Answering “Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?”

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One of the questions that nearly always gets asked at interviews is “why are you the best person for the job?” The question has been around for decades, and it’s not likely to go away anytime soon. Despite it being such a common topic during interviews, it’s a question that many interviewees have a hard time answering. It can be hard to talk about yourself in a flattering way that isn’t overly boastful and shows the employers what they’re looking for, especially for those without much interview experience. 

And though it may not seem like that important of a question in the grand scheme of things, it can actually be a very telling question that has an impact on the employer’s decision making process. Answering the question wrong can set you up for disappointment, but answering it right can be exactly what you need to get the job. In this blog, we’re going to cover how to answer that question so you can improve your chances of getting the job you’ve been looking for. 

Why Do Interviewers Ask It?

Before you can know how to answer “what makes you a good fit for this job,” you need to know why interviewers ask that question and what they’re actually looking for. Thankfully, the answers to those questions are fairly simple. 

Employers ask that question because it can reliably get the information they want about a candidate. What they are looking to find out typically includes:

• What makes you unique, whether in terms of qualifications, experience, work ethic, or something else. 
• See if you fully understand the company, their business, and what the position entails. 
• Your confidence level in-terms of being able to meet their expectations and fill the role.
• See how you handle a challenging situation (interviews can be tough). 

These things are all incredibly important when it comes to looking for an applicant, especially for specialized or demanding positions. A candidate who can respond to that question well will provide the employer with that crucial information and allow them to make a more informed decision about who to hire. 

As simple as the question “why would you be a good fit for this position,” is, it is a great way to bring out all of those factors at the same time. Interviewers just want the best information they can get about candidates, and that question is an effective and consistent way to do so. 

How to Answer “Why Would You Be a Good Fit for This Position?”

So, how do you actually answer “what makes you a good candidate for this position?” Now that we know why that question is asked and what interviewers are looking for, answering the question should be much easier. 

First off, you want to showcase yourself, your unique skills, qualifications, and more that set you apart from the crowd. You want your answer to show that you are a unique candidate that can bring a lot of value to the company. Lean into any unique training, past experiences, and more that can show off your individual strengths. 

You also want to show that you understand the company and position. Be sure to do research on the company, what they do, how they operate, etc, so you can be confident in your response. And make sure to thoroughly review the job listing so you understand all of the responsibilities and duties. 

And lastly, you want to provide that information calmly and confidently. If you can showcase your skills and qualifications while staying calm and confident during the interview, you will show employers that you have the ability and confidence to fill the role and navigate challenging situations.