If you’re answering this interview question with something along the lines of “I’m experienced and hardworking,” then you could be in trouble. Hiring managers expect candidates to be experienced and hard-working. They’ve already screened out all the candidates who seemed inexperienced or unqualified via their resumes. What they want to know is what you can do for them. In other words, what value you bring to the table that will help them:

• Save money
• Save time
• Make money
• Solve problems

So before every interview you go on, think carefully about your answer to this inevitable question. Here are some suggestions to help you along the way:

Review the job description.

This should give you a sense of the goals an employer is trying to accomplish with the new hire.

Create a list of your accomplishments.

Write down three to five past accomplishments that align with the employer’s goals. Think in terms of categories – i.e., were you able to impact productivity, cost reduction, client retention, employee retention, company growth, regulatory compliance, and/or financial stability? Also, keep your examples brief, yet relevant.

Demonstrate results.

How did your accomplishments impact your employer? Use numbers, percentages or dollar amounts whenever possible. For example, if you’re a marketing professional, you might say something like: “I developed and managed an advertising campaign that improved company revenues by 5% over the course of a year.”

Showcase special skills.

For instance, if the employer is a global company and you speak Spanish, be sure to let them know. Even if the position you’re interviewing for doesn’t require fluency in a foreign language, your skills will set you apart from other candidates. That said, don’t go too far outside the box when it comes to special skills. The employer doesn’t need to know that you’re a video game whiz (unless, of course, you’re interviewing for a position with a video game company).

Practice your answer.

Once you’ve written down your accomplishments, results, and special skills, practice you answer aloud multiple times to familiarize yourself with it.

You’d be surprised by how many candidates fumble this question. As a Houston, Texas employment agency, we see it all the time. But if you follow the tips above, the next time you get this question from an employer, you should have a stand out answer. Good luck!