Why should we hire you? Example interview answers and expert tips

The interview question “Why should we hire you?” is one of the most direct and challenging parts of the hiring process. It asks you to summarise your strengths, values, and potential contribution, all while staying concise and confident. For many job seekers, it feels like a trick question. But if you prepare well, it’s a great opportunity to stand out.

In this guide, we’ll explain why employers ask this question, how to structure your answer, and what mistakes to avoid. You’ll also find sample answers for different backgrounds and experience levels, as well as practical tips and frequently asked questions to help you feel ready and confident on interview day.

Why employers ask the interview question “Why should we hire you?”

At first glance, this question might seem a little blunt or even intimidating. But hiring managers are not trying to trip you up. They are giving you a chance to make your case. They want to know how you see yourself fitting into the role, what strengths you bring to the table, and whether you’ve thought about the impact you could make.

This question is also a way to compare candidates. If two people have similar experiences, the one who clearly articulates their values is more likely to move forward. It helps interviewers identify people who not only meet the job requirements but also understand the company’s needs and are motivated to contribute.

In short, “Why should we hire you?” is your moment to pitch yourself. It’s your chance to connect your skills to the employer’s goals and show that you are not just qualified, but prepared and enthusiastic.

How to structure your answer to “Why we should hire you”

A good answer has a clear structure. It helps you stay focused and ensures your response covers everything the interviewer needs to hear.

Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

1. Highlight your key strengths
   Start by identifying the top two or three qualities that make you a strong fit for the role. These could be skills, achievements, or personality traits, depending on what the job calls for.
2. Connect your strengths to the company’s needs
   Don’t just list qualities. Explain how those strengths will help you succeed in the role. Try to show that you understand what the company is looking for and how you can help solve their problems or improve their performance. 
3. Finish with confidence
   End with a clear and positive statement about the value you bring. This shows confidence and reinforces your interest in the role. 

Here’s a basic formula: 
I bring [strengths] that align with [specific job needs], and I’m confident I can [value you’ll deliver].

Tailoring your answer

The best answers are tailored to the specific job and company. Start by studying the job description. Look for repeated themes or priorities. Is the company focused on growth? Are they hiring someone to take ownership of a new area? Are they looking for a team player or someone who can work independently?

Once you know what they care about, you can match your skills to their goals. This shows that you’re not just a strong candidate in general, but the right candidate for this role.

Example answers to the interview question “Why should we hire you?”

Here are five detailed sample answers for different situations, with short explanations of what each one does well.

1. Graduate or entry-level role

I recently completed a degree in Marketing, where I focused on digital campaigns and audience engagement. During my final year, I completed a three-month internship at a tech startup and helped increase their Instagram engagement by 80 percent through a new content strategy. I’m enthusiastic about building a career in this space and excited to bring my creativity, strong communication, and fresh perspective to your team.

Why it works: This answer highlights a real accomplishment and shows how the candidate has already applied their skills in a relevant context. It ends with enthusiasm and potential.

2. Career changer

I’m making a move from teaching to project coordination, and while the industry is new for me, the skills I’ve developed are directly transferable. In my last role, I led the planning of several school-wide initiatives, managed stakeholder communication, and delivered outcomes on tight deadlines. I’ve also completed a certified course in project management and used Asana and Trello to manage small projects. I believe I can bring strong organisation, clarity and people skills to your team from day one.

Why it works: The candidate addresses the career change directly but reframes their experience in a relevant way. They also show initiative and preparedness.

3. Experienced professional

Over the past six years in account management, I’ve consistently grown client portfolios by 20 to 40 percent each year. I take a consultative approach and focus on building long-term relationships that drive value. At my current company, I helped secure a major renewal by identifying a product improvement that increased client satisfaction. I’m confident that I can bring both results and strong relationship skills to your team.

Why it works: This answer includes specific metrics, demonstrates a proactive mindset, and clearly connects achievements to future contributions.

4. Candidate with no direct experience

Although I’m new to this field, I’m a fast learner and very motivated. In my previous job as a barista, I worked under pressure, handled customer feedback professionally, and consistently received positive reviews. I’ve also completed a short online course in customer service and practised mock interviews to prepare for this role. I believe I bring strong people skills, a solid work ethic, and a desire to grow.

Why it works: This answer is honest but optimistic. It focuses on attitude, transferable skills and preparation, which is exactly what entry-level hiring managers are looking for.

5. Remote or flexible working role

I’ve worked remotely for the past four years, leading a small digital content team across different time zones. I’ve developed strong habits around asynchronous communication, accountability, and task management. I use tools like Slack, Notion, and Loom to stay connected, and I’ve been praised for keeping projects on track without micromanagement. I believe I can contribute to your remote-first culture and help keep things moving smoothly.

Why it works: This response is tailored to a remote setup. It shows awareness of the challenges and demonstrates that the candidate knows how to manage them.

Common mistakes to avoid when answering “Why we should hire you”

Even strong candidates sometimes struggle with this question. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Being too vague 

Avoid general phrases like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m good with people.” Without specific examples, these don’t tell the interviewer much.

Just repeating your CV 

This question is your chance to connect your experience to the employer’s needs. Don’t just list your past roles - instead, do your best to explain why they matter in this context.

Underselling yourself 

If you lack confidence, it’s easy to downplay your strengths. But this is not the time to be modest. Prepare your answer in advance so you can speak with clarity and confidence.

Overpromising 

Confidence is good, but arrogance is off-putting. Avoid claims like “I’m the best person for the job” unless you back them up with evidence.

Not tailoring your answer 

A generic answer might be okay, but a tailored one is much more effective. It shows effort, interest, and understanding of the role.

Final tips for answering with confidence

Preparation makes all the difference. Here’s how to feel ready for this interview question:

• Write down three key strengths that match the job 
• Prepare one or two examples that prove your points 
• Practice saying your answer out loud until it feels natural 
• Use bullet points rather than full scripts 
• Adjust your tone to suit the company culture 
   

Also, remember that confidence is not about being perfect. It’s about showing that you’ve thought seriously about what you bring to the role and why you want it.