May 20, 2025

How to answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

It’s one of the most common—and most important—questions you’ll face in a job interview: “Why should we hire you?”

And yet, it’s the one that catches most candidates off guard, leading to vague or overconfident answers that miss the mark.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through so you can stand out with confidence.

Best Ways to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?” in an Interview

Below are the best ways to answer “why should we hire you” in an interview”:

1. Match Your Skills to the Job

Instead of listing everything on your resume, pick 2–3 skills that directly match the job description and explain how you’ve used them in real-life scenarios.

Example:

“If you’re looking for someone who can manage high-pressure client accounts, I’ve done that daily in my last role. I handled a portfolio worth over $1 million and improved retention by 20% in under a year.”

What not to do:

Don’t give a generic answer like “because I’m hardworking.”
Don’t repeat your resume line-by-line.
Don’t forget to tailor your answer to the specific role.

2. Show That You Understand the Company

This question is also a test to see if you’ve done your homework. Mention something specific about the company’s mission, culture, or recent projects, and connect it to your own values or experience.

Example:

“I saw your recent push toward sustainable design, and I’ve actually led two eco-friendly campaigns that reduced waste by 40%. I’d love to bring that same mindset here.”

What not to do:

Don’t talk only about what you want from the job.
Don’t fake interest, you’ll come off insincere.
Don’t forget to link your answer back to how you can help the company.

3. Highlight Your Unique Value

This is your moment to share what sets you apart. Maybe it’s a rare combo of skills, an unconventional background, or a fresh perspective.

Example:

“Along with my marketing experience, I’ve also built and sold a small e-commerce business. That’s given me a strong sense of what it takes to make something grow from scratch, exactly the kind of mindset I’d bring to this role.”

What not to do:

Don’t exaggerate or make vague claims like “I’m the best.”
Don’t say, “I don’t know, I just really want the job.”
Don’t undersell yourself—own your story.

Final Words

Landing the job often comes down to how well you sell your story, so don’t shy away from showing why you’re the right fit.

Keep it honest, relevant, and confident, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I answer “Why should we hire you?”

Focus on 2–3 key strengths that match the role and explain how they’ll help the company.

2. Why do companies ask “Why should we hire you?” during interviews?

They want to know what makes you a better fit than other candidates, and if you truly understand what the job needs.

3. How do I tailor my answer for different job roles?

Read the job description closely, then highlight the skills and experience you have that align directly with that role.

4. What should I not say when answering “Why should we hire you?”

Avoid generic lines like “I work hard” or “I need this job.” Stay away from clichés and focus on specific value you bring.

5. How should a fresher approach the “Why should we hire you?” question?

Talk about your eagerness to learn, relevant coursework, internships, or soft skills, show potential, not just experience.

6. How long should my answer to “Why should we hire you?” be?

Aim for 30–60 seconds. Long enough to make an impact, short enough to keep the interviewer engaged.

Thirumoorthy

Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education