A job expert has shared that when you’re asked one question at interview, which may have you baffled, it’s important to ‘step back’ and really think about your answer
Being interviewed is a nerve-racking experience, and you can often feel as though you’re on the back foot. But when you reframe your mindset and try to relax in the moment, things can look up for you. TikTok user @jobinterviewology shared that when asked, “Why should we hire you?” at an interview, you should pause and take stock.
The careers advisor shared that if you’re asked that question, you need to “neutralise the hierarchical nature of the question” and remember “you’re not on trial” nor are you “in trouble,” which is the impression some job interviewers give. “You do this by not rushing into the question,” he explained.
It’s important to “take a step back” in this scenario and give yourself the time you need, as you’re not “needy or desperate” for the role. In fact, you have a lot to bring to the table.
He suggested that you say the following: “I thought about this question a lot, even before applying for the job, because for me, when I join any organisation, the first thing that I think about is where can I add value and where can I make a real impact and a difference.
“And having read the job description, had conversations with the recruiter, and of course, read your most recent annual report where you’re talking about trying to achieve X, Y and Z and A, B, C over the next two years, I believe I can add real value to your organisation in three key areas”.
He then said it’s important to address the most important part of the job description in this part of answering their question.
So, your specific experience that links to the role and how you’ve been successful within your past roles that link with the current one you’re applying for. He said that you can elaborate, and speak about the financial impact you’ve had on your old company.
Secondly, he recommended that you discuss “your cultural fit”.
He recommended that you highlight the focus the company has, for example, “collaboration, empathy, and working together”. You can then discuss how “these are some of your strongest qualities”.
Say that you wouldn’t have been able to deliver the things you spoke about in point one without point two.
He said then that thirdly, if you’re going for a senior executive level role, you should speak about your “ability to deal with people”.
“So, you could say something along the lines of ‘Thirdly is my leadership experience, this includes both at a strategic level, dealing with stakeholders, building that trust and understanding. Also working at an operational level, day to day, building that trust, building the team, developing the culture’,” he shared.
Then, you can mention that you did this in your previous role.
“So, taking all these factors into account, this is why you should hire me,” he shared.
This way, you can answer the interview question in an assertive way, sharing with the interviewer why you’re the best candidate.