How to Answer: Why should I hire you over my other top candidate?
15. Why should I hire you over my other top candidate?
How to Answer
Oh goodness, this kind of question can get your heart pounding if you are not fully prepared to make your case. Think of some unique and stand-out qualities that will stay with the interviewer, long after your interview. This reply is not the time or place to say that you pay keen attention to detail. Choose a specific skill that is a 'must-have' for the role, or focus on a pain point that you can solve by being hired. Rely on your past achievements to back up your reply. Make the interviewer feel as though they will not succeed without you!
Answer Example
"You should hire me over your other top candidate because, in addition to being an expert level user in the specific SAP module used here, I also have recognition specifically for the cost savings I have uncovered for my current company. You mentioned that you are concerned about overspending. I will ease that concern for you in the first 30 days."
Admin
"I AM your top candidate, and your obvious choice because of my ability to streamline your calendar and find new vendors with better pricing, within the first couple of weeks of employment. I am well-versed in supporting C-suite executives and know exactly how to jump into this role with minimal training which means less downtime for you."
Manager
"You mentioned today that the biggest pain-point for your business is currently the bulkiness of some of your processes. Streamlining process is my forte. This stand-out skill is one of the reasons why my current company promoted me to management faster than anyone in their organization's history. I look forward to delivering the same results to your organization."
Marketing
"In addition to meeting all of the must-have's for your role I also have an active social media following full of clients and followers that I can bring to your agency. I am an active vlogger on YouTube and a budding social influencer on LinkedIn. These days, effective marketing is all about social proof, and I have that."
Retail
"You should hire me over your top candidate because I have the data and numbers to back up my statements. I have been retail salesperson of the month for the past nine months straight. This award is measured not only by sales targets but also customer satisfaction reviews. I will elevate the level of customer service here which you mentioned is an urgent need."
Sales
"Sales is all about competition, winning, and results. I have brought with you my numbers from the past twelve months so that you can see I mean it when I say that I can perform a hard close, I negotiate well, and my customers come back again and again. I am ready to prove myself here."
Teacher
"You should choose me for this role because I am already an active figure in this community. My children went to your school, and I have even been on the parents' association here. I am a major proponent of community development and fundraising. I can encourage more parent participation and community involvement, which are two areas you mentioned you needed to develop."
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Apart from that, my domain knowledge is on data. I will optimize my knowledge to translate data into actionable insights or sound decision-making."
Jaymie's Feedback