Why hire me? Examples to answer the question "Why should we hire you?"

One of the most popular interview questions in 2023 remains “Why should we hire you?” It can be dressed up in a lot of different ways, but the crux of the question remains the same. The employer wants to know what makes you so different from the other candidates they are interviewing.

Clearly, delivering an answer that elevates you above the competition is critical. Many people struggle with this, because they aren’t sure how best to sell themselves and they don’t want to appear “fake.” But your reputation and what you’re known for in the workplace isn’t a lie or exaggeration and should be something you detail.

Put simply, your professional brand, or career brand, is your answer to the question: Why hire me? In this article, we explore:

• Why do interviewees ask “Why should we hire you?”

• How to answer “Why hire me?”

• Example answers to “Why should we hire you?”

Why do interviewers ask “Why should we hire you?”

If you put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer, you can see why asking this open-ended question is a good way to figure out whether you’ll be a great fit for the job and their company. Essentially, your answer will tell them:

• What is unique about you. Hiring managers will want to know what sets you apart from the competition and how you can add value to the role and company. 

• Whether you have the right skill set, experience and qualifications to perform well. Demonstrating your proven success in areas that are specific to the job opening will be what the employer is looking to hear in your answer.

• If you’re a good team player and/or team leader. Employers will be on the look-out for great team players and team builders who can integrate quickly into the team. Leadership will be a big deal if you’re targeting a management position, but also in other situations where you may be required to lead a team or project.

• Whether you are passionate about this new job opportunity.  Do you project enthusiasm and energy about joining the team? Have you channeled this in other roles? Does your demeanor when answering “Why should we hire you?” reflect this passion?

Answering the question “Why hire me?” is your chance to deliver a compelling elevator pitch about your work experience, skills, qualifications, accomplishments, passion, and purpose. 

How to answer “Why hire me?”

The first stage in the process requires understanding why hiring managers ask the question. When you move to creating your elevator pitch, stay positive and complete some background work to prepare the best possible answer:

1. Review the job description

Carefully read the job description. Look for keywords that are repeated or emphasized as important skills and experience. You can then factor these into your answer and show the hiring manager your suitability for the role.

2. Research the company

Conducting research on the company will help you give a compelling and persuasive answer. Dig a bit deeper than a quick review of company activities. What is their mission, vision, and ethos? What does their company culture look like? This information will enable you to talk about why you would be a good fit for their team. 

Do

• • Demonstrate your added value. Showing (rather than telling) that you made a difference in the past and displaying what you can bring to this new role will set you apart.

Don't

• • Launch into a long saga about your career journey to justify why you should be hired. Keep it short and sweet so the hiring manager doesn’t zone out.

3. Quantify your accomplishments

The all-important facts and figures back up the skills you are putting forward, so make a list of your career highlights and inform the interviewer about them in your elevator pitch. Just make sure they are relevant to the job opening as much as possible.

4. Identify your unique selling point (USP)

What is unique about you? What can you bring to the company that the other candidates may not be able to match? Maybe you’re being interviewed for a sales role, but in an earlier career you were a trainer, so you can offer the added benefit of being able to train teams or educate clients. Perhaps you're fluent in another language, which will be really helpful if the business is planning to attract overseas clients.  Your unique selling point can help distinguish you from others interviewing for the same position.

Example answers to “Why should we hire you?”

Now that you have all the elements of your elevator pitch prepared, you can provide a killer answer when asked "What makes you think you are qualified for this position?” Here are some example answers to give you some inspiration:

1. Matching skills and qualifications to the job description

This example shows how you can use the job description and company research to address the requirements of the role, backed up with a sprinkle of achievements in your recent employment:

2. Highlighting achievements and unique skills

Providing details of achievements and anecdotes is a great way to show the hiring manager that you’re a fit. Unique selling points have also been highlighted to set the applicant apart from other candidates:

3. Emphasizing qualities that are difficult to find 

Qualities that are difficult for an employer to find are great to highlight when answering “Why should we hire you?” Consider completing some training to add to your skill set as well as differentiate you from the competition: 

If you’re looking to build your confidence and be interview-ready, check out Career.io’s Interview Preparation tool to be ready for your next career move.

Key takeaways

1. Hiring managers will typically ask the question “Why should we hire you?” in some form during an interview as they are looking to find out what sets you apart from the other candidates.

2. Be prepared. Research the company and read and re-read the job description. Identify relevant achievements and unique skills that you can highlight in your elevator pitch.

3. Don’t feel uncomfortable selling your skills and experience. Your career brand is your strong reputation in the workplace, so make sure the hiring manager knows all about it.