Competition is stiff for this position. Why should we hire you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
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Show the interviewer that you are unique and stand out from the crowd! If you can't think of ways that you are unique, ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart from other people. Their observations may help you understand how you are perceived.

Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! This could include any industry accolades, individual achievements, additional industry-related training, a second language, or your involvement in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.

Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the keywords of the qualities, experience, and education the agency seeks in a border patrol officer. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response. When describing how you meet all of their job requirements, the interviewer will see that you are a highly qualified candidate and place you high on the candidate list.

"I'm qualified and passionate about border safety. I am excited about the idea of contributing to the high level of safety that our citizens have come to know and expect."

"You should hire me because I am unlike anyone you have interviewed before. I am a competitive achiever and an honest person. I am dedicated to law enforcement and engaged in this career path to the point where I commit myself to take at least one career development or leadership-related workshop every year. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."

"In addition to meeting all of the must-haves for this role, I bring additional skills such as being trilingual and having a dual degree in communications and criminology. I look forward to adding these skills to your already amazing team."

Anonymous Answer

"I have been a firearms instructor, Sergeant within the Marine Corps Infantry, and a Corrections Officer. I would also like to qualify that corrections experience is increasingly valuable to your agency; whereas, you often have detainees that you cannot house with offenders and criminal detainees. This is a political issue, and experience inside of detention facilities or institutions of confinement will continue to increase in importance."

Rachelle's Feedback

You make a very strong case, here! Nicely said - compelling, informative, and confident.

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Anonymous Answer

"I should be hired because I have a strong military background that is based on discipline, loyalty, and commitment to the United States."

Rachelle's Feedback

Employers often look most favorably on military experience. This is good, and be sure to give as much detail as possible regarding your responsibilities in the military and how they will transfer to the job at hand.

Anonymous Answer

"I believe I am a good fit for this role for a few reasons, I think my experience at LAX airport will help me prevail beyond expectations. I had to get out of my comfort zone during my last promotion and take more responsibilities and working closer together with superiors and as a result, I was able to reach out and work in teams across the company. Also, I am a fluent Spanish speaker and I know this is a valuable tool for this agency."

Stephanie's Feedback

It is evident that you have a number of important strengths that correlate closely with the needs of this role. Below, I have suggested a way to restate this response to improve your confidence and clarity.

"I am the ideal fit for this role for a number of reasons. I have an impeccable work ethic and strong interpersonal skills, as evidenced by my previous work at LAX. In this role, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone and collaborated in teams across the company, ultimately allowing me to earn a promotion. I believe that my experience at LAX has fully prepared me for the rigors of this role and will allow me to prevail beyond expectations. Additionally, I am a fluent Spanish speaker and look forward to utilizing this valuable skill at your agency."

Anonymous Answer

"You should hire me because I am an honest, hard-working, and determined individual. I've learned to overcome obstacles and challenges through my professional and life experiences and I am confident that if given the opportunity with the proper training I can become an asset to your prestigious team. I am bilingual, I can fluently read, speak & write both English & Spanish, and I can assure you that I would hold pride in my career and will always put my best foot forward as an agent to ensure I meet the valued standards of the agency."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent. This response is strong because it shows your passion, drive, skills, and experience. It reiterates to the interviewer why you're the best candidate for the job. Don't forget to mention your integrity, strong communication skills (beyond being bilingual), ability to manage stress, the pursuit of maintaining your physical fitness, how you finished school while working full-time, and how you put your dreams on hold to raise your siblings. Pull out all the stops and really wow the interviewer! :)

How to Answer: Competition is stiff for this position. Why should we hire you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Border Patrol Officer job interview.

29. Competition is stiff for this position. Why should we hire you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Written by Krista Wenz on April 14th, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

Written by Krista Wenz on April 14th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I'm qualified and passionate about border safety. I am excited about the idea of contributing to the high level of safety that our citizens have come to know and expect."

Written by Krista Wenz on April 14th, 2022