Explain why your background and experience would be a good fit for this job answers: How To Answer the Interview Question, “Why are you a good fit?”
How To Answer the Interview Question, “Why are you a good fit?”
While hiring companies can ask any number of questions when you’re applying to a job, almost all of them will ask some version of, “Why are you a good fit?” With so many ways to answer this broad interview question, it can be difficult to feel confident that your response will stand out from the other applicants’.
We’re here telling you to stop worrying and overthinking your interview answers! This is your chance to highlight your strengths and create a great first impression. Embrace this opportunity to show a hiring manager why you would be a great addition to their team. Don’t be shy and provide concrete examples so the hiring manager couldn’t imagine themselves not hiring you.
Answer this open-ended interview question by addressing two main points in your response. First, you should show a hiring manager why you’re a qualified candidate. Then, prove that your uniqueness elevates you from the rest of the applicants.
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Think about answers they want to see
To start, look at the job post itself and try to decide what the hiring manager would be over the moon to see when you answer any interview question. It’s important to never lie, but you can dig deep and find comparable experiences that could make you a great candidate.
Think about mentioning:
- Relevant experience you’ve obtained in past jobs
- Any skills or certifications you have that are related to the tasks you’d be completing
- Adjectives that describe an ideal worker for that position
When hiring managers post a job, they probably already have an idea of the type of people they want to hire. It’s on you to prove to them that you’re the match to what they’re looking for. You don’t always need to have experience in the exact role to get it. If you can show why you have the potential to fulfill the role, you just might get the chance.
Describe why you’re different
If you find a job posting online or on an app, chances are there will be plenty of applicants who have experience and skills comparable to yours.
To really stand out, you want to be able to speak to why you’re qualified and what you bring to the table that the next applicant might not. This is your chance to highlight what makes you special as you answer interview questions.
Think about mentioning:
- Your job ethic and personality and how they are reflected in your work
- A unique skill that would make you stand out in a team
- A time your individuality or innovation helped your team achieve a goal
You can’t control how many other people apply or what they put on their applications, but you can take advantage of your opportunity to capture a hiring manager’s attention.
Highlight why you’d be a good fit
Here are examples of answers that show why you are qualified and why you should be chosen for a job. The first part of your answer should show why you’re qualified to be part of the team. The second part should show why you deserve the opportunity over other qualified applicants.
Use these samples to craft your own answer to the hiring manager’s interview questions.
When applying for a warehousing gig:
- I am physically fit and am comfortable lifting over 45 lbs. I will follow all instructions and safety guidelines and already have the appropriate steel-toe boots and gloves needed for the job. Warehousing is a team job and I will help others if they need it.
If you want to stand out in a delivery position:
- I’ve driven for pizza and flower delivery companies in the past and have a clean driving record. I know being on-time is crucial and how important it is to provide good customer service when I make the delivery.
How to prove you’re the next inventory stocking guru:
- I’m detail-oriented and thorough. I’d make sure the project is completed correctly and would ask questions if I need help. Additionally, I’m good at working quickly, keeping a clean workspace, and am eager to help others with their work if I finish early.
Answer their interview questions confidently
If you keep our advice in mind, you’ll find yourself answering your interview questions with ease. Like any other skill, you get better the more you do it. To make a name for yourself in the gig economy, we recommend that you embrace the humblebrag when as you answer interview questions. Learn how to confidently promote yourself and your experiences and you can find success in the gig world and maybe even find a long-term position.
About the Author: Jesi Bolandrina is a former Content Marketing Manager at Jobble. She curated Jobble’s blog, articles and was the editor of The Everyday Hustle newsletter.
Keys To A Successful Job Interview
Military spouses applying for jobs are faced with tough questions. But with a little preparation, you can be ready for whatever an interviewer is likely to throw at you.
There are two things any job searcher should understand when thinking about an interview.
First, an interview is a business meeting between equals. The company has a job and it needs someone to fill it. The second thing to remember is that the job seeker must be prepared and always at his or her best for the interview.
Typical Questions
Regardless of the job you are interviewing for, you should be able to answer certain basic questions.
Interviewer: “Tell me a little bit about yourself.”
OK answer: “I’m from Jacksonville, Florida, and I have a degree in computer science. I’ve been out of the paid work force for several years, and I’ve been volunteering.”
Better answer: When answering this question, it’s good to start out with where you are from and what experience you’ve had in the last few years. Military spouses should downplay frequent moves. Explain your career goals and what you have done to reach them. This is your opportunity to tell what you want the employer to know. Consider this your own 20-second commercial.
Interviewer: “Why should we hire you for this position?”
OK answer: “You should hire me for the job because of my education and my past work experience.”
Better answer: “There are several skills that are needed to do this position. I have acquired many of these skills from hands-on experience. Additionally, I have studied and learned more about the field in order to stay current with today’s technology. Let me give you an example. While working for XYZ Corporation, I researched, developed and implemented the following programs…”
Interviewer: “What do you know about the position and our company?”
OK answer: “To be honest, I just know what the secretary has told me about the position and your mission. It sounds interesting, and it sounds like something I can do.”
Better answer: “I’ve been researching your company and the industry. I am very interested in it, and this programming job matches my skills well.
I know that this job is a new position and that you are working on a software program for human resources. Additionally, I found out that your company has been in business for the past 10 years and it has been consistently profitable. I understand that your work culture is very flexible and low-key, and that your company places great value on teamwork.”
Interviewer: “Why do you think you are qualified for this position?”
OK answer: “I am qualified for this position because I have the skills you need and the experience to back it up.”
Better answer: “I believe I am the most qualified for the job because I have completed 15 years in this field. While working, I attended a night school in order to stay current with the latest technological changes. I am dependable and goal-oriented, and I work well in teams. Last year, for example, my team increased office productivity by 39 percent by developing a simple record-keeping program for the company’s health insurance.
We completed the project well ahead of schedule, too.”
Interviewer: “Why are you seeking employment at this time?”
OK answer: “I’ve been a homemaker for several years, but I decided I wanted to go back into the paid workforce. I’ve been volunteering in order to keep my skills current. I saw your job advertisement, and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me.”
Better answer: “This is a career move for me. I have been volunteering for the past few years to keep my skills current. I’ve always been interested in this career field and the timing couldn’t be better for me to return to the paid work force. I’ve completed my education, and I have been working as a volunteer programmer for five years for a non-profit organization. Your position requires someone with programming skills, plus you need someone who can work well in teams. And if I understand you correctly, you need a person who can communicate not only in technical terms, but in layman’s terms as well.
I believe I am that person.”
Tougher Questions
Here are some of the more difficult interview questions for service members or spouses re-entering the workforce. Practice answering these questions out loud.
Interviewer: “Why did you leave your last job?”
Answer: This is a difficult question to answer. The employer is fearful that if he or she hires and trains you, you will leave too soon. What you have to do is convince the interviewer that you may indeed leave in a few years to follow your military spouse, but, while working, you will take great pride in your job and give it your best effort. You could point out, if appropriate, that many jobs today are portable, via computer link-ups. Perhaps when it’s time for you to leave, it will be possible to take the job with you.
Interviewer: “Do you have children?”
Answer: Although this question is illegal to ask, many employers find ways to ask it indirectly.
Employers want to know if you will be dependable and whether you will need to take off to care for young children. Again, you must convince the employer that you take your career and job very seriously and that you take great pride in being dependable. Explain that you have back-up plans for sick children and plan to be available to work as often as needed.
Interviewer: “What are your salary requirements?”
Answer: Know ahead of time what your salary requirements are. This may involve doing some research on the Web or at the library to determine what salary to expect from an employer. When asked, answer by stating the salary is negotiable – it depends on the job, the duties, hours and whether travel is involved. Get as much information from the employer as possible, then answer by giving a range. The interviewer will usually indicate whether you are in the ballpark.
Once a firm offer has been made, take some time to consider it. Tell the employer that you would like to think it over and give the answer to him or her in 48 hours.
This will give you a chance to review the complete offer, benefits, working conditions and the job itself, and to talk it over with your family.
The Bottom Line
The employer wants to know if you have the skills and experience to do the job and if you will be dependable, honest, able to follow directions, work well with a team and fit into the company’s culture. The responses you make, along with your body language, can provide the answers for a prospective employer.
Many employers make assumptions based on how you present yourself. Don’t slouch, fidget or fiddle with your hair or clothes. Do present a firm handshake (but don’t break the interviewer’s fingers!), smile and be polite.
Be a good listener and answer questions with the confidence that comes from a well-thought answer. Only by listening carefully to the question is it possible to give a responsive and meaningful answer.
Prepare for your interview, do the research, think about how you’ll answer questions that are likely to come up, and practice.
This strategy will help you enter the interview with confidence and leave it with success.
By Deborah Moore
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last time we talked about how to competently build your answer to the question: “Why should we take you?” However, employers also like to ask:
The response strategy is to first evaluate what distinguishes this proposal from the others (content of tasks, period of company development, corporate policy, complexity of tasks, etc. nine0006 1. I have a serious mathematical education, I like to implement such research. I had a similar experience at NN. I will gladly return to such work, but at a new level.
2. This job is the perfect continuation of my professional career. There is a good combination of different areas of activity here.
3. This is not the only opportunity I am considering, but your company is the only place where my qualifications will be fully in demand. In particular, as a personnel manager, I have special knowledge in the field of mass recruitment, and it is in your company that this will be so in demand. 4. I am interested in this particular vacancy, because it most closely matches my experience, combining both sales and marketing. As I mentioned, in my last job, I achieved an increase in sales in a new channel for the company by more than 25%. In addition, the team of professionals with whom I have to work made a great impression on me.
5. I have a clear understanding that your company is a company where I can do a lot of useful things right now. We discussed plans to launch new lines of business in the coming year. I want to be part of the team during this period of growth.
6. I will not hide my interest in this position with you It is important to know that modern recruiters, along with the professional qualities of employees, really appreciate such a thing as loyalty. Other things being equal, your sincere interest in the company can work in your favor and set you apart from the rest of the candidates. Especially for such purposes, HeadHunter has a service “I want to work for you” : with the help of it you can always make yourself known to the company of your dreams. Good luck with your interviews! |
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, including location).
In addition, the task implies the need to organize remote recruitment management. This will be a growth area for me. This is the kind of work I look forward to every morning.
It is a great success to get a combination of an interesting job and work close to home.
Why do you want to work for our company?
Why did you choose our company? This is one of the very first questions an interviewer asks a candidate during an interview.
What is the purpose of asking this question? nine0021
- Determine your motivation: understand your priorities and preferences – what aspects of the job appeal to you and why.
- Find out your goals and how this job fits into your career plan.
- Make sure you are interested in this position.
- Find out what you know about the company, industry, position.
- Understand how you differ from other candidates for this position and why you are better suited than others.
How to prepare an answer to the question: Why do you want to work for the company? nine0008
The answer to this question should consist of 2 parts. It is not enough to say why you like this company – this is only the first part of the answer. In the second main part of the answer, you should explain why you are interested in the vacancy and how your competencies meet the requirements of this position. Therefore, two questions need to be answered: 1. Choose from the list 2-3 reasons why you want to work in this particular company. These can be: nine0089 There are several reasons you should not mention when answering this question: Sample answers: “Certainly, NN’s impeccable reputation is an important factor. I would love to work for a company that has such a long history in the perfume market and is still a leader in the industry. “I read an interview with your new CEO in NN magazine, in which he said that the company is heading towards the development of innovative technologies. I consider myself an innovator and would like to work in an organization that plans to take a leading position in this area in the near future (tell us about your latest project in the company below). In my work, the opportunities that the company presents to apply my previous experience and knowledge are important for me. nine0036 “I heard a lot of positive things about your company from employees/customers/partners/read on the Internet. I know that the company has an impeccable reputation, is in the top 5 companies in the X ranking of 2017, and also receives awards for the most innovative projects in the X direction. “Your center is one of the largest laboratory and diagnostic centers in Russia. Operation for more than 15 years on the market indicates a stable position in the chosen area. At the same time, your company does not stand still, expanding the services provided, developing new technologies, as well as implementing projects in world-class research activities. I believe that working in your company will be the best step for me in the development of my professional activity, and I will also be useful with my extensive experience in technical support and IT project management.” nine0036 2. Why are you interested in our vacancy?
As a rule, candidates only take into account the general criteria for assessing the company, and lose sight of the criterion for meeting the qualification requirements for the position they are applying for. Sample answers: “I believe that my qualifications in the field of IT technologies meet the requirements described in the vacancy. In addition, this position is interesting to me, as I have extensive experience in the development of modern software applications ( below, give an example of your work on the latest project ). At Company X, I acquired the ability to think creatively and learned to find new and more effective ways to solve problems. I know that your company values employee initiatives and encourages the use of unusual approaches to completing tasks. So that’s one of the main reasons why I chose your company.” “Your position is interesting to me, it includes a wide range of interesting tasks. Also, from what I was able to learn from open sources, the company has plans to develop new strategic projects, a huge focus on employee development and, in my opinion, a rich and positive atmosphere. “I was interested in your vacancy, as my goal is to get a position of a manager in a large bank. The vacancy is interesting for the tasks that are worth it. It combines the main functions that I performed as a manager in the company “X”: ( list duties from job description ): sales management and people management. Job requirements are fully consistent with my competencies and experience. Over 10 years of work in the bank, I gained significant experience in building a successful team, mastered management skills, incl. setting SMART goals, developing motivational schemes, providing effective and constructive developmental feedback. Now combine two answers into one and get a ready answer to the question: Why do you want to work in our company? nine0021 Sample answers: « Of course, I plan to work for a large leading company with a good reputation. I am interested in working in your company with a developed corporate culture, in which there is a positive atmosphere, where everyone works as a team and for a common result. N! B! This trap. First, this is a test of your previous answer to the question “Why do you want to work for our company?” When answering, your task is to repeat the same criteria in terms of importance that you voiced earlier. nine0021 Secondly, this is a test of how you can solve problems and make rational decisions, how you have analytical and research skills. The interviewer voiced a problem: the candidate was offered an offer by two companies with the same initial data. It is necessary to explain how you will solve this problem and on the basis of what to make a decision. Of the two alternative options, you must choose one company and justify your choice. A rational decision goes through the following stages: the formulation of certain criteria for decision-making, a detailed study of the information necessary for an objective analysis, a comparison and the final choice of alternatives. nine0021 Duplicating your previous answer would be a losing move for you in terms of skill assessment. What to do in such a situation? Tell us what methods of finding and developing alternative effective solutions you usually use to make a choice in favor of a particular solution. Decision making is the process of forming a sequence of actions based on the transformation of initial information in a situation of uncertainty. Sample answers: “I make many decisions in my life based on an intuitive method. But this decision is quite serious, and relying only on intuition would be a mistake on my part. First, I will do a detailed analysis of the situation, which I think is the first step in making a decision. Here everything is “sorted out”, new criteria for evaluation arise. And if at this stage the choice of a solution “reaches a dead end”, then you can “turn on” your intuition. I believe that if a person has the ability to use not only his consciousness (i.e., the ability to think analytically), but also his subconscious (intuition), then most likely this should be used in combination to solve problems and make decisions. « I have three main criteria by which I choose the companies in which I want to work. These are: the company’s reputation in the market, career opportunities, training and participation in interesting projects. If, according to these criteria, I cannot make a decision in the direction of one or another company, then in this case, I will conduct a more detailed study of both companies, expand the number of criteria used for selection and conduct a SWOT analysis for the entire set of criteria, for example: I will add employee reviews /customers/partners. nine0036 « To make the right decision, I think you need to do the following. First, collect as much information as possible on each company. As you know, almost any solution can be improved if you conduct research and reduce the level of uncertainty. For example, if I’m unsure about a company’s employee policy, I’ll check reviews and try to get in touch with one of the current employees in the company. Useful resources on this topic: The next two tabs change the content below. Job Search Career Coach, Resume Expert, Interview Coach, founder and author of bosshunt.
Why are you interested in our company? nine0008
In addition, from the feedback of the company’s employees, I learned that initiatives are welcome and corporate training is highly developed, and the efforts and fulfillment of the tasks set are evaluated by the results and contribution of each employee. nine0036 
I know that you are open to change, develop and grow in the market. As far as I know, the company has a strong corporate culture and a team of professionals in their field. I like that a lot of attention is paid to training and development of the team, as well as the transparency of the employee evaluation system.” nine0036
Be sure to include evidence in the second part of your answer as to why you are a good fit for this company. 
Your vacancy indicates a mandatory requirement for the candidate: work experience in a company with a developed branch pharmacy network. My last job was Company X, a network of pharmacies located in 25 regions. I also have an ITIL certificate and extensive experience in project management for the implementation and development of IT services in the company.” nine0036 
I also have sales skills: I know how to identify needs, build productive relationships with clients, I know how to work with objections and resolve conflicts. nine0062 I was also responsible for working with VIP clients and supporting transactions at all stages. Thus, during the reorganization of the bank, I completed the plan to transfer corporate clients by 120%, VIP clients by 115%, and also carried out the best (out of 28 branches) migration of private depositors to the Head Office, while fulfilling the plan by 130%.
Therefore, your tasks in this position completely coincide with my past experience, and I would be glad to pass the competition and continue to build my career in your bank.” 
I am also looking for a job where the level of position and responsibilities will match my experience and knowledge. Your vacancy attracted me precisely with its tasks and functions. I held a similar position in X company and was responsible for managing a department of 16 people, organizing KDP outsourcing and outstaffing projects, developing LNA with their subsequent implementation, developing step-by-step procedures for personnel operations, conducting internal and external audits of personnel documents. As far as I understand from the job description, the requirements that you place on a candidate for this position are consistent with my previous experience. That’s why I chose your company.” nine0036
At the end of the interview, you may be asked another question about this topic. It may sound like this: “If you get job offers from two companies at once, offering the same salary conditions, including social. package, how will you decide? 
What is it and how to prepare the correct answer? 
But, even if you repeated your answer again, for example,
“I will make a choice according to the following criteria: corporate policy and opportunities for applying the accumulated experience and career growth”, then let’s predict what the interviewer’s further questions may be. He will suggest another situation: “Good. Let’s assume that both corporate policy and opportunities for development attract you in both companies. In this case, how will you make a decision about choosing a company? nine0036 After a few clarifying questions, the interviewee most often runs out of prepared criteria and there is either a long pause or a repetition of the same criteria, but in other words. 
You just need to detail what people really do when they make decisions: break down decisions into independent criteria, determine the relative weight for each criterion, evaluate alternatives for each given criterion, compare the scores of all alternatives against all criteria, select alternatives with the best score. nine0021 
nine0036 
If I need to evaluate the company’s methods of working with clients, then I will try to request feedback on working with the company from one of the clients. Then I can make an informed decision on the matter. Secondly, I will consider and carefully analyze all possible criteria, weighing them. Thirdly, if necessary, I use various techniques/methods to help in decision making. This may be the preparation of a so-called worksheet for choosing the most profitable solution. Then I can make an informed decision on the matter.” nine0036
