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

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example
Community Answers

The interviewer wants to hear what makes you unique. If you can't think of an answer, 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 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.

Before your interview, review the job announcement to see what qualities the organization looks for in a correction officer. Suppose they describe their ideal candidate as one who has excellent communication skills, empathy, team player, and patience. In that case, focus on those keywords when explaining why they should hire you.

Avoid speaking poorly of other candidates. You do not know the qualities or experience other applicants bring to the table. Instead, focus on describing what you have to offer and how hiring you will benefit the interviewer's organization.

"I'm qualified and passionate about public safety. I am empathetic to those around me, am a team player, and have excellent communication skills. I am excited about 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 else you have interviewed. I am a competitive achiever and an honest person. I am dedicated to law enforcement and engaged in this career path. I have even committed to taking 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 requirements 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 feel like my past work experience in public services as a community service leader has prepared me to deal with different cultures and stressful times, and has taught me to have a more commanding presence."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your response is great! I suggest organizing it just slightly so that the interviewer can absorb your answer a bit better.

"You should hire me because my experience in public services, as a community service leader, has well prepared me to work as a correctional officer. I have exposure to different cultures, stressful situations, and know how to command attention using my physical presence."

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Anonymous Answer

"Yes, competition is very stiff. I've met some of the other candidates, and I was impressed. I believe you should hire me because I'm all in. This is something 100% I know I want to do with my life. I want to grow my career in corrections. I'm a very hard-working person who never takes time off, you can call previous employers to vouch for me."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are all good reasons to hire you; however, they may not be enough to set you apart. Also, to say you never take time off does not show good balance, and could work against you. I have offered a different example below.

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

Anonymous Answer

"I believe with my work experience and skills will be a great addition to the department of corrections, I always look to improve in my profession and am always willing to be the perfect team player for my coworkers."

Rachelle's Feedback

Try digging deeper and tap into your specific skills that you are sure no other candidate will bring, or be better at, than you. If this were a you vs them competition, how would you win?

"My security work experience with psych and at-risk patients has given me a unique perspective that will be incredibly useful as a correction officer. This experience has grown my patience, given me a keen perception of complex human behavior, and the ability to thrive in dangerous, and difficult situations."

Anonymous Answer

"I have a great passion for the public sector and a public safety career. I like to help people and encourage them to be better through education, interaction, and hope. Having a degree in criminology is the career that I want to work for in the long term. Making an impact on individuals and make our society better, I am not here to punish people, I am here to make an influence, support, and help people change for the better."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your approach to correction is refreshing and you do an excellent job relaying to the interviewer that this career is about passion, hope, and change.

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