During the job interview, you’re in the hot seat with the hiring manager or Houston headhunter and going to be hit with many questions. Some are expected and others are curveballs. However, a common one that’s often asked – and can be tricky to answer – is “Why should we hire you?”

This question tends to make candidates squirm for the simple reason it requires them to sell themselves. It’s much easier to talk about hard skills or project experience. And yet, in many interviews, some form of it is inevitable. So how can you best respond? Here are a few different approaches to consider:

Connect your qualifications to the job.

Before your interview, review the job description and make a list of your relevant skills and experience. After you select a few corresponding strengths, prepare answers for each. For instance, you can say something like:

“In your posting, it stated you need someone with strong interpersonal skills. In my last position, it was my job to respond to and resolve customer complaints. Through that experience, I learned a variety of communication and conflict resolution tactics that would be valuable in this role. For instance, I always approached each complaint by asking questions and listening first to ensure I fully understood the problem.”

Share stories.

Another way to answer this question is to share a story or anecdote that illustrates your abilities. This can often be more effective since stories are memorable. For instance, anyone can say that they have strong communication skills. However, if you talk about a time you used those communication skills to persuade your team about an idea or to negotiate a new contract with a vendor, you’ll be able to back up your claim. Not only that, but a Houston headhunter or hiring manager will be more likely to remember you and your answer.

Focus on your uniqueness.

Your interviewer wants to know what makes you different from the next candidate, whether you have a specialized skill, unusual background or experience that lends itself to the role, or hold certifications that required rigorous training to earn. These are all the kinds of qualifications that make you unique and can help you to stand out in a sea of other candidates. That’s why it’s important to place some focus on them in the interview.

Whatever approach you do take with this particular question, keep it brief, emphasizing one or two areas, not 10. Also, practice your answer ahead of time, so you can respond with confidence and clarity.

Get professional help with your job search from the Houston headhunters at Murray Resources. Our clients are always looking for talented individuals for a wide variety of permanent, temporary, temp-to-hire, and contract positions. Contact us today to learn more or search our Houston jobs now.