Why should we hire you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What You Need to Know
Experienced Example

This question is aimed at determining how familiar you are with the recruits they're trying to target, and whether you can genuinely communicate how well you fit the mold of the teams they are building. The more you research their culture, identify the qualities they attribute to their teams, and then research yourself and identify how you align with their teams, the stronger your work ethic will seem. Confidently articulate why you feel you're the best fit for the role by demonstrating your understanding of their company's goals and needs, and how you are uniquely positioned to contribute to them. Communicate those strengths and skills in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Showcase your enthusiasm for this opportunity, as well as your sense of purpose and passion.

Southwest advertises that they are known for "legendary hospitality" and people who care for each other and their customers. "All Employees are responsible for preserving and invigorating our culture, regardless of tenure, which strengthens our culture of caring. It's a source of pride and the Heart of who we are. Employees are encouraged to be authentically themselves and draw on their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences in their day-to-day jobs.

According to their values, which they expect all their employees to embody and embrace, they're expected to show up at work with pride, a strong work ethic, not taking themselves too seriously, being humble, with integrity and accountability. To be part of their winning team, they expect their employees to act like an owner, and to serve as ambassadors of their company. Their values are broken into three categories, "Me, We, and Southwest." So spend time reading through their values and their code of conduct to determine how you are ideally aligned and positioned as a top candidate for Southwest.

"Well, I love what I do, and I love being around people who are like me, people who love to travel. Most of the people I work with love to travel, and most of our passengers love to travel, and that combination makes for a great experience. And, generally, setting a positive experience starts with a smile, letting it be know you are happy, and have a positive attitud. People want to be part of that. It's contagious. So, I see it as up to me to create that positive experience for each and everyone of my passengers, and to be grounded in my attitude. If someone doesn't share that attitude, or sets the stage of their experience with stress, or anxiety, or any kind of a frown, you have to be grounded, and create every opportunity to break their frown with your smile. My empathy, positivity, and a determined strong work ethic based on humility and passionate positivity is what makes me right for Southwest."

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How to Answer: Why should we hire you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Southwest Airlines job interview.

14. Why should we hire you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is aimed at determining how familiar you are with the recruits they're trying to target, and whether you can genuinely communicate how well you fit the mold of the teams they are building. The more you research their culture, identify the qualities they attribute to their teams, and then research yourself and identify how you align with their teams, the stronger your work ethic will seem. Confidently articulate why you feel you're the best fit for the role by demonstrating your understanding of their company's goals and needs, and how you are uniquely positioned to contribute to them. Communicate those strengths and skills in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Showcase your enthusiasm for this opportunity, as well as your sense of purpose and passion.

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2023

What You Need to Know

Southwest advertises that they are known for "legendary hospitality" and people who care for each other and their customers. "All Employees are responsible for preserving and invigorating our culture, regardless of tenure, which strengthens our culture of caring. It's a source of pride and the Heart of who we are. Employees are encouraged to be authentically themselves and draw on their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences in their day-to-day jobs.

According to their values, which they expect all their employees to embody and embrace, they're expected to show up at work with pride, a strong work ethic, not taking themselves too seriously, being humble, with integrity and accountability. To be part of their winning team, they expect their employees to act like an owner, and to serve as ambassadors of their company. Their values are broken into three categories, "Me, We, and Southwest." So spend time reading through their values and their code of conduct to determine how you are ideally aligned and positioned as a top candidate for Southwest.

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2023

Experienced Example

"Well, I love what I do, and I love being around people who are like me, people who love to travel. Most of the people I work with love to travel, and most of our passengers love to travel, and that combination makes for a great experience. And, generally, setting a positive experience starts with a smile, letting it be know you are happy, and have a positive attitud. People want to be part of that. It's contagious. So, I see it as up to me to create that positive experience for each and everyone of my passengers, and to be grounded in my attitude. If someone doesn't share that attitude, or sets the stage of their experience with stress, or anxiety, or any kind of a frown, you have to be grounded, and create every opportunity to break their frown with your smile. My empathy, positivity, and a determined strong work ethic based on humility and passionate positivity is what makes me right for Southwest."

Written by Kevin Downey on December 28th, 2023

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