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.
You might have seen them while watching TV shows such... Read More
How will you respond when you're asked the following two... Read More
If I were to ask you the percentage of time... Read More
In the process of musing about our perennially awake world... Read More
Many interview guides advise candidates to answer the common "What's... Read More
1.Define your objective: Know what kind of work you most... Read More
I manage a website for corporate flight attendants that features... Read More
Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version... Read More
My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe... Read More
In this day and age it can become increasingly difficult... Read More
CIO Magazine ran an article entitled, "Ten Mistakes CIO's Too... Read More
Are you in this situation? You and your boss just... Read More
"When I was a child, I always thought the world... Read More
Many years ago searching for a federal job was a... Read More
Getting a job is not just about your performance in... Read More
Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their... Read More
Sooner or later, the interview invitation is going to say... Read More
Moving to another state meant finding a new dentist. I... Read More
Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More
Q. I hate my job as a computer consultant. I... Read More
When all is not well with work, what do you... Read More
Perhaps you've found yourself in the position of seeking a... Read More
Stories of intrigue, treachery, politics, lies, double crosses,... Read More
If you haven't looked for a job recently, there are... Read More
Some interview questions are asked so frequently that they've become... Read More
How can you manage your emotions during your career change... Read More
All Presidential candidates (before and after) make all kinds of... Read More
When more than half of Americans were identified as overweight,... Read More
The alarm clock jars you awake at some insanely... Read More
Why Do You Want This Job? Is it because any... Read More
In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some... Read More
There are few things more frustrating for a headhunter than... Read More
11 Commandments For Smart Negotiating1 - BE PREPARED. The... Read More
Ever had that perfect life when everything seems perfect yet... Read More
As an employer I receive many job applications each week.... Read More
Many people, under financial or other pressures to find work... Read More
Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for... Read More
As a human resources professional or business owner, you face... Read More
"James is so restless and energetic. I wonder if he's... Read More
The first point to make is that the terms "CV"... Read More
A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More
Dr. Denis Waitley, trainer of leaders, including Super Bowl and... Read More
Despite the President's encouraging words, the job market is still... Read More
During the job hunter's market of the 1990's, employers were... Read More
This article relates to the Job Security competency, commonly evaluated... Read More
Are you being paid what you are worth? Has anybody... Read More
Nurses wake up and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.... Read More
These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of... Read More
After creating the perfect resume, you then need to distribute... Read More
There's no denying that a healthy work environment is a... Read More
Getting along with your co-workers is critical to yourhappiness and... Read More
For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More
Unemployment is depressing: financial pressures stress you out, looking for... Read More
When more than half of Americans were identified as overweight,... Read More
The rapid growth of technology, greater exposure to knowledge, higher... Read More
Do these things Include your full name - don't... Read More
If you are dissatisfied with your job, you are in... Read More
Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More
The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More
Many people can easily write a resume in just a... Read More
During a job interview, a potential employer asks, "Can you... Read More
My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe... Read More
What if there were a way to *prove* to any... Read More
More and more people are looking to gain an edge... Read More
In my career advising practice, I often find that my... Read More
These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |