Why Should We Hire You?

This is one of those broad questions that can take you down the wrong road unless you have done some thinking about what to say ahead of time. This question deals with your ability to sell yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy?

Answers that WON'T WORK -

'Because I need a job.' -- This answer is about YOU -- 'they' want to know what you can do for 'them.'

'I am a hard worker.' -- This is a really trite answer -- almost anyone can say he or she is a hard worker.

'I saw your ad and could do the job.' -- This answers lacks passion and purpose.

STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the interviewer's attention --

'Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar environment.'

'Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job - solve customer problems using my excellent customer service skills.'

'Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is required in this position.'

This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer) know what your product (YOU) can do for them and why they should listen to what you have to offer. The more detail you give the stronger your answer will be. This is not a time to talk about what you want. It is a time to summarize your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.

Product Inventory Exercise

Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is the employer emphasizing as requirements of the job? What will it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements on one side of a piece of paper.

Next, do an inventory to determine what you have to offer as a fit against those requirements. List your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of two or three key qualities you have to offer that match each requirement that the employer is seeking. Don't underestimate personal traits that make you unique -- your energy, personality type, working style, and people skills.

The Sales Pitch -- You are the Solution

From the list of requirements and your matching list of what you have to offer, merge the two into a summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It should be no more than two minutes long and should stress the traits that make you unique and a good match for the job.

Example

'With my seven years of experience working with financial databases, I have saved companies thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My high energy, and quick learning style enable me to hit the ground running and rapidly size up problems. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations, and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I know I would be a great addition to your team.'

Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will give you the edge when asked questions like, 'Why should we hire you?' or 'What can you bring to this position?' This will be your chance to let the interviewers know that you are the solution to their problem.

About The Author

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, 'Interview Fitness Training Workbook' and 'Boost Your Interview IQ' (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE 9-week job interview e-course by visiting her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com or http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com.

Workplace & Careers III, Labor Day 2008 Feature Releases
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
... local and industry-specific employment trends and analysis by leveraging data from Beyond.com's Network of thousands of niche career web sites. ...

Justice Department Reaches Agreement to Protect Employment Rights ...
MarketWatch - 7 hours ago
USERRA was enacted in 1994 to protect service members from being disadvantaged in their civilian careers due to serving in the uniformed services. ...

'Green Gigs' Provide Eco-Friendly Employment
CBS 11, TX - 52 minutes ago
"Green careers not only includes the traditional environmental jobs, but now we're including all these jobs that have to do with businesses, really, ...

Report: Older workers still in demand
Central Valley Business Times, CA - 6 hours ago
Employment among those 55 and older grew by 3.7 percent from 25686000 in July 2007 to 26631000 in July 2008 while the number of employed 20- to 44-year-olds ...

Don’t panic about your results!
WalesOnline, United Kingdom - 16 hours ago
They can also make use of Careers Wales’ online service www.careerswales.com. It provides information on courses and employment and training opportunities, ...

School's Accreditation Status Could Put Careers In Jeopardy
WXii 12.com, NC - 5 hours ago
She added that although her program is not accredited, it is approved by NC Stars, a database of training school vendors set up by the NC Employment ...

Whatever your GCSE results, help is at hand
WalesOnline, United Kingdom - 15 hours ago
... can also make use of Careers Wales’ online service careerswales.com The website provides information on courses, employment and training opportunities, ...

Employment level 'held steady' in 2007
Royal Gazette, Bermuda - 9 hours ago
Males working in professional, technical and related jobs made, on average, $81086, while women in the same careers earned only $71203. ...

Carl's geared up for a solid start in work
Coventry Telegraph, UK - 13 hours ago
... we've forged a really productive partnership providing pre- and post-employment skills and opportunities for young people to have rewarding careers."

AYES Hosts the Industry's Largest Gathering of Automotive ...
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
... model and reporting systems, as well as sessions on Perkins funding, trends in career and technical education and employment practices in our industry. ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Illegal Interview Questions -- Be Prepared