Why are you the best person for the job?
Posted October 24th, 2013
The question has many variations:
- Why should I hire you?
- What makes you more qualified than any other candidate?
- Why are you the best person for this job?
Regardless of how it is phrased, asked or couched, this question strikes fear into the heart of many of a green tech job seeker.
Questions swirl in your head:
- How do I answer this question without sounding arrogant?
- Should I speak to my passion regarding environmental issues or speak to my results and strengths?
- What do the other candidates have that I do not have?
You have to answer the question; no one can “plead the 5th” during an interview. However, to do so effectively, you must walk a fine line between arrogant and assured.
When an interviewer asks you why you are the best person for the job, you need to answer it honestly and earnestly but confidently.
To succeed, you need to practice. Practice makes perfect, and the best way to practice is to find a mirror, stand in front of it and answer the question to your reflection. This will help you focus not only on your words, but your non-verbal presentation. If your words reflect confidence, but your face reflects boastfulness, you need to continue practicing
After a few tries, the words will come out less stilted and you will truly sound as sincere as you feel.
So what words should you use to tell the interviewer why you are the best person for the job?
First, remember…there is nothing wrong with saying that you are the best person for the job. However, for the sentence to carry meaning, you must back up your claim with facts…specifically what differentiates you from the other candidates.
As you craft this answer, keep the following two points in mind:
1) Decide why you want this job. You applied for this job for a reason. Ask yourself (and honestly) answer “why”. Most of the time, people who struggle in answering “why they are the best person” know deep-down that they do not want the job…they applied for another reason altogether.
2) Identify something that sets you apart from others. As you look through the job requirements and align them with your skills, take the time to differentiate yourself. What spin can you put on your skills that is unique? Be prepared to speak to those differentiators.
For example:
“You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring additional qualities that can benefit you – my passion for solutions, for one. I am passionately committed to producing environmentally-friendly, world class results. For example . . .”
If you are interested in green technology jobs in the Bay Area, turn to Bayside Solutions. We have the experience to help you today. If you are looking for jobs in northern California, contact Bayside Solutions today.
