Why should I hire you?
Most times, if and when you are asked this question, you are on your way to getting the job. All it remains for is a successful answer to this most important question. You must have realized by now how important it is for you to know the needs and wants of the employer at the onset of the interviewer. This question could give you the last boost to clinch the job as you will give him better reasons for hiring you over other prospective employees, reasons tied in to his needs.
If you are being asked this question it’s because either the interviewer is not convinced of your suitability despite your qualifications and drive, or, because he likes you as a prospect but needs that last mental nudge to accept your application for the position. The latter is more commonly the reason as this question mostly comes towards the end of the interview. If the interviewer did not feel you had the right qualifications or drive, the interview would have ended long before this question could be asked.
Again something you could do well before you attend the interview, prepare a list of the requirements for the position and match your most suitable experience and qualities to them.
Examples:
“If I’ve understood you correctly, you are looking for someone who can manage the sales and marketing department of your book publishing division. You mentioned earlier that you needed someone with a strong background in book sales. My entire career, almost 12 years has been in this exact field. I am sure that I can bring to the job the right contacts, methods, principles and management techniques as well or better than any person in our line of work.”
“In the course of our conversation now, you mentioned that you needed someone who could build on your book distribution channels. In one of my previous job I have contributed promotional ideas that first doubled and then tripled the number of outlets selling our products. I am confident that I can bring the same value addition to my job here with you.”
“I’m sure that I can contribute to you mail order sales as I have experience with space and direct mail media sales. In the last 5 years I have increased our sales for this channel from Rs 3 Lac to 4.5 Lacs. We are now considered amongst the top 5 marketer of mail order books in the country.”
These statements or ones that you make basis your qualities vis-à-vis the employers’ needs, should help you score more points towards being a suitable candidate for the post. It will also build assurance in the mind of the interviewer that they would not possibly be able to find a better person that you for the position.