Why Should I Hire You?

Imagine you're at the interview and that the interview is comprised of one question and one question alone. Here's the question:

"Why should I hire you?" to which you happily communicate the following:

"Well, I am very honest, loyal, and hardworking -- and also, very dependable and responsible."

Insert period.

You offer no example.

You provide no explanation or detail.

You deliver zero direct evidence.

You convey no support of the qualities (adjectives) you just stated.

And you hope like crazy that the Hiring Manager will like (love) what you had to say and that you will make a great first impression...and maybe, even get a job offer!

Now, let's imagine for a moment that YOU are the Hiring Manager and that this is the 23rd candidate you have interviewed this week alone....and then, imagine that you (the Hiring Manager) are exhausted, overworked, and secretly thinking about that vacation you'll be taking next week.

Along comes Job Candidate 23 who anxiously sits in the 'hot seat' waiting for the question and you (the Hiring Manager) say, for the 23rd time this week...."Why should I hire you?" and very predictably, just like the 22 before, and possibly the 22 after....you hear the job candidate utter something similar to this:

"Well, I am very hard-working, honest, and responsible.....and also loyal and dependable."

Continuing in your imaginary Hiring Manager role, from your perspective did Candidate #23 'wow' you with their response? Did they distinguish themselves with their descriptors? Did the adjectives they chose to describe their brand knock you off your seat? Did the candidate make a great first impression? Are you going to invite them back for a second interview?

Yes?

No?

Maybe so?

Why?

Why not?

cross-posted billiesucherblog

 

Comments

[Ed Han]

I firmly believe a lot of candidates would interview better if only they had been on the other side of the hiring desk and remember the experience.

Ed

[Sital]

When I've interviewed candidates, this is one of my favourite questions, i.e. "We're interviewing several people for this role, so tell me - what makes you different from the rest of your peers?"

When people reply with the standard replies you mention above without any back up, I politely say "To be frank - being hard working, honest and reliable is a given. I'd expect that from everyone. So beyond that baseline, what makes you different from the next person?"

Most candidates take a small gulp - but the smart ones who can articulate a reasonable answer stand out a mile.

But not everyone asks this question outright like this, so as a candidate, you absolutely MUST weave in what's different about you into your answers and discussions.

Great thought provoking post billie!

[Tim]

Billie:

Great thoughts and information in this post...you, Sital and Ed all bring up important points. We need to, in marketing terms, have a sticky answer. We need to say something memorable that is truthful and will make us stand out. I have a feeling that this is easier when interviewing for jobs that are a better fit for us. But realizing that our interviewers have probably heard it all -- is a good thing to remember.

[Kim]

Hi you have put across a very intelligent suggestion for all the job seekers. I'm sure many would remember this post of yours before blurting out mere adjectives in their name.One should leave a mark in the very first interview.Alone certificates are not enough , words too matter!
Here's a career test for all the job seekers -
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/career_skills/career_skills_instructions.asp

[billiesucher]

Ed, I agree. Thanks for your thoughts!

Sital...your words from above are worth repeating:
*Most candidates take a small gulp - but the smart ones who can articulate a reasonable answer stand out a mile.* Thanks so much!

Tim, appreciate your remarks...I haven't heard that term: 'sticky' answer. Thanks for sharing!

Kim, yes, adjectives are one thing....evidence quite another. I will check out your link. Thank you!

[Cordell Minor]

Very good advice. I can understand how that is probably the standard response from most applicants. But as Sital stated these are basic expectations. You have to give details and examples.

[billiesucher]

Thanks Cordell Minor...yes, details and examples, a must in this market.

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