Tell me why you are the right fit for this company and this position.
Professional Answers Preview
"I feel that I am the right fit for this company because, from what you have described, my personality, skills, and drive are what you seek. The challenges that come with this position are all challenges that I welcome. I am confident that this is the right fit for both of us."
The interviewer would like to know that you feel confident this position is the right fit for you. A successful hire needs to feel like the right fit for both parties. Express to the interviewer that you think this position is a secure fit for your experience and your career goals.
Specific Career Examples
Teacher Example
"I am passionate about the work you are doing in this public school, and am confident in my ability to make a difference for these students, given my qualifications, background, and high level of compassion."
Retail Example
"I am good at what I do, motivated, and I am an avid lover of your product. Mixing these creates an exciting opportunity for me to hit the ground running and enjoy the work. Happy employees are more productive and trust me; I would be thrilled to work here."
Sales Example
"I have exceeded my sales targets by a minimum 125% for the past three years. I am dedicated to my clients and will increase your territory sales exponentially. I am ready for this challenge and look forward to building this territory with you."
Marketing Example
"I am a great fit for your company because I am already familiar with a couple of your client accounts. I check all the must-have's for this role, and my existing familiarity will make me a quick study."
Manager Example
"Reading your company values on your website, I see that our values are very much in alignment. I believe we will have an excellent working relationship. I also understand that the majority of your production employees are Spanish speaking. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. This skill will improve communication with my new team exponentially."
Admin Example
"I understand that your biggest ask is an administrative assistant that is skilled in QuickBooks and Excel. I test as an expert user in both. In addition to this experience, I have also supported three other executives in my career. I have incredible tenure, only leaving my current role due to a company merger."
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
Professional Answers Preview
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity."
The interviewer would like to know that you are accustomed to working with a broad range of people.Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity.
Specific Career Examples
Admin Example
"In my current role, I work alongside cross-functional teams regularly. Together, we effectively run the day to day needs of the business."
Manager Example
"I would say that pretty much every company I have worked for has valued diversity. Working with people from all walks of life help shed different perspectives and identify potential problems faster."
Marketing Example
"I have worked in a diverse environment my entire marketing career. A successful marketing agency should embrace diversity of all kinds. It's what spurs creativity and genius ideas!"
Teacher Example
"Teachers and students offer incredibly diverse workplace opportunities. Exposure to diversity is a must in the workplace, especially in an educational environment."
Retail Example
"In retail, diversity is everywhere, and I love it! I have always worked in diverse environments, and I am thankful for that."
Sales Example
"I currently have an extensive client demographic. This diversity keeps me on my toes during client visits. Everyone's needs are so different. I have to be sensitive to varying cultures, genders, and religions. It has stretched me as a professional, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Looking at your resume, it seems there are certain skills necessary for this position that do not stand out. How do you think you will be able to compensate for these missing skills?
Professional Answers Preview
"I realize that I may not check off all of the boxes for this position; however, I can assure you that I am a rapid learner. Experience in QuickBooks is not my strongest suit, but I am very well versed in another accounting program called Sage. I think that I can pick up the required knowledge quickly."
Most job descriptions will have a long list of requirements. Hiring managers are aware that, to find a candidate that checks ALL of the boxes, can sometimes be impossible. If you are missing some of the 'nice to have' or even the 'must have' skills listed in the job description, do not fret! Be open about your shortcomings and discuss with the interviewer how you plan to compensate for those.
Specific Career Examples
Admin Example
"I am fully committed to learning, and mastering, any important skills for this role that I do not currently have. Could you share with me any skills that stand out to you?"
Retail Example
"I will learn whatever skills are needed to excel in this position. I will find a coworker mentor and take sales courses, if necessary. You won't be disappointed."
Teacher Example
"Could you share with me which skills you are seeking? I have a diverse range of classroom experiences that I can certainly elaborate on."
Manager Example
"I have not led teams up to 50 people, such as you mentioned in your job posting; however, I have worked with teams up to 30 seamlessly. In my current role, I have only 5% turnover, the lowest employee turnover rate in ten years. I am confident in my ability to handle the responsibilities associated with this role."
Marketing Example
"I understand there are skills on my resume of strong interest to you and I am prepared to work double time to correct any shortcomings you may see on my resume. If you could point to me which areas you feel I lack experience, I would be happy to elaborate on those today."
Sales Example
"As per your job description, I do not have experience selling in the SaaS industry, but I do have experience in communications and technology. Both are highly technical industries, and I am certain I will be able to learn your industry, and the particular verbiage that comes along with that, very quickly."
Considering your background is in an industry different from ours, what skills and characteristics do you have that qualify you for this position in this industry?
Professional Answers Preview
"Although my background is not in your precise industry, I have worked with many clients who have been in your industry. I bring excellent transferable skills that qualify me for this position. These skills include my advanced abilities in Excel, my outstanding cold-calling abilities as well as my proven background in team leadership."
The interviewer would like to know which transferable skills you bring to this position. There are many ways that you can be a fit for a job, even though you do not come with direct industry experience. Think about the variety of skills that you have and how those can benefit another employer, despite the industry. These are your transferable skills, and they can include sales abilities, customer service experience, and software capabilities.
Specific Career Examples
Sales Example
"I bring a lot of transferable skills to this position and industry. My talents and skills revolve around helping people and making companies profitable, no matter the industry."
Retail Example
"Customer service, problem-solving, and analytical skills can cross any industry, and I am a pro at all three."
Admin Example
"I am a pro when it comes to prioritization and communication. These skills can expand any industry. I am a fast learner and have already dedicated some time to better understanding your industry."
Teacher Example
"Although I am new to teaching in the US, my experience as an ESL teacher in Japan taught me a great deal about curriculum building, the importance of practicing empathy in the classroom, and exercising incredibly clear communication."
Marketing Example
"I come from a corporate marketing department versus an agency setting; however, the ethics of what I did in my previous role are the same that you ask for in your job posting. I am great with analytics and research, and my creative mind goes with me, no matter the industry."
Manager Example
"Time management and leadership skills cannot be taught; however, industry knowledge can. I have begun to study your industry already and will have a firm grasp before my start date. If you have any suggestions on resources to gain further industry knowledge, I am all ears!"