It’s a favourite question. Interviewers love it because no matter what you say, they can challenge you on it. They also know damned well how difficult it is and how superior it makes them feel over the poor mortals they ask it of.
Don’t knock it though. It’s like our tie-breaker question on the application forms. Since so many of the other applicants will make a pig’s ear of this, if you get it just right, the job should be yours for the asking.
Other variants might include:
- “Why should we hire you?”
- “What will you bring to our company?”
- “What attracts you to this job?”
… and so on. You know the sort and, no doubt, you can add your own to this list.
How have you handled them, though?
From my own experience, it seems like most people adopt the ostrich-head-in-the-sand approach. They know the question’s going to be asked but hope that if they don’t think about it, then it will go away. It doesn’t and, if I saw interviewees cringing from my other questions, I would pose this clincher question and watch them crumble. Sadistic? Not really. If you can’t do a job, don’t apply for it. I also believe that both of you should know (in your heart of hearts) the outcome of an interview before you shake hands at the end.
Another feature of this question is that it sorts out the serial jobseekers (like Yosser Hughes from ‘Boys From The Black Stuff’ with his “Gizzus a job. I could do that.” attitude) from those who really want THIS job.
Before you go to the interview, anticipate the question. You need to find a nice neat way of saying:
- Why you are better than others
- Why the employer should trust you to do the job
- What’s in it for you with respect to this particular job
Remember, the interviewer is more interested in the manner in which you answer the question rather than the answer you give (although this does matter too, of course!).
Attributes that they are going to look for in candidates are:
- Confidence – you talk clearly and with certainty about yourself
- Enthusiasm – this is the job you want
- Dedication – you researched the job first and are fully prepared for this interview
- Motivation – you have a career path in mind and this job forms a key part of it
- Knowledge – you know what the job entails and what will be required of you
Let’s put these two sets of considerations together and see where they take us. Here’s a typical answer you might use.
“That’s a good question.”
This makes it sound like a surprise and it gives you an opportunity to pause while you ‘think’ about the answer you’ve memorised! Smile and appear pensive at this point.
“I think a major part of what makes me the ideal candidate is because I really want THIS job. The other part comes from having the relevant experience <expand a bit here> and a proven track record in <insert details>. I see this post as a stepping stone to greater things within your company – a company which is going places itself <don’t suggest you are going to leave>. I am particularly interested in <name of company>’s projects/development/presence <use appropriate word> in <something the company has been involved in> and I would very much like to be part of this.”
Insert pauses for breath and various short ‘thinking breaks’ but don’t allow the interviewer to interrupt and hold the floor while you regurgitate your little speech.
You can also mention things like your attention to detail, speed of learning, communication skills and so on. Never boast – if you are good, say so but be prepared to prove it – otherwise don’t. Make sure that the answer doesn’t sound rehearsed and that, even though you may punctuate it with the odd smile, you seem earnest throughout.
You need to demonstrate what is in this for you (other than just being employed) and also that you have thought your application through. Bear in mind that the question is all about ‘you’ and why the company needs ‘you’. Therefore, your answer must be structured accordingly – just like our specimen.
Giving a respectable and informed reply when others are floundering will set you above the pack. It won’t get you the job on its own (or, at least it shouldn’t) but it will be a significant step down the right path.
Rudyard Kipling had it sussed – If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs …
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