Prepare for Job Success: Respond to "Why Should We Hire You?" with Confidence
Prepare for Job Success: Respond to "Why Should We Hire You?" with Confidence
We just couldn't let him slip away after interviewing one of the final candidates for a crucial, highly competitive senior management position. This individual, we'll refer to as Greg, tailored his responses to all the interview questions, including the "why should we hire you" one, to align with our requirements.
Greg used a self-centered approach to answering the interview questions, which made it extremely straightforward for us to offer him the position. I've witnessed and employed this method numerous times, and it has proved more successful than any other approach I've come across.
A scheduled interview is a valuable opportunity. Getting face-to-face with decision-makers for a sought-after job indicates that you've passed the initial screening and have the necessary qualifications for the role. Many other candidates had the qualifications as well, but they didn't receive an invitation to an interview. However, you did.
Rather than using the interview as a platform to discuss information that the interviewers already have, such as your work experience, accomplishments, education, and credentials, you should utilize this time to demonstrate how those aspects position you best to assist them.
Close the interview without leaving any doubt in their minds about why you should be selected for the position.
The Importance of the "Why Should We Hire You" Interview Question
There are two primary interview questions that you ought to focus on. Every other question and conversation point revolves around these two fundamental interview questions.
- What have you recently failed at? and
- Why should we hire you?
Thinking and preparing yourself for these two questions will ensure that you're ready for any other question that may come up during the interview. However, if you try to remember several scripted answers for numerous questions, you risk focusing too much on yourself and miss out on showing them how you think and frame your responses around their pain points and needs.
Responding to the "Why Should We Hire You" Question Like a Pro
It's crucial to acknowledge that even though "you" is included in the question, every part of your answer should focus on "them." Think about it like this. When hiring managers and interviewers ask you "why should we hire you," they're essentially asking questions that reveal what's in it for them to hire you.
To respond like a pro, provide them with precisely what they're looking for and focus on their needs, goals, challenges, priorities, influence, burdens, and struggles.
Regardless of the situation, whether persuading someone, negotiating a deal, or answering job interview questions, your listeners are asking themselves what's in it for me (WIIFM) or what's in it for the organization (WIIFO).
Pros are aware of this. In any job or role interview, we should provide the WIIFM as communication strategy is essential. Neglect it at your own risk.
Always prepare your mindset and frame your thinking before the interview. This way, you can respond to any interview question by focusing on how your answers address their needs and concerns.
Here are ten sets of underlying and often unasked questions pros incorporate into their responses when answering the "why should we hire you" question or a similar version of it:
- What sets you apart? And, how does this difference benefit us?
- What's in it for us if we hire you (the organization/division/team)?
- What's in it for me if I hire you (the direct supervisor to the role)? Will you make me look good?
- Can we rely on you to prioritize us; can we rely on you to have our backs? Can I rely on you to prioritize me; can I rely on you to have my back?
- Will we be better off if we hire you? How? Will I be better off if I hire you? How?
- What challenges will you lead us through? What solutions do you offer? What innovations will you help us implement?
- What burdens will you lighten for me? And will you offer to share some of my load without complaining about carrying your own?
- Where will you create, add, and demonstrate the most value?
- What problems will you help us solve? What processes will you help us streamline?
- What strategic priorities will you elevate? Why and how?
By employing this approach and framework, you'll be well-prepared. You can respond to any interview question using the thought process and framing that you've already developed by addressing the underlying and often unasked questions above. Just remember that, regardless of the question asked, your objective is to provide answers that offer the listener the WIIFM or WIIFO.
Recall this detail. Internalize it thoroughly, and you'll never appear rehearsed or scripted in your job interviews. Additionally, you won't be caught off guard by not having an answer for a question you haven't prepared for.
Many Interview Questions Conceal Unspoken Questions
This simple query, "why should we hire you," conceals a multitude of hidden concerns in a job interview. Interviewers analyze your answers from various perspectives.
However, this isn't the only deceptive question. The majority of job interview questions contain hidden questions. Don't be misled by the straightforward nature of the questions, assuming they focus solely on the specific query. Instead, avoid getting too focused on any particular question, resulting in limited responses that fail to address the underlying concerns.
In all scenarios, question what's truly being sought after. Instead of memorizing answers for specific questions, consider:
- what motivates the 'why' of the question? What's the purpose of asking it? and
- how can you respond in a way that adds value, boosts the conversation, and demonstrates your comprehending of what matters most to them.
For every job interview question, ensure your responses showcase your comprehension of and appreciation for the organization's dynamics.
Never Leave Interviewers Curious—Why Should We Hire You?
You have the opportunity here. You're with the individuals who will make or finalize the hiring decision. Seize this moment to engage in the conversation you've been yearning for. When you're addressing the person(s) with the deciding power, make sure they don't leave wondering why they should hire you.
Why should we hire you? If you're offering the WIIFM (what's in it for me), you're on the right track. By framing your responses around their needs, goals, challenges, priorities, burdens, and pain points, you broaden the discussion. This approach will significantly increase your chances of success rather than causing you to lose out.
Related articles:
The Most Crucial Question Successful People Ask in a New Position
Three Actions Strategic Thinkers Take to Secure Senior Management Positions
How to Cultivate Confidence and Coax Interviewers to Offer You the Position
During the job interviews, Greg's response to the "why should we hire you" question was tailored to align with the company's requirements, making it easier for the interviewers to offer him the position.
Regardless of the interview questions asked, the objective should always be to provide answers that offer the listener the WIIFM or WIIFO, focusing on how your answers address their needs and concerns.