During a job interview, the interviewer might ask you the question, “Why are you the best person for the job?” This is similar to othercommon interview questions, such as “Why should we hire you?” The interviewer wants to know why you would be a better option to hire than other candidates.
What the Interviewer Wants to Know
The interviewer also want to make sure you know what they are looking for in a job candidate, and that you have the ability to do the job if you were to be hired. One of the goals of the interview is to determine whetheryou are a good fitfor both the role and the organization. On the flip side, you'll also need todecide if the job is a good matchfor what you're looking for in your next role.
When answering this kind of question, your objective is tosell yourself to the hiring managerand convince them thatyou are a unique and strong candidate. Read below for advice on preparing for and answering this interview question, as well as examples of the best responses.
How to Answer "Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?"
There are many ways you can answer this question. The first way is to explain how your personality or personal traits make you an ideal candidate. To do that, take the time before the interview to carefullymatch your qualifications to those listed in the job posting. Be prepared to explain why you're a solid match for the job.
Note
For example, you might explain that you are particularly motivated, or that you are known for going above and beyond for your employers.
A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you haveskills that make you a strong candidate(especially if not many people have those skills), mention these. The skills the employer is seeking may also be listed in the job posting. If not, look at similar jobs to see what criteria employers are looking for.
Another option is to show the employer that what you have accomplished in your previous roles qualify you for this one. Share examples of your achievements that relate to the job for which you're interviewing.
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4 Ways to Answer: Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?
Examples of the Best Answers
Take a look at these possible answers and tailor them to your specific qualifications for the job, career background, and work experience:
Example Answer #1
My previous job working as a receptionist provided me with the ideal experience for this position. For five years, I developed many of the skills required for this job, including answering phones and email, processing payments, and entering data on multiple computer programs.
Why It Works: This response is effective because the candidate goes into specifics in listing the essential skill set she can bring to her new employer. Ideally, she has also emphasized these skills because she realized from reading the job posting that these talents were among the employer’s most “preferred qualifications.”
Example Answer #2
Myskill setis a perfect match for the job requirements. In particular, my sales skills and managerial experience make me an ideal candidate for the position. For example, at my last job, I managed a sales team of five employees, and we had the top sales record of our company branch. I can bring my successes and experiences to this job.
Why It Works: Not only does this interviewee mention his important skills, but he also alludes to his previous leadership responsibilities and his quantifiable success (a “top sales record”) in his previous job.
Example Answer #3
I have the ability to find my niche within a group and support everyone's efforts. For example, my last job involved a lot of team projects. I was always able to recognize my teammates’ skills, and delegated tasks that fit each person’s skills. I know this job involves lots of teamwork and group projects, and I know this is a work style in which I excel.
Why It Works: This is a great example of how to effectively use the STAR interview response technique, in which you structure your answer to describe a past situation, your task, your action, and the result. Here, the candidate uses this technique to also point out that she is aware of the employer’s company culture and focus on collaborative teamwork, showing how her own experience aligns with these priorities.
Example Answer #4
I am a self-motivated person who is willing to go above and beyond on any project, and to learn valuable skills on my own time. For example, I taught myself five computer programming languages in college, simply out of a passion to learn how to code. I know you are looking for a self-motivated computer technician with both skills and passion, and I am that person.
Why It Works: This job candidate showcases the broad skill set that many of his competitors for the position might not have: his knowledge of five computer programming languages. He is also able, in his response, to point out his personal initiative and enthusiasm for his work.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Prepare in advance.Before an interview, think carefully about what makes you an ideal candidate for the position. First, look at the job listing, and circle any key skills or qualifications. Then, look at your resume and note any particular experiences or skills that fit the job listing. Emphasize those qualifications in your answer to the question.
Share examples.It's important to be as specific as possible when answering this question. Whether you emphasize your skills or a personality trait, be sure to provide one or two specific examples that prove you have those qualities and how you will use them in the workplace.
Note
Ideally, your examples will come from past experiences at work. If you’renew to the job market, you can also emphasize experiences from school, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.
Focus on how you can help the company.Avoid answers that emphasize why you want the job. Instead, focus on how you can add value to the company. To prepare for this kind of answer, make sure you have someknowledge about the companyahead of time. Take the time to review the company's website, social media pages, and other information about the organization that's available online.
Don’t compare yourself to others.Even though the question is about how you compare to other candidates, don’t critique theother job seekers. This can come across as negative or rude.
Instead, emphasize what makes you unique in a positive manner, without attacking or insulting other candidates. It's important to sell your qualifications without being considered arrogant or overbearing.
Don’t say this:"Unlike some of the other candidates I’m sure you’ve seen today, I have experience in the field, which means that I can hit the ground running on day one."
Do say: "My years of experience in this field have given me on-the-job knowledge, as well as a sense of where the industry has been and where it’s going in the future. I have thekind of technical skills that only come from doing the job for several years. I can slide seamlessly into this role and start hitting goals on my very first day."
Possible Follow-Up Questions
- Why did you leave your previous job? -Best Answers
- What are your salary expectations? -Best Answers
- Why do you want this job? -Best Answers
- More interview questions: Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers
Key Takeaways
RESEARCH THE COMPANY: Before your interview, write down a list of how your work skills match up with the “preferred” qualifications mentioned on the job posting. Then, in your answer, make sure you talk about these key skills, using examples when possible, to prove that you are the best person for the job.
BEWARE COMPARISONS: While it’s smart to highlight the skills that you believe set you apart from other candidates for the position, don’t throw shade on others. Keep your tone positive, and talk about what you yourself can offer the company rather than upon what they cannot.
FOCUS ON THE EMPLOYER’S NEEDS: In your answer, describe all of your hard and soft skills that would “add value” should the employer hire you. Don’t make your response about you (i.e., a plea as to why you really want the job).
FAQs
How do you answer why you are the best person for the job? ›
For example, you might explain that you are particularly motivated, or that you are known for going above and beyond for your employers. A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate (especially if not many people have those skills), mention these.
Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job? ›“Over the years, I have acquired relevant skills and experience, which I shall bring to your organization. I have also worked tirelessly on my communication abilities and teamwork skills, which I will put to use in my future career, which would be in your organization if I am selected for the position.
Why are you worthy of this position? ›The most important skills the company is looking for (they're usually listed in descending order) are ones you possess. Your professional experiences have prepared you well for the challenge ahead. Your enthusiasm for the industry will help you learn new skills and become even more valuable to the company.
Why are you the best person for this job with no experience? ›Sample Response
I am someone who believes their personality will be a big asset to an employer, not least because of my dedication to my work, my willingness to go above and beyond what is required, and also my hunger for learning and developing new skills.
- Leadership. Even in entry-level positions, most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills. ...
- Analytical Skills. ...
- Dependability and a Strong Work Ethic. ...
- Maturity and a Professional Attitude. ...
- Adaptability and Flexibility. ...
- Good Personality.
Let's have a look at an example: “Honestly, I've always aimed to work for the best in the business, so I've been following this company closely as I admire the quality of work you do here and the level of professionalism. I believe you could benefit from my punctuality, determination, and quick thinking.
What to say to why do you want this position? ›“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
What makes you stand out from other candidates? ›An important skill that can set you apart from other candidates is being intellectually curious and wanting to learn new things. Having a genuine interest in the job and wanting to learn more is something hiring managers want from their candidates. It shows that you will strive to find new ways to solve problems.
Why you are the best person to do this job please mention the most important 3/5 factors? ›- Highlight specific traits in your personality or relevant skills that make you the best candidate for the role. ...
- Highlight your accomplishments that are relevant to the job. ...
- Match your skills to the job requirements/description. ...
- Know what you bring to the position and how it helps the company. ...
- Confidence is key.
Emphasize your uniqueness: Describe the skills and experiences that could make you stand out from the crowd of applicants and would "add value" to the company or team. Focus on the employer's needs: Answering this question is your chance to show the interviewer how you can add value to the company.
What can you bring to the company? ›
- your enthusiasm for the profession and the employer and your desire to make your mark.
- your personal qualities, such as your drive and willingness to learn.
- the skills the employer seeks and how you have demonstrated them in the past – your answer should show why you would be competent in the job.
- Enthusiasm.
- Trustworthiness.
- Creativity.
- Discipline.
- Patience.
- Respectfulness.
- Determination.
- Dedication.
Here's an overview of types of experience that you might find motivating (though you should always make sure your answer is personal and relates to your own background, and give a concrete example): meeting deadlines, targets or goals. mentoring and coaching others. learning new things.
What are jobs looking for in a person? ›- Critical thinking and problem solving.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Professionalism and strong work ethic.
- Oral and written communications skills.
- Leadership.
if you work hard to fit in with the team and the culture. if you will meet the deadline in the shortest amount of time possible. if you are always learning and growing as a professional. if you accept criticism and feedback positively and learn from your mistakes.
What do you say in Tell me about yourself? ›Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.
What skills can you bring to the team? ›- Communication. Communication is the foundation of effective teamwork. ...
- Time management. ...
- Problem-solving. ...
- Listening. ...
- Critical thinking. ...
- Collaboration. ...
- Leadership.
You can mention unique technical skills/hard skills, soft skills, key personality traits, experiences, personal attributes, or any other factor that makes you an exceptional candidate… and different from other job seekers You could also mention a reason that you're passionate about this industry/work, if that's true.
What makes me unique as a person? ›Our genetic make-up is one component that makes us different from everyone else. Our DNA comes from our parents, which in turn gives us DNA from our recent as well as ancient ancestors. Other people will receive DNA from their parents, thus making them different from you.
What are the 3 things that you consider important in this job? ›- Reputation and Culture. There are many factors to consider when evaluating a company's reputation. ...
- Career Development. ...
- Work-Life Balance. ...
- Other Considerations.
What would be the three best things for you about being an employee? ›
...
The best employee qualities to develop
- Good communication. ...
- Interpersonal skills. ...
- Strategic thinking. ...
- Integrity. ...
- Leadership. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Confidence. ...
- Problem-solving skills.
- Reliability. Look for employees on whom you can count to arrive on time and finish their tasks. ...
- Problem-solving skills. Valuable employees are driven to solve problems. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Conflict resolution. ...
- Communication skills. ...
- Willing to learn and ask questions.
- Decide what you can do. Pinpoint which parts of the situation you have the power to change or influence for the better. ...
- Get support. Find someone to talk to about your situation. ...
- Care for yourself. Take especially good care of yourself when stress in your life is high.
I will bring my unique visioning ability to your company. I am experienced in many areas related to this company's current goals, including expanding international sales. For example, I helped improve international sales at a previous company by over 25%.
Why do you want to work in this company? ›I want an opportunity, I think your company will give me an excellent opportunity to enhance my skills, and help me to gain practical knowledge and experience. I am looking for a platform where I can give my best, And work hard with a lot of dedication. I always love to handle new challenges in upcoming future.
How do you answer why do you want to work here with no experience? ›- I've known about your company for a long time and really admire it.
- I believe I can make a positive impact here.
- The company's values align with my own.
- I love what I've heard/read about the company culture.
- I admire the company's work ethic and collaborative spirit.
Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation.
How do you stand out in an interview? ›- 1) Avoid talking about what you're not.
- 2) Tell a story about yourself.
- 3) Allow yourself to be vulnerable.
- 4) Don't hide who you are.
- 5) Pose thoughtful questions to your hiring manager.
- Find Out Who You'll Be Talking To. ...
- Ask Good Questions. ...
- Practice Talking About Yourself. ...
- Study the Main Points You Want to Mention. ...
- Show Them That You're Excited About the Position. ...
- Give Examples of What You've Achieved. ...
- Keep the Needs of the Company in Mind.
Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.