What the Interviewer Wants to Know
The interviewer also want to make sure you know what they are looking for in a job candidate, and that you have the ability to do the job if you were to be hired. One of the goals of the interview is to determine whether you are a good fit for both the role and the organization. On the flip side, you’ll also need to decide if the job is a good match for what you’re looking for in your next role. When answering this kind of question, your objective is to sell yourself to the hiring manager and convince them that you are a unique and strong candidate. Read below for advice on preparing for and answering this interview question, as well as examples of the best responses.
How to Answer “Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?”
There are many ways you can answer this question. The first way is to explain how your personality or personal traits make you an ideal candidate. To do that, take the time before the interview to carefully match your qualifications to those listed in the job posting. Be prepared to explain why you’re a solid match for the job. A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate (especially if not many people have those skills), mention these. The skills the employer is seeking may also be listed in the job posting. If not, look at similar jobs to see what criteria employers are looking for. Another option is to show the employer that what you have accomplished in your previous roles qualify you for this one. Share examples of your achievements that relate to the job for which you’re interviewing.
Examples of the Best Answers
Take a look at these possible answers and tailor them to your specific qualifications for the job, career background, and work experience: Why It Works: This response is effective because the candidate goes into specifics in listing the essential skill set she can bring to her new employer. Ideally, she has also emphasized these skills because she realized from reading the job posting that these talents were among the employer’s most “preferred qualifications.” Why It Works: Not only does this interviewee mention his important skills, but he also alludes to his previous leadership responsibilities and his quantifiable success (a “top sales record”) in his previous job. Why It Works: This is a great example of how to effectively use the STAR interview response technique, in which you structure your answer to describe a past situation, your task, your action, and the result. Here, the candidate uses this technique to also point out that she is aware of the employer’s company culture and focus on collaborative teamwork, showing how her own experience aligns with these priorities. Why It Works: This job candidate showcases the broad skill set that many of his competitors for the position might not have: his knowledge of five computer programming languages. He is also able, in his response, to point out his personal initiative and enthusiasm for his work.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Prepare in advance. Before an interview, think carefully about what makes you an ideal candidate for the position. First, look at the job listing, and circle any key skills or qualifications. Then, look at your resume and note any particular experiences or skills that fit the job listing. Emphasize those qualifications in your answer to the question. Share examples. It’s important to be as specific as possible when answering this question. Whether you emphasize your skills or a personality trait, be sure to provide one or two specific examples that prove you have those qualities and how you will use them in the workplace. Focus on how you can help the company. Avoid answers that emphasize why you want the job. Instead, focus on how you can add value to the company. To prepare for this kind of answer, make sure you have some knowledge about the company ahead of time. Take the time to review the company’s website, social media pages, and other information about the organization that’s available online. Don’t compare yourself to others. Even though the question is about how you compare to other candidates, don’t critique the other job seekers. This can come across as negative or rude. Instead, emphasize what makes you unique in a positive manner, without attacking or insulting other candidates. It’s important to sell your qualifications without being considered arrogant or overbearing. Don’t say this: “Unlike some of the other candidates I’m sure you’ve seen today, I have experience in the field, which means that I can hit the ground running on day one.” Do say: “My years of experience in this field have given me on-the-job knowledge, as well as a sense of where the industry has been and where it’s going in the future. I have the kind of technical skills that only come from doing the job for several years. I can slide seamlessly into this role and start hitting goals on my very first day.”
Possible Follow-Up Questions
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BEWARE COMPARISONS: While it’s smart to highlight the skills that you believe set you apart from other candidates for the position, don’t throw shade on others. Keep your tone positive, and talk about what you yourself can offer the company rather than upon what they cannot. FOCUS ON THE EMPLOYER’S NEEDS: In your answer, describe all of your hard and soft skills that would “add value” should the employer hire you. Don’t make your response about you (i.e., a plea as to why you really want the job).
