How to Answer: Why Should We Hire You?
By Marta Gongos Do you have a job interview lined up? Congrats!
While we already know you’re going to rock your interview, we’re guessing that you landed on this page in search of answers to the classic “why should we hire you?” question. In some situations, this question can either make or break you.
The query, “why should we hire you?” sounds simple, but answering it is quite challenging—”because you’re hiring” isn’t quite the answer the recruiter is looking for.
Let’s get you interview-ready, shall we?
Why Do Recruiters Ask “Why Should We Hire You?”
Before we delve right into the “hows” of it all, let’s talk about the “whys” —starting with why recruiters ask this popular open-ended question?
The primary purpose of this question is simply to gauge how qualified you are for the position and to see what makes you a good fit for the company. In short, it should prompt you to present an elevator pitch of sorts about yourself as a professional.
Ideally, your answer should include the following elements:
- Work history;
- Skillset; and
- Your motivation.
So, Why Should We Hire You?
1. Highlight Your Professional Experience and Skill Set
If the role you are applying for is similar to a position you’ve had in the past, you can utilize that as your first point. Highlight your relevant experience while also showcasing your skills and supporting yourself with examples and achievements.
For instance, if you are applying for a content writer job at an entertainment publication, you can form an answer to “why should we hire you?” along the lines of:
I’m quite experienced in terms of topic conceptualization and on-page SEO. At my most recent job, I wrote articles that ranked as position zero or the featured snippet on Google.
2. Show Off Your Social Skills
Even if the role you are applying for needs you to work independently, most professions still require you to work within a team to a certain extent.
Take the “why should we hire you?” as an opportunity to showcase your amazing people skills. Show the interviewer that you synergize well with a team and can adapt well to a high-energy work environment.
For example, if you were applying for an editor-in-chief position at a publication, you can pull inspiration from the following:
As an individual who values teamwork, I understand each team member plays a vital role to keep the workflow moving efficiently. The main responsibility of an editor-in-chief is to support the team just as much as leading it. I believe I’m effective at encouraging my colleagues to put their best foot forward without having to micro-manage them.
3. Show Your Enthusiasm for Your Profession
Workplace success relies heavily on love and enthusiasm.
Attitude accounts for a large percentage of professional success, as skills can be taught, learned, and sharpened in the process. Believe us: submit your application, even if you don’t meet all the requirements!
When asked “why should we hire you?”, don’t be shy to express just how excited you are about the job. Recruiters know every master was once a student!
4. Share How You Can Contribute to Company Growth
The ultimate goal of every company is to grow, evolve, and succeed.
Let’s say that you are applying to be a hiring manager; your goal would be to recognize talent and hire them for the right roles. To that effect, how to answer “why should we hire you?” is by explaining how your skills will contribute to their growth.
I have a good eye for recognizing talent. In my latest role, I recruited multiple candidates who leveraged their unique skill set and contributed to major company milestones in online spaces. From the social media management department to the content strategy team, it was my goal to find individuals who could each bring distinctive ideas to the table that synergized flawlessly. Ultimately, they succeeded in boosting online engagement by 300%.
Unleash Your Professional Unicorn Powers
We don’t see unicorns every day, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.
Maybe you’re the most qualified person for the job but simply lack visibility. The good news is that Ad Culture can help your unicorn powers shine in the advertising scene. Our recruitment firm specializes in connecting the right people with the right companies.
When companies ask “why should we hire you?”, answer with confidence knowing Ad Culture will help make sure your potential doesn’t go unrecognized!
Submit your resumé, and let’s talk about careers!
