“Why Should We Hire You?”
Answering the most difficult interview question
So, you already managed to get yourself an interview, competing with dozens of other applicants targeting the same job. Next, you need to get ready to meet with the company face-to-face in a job interview. Interviews can be nerve-wrecking for anyone, whether you’re a fresh graduate or you’ve had your fair share of interviews. The best thing you can do is to prepare yourself, especially when it comes to tricky or dangerous questions. Check out our guide below to nail that interview!
The 4 Cs: What Interviewers Are Really Looking For
Knowing how an interviewer thinks and what they might be looking for is key. Most employers are looking for four basic factors (4 Cs) to find the right person for the job:
Competence: Interviewers seek candidates with the skills and personal qualities necessary to perform the job with minimal supervision.
Commitment: They want someone who will stick with the job, a self-motivated person who persists in the face of difficulties rather than gives up at the first sign of trouble.
Chemistry: Interviewers want someone they feel they can get along with. Every employer believes they have a unique culture and want to ensure you can fit in with the rest of the team.
Confidence: Displaying self-assurance in your abilities and answers can make a strong impression. Confidence shows that you believe in yourself and your capacity to contribute to the company.
Demonstrate your competence and commitment by giving strong answers to the questions posed. Create chemistry through your tone of voice and body language, showing you are a likeable person who gets along with everyone. Remember, interviewers evaluate not only what you say but also how you say it. Always keep the ‘four Cs’ in mind throughout your interview.
How to Tackle Common Interview Questions
What are your weaknesses?
Focus on the positive side of your weaknesses.
Explain how you've turned a weakness into a strength.
Show that you know where you need to improve and are working on it.
Why should I hire you?
Emphasise your key skills, strengths, talents, work experience, and professional achievements that are fundamental to getting great things done in this position.
Highlight that you’ll fit in and be a great addition to the team.
Identify the company’s culture and the department’s characteristic features, and persuade the interviewer how you will fit in.
Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more.
Determine what problems they had so far, what new issues or goals they have now, and how your specific skills and experience can be useful.
Show enthusiasm for performing required duties, not just capability.
How do you handle criticism?
List your soft skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving.
Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you handled criticism: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
How do you handle stress?
Describe your strategies for managing stress and staying productive, for example:
I allocate time for work and breaks so that I don't overextend myself. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique help me maintain productivity while managing stress levels.
I make time for physical activity, whether it’s a quick walk or a gym session, as exercise helps reduce stress and clear my mind.
What attracted you to this company?
Research the company and explain how it fits with your career goals.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Choose an achievement relevant to the job you're applying for.
Highlight the positive impact and details of the achievement.
Focus on your role and skills used.
Connect the achievement to skills useful for the new role.
What can you bring to the company?
Combine what you know about the company with your own strengths and achievements.
Show how you match the company’s needs and values.
Mention your eagerness to learn and grow with the company.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Express your intentions and/or commitment to the job and company.
Explain how you plan to excel in the current role and grow into new opportunities.
Preparing for an interview, especially tackling challenging questions like "Why should we hire you?" can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity to shine. By understanding the interviewer's perspective and focusing on the 4 Cs—Competence, Commitment, Chemistry, and Confidence—you can present yourself as the perfect fit for the role.
Remember to articulate your strengths, stay authentic, and show enthusiasm for the position. Each interview is a stepping stone towards your career goals, so embrace the process and keep learning from each experience.
Good luck with your next interview! Stay confident, be yourself, and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. You've prepared well, and now it’s time to show them what you’re capable of.
Suggested reading:
If you’re looking to learn even more about the interview process, give this book a read: Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions By Martin John Yate
