Job Interview Question & Answer: What Makes You the Best Candidate for the Job?
Why Managers Ask This Question
Hiring managers ask applicants, “Why should I hire you?” because they want to know if the interviewee understands what the employer wants in a candidate. Often asked at the end of the interview, this question also allows the hopeful to sum up their qualifications and discuss personal qualities they hadn’t mentioned yet.
How to Answer
When explaining what makes you the best contender for a job, consider the requirements of the role and your relevant experience. Even if you’ve never worked in that field, you might still have related skills and knowledge that you can discuss. This question can catch you off guard, so practice your answers beforehand and give specific examples to support your points.
What Not to Say
If someone asks, “Why should we hire you?” do not make your answer all about yourself. Instead, talk about what you can bring to the company. Don’t talk about what you expect out of your next position or what the business can do for you. While you may have some basic bullet points memorized, avoid sounding rehearsed or unnatural in your response.
Tips for Answering “What Makes You the Best Fit for the Position?”
While preparing for the interview, review the job posting and consider similar jobs you held and what skills or requirements they involved. Make a list of personality traits, skills, or experiences that the job requires and compare those to your own. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Degrees or certifications that make you stand out among the applicants
- Whether you have a unique approach to how you take care of customers or sales
- Experience in the field
- Projects you pioneered that relate to the company
- Skills in various areas such as technology, communication, writing, etc.
Sample Responses to “Why Should I Hire You?”
With enough practice, you should feel prepared. Sometimes seeing examples from different types of job interviews can help you decide what to say. If you still need help answering why you are the best candidate for a job, check out the following sample responses:
Sample Answer 1 – Cashier at a grocery store
“In past jobs, I’ve worked well under pressure. Volunteering at my high school football concession stand was quite hectic. The orders never seemed to end. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I tried to focus harder on tasks to limit mistakes. Even if lines were long, I had a responsibility to greet everyone with a smile. Since I can work under stress and stay helpful, I feel prepared for this job.”
Sample Answer 2 – Mechanic at a tire shop
“I have keen attention to detail, and I follow instructions effectively. For instance, when I worked at a deli, I needed to assemble sandwiches correctly. I also learned to craft all kinds of menu items. Like making food, the core mechanic concepts may be the same every time. However, different cars present new challenges. My ability to adapt and learn quickly makes me a great choice for the job.”
Sample Answer 3 – Customer service in a department store
“I am friendly and attentive, plus I enjoy doing my best to help people. Waiting tables, I normally kept track of several groups at once. That meant I had to remember special requests and watch to make sure each table was satisfied. Working at a restaurant taught me to multitask while providing excellent service to customers. I think I would be a perfect fit for the job because of these skills.”
Be Specific and Relevant
Once you figure out why you think a manager should consider you for a job, you should have a way to relate it to the position you want. Give examples of skills and personality traits that apply to the duties and daily tasks. By showing employers that you understand what the job asks for and that you can meet those standards, the company will see you as a strong candidate.
Alex Goar says:
I have respect for everyone, no matter what their position is to me, and I’m always putting others before myself so there would never be a time when I was putting myself before a customer or before my job. You would always know that I’m getting what I need to get done no matter what under any circumstance.
RRPDMD says:
The only way to answer this question by knowing exactly what the job description says they are looking for. Why is the position open, what are their needs and requirements? Every generic applicant will be a “hard worker” and “will get the job done.” The candidate who prepares herself with only a few minutes of company research will provide informed, intelligent responses that leave an impression. It will speak of your commitment to the job, and your resourcefulness in preparation. You will make it clear that you sincerely want the job and that you are willing to work for it. You are always one of the many hard workers, but now you’ve greatly improved your chances right from the start.
Set yourself apart by showing the interviewer that you know what areas of the business require your attention, and that you are the perfect candidate to address them all. Remember that at this point your work is strictly for the benefit of the company. They love that. The conversation should be easy from then on. Remember if no offer is given, ask for the next interview, the person & his info, even the date.
K says:
If you say the same thing as everyone else does that is not a reason to hire you. So, don’t just say you will do your best to get the job done. Give it meaning and reasoning.
I’m going through these questions to help myself out with my first interview.
If I got this question I think I would say something along the lines of “I’m a friendly person who would be respectful not only to you but the costumers and co-workers. I’m reliable and willing to work whenever I am needed and don’t like to mess things up when working towards something”
I have a job interview at a grocery store.
Shalmali Bapat says:
I am very glad that you have provided your guidance on this interview question because one of the very common question is “Why should we hire you?” For answering this question you need to understand the basic need of the employer, job profile, your skills and then give a diplomatic answer with respect to the benefit of the company.