Why should I hire you?

Looking for a job in today's competitive market? Then you won't be surprised when the interviewer pops the question, Why Should I Hire You? Does your response keep you in contention for the job, or does it close the door to further conversation and consideration? The usual, customary responses to this question are "Well, as you can see, I am very experienced in this field and that experience qualifies me for this job...along with my education, of course." While that is an okay, mediocre response, it simply isn't helpful, valuable, and in no way, does it make you shine, stand out, or memorable. That said, consider responding to this Why Should I Hire You question in a way that suggests to the employer that you have done some solid research on the organisation's mission, values, products, services, markets, key competitors, changes, trends, shifts, acquisitions, people. In essence, you know what makes them successful; you know what matters to them; you know what they care about. And let's just suppose for a moment that you find it absolutely impossible to discover information -- maybe they're new and not much information is available, yet. In that case, ask around, find someone who knows someone who knows someone at the organisation you're interested in. Does that take time, energy, commitment, resourcefulness, tenacity, frustration, ingenuity, perseverance, among other ingredients? Clearly, it does, it may also yield you a hefty ROI in the form of a job offer. So, the next time you are asked Why Should I Hire You, speak the employer's language by how you will contribute to their profits, revenues, efficiencies, growth, employee retention, customer retention, margins, market share, cost controls, expense reductions, image, competitive market position, productivity, compliance, etc...words that communicate I know what matters to you and here's how my product (me) can help you achieve just that. Visit our Career Advice Section for other helpful tips in your quest for a new job.