Few things are more important during an interview than a healthy dose of confidence. That confidence really comes in handy when the interviewer looks you in the eye and says, “So, what can you offer us that someone else can’t?”
Whether you’ve come across this question before or not, you should be prepared to encounter it at some point during your job search. It’s a question designed to gauge your confidence level and knowledge of the company. It’s also a great chance to show that you’re a qualified candidate who can bring something unique to the table.
Here are the things you need to keep in mind when preparing your answer. Remember, your goal at the end of this question is to convince your interviewer that they can’t afford NOT to hire you.
Highlight your experience and unique abilities.
Your interviewer is essentially asking “Why should I hire you?” and your answer should show that you’re different from other candidates they’ve interviewed and the best person for the job! Think of the top 2-3 things they’re looking for and explain how you meet those criteria.
For example, if you’ve had an internship in the industry, talk about your experience. If you’re not sure what to focus on, look at the job description, and identify the key traits that are mentioned in the first 3 bullet points. Then, speak to how you embody those traits.
Say something like: “I’m a creative problem-solver who wants to learn all about the tech industry and become an integral part of a team that develops new digital platforms. I’ve worked on several projects of this type at a previous internship, so I’m familiar with the challenges I’ll face in this role, and I know how to address them.”
Show that you’re a culture fit.
Being an awesome employee has a lot to do not only with your skills and personality but also with how you fit into a company. In fact, many employers consider culture fit to be the #1 priority when looking for candidates. Whether the company you’re interviewing with is a tech startup or a consulting firm, knowing the culture of a company and demonstrating that you understand its importance will go a long way toward impressing the interviewer and helping them to see you as a part of the team.
Say something like: “Everyone I’ve talked to here seems so motivated by the mission and that’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity because I want to be part of a team that’s focused on innovation.”
Emphasize that you’re willing to grow with the company.
This is especially important for entry-level jobs where employers are looking for candidates who are interested in developing their skills and sticking around for at least a couple of years. To show that you’re committed to the position, mention your future goals and how working with the company will help you achieve them.
Now bring it all together:
“I’m a creative problem-solver who wants to learn all about the tech industry and become an integral part of a team that develops new digital platforms. I’ve worked on several projects of this type at a previous internship, so I’m familiar with the challenges I’ll face in this role and I know how to address them. Everyone I’ve talked to here seems so motivated by the mission and that’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity because I want to be part of a team that’s focused on innovation. I would love to be a part of the company’s long-term growth.”
Easy, right? Once you come up with your answer, practice it over and over until you have it down pat. By highlighting your unique skills and demonstrating how your personality and future goals align with the company, you’ll impress your interviewer and increase your chances of getting the job!
