How to answer the interview question, "Why would you be a good fit for this position?"

When you’re interviewing for a job, you might be asked all sorts of questions about your background, skills, education, and experience. Most of the typical questions will be pretty straightforward like, “Can you walk me through your resume?” or, “How do you handle stressful situations?” You may even get a curveball question like, “What is your greatest failure?” 

At some point, however, you might be asked, “Why would you be a good fit for this position?” Answering this one can be tough if you’re not prepared. You might be tempted to blurt out, “Because I need the paycheck!” which isn’t terribly helpful. 

Fear not. We’ve got all the information you need to answer this question, including example answers, to make a great impression and show the interviewer why you would indeed be a good fit for the position—getting you one step closer to actually landing it.

Why do hiring managers ask this question?

It may seem odd to be asked, “Why would you be a good fit for this position?” In theory, you’d be a good fit because you’re qualified, right? But your suitability isn’t really what they’re asking about. If you weren't qualified, they wouldn’t be interviewing you in the first place. 

What hiring managers are really looking for is an answer that demonstrates your self-awareness. Do you know what your best qualities are? What’s most important to you? What drives you to succeed? This is a great opportunity to tell them what makes you unique—what you bring to the table that no one else does. They’re essentially looking for you to pitch yourself for the position.

This question could also be phrased as, “Why should we hire you for this role?” or “What qualifies you for this position?” They’re trying to determine how you’d fit in with their overall company culture, if you understand both the company and the role, and whether you’re the best person to meet their needs and contribute to their success.

How to answer, “Why would you be a good fit for this position?”

There’s a lot you need to cover when crafting an effective answer to this question, such as your work experience, accomplishments, relevant skills, career goals, and enthusiasm. 

To cover it all, let’s break down the process into five simple steps:

1. Study the job description. Determine exactly what skills, qualifications, and attributes the employer is looking for. This will help you address their expectations for the position in your answer.

2. Do your homework. To answer this question thoroughly, you need to research the company to understand its mission, goals, challenges, and values. This will also help you identify how you’d fit with the company culture.

3. Align your skills to the position. Remember, you want to show them why you’re a good fit, so keep the skills relevant and specific.

4. Weave quantifiable data into your response. The hiring manager wants to know what positive impact you’d bring to the role.

5. Identify what makes you unique. Is it your experience, soft skills, or obstacles you’ve overcome? Whatever it is, make sure to tie it back to the position so that the interviewer can understand its relevance.

The most important element of your answer is how you can help the company meet its goals and address its needs. To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy: ask not what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company.

“Why are you a good fit for this position?” with sample answers

Before you start crafting your own answer to, “Why would you be a good fit for this position?” review some sample answers that you can use as a guide. Of course, these should only be used for inspiration—make sure to tailor your answer to your personal situation.

Example #1: Entry-level Salesperson

“What I like best about sales is the ability to help people meet a need, even if they don’t realize it yet. I love using my persuasion and analytical skills, as well as empathy and active listening, to help people access products and services that will make their lives better. 

I'm the best fit for this position because I epitomize ABC Company’s values of putting the customer’s needs first and doing everything I can to ensure their satisfaction. 

I’m new to the workforce, but was the top advertising salesperson for my college newspaper. I used this customer-first mindset to sell 30 percent more ad space than anyone else on the team, and I plan to bring these skills and values to the position here at ABC."

Example #2: Marketing Manager

“Above all, I consider myself a team player. I believe that’s what sets me apart from other managers. When I manage a team, I make a connection with everyone and see them as people, not just employees. 

This has contributed greatly to my track record of success, as my teammates always bring their A-game without me needing to micromanage or push them. I support their successes, because when they’re successful, we all win.”

Example #3: Retail Associate

“​​I just moved here from [location] three months ago and I have to say, this city has a great energy. I came to this store often when I was getting settled, and I really appreciated the helpful, attentive, and friendly staff here. 

I think I’d fit right in as I’m dedicated to customer service, I love the products, and I’m a true extrovert who loves interacting with people. In addition, I was employee of the month at my last retail position, so I bring a proven track record of success.”

Example #4: Account Manager

“I’m a good fit for this position because I have extensive experience with client collaboration and exceeding sales quotas. At my current job, I lead a great team that has increased customer retention rates by over 15 percent through integrating feedback, as well as timely and successful delivery of our solutions. 

I also have a comprehensive understanding of website development, digital marketing, data measurement and analytics, and project management, and I’m highly proficient in software platforms such as Salesforce, Asana, and Jira.”

Example #5: Flight Attendant

“What a great question! I’ve loved traveling since I was a toddler. In fact, my mother was a travel agent and I used to spend a lot of time at her office, poring over travel brochures and imagining a life of adventure. When I grew up and was able to book flights for myself, AirTrans was always my first choice. 

You make traveling easier and more enjoyable due to your quality amenities, many destinations, and great customer service, and I would love to be a part of the flight team. Furthermore, I’m patient, energetic, and great at multitasking, which I believe are ideal qualities of a top-notch flight attendant.”

Example #6: Barista

"It goes without saying that I love coffee, and I think this position would be a great chance to  further develop my skills in Food and Beverage. I’m also a bit of a beverage inventor. At my previous job, I helped create three new coffee drinks that quickly became customer favorites and grew our business by five percent from repeat customers. 

I’m hoping to bring my coffee artistry and customer service skills to your team. I’d love to work for a company that prioritizes not only quality, but also a commitment to the environment and sourcing fair trade coffee beans and food products."

Example #7: Human Resources Specialist

"I love working in human resources because it allows me to work with a variety of people and contribute towards maintaining a positive workplace culture. In my current role, I've actively advanced and implemented new employee work-life programs that have boosted staff retention by 22 percent. 

I’m thrilled to have the chance to bring my commitment to positive workplace culture and creative ideas to your HR team, and develop new and existing talent that supports your company’s mission, values, and goals."

Need help brushing up on your interviewing skills? Try career.io’s Interview Prep tool, which will provide personalized simulated interviews and expert feedback to hone your skills and increase your confidence at your next interview.

Key takeaways

1. “Why would you be a good fit for this position?” is a common interview question, and you should prepare an effective answer ahead of time.

2. Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your self-awareness and what makes you unique.

3. To craft a great response, incorporate your work experience, accomplishments, skills, goals, and enthusiasm.