The Hardest Interview Question
Are You Prepared To Answer At The Interview
You Got The Interview
Your excellent resume and cover letter were able to get you an interview. You've gone over all your skills and summaries in your mind; you've read and tried all those psychological questions that may come up. You have researched the company, and are prepared with some pertinent questions that will show the prospective employer you did do the research. You feel confident. But can you answer the toughest interview question?
Toughest Question To Answer At The Interview
Basically, it's this: Why should the employer hire you?
Sounds simple, but it is so complex. Be flippant, even if you feel an excellent rapport with the interviewer, and you'll be flipped to the door. Too serious, too surprised, or too quiet, and you'll end up with the same response - no go.
Many candidates have so much trouble answering this - what makes you shine over the others? Many people find it difficult to "blow their own horn" or brag about their experience. The idea here is to remember it is not about bragging, or saying what you could do.
The ideal way to answer?
How To Answer
Be confident and be prepared. Don't pretend it's something you never thought of. You are in competition with the best - so why should the employer pick you? Tell them why! Show how your skills and proven abilities make you the best candidate. Explain what you did - give concrete examples. Telling them you can do it is one thing; telling them you have done it is quite another - and will help you land that job.
Before you even go to the interview, think and write down ways that you could be an asset to the company - and what you have done previously to support this information. Saved a previous employer money - tell them how you did that. Able to land an important contract because you researched the pertinent people for that contract, and found out the best way to deal with them? That shows initiative and going the extra mile to get the work done, or the contract signed.
It's not just what you did, it's also how you say it. Take your time, as you remember details. Even better - have a summary sheet ready to hand the interviewers of what you have accomplished - and make sure it does pertain to the career at hand. This shows you feel their work is important enough that you prepared for it - and are not just relying on memory.
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Copyright June 10, 2008. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
