Prepare to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

Research about the company, its vision, mission, core values, goals, objectives, and history. Explain how you can combine and execute them towards achieving the overall vision of the company.

Many candidates go to interviews with no knowledge, whatsoever, about the company they are going to. That is a big error. Try to know something about the company. And whether you are asked or not, chip in something good about the company in your response. Say something like, “In my little research about XYZ Limited, I found out that the company has been active in the financial industry for 10 years, under the leadership of great business tycoons like the MD, Mr. ABC, with over 22 years experience in the industry…” Statements like this give you an edge over other applicants.

Try to update yourself a little on trends, new knowledge, and changes in the field you are being interviewed for. There is a downside to this. Sometimes, recruiters or interviewers are not updated, hence they are not aware of some trends or changes. Providing your new knowledge to such persons might lead to arguments. In such cases, do not argue with the recruiter, accept whatever they say, let it slide, and move on.

Give specific, detailed examples from your past experiences that make you uniquely qualified for the position. This is the time to showcase your personality, talents, and achievements (if any). Distinguish yourself from the rest of the competition. I usually advise, present yourself to be the favorite, not just the qualified. Once you establish this connection with your employer and hit their ‘favorite’ button, you are 90% into the position.

So don’t just read up something online and hope to ace the interview with whatever you read up. There are many wrong information online as well as right information. Always combine knowledge with experience and provide unique answers customized to relate to the position, company, or industry you are being considered for.

Sometimes, recruiters are tricky. They may try to get on your nerves in the process. Be calm and also confident. By so doing, you are simply communicating to the recruiter that you can work under pressure and you know what you are doing.

State numeric proofs of what you achieved in the various organizations you have worked in, such as reduction in the rate of employee turnover, increase in output, revenue, client base, or traffic to a website, etc. Employers want to know that you will achieve for them what you achieved in your previous places of work.

Mention specific skills you have and explain how they could facilitate the organization's success. For instance, if you have graphics design, electrical, public speaking, or multi-lingual skills, explain how these skills would make you an asset to the company, unique to its performance.

Let the company know that you are passionate about the job. Explain, in detail, why you are passionate about the company and the job position. Explain what made you feel compelled to apply to be a part of the company’s mission.

This shifts the interview from the question-answer mode to the discussion mode. It makes both you and the recruiter comfortable with each other. Share funny scenarios.

Don’t only focus on your strengths or try to market yourself as the perfect candidate. You will fail in flying colors. They are not dumb. As much as you explain your strengths, also talk about your weaknesses, mistakes, flaws, and how you dealt with them.

Learn to use smart, catchy phrases that make you sound like you are a staff of the company already, such as, “If I am hired, I will do…”, “I am always committed to my work”, “As a determined goal-getter…”, “I will do all I can and should do to ensure…”, “I don’t work alone but try to support other departments…”, “I am satisfied when the company is satisfied and achieving its vision”…

Don’t sweet-talk, smart-talk. Just be real and relaxed. And do what you say you can and will do when you get hired.

Do not wait until you have an upcoming interview close. Always practice these things until they become part of you because you do not only need them to pass the interview and get hired, you also need them to stay hired and climb higher in the organization. Rehearse--Learn how to talk corporately, stand, sit, communicate with the right tone, terminologies of the field and firm, etc. Acquire new knowledge and stay relevant.

The night to your interview is not the time to prepare. Consistent practice and rehearsals will make you always prepared. Get all your wears to the interview ready on time. Go to bed on time. Sleep. Wake up refreshed. Go get the job!