“Why Should We Hire You?” Interview Question: What to Say and What to Avoid
If you’ve ever faced a job interview, chances are you’ve encountered the “Why should we hire you?” interview question. It’s one of the most common interview questions and can often feel most intimidating. But it’s also one of the best opportunities to sell yourself effectively, if you’re prepared.
Learning how to respond to questions like this in an interview can help you set yourself apart as a candidate. This is more than simply announcing your accomplishments. It is defining your worth in a way that resonates with the employer. This blog will break down why this question is asked, how to craft the best interview answers, and what techniques can help you respond with confidence.
How do you feel when asked “Why should we hire you?”
Why Do Interviewers Ask “Why Should We Hire You?”
Interviewers don’t ask this question just to put you on the spot—they’re looking for specific insights that help them make the right hiring decision.
They pose this question to assess several key aspects:
- Fit for the Role: The employer wants to learn if your skills and experiences match the job description.
- Awareness of the Company: If you can describe the organization’s goals and problems, you have researched the company correctly. According to Twin Employment and Training, 47% of recruiters say they reject candidates who lack knowledge about the company.
- Self-Awareness and Confidence: Being confident while describing your strengths suggests self-awareness and readiness for the position.
Consequently, the most appropriate way to answer this question is to highlight your value proposition. This is best achieved with examples and accomplishments. Moreover, it’s a moment to demonstrate how you can offer differing excellence to the employer than other candidates.
Match the Intent: Why Do Interviewers Ask This?
Drag the statements on the left to what you think they really mean on the right.
How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?” Effectively
Answering the question “Why should we hire you?” is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications and demonstrate how you can add value to the company.
Here’s a structured approach to crafting a compelling response:
Understand the Job Requirements
First, take some time to read over the information in the job description to identify the skills, requirements, and experience the employer is asking for. You are able to then craft your response specific to that job.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences
Focus on the skills and experiences that can be directly applied to the role. Provide examples of your previous work that showcase when you’ve successfully employed these skills to produce positive results.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit
Take a look at the mission, values, and culture of the company. Then explain how your values and work style align with the culture of the employer to demonstrate why you are not merely a qualified candidate, but even better, why you are the right fit for their organization.
Showcase Your Enthusiasm
Demonstrate sincere interest in the role and company. Enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and show your intention to contribute in a positive manner to the whole organization.
Keep It Concise and Focused
While it’s important to provide enough detail to support your qualifications, keep your answer concise. Aim for a response that is clear, focused, and lasts about 1-2 minutes.
Build Your Answer: Why Should We Hire You?
Fill in your strengths, achievements, and enthusiasm. Your answer builds live below.
What Not to Say When Answering “Why Should We Hire You?”
Before we go into the ins and outs of how to respond, it is necessary to examine how NOT to respond to the “Why should we hire you?” interview question, although sometimes perceived to be the easiest question for you to answer, can result in disaster if you incorrectly answer the question.
Here are a few angles to avoid:
Talking About Money
While financial stability may be a major factor for you, don’t mention it in the interview. Employers want to know that you’re interested in the position and the company for something other than money.
Mentioning Perks
While benefits are a nice bonus, focusing on them can make it seem like you’re more interested in free lunches or flexible hours than contributing to the team. Keep your answer focused on the job and how you can add value.
Giving a Generic Answer
Vague responses like “I’ve always liked this field” or “This seemed like a good opportunity” don’t say much about your fit for the role. Be specific about what draws you to the position and why you’re the right candidate.
Oversharing
A strong answer should be clear and concise. Diving into your entire career journey or personal background can derail your response. Stay on point and keep your message focused.
Coming Off as Arrogant
Statements like “You’d be lucky to have me” or “I’m better than anyone else you’re interviewing” can backfire. Confidence is good, but overconfidence is not so much. Let your skills speak for themselves.
Stretching the Truth
It’s never a good idea to exaggerate your qualifications. If the truth comes out later, it can damage your credibility and hurt your chances of getting hired.
Sounding Desperate
Saying “Because I really need this job” may be honest, but it doesn’t show the employer how you’ll help their business. Focus on what you bring to the role, not just what you hope to gain.
Showing Doubt or Insecurity
Responses like “I’m not sure—I just hope I’m a good fit” can signal a lack of confidence. Remember, this is your chance to show the interviewer why you are the right person for the job.
Not Having an Answer
If this question catches you off guard, it suggests a lack of preparation. Since it’s one of the most common interview questions, having a thoughtful response ready is essential.
Sounding Over-Rehearsed
While it is important to prepare, you should be careful not to sound like you are reading from a script. Practice until your response sounds natural, professional, but real.
What Not to Say: Flip These Red Flags
Tap or hover over the cards to reveal why these answers can hurt your chances.
Instead, show how you’ll help the business.
Confidence is good—humility is better.
Tailor your reason to the role.
Let your skills speak instead.
Instead, focus on what *they* need.
Have a clear and confident value pitch.
Conclusion
The interview question of “why should we hire you” is one of the greatest chances to make your case in an interview. When answered well, this allows you to present your value, match your skills and qualifications to the needs of the company, and show your excitement about the position.
Prepping a thoughtful and honest response can help you make an impression in a way that other candidates won’t. Preparing a thoughtful response will help you feel more confident during the interview, and it will get you closer to landing the job and advancing your career.
Final Boss Quiz: Should We Hire You?
Answer a few cheeky questions and see how persuasive your interview response really is.
