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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 19 of 30

Why should we not hire you?

This interview question is similar to 'What are your weaknesses?'. This question can be tricky to answer because you do not want to be a hundred percent honest and lay out all the reasons the interviewer should not hire you. Start your answer by saying there is no reason not to hire you. This reply displays confidence to the interviewer. Then focus on one skill which you still need to improve. Tell the interviewer you are weak in this one area but are actively looking to improve yourself there.

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How to Answer: Why should we not hire you?

  • 19. Why should we not hire you?

      What You Need to Know

      This interview question is similar to 'What are your weaknesses?'. This question can be tricky to answer because you do not want to be a hundred percent honest and lay out all the reasons the interviewer should not hire you. Start your answer by saying there is no reason not to hire you. This reply displays confidence to the interviewer. Then focus on one skill which you still need to improve. Tell the interviewer you are weak in this one area but are actively looking to improve yourself there.

      Answer Example

      "I don't believe there is any reason not to hire me, but if I have to give a reason I would say my presentation skills are not as great as I would like them to be. I know presentations are a requirement for this job, and I have taken it upon myself to enroll in weekday speech classes."

      Marketing Example

      "I firmly believe that I am a strong fit for this role. I hit the mark for every must-have except for possessing a formal degree in Marketing. With that said, my years of experience and multiple certificates certainly make up for that."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      Manager Example

      "I understand that you are looking for 6+ years of management experience, and I possess just 3. With that said, I have a great amount of training in management and some notable successes that I look forward to achieving again with your organization."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      Admin Example

      "I cannot think of a single reason why you should not hire me. Can you? I think we had an excellent conversation today and, aside from my light experience in Accounts Payable, which I can quickly learn, I believe I am the perfect match for this role."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      Retail Example

      "I understand that I come from one of your competitors so I hope that you can see why it would be a benefit to your company, versus a hindrance. I know how to overcome objections and close a sale, and have been the top retail sales rep for the past six months running."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      Sales Example

      "Rather than telling you why you should not hire me because I wholeheartedly believe that you should, I would like to tell you what I am currently working on. Presently, I am taking a course in cold calling and recently completed another course in the art of negotiations. I may not have all of the years' experience that you are looking for, but I can confidently assure you that I try harder than anyone I know, to succeed."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      Teacher Example

      "I think that if there were any reason to pass on hiring me, it would be because I am newer to my career. However, you will see that between my double degree, my athletic background, and the fact that I speak three languages, I will make up very quickly for the years of experience you feel I may not bring."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "If you don't hire me, you will lose a leader with a lot of experience in the operation store."

      Lauren's Feedback

      Great response. I changed the wording slightly.
      "I am not a candidate that should be passed up; I offer many years of experience and an eagerness to be a dedicated asset to your workforce."
      Show More Answers