on your answer to this one simple question.
To come up with a killer answer to this question, you first need to understand what the interviewer wants to know. No matter how the question is phrased the hiring manager wants to know what skills and strengths you possess that will allow you to succeed in the position for which you are being interviewed.
Here are some tips that can help you prepare to answer this question in a way that will impress your interviewer and give you a leg up on the competition.
Start With the Job Description
The chances are that the job description for this position is what interested you in working for the company in the first place. It is also the job description that holds the key to you being able to answer the "Why should we hire you question." Re-read the job description over and over again and think of one or two essential skills or strengths that you possess that will help you carry out the duties outlined in the job description.
Think of Examples of Those Skills or Strengths That Have Lead to Past Success
Once you have come up with the skills or strengths that will help you to be successful in the job you are seeking, then think about your current or past jobs where those skills or strengths have lead to success.
Perhaps you have used your understanding of Social Media to launch a successful advertising campaign that increased your company's sales. Or perhaps your ability to think outside of the box helped you to bring a project in under the projected cost without sacrificing quality.
The more detailed your answer is, the more impressive it will be to your interviewer as it will show them you are prepared to use your skills and strengths to help the company achieve its goals.
You may even want to tie those past experiences and your skills or strengths in how they will help you achieve the goals laid out in the job description so that the interviewer knows that you have thought about what you can bring to the job.
Practice Makes Perfect
Once you have thought of your strengths and skills and have examples of how you have successfully applied them, then it is time to practice answering the question of why you are qualified for the job you want.
Practice your answer out loud or engage in some mock interviews until you are comfortable with the questions and your response. Make sure you remain enthusiastic when giving your answer, so the interviewer knows that this job and your skills are something you care about.
Keep in mind that you would never have been granted an interview unless the company felt you had some skills and strengths that would be of benefit to them. So all your answer needs to do is to show the interviewer that you are aware of your ability, recognise your strengths and skills and have thought of them regarding being successful at the job you have applied for.