MockQuestions

Tough Interview Questions

To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 30 of our hardest interview questions.

Tough was updated by on March 19th, 2024. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 30

Why should we hire you?

"When I started at my current company, I was the youngest salesperson they'd ever hired. Within six months of my hire date, I rose to being the number one salesperson in the company. I waste no time getting oriented, learning from my teams, studying how things are done, and I strive to contribute as swiftly as I can. I am dedicated to my craft and engaged in this industry to the point where I commit myself to take at least one business development or leadership-related workshop every business quarter. I am a competitive achiever. I can assure you, should you decide to hire me, you won't be disappointed."

"When I read the job description, I felt as though you wrote it with me in mind. This opportunity really resonates with me and I am very emotionally invested in working here. Never have I felt a more perfect fit. So, know that I would never take this opportunity for granted, would be committed to working here for the long term and putting my all in consistently. I have three years dedicated to exceeding my sales goals, inside and outside sales experience, and I know the industry. Also, I was the fastest promoted in my previous position and have led the rollout of new markets in my current job, making me ideally positioned to help you continue to build your sales organization, markets, and exceed financial metrics. Not to mention, I have long looked for a company that I feel I could easily commit to for the long haul, something that you said you value as well."

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How to Answer: Why should we hire you?

  • 2. Why should we hire you?

      What You Need to Know

      Interviewers want to hear about that one unique skill that sets you apart from the other candidates applying for this job. Think of your answer as your "elevator pitch" or your qualifying statement. Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! This skill could include any industry accolades, exceptional achievements, additional industry-related training, a second language, or how involved you are in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      If you've already done your homework on the company, from researching their website, values, culture, and anything else you can find online, you should already be equipped with the knowledge to help you answer this question. How do they describe their people on their website? This should tell you everything you need to know about the teams they're working hard to build and the qualities that make them special. Once you know that, you should have a clearer idea of what you have to offer, which makes you uniquely suited to join their teams.

      Your interviewer also aims to recruit long-term employees over short-term ones. Some of their primary goals are to avert attrition and boost employee retention. So, inform them that you are interested in long-term gainful employment, and growing and developing your career with the company. If you can't think of ways that you are unique, ask yourself what your previous coworkers or employers are going to miss about you. Recollect what they've said about you in the past. Ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart from other people. Their observations may help you better understand how you are perceived by others.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      How to Answer

      One way to answer this question before it is even asked is how well you answer every question that precedes it. Be enthusiastic. Start strong. Practice your answers beforehand to ensure your response is clear, concise, and delivered with confidence. Organize your responses in a structured manner, from question to question. Consistency is key. Convey your genuine interest in the opportunity and the company. Demonstrate your company knowledge, connect your skills to the role, and showcase the alignment between your qualifications and the needs of the company and the position. Stress how the company's values and work environment resonate with you, emphasizing your strong cultural fit.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Sales Example

      "When I started at my current company, I was the youngest salesperson they'd ever hired. Within six months of my hire date, I rose to being the number one salesperson in the company. I waste no time getting oriented, learning from my teams, studying how things are done, and I strive to contribute as swiftly as I can. I am dedicated to my craft and engaged in this industry to the point where I commit myself to take at least one business development or leadership-related workshop every business quarter. I am a competitive achiever. I can assure you, should you decide to hire me, you won't be disappointed."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Admin Example

      "You should hire me because I would feel honored and would feel pride working with you as I am passionate about your cause. I am system-oriented, have a strong attention to detail, and am always finding pathways to increase efficiency. I promise I will do everything I can to help achieve our mutual goals. I am excited about the idea of delivering value to your organization and will hustle for the opportunity and promise to consistently go above and beyond."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Sales Example

      "When I read the job description, I felt as though you wrote it with me in mind. This opportunity really resonates with me and I am very emotionally invested in working here. Never have I felt a more perfect fit. So, know that I would never take this opportunity for granted, would be committed to working here for the long term and putting my all in consistently. I have three years dedicated to exceeding my sales goals, inside and outside sales experience, and I know the industry. Also, I was the fastest promoted in my previous position and have led the rollout of new markets in my current job, making me ideally positioned to help you continue to build your sales organization, markets, and exceed financial metrics. Not to mention, I have long looked for a company that I feel I could easily commit to for the long haul, something that you said you value as well."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Retail Example

      "As you can see from my resume, I have over a dozen years of experience under my belt. I have a proven track record of success, strong references, and am a knowledgeable resource of information. I offer creative solutions and outside of the box thinking, am effective at taking calculated risks. I have strong leadership skills and love coaching and mentoring. I am always focused on the customer and very capable of representing the brand. I have seen a ton of change and am extremely adaptable, always supporting the company vision."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Marketing Example

      "I believe that I am the best fit for the role because of my experience, passion for marketing, and, more specifically, excitement about your company and product. Having been a customer and fan for years, I am confident I'll bring more fire and energy to the role than most, and am certain that I am the right fit for your team. I am confident that my sales experience, my freelancing as a marketer, and experience working on different marketing campaigns have prepared me to be a great asset to your team. But more than my experience, you can count on my passion for taking the pace of our teams to the next level. I have traditionally set the pace and influenced the productivity of our teams for the better."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Manager Example

      "You mentioned earlier in the interview process that you were struggling with maintaining staff and retaining them. I have an incredible track record for culture building, turning around workplace morale, team building, and reinvigorating and incentivizing a burned-out workforce. I have strong talent acquisition skills, and my adjustable model for my onboarding strategy took my current company from a 35% turnover rate to just 5% in twelve months. I would be honored to put my all into turning this pain point around here as well."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Teacher Example

      "In addition to winning the 'Top Educator of the Year' award in my current district this year, I also bring an elevated level of education compared to most candidates. I have my master's degree in Education and have also taught first-year college classes for future educators. I look forward to bringing this knowledge and influence to your school."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      1st Experienced Example

      "You should hire me because I genuinely want to work here more than anywhere, and would commit myself to working here for the long term. I would take advantage of every developmental offering, and am willing to do whatever is needed for the company, including widening my availability, traveling for work, and even relocating should the need arise. I thrive in environments such as yours where I feel constantly challenged. I work well under pressure, am emotionally intelligent, and am never governed by my stress. I'm highly motivated by overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions. I'm passionate and I'm driven to contribute, especially to a company such as yours where I feel I share values, and where I would be proud to say I work."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "You should hire me because I am a uniquely strong employee. At my last company, I was promoted within one year and was the only woman working in the team. I am an extremely dedicated employee who takes pride in their work. I am goal-oriented and aspire to complete projects efficiently and meticulously. I believe I possess many positive qualities that would be quickly realized and utilized."

      Lauren's Feedback

      This is a positive and impactful response. Great job!
      Show More Answers