What to say when a company asks you why they should hire you?

Ok. So, you are in the interview room with the interviewer and you get the most important and most common question: “Why should I hire you?” What would you think is the best answer? Selling your loyalty/hard-working attitude and commitment or selling yourself by mentioning your influence on the company growth/improvements? That’s right your influence on the improvement of the company…companies hire employees in order to help with the workload, and importantly companies want to grow meaning profit turnover.

How will you grow or improve the company? What will you do? What have you done in the past in order to grow this company? Why? Please explain? Please mention examples? This can be any of the probing questions you get when answering the first question…so please answer correct the first time!

Your background, experience and education are just features that support your benefit to the company. Features on your CV may have given you access to the interview, but benefits (strategies) will get you the job. Therefore, always answer this question with benefits (strategies) first, followed by features.

Here is some strategies/benefits for answering the first question:

“You should hire me, because:

• I will improve your sales by analysing the market trend or sales data and target the big customers/ influencers first in order to promote reselling and word-of-mouth.
• I have creative public relation ideas for a new marketing message that will more effectively tell the story of why this company is great and influence people to buy your products”.

“This is how I can back-up my benefits/strategies:

• I will bring with me 2 years of sales experience, and additionally I have experience managing teams- therefore I know how to work with others
• In my previous job, I was the manager of a large team within the marketing department, so I know what it’s like to collaborate with others and lead a successful marketing campaign”

It is very important to state your benefits first, because features are just telling them what they already know. How are you going to make your new boss’ life easier? By doing something for the company or just relying on your degrees or experiences? Please remember how to answer this question for your next interview.

Good luck, SciTechP 

Selling yourself in an interview- What you need to know.

1. Prior to interview: Know the company- do the research

2. During interview:

• ·        How you can be the solution to their problem
• ·        Use specific examples to proof your abilities
• ·        Don’t forget about nonverbal communication
• ·        Show enthusiasm

3. Post interview: Evaluate your performance and learn from any questions that might assist in the second interview (if any)

The full discussion on "Selling yourself in an interview"

Pre- Interview Stage:

So, you have been invited for an interview..what now? Research, research and research. Going online reading about the products or services the company offers. Understanding the industry will also help you get a clear understanding of the company’s purpose. Know the vision of the organisation- this will help you understand the problem they want to solve.

Learn the duties and requirements; and prepare questions. In addition, understanding their needs will give you a clear strategy on how you can apply your skills and knowledge to be a successful applicant for this vacancy.  From the duties and requirements- you are encouraged to prepare a few questions before the interview.  Most of the time, having quality questions shows interest in the role.

Interview Stage (The moment of truth):

Be the solution to their problem; use (proven) examples:

When a company creates a vacancy it means they have a problem; and requires someone to help them overcome it. Use great past examples to assist in your interview and aim to use this as a motivator to solve their issues.

Your CV will act as the guide to discuss you- know your CV 120%. If you fail to explain reasons for leaving or key duties it will become clear that you do not know your resume. Have a goal; and let your CV guide the employer towards your career goals.

Non-verbal communication; be positive:

Many of us forget about Non-verbal communication; however, this is a crucial subject when selling yourself. Be confident; give a firm handshake; smile; sit up straight; make eye contact when answering questions; all helps to make the interview great- make sure the interviewer feels comfortable to ask you more questions. Non-verbal communication can help set a tone in any situation.

Presenting yourself in a positive way is the key strategy to ace an interview. Avoid talking about negative situations from your previous employer, manager or colleagues- and rather build on what you have learnt and how you have developed. Use these valuable skills and explain how you can apply this to the new job.

Post interview:

Evaluate your performance and learn from any questions that might assist in the second interview process (if there will be a second- confirm this in the first interview). The info discussed in the first interview will give you a clear understanding of the hiring manager’s needs; use the info to help you be more confident in your second interview. 

SP