“Why should we hire you?”
It’s a common interview question that can make even the most confident job seekers pause. Whether you’re an experienced interviewee or fresh to the job market in Canada, this query has a knack for catching people off-guard. Having a well-crafted response to “Tell us why you think we should hire you” isn’t just helpful — it could be the make-or-break factor in landing a job offer.
Even if they don’t say it explicitly, what Canadian employers really want to know is, “Why should we hire you over everyone else?” They’re looking to find out, in your opinion, what sets you apart from other applicants.
Other forms of the question may include:
“Why are you the best candidate for this role?”
“Why are you a good fit for this job?”
“What makes you the ideal candidate for this position?”
There’s more to this question than meets the eye.
Interviewers aren’t just curious about your qualifications — they’re also seeing how you handle a potentially tricky situation. Your response gives them a glimpse of how you might represent their company when faced with tough questions from clients or colleagues.
By asking this, they’re looking for someone who can think quickly and respond thoughtfully, all while keeping their cool. It’s a chance to show you’ve got the skills to navigate challenging professional situations with confidence.
As any hiring manager in Canada will tell you, there is no best answer for the question, “Why should we hire you?” – it’s about effectively articulating reasons why they should hire you based on the position posted and their specific needs.
Certain responses can definitely raise red flags, however. Here are a few approaches to avoid:
“I’m clearly the best candidate you’ll interview.” This level of confidence can come across as arrogance. Even if you’ve got impressive achievements to back it up, interviewers might see this less as “why you think we should hire you” and more “I’m always right (and difficult to work with or resistant to feedback).”
“I’m not sure. All the candidates are probably great.” While modesty can be a virtue, underselling yourself won’t win you any points. You need to make a compelling case for why you’re the right fit – and no hiring manager is going to respond with, “I appreciate that, but this is an opportunity for you to share specific reasons why we should hire you.”
“I’m a quick learner and I work really hard.” These are valuable traits, but they’re also what everyone claims. Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities in action. Perhaps you put in extra effort on a project to get the job done on time, or you learned a coding language in a couple of weeks when the average time is a month.
“To be honest, I’ve been job hunting for months and I really need this position.” Expressing desperation isn’t a winning strategy, and no hiring manager will add it to their post-interview list of reasons why they should hire you. Focus on why you’re excited about this particular role and company.
When considering how to answer the question “why should we hire you?”, there are ways to stand out positively while maintaining professionalism and authenticity. When preparing a response to “tell us why you think we should hire you”, focus on the unique value you’d bring to the organization.
Whether you’re just starting out, advancing your career or switching fields, here are some approaches to consider:
Spotlight your relevant skills and experience: Connect your abilities directly to the job requirements. If you’ve already discussed your technical skills, highlight your soft skills instead. Remember, specific examples and numbers can make your answer more impactful.
Show off your company knowledge: Pretend you’re the employer, asking “What are some reasons why we should hire you?” – and demonstrate you’ve done your homework by explaining how you’d contribute to their goals and be a good fit within their culture. This showcases your enthusiasm for both the role and the organization.
Address a specific challenge: If you know the reasons they’re hiring (e.g., expansion, new product launch, skills gap), response should address them. Precisely explaining how you’d help tackle each issue will show you‘re solution-oriented and ready to make an impact from day one.
Emphasize your drive and adaptability: For recent graduates, focus on your eagerness to learn and grow. Share examples of times you’ve successfully taken on new challenges, proving you have the determination to excel in this role.
Highlight your unique perspective: Every candidate brings a distinct set of experiences and viewpoints. Explain how your background — whether it’s from a different industry, culture or educational path — can offer fresh insights and innovative approaches to the role.
Showcase your collaborative spirit: Highlight your ability to work well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics. Share examples of successful collaborations or times when you’ve helped improve team performance.
Make it tailored. Your answer should be specific to the company and role you’re interviewing for. Generic responses won’t cut it.
Be concise. Aim for a response that’s one to two minutes long. If the interviewer wants more details, they’ll ask follow-up questions.
Tell the truth. While it’s tempting to embellish your skills to fit the job description, honesty is crucial. Exaggerations can backfire if you’re hired and can’t deliver.
Practice, but don’t memorize. Rehearse your answer to sound natural and confident, but avoid sounding robotic. Allow for some flexibility in your delivery.
End with a question. After your response, consider asking something like, “Does this match what you’re looking for?” This shows you’re engaged and gives you a chance to address any potential concerns.
Investing time in preparing and crafting a compelling response to, “Why should we hire you?” is well worth the effort. By anticipating this question and preparing thoughtfully, you’ll not only avoid being caught off guard but also significantly increase your chances of making a strong, positive impression. Remember, this is your moment to shine — make it count!
