Why Should We Hire You?

This is one of those broad questions that can take you down the wrong road unless you have done some thinking about what to say ahead of time. This question deals with your ability to sell yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy?

Answers that WON'T WORK -

'Because I need a job.' -- This answer is about YOU -- 'they' want to know what you can do for 'them.'

'I am a hard worker.' -- This is a really trite answer -- almost anyone can say he or she is a hard worker.

'I saw your ad and could do the job.' -- This answers lacks passion and purpose.

STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the interviewer's attention --

'Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar environment.'

'Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job - solve customer problems using my excellent customer service skills.'

'Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is required in this position.'

This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer) know what your product (YOU) can do for them and why they should listen to what you have to offer. The more detail you give the stronger your answer will be. This is not a time to talk about what you want. It is a time to summarize your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.

Product Inventory Exercise

Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is the employer emphasizing as requirements of the job? What will it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements on one side of a piece of paper.

Next, do an inventory to determine what you have to offer as a fit against those requirements. List your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of two or three key qualities you have to offer that match each requirement that the employer is seeking. Don't underestimate personal traits that make you unique -- your energy, personality type, working style, and people skills.

The Sales Pitch -- You are the Solution

From the list of requirements and your matching list of what you have to offer, merge the two into a summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It should be no more than two minutes long and should stress the traits that make you unique and a good match for the job.

Example

'With my seven years of experience working with financial databases, I have saved companies thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My high energy, and quick learning style enable me to hit the ground running and rapidly size up problems. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations, and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I know I would be a great addition to your team.'

Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will give you the edge when asked questions like, 'Why should we hire you?' or 'What can you bring to this position?' This will be your chance to let the interviewers know that you are the solution to their problem.

About The Author

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, 'Interview Fitness Training Workbook' and 'Boost Your Interview IQ' (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE 9-week job interview e-course by visiting her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com or http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com.

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:51:23 GMT

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer survivor shares her story - Naples Daily News


ChattahBox
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer survivor shares her story
Naples Daily News - 1 hour ago
By LIANE SMITH (Contact) She felt pain in her breasts. One of her aunt’s died in February from breast cancer. Another aunt, in her 60s now, has battled it on and off for more than a dozen years.
Pink And Purple Join To Help Women eFluxMedia
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Should Be Prevention Month! Food Consumer
Princeton Times Leader - San Marcos Daily Record - Hudson Reporter - WISC
all 136 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:31:44 GMT

Tigers still seeking QB to turn season around - SportingNews.com


Seattle Post Intelligencer
Tigers still seeking QB to turn season around
SportingNews.com - 38 minutes ago
AP Sports Wri AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- The Auburn Tigers didn't figure they'd be in this position: Unranked, desperately trying to salvage a once-promising season and still seeking a quarterback solution seven games into the season.
Tuberville And Tigers Trying To Regroup Dawg Post
A Pig Sooie Shocker in Auburn WTVM
BamaMag.com - Sports Network - The Associated Press - International Herald Tribune
all 647 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:13:08 GMT

Falcons' Ryan is not your typical rookie QB - FOXSports.com


Boston Globe
Falcons' Ryan is not your typical rookie QB
FOXSports.com - 36 minutes ago
by Alex Marvez Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 14 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Falcons missed chances in red zone Atlanta Journal Constitution
Bears rally late, fall to Falcons on last-second FG Chicago Sun-Times
Sports Network - SI.com - The Associated Press - Rotowire
all 607 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:14:27 GMT

Mighty Chihuahuas Eclipse DiCaprio and Crowe in Test of Star Power - New York Times

Mighty Chihuahuas Eclipse DiCaprio and Crowe in Test of Star Power
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By BROOKS BARNES LOS ANGELES - This is how far movie stars have fallen in their ability to pull audiences into theaters, at least when the story revolves around Iraq and the messiness of the Middle East: A picture about talking dogs, “Beverly Hills ...
Dogs rule: 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' No. 1 again Los Angeles Times
'Chihuahua' fetches $17.5M, remains top movie dog The Associated Press
Reuters - Hollywood.com - Cincinnati.com - Bloomberg
all 374 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:18:44 GMT

UPDATE 1-Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic - Reuters

UPDATE 1-Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic
Reuters - 2 hours ago
MIAMI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Nana, the 14th of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed on Sunday in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean islands, the US National Hurricane Center said.
Forecasters: Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic The Associated Press
Tropical Storm Nana Forms Central Florida News 13|
El Nuevo Herald - Orlando Sentinel - CBS 4 - WFMY News 2
all 175 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:29:57 GMT

Palin talks economic worries in Appalachian Ohio - The Associated Press


Times Online
Palin talks economic worries in Appalachian Ohio
The Associated Press - 39 minutes ago
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Sarah Palin told voters in southeastern Ohio on Sunday that she and running mate John McCain would bring jobs back to this economically depressed piece of Appalachia.
John McCain and Sarah Palin try new tactics Los Angeles Times
US-POLITICS Summary Washington Post
Milwaukee Labor Press - Tampa Tribune - guardian.co.uk - FOXNews
all 2,032 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:11:58 GMT

First Second-Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, Launched Into ... - AHN


Canada.com
First Second-Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, Launched Into ...
AHN - 2 hours ago
Vienna, VA (AHN)-Space Adventures, Ltd, a company that provides space missions to the global community, announced that client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space ...
Video: Raw Video: US space tourist begins journey AssociatedPress
US game designer blasts into space with DNA cargo The Associated Press
VIP Breakdown - Independent - Slashdot - Houston Chronicle
all 1,036 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:28:36 GMT

RSS to Blog
RSS Parser


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Writing A Resume That Gets You Noticed

As the old saying goes, "you never get a second... Read More

Career Change: A Glittering Invitation To The Emotional Stalkers

As much as you are yearning for career-change, and as... Read More

Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

How to Create a Great Electronic Resume

After creating the perfect resume, you then need to distribute... Read More

Seven Steps to Making a Successful Career Change

My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe... Read More

Top Ten Networking Strategies To Get A Job, A Promotion, Or Make A Sale

Whether you are networking to find a new job opportunity,... Read More

Occupational Health and Safety - Stress and Workaholism at Work

There has been a lot of hullabaloo recently about the... Read More

The 10-Step Resume Critique

Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More

Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your... Read More

Becoming A Police Officer Just Became Easier

As many law enforcement candidates can vouch for, taking the... Read More

Resume That Effectively Promotes You!

Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More

Career Change - Emotional Intelligence for Knowledge Workers?

Nowadays we can expect to survive the second half of... Read More

Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search

In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their... Read More

Finding Success In Todays Job Market

This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More

Resumes and First impressions

Hunting for a position in a new career field? Trying... Read More

What Me? Lie On My Resume? Who Will Know?

The temptation to lie on a resume is great! How... Read More

Online Resume Formats

There are several types of online resume formats that can... Read More

Do You Have a Hotsy-Totsy Resume?

I begin this article with a bit of slang description.... Read More

The Top Ten Ways to Jump Start Your Career

1. Do What You Love.Have you ever noticed we usually... Read More

Staying In The Game

The message came from Human Resources. There's nothing to worry... Read More

Just a Series of Choices

Steve's a pretty regular guy ? wife, 4 kids in... Read More

7 Steps To A Job-Winning Resume

A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts... Read More

Top 5 Tips for College Grads Entering the Working World

1) Build a Relationship With Your Boss:Like it or not,... Read More

How to Get the Job You Want in Any Economy... Act Like a Headhunter

Having spent the last few years of my career in... Read More

Job Dissatisfaction

Job dissatisfaction is a driving force behind individuals seeking employment... Read More