Why Should I Hire YOU?

Interview Questions When an employer is interviewing you for a job, the question they usually don’t ask, but want you to answer most is… “Why should I hire YOU?”

If you can’t answer that question to their satisfaction… you simply won’t get the job. Think about what the employer likely has running through their mind during the interview, and address those concerns for them, whether the questions get answered directly, or not!

They may be thinking things like…

We posted the job description and got over 400 applicants.
We picked 8 that appear to have experience that prepares them well to do this job.
There are sharp people in this group. As one of those 8, would this person be the best hire?
Can they do the job better than the others?
Do they bring something the others don’t?
Do they add skills that we don’t currently have?
How well would they fit in with the team?
Would they help raise the team’s productivity, morale, and effectiveness… or bring it down?
How well can they represent us to other areas of the company, or to our customers?
In 6 months, will I be glad I hired this person, or regret a mistake?
Would my boss congratulate me on a great hire, or question why I would hire this person?
Would I enjoy working with this person each day?
Can I trust them?

Answering these non-verbal questions are your most important task in the job interview!

Here are some things to do that may help…

Know yourself! Know your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and interests
Present yourself professionally. It builds confidence and trust
Be prepared. Solid, concise answers express competence
Smile, and be warm and friendly! No one enjoys working with a grouch
Succinctly give examples of your successes
Succinctly give examples of your teamwork
Succinctly give examples of challenges you’ve faced
Succinctly give examples of prior career growth
Don’t ramble or talk too much!
Be sure to point out additional relevant skills that may be uniquely yours
Be prepared to discuss prior performance reviews
Ask questions
Show professional enthusiasm for what you do
Ask them if they have any concerns over your fit for the position

The stated questions are often only a part of the ultimate question they have… Why should they hire you over the other candidates they are considering. The more you can address that for them, the greater your chance at an offer!

Author:

Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as e-Executives, writes a blog for Job Seekers called The Wise Job Search, and can be found on Twitter as @eExecutives.

Career Rocketeer Recommends

What to Do When You Are Told: “You’re Over-Qualified” (MBA Highway)
How Do I Answer: Why Should We Hire You? (MBA Highway)

Harry Urschel

Harry Urschel has over 20 years experience as a technology recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as e-Executives, writes a blog for Job Seekers called The Wise Job Search, and can be found on Twitter as @eExecutives.