HR Interview FAQ 2 - Why should we hire you?
In this FAQ series, we will discuss the most
commonly/frequently asked questions in an HR interview and ways to approach
them. Remember, the interview is an interaction between two equal people. Do
not think of it as the HR doing a favour for you. The HR is doing his job. The
job of HR is to find the right candidate for the vacant position. Your job is
to make him believe you are the one. It’s like a dance, isn’t it? It’s a smooth
waltz. You are sure to end on a sweet note if the two of you are in sync with each
other.
Q2
- Why should we hire you?
“... in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
- Benjamin Franklin
The great Benjamin Franklin reckoned there are only
two certainties in life - death, and taxes. Well, I would like to add a third
certainty to the list. If you are attending a Personal Interview, you can’t
really escape the question,
“Why should we hire you?”
This turns out to be a tricky question, though it
looks so simple at face value.
In fact, it has become so common that there are so
many popular memes doing the rounds on social media. Recently, I saw one of
them which really cracked me up.
Interviewer: Why
should I hire you?
Interviewee: Because
you are hiring!
On
a more serious note, let’s analyze the psychology behind this question.
Idea
behind the question
If you are hired, the company is going to provide
you with the resources for your professional growth and at the same time, pay
you as well. In case you didn’t know, life is a game of scorecards. Be it the
interaction between two friends or family members or an employee and employer,
there is a giant invisible scoreboard looming in the sky. For the relationship
to stay smooth and blossom, the scoreboard should always be balanced. If you
need something, you should be willing to provide something of value. The HR
wants to know what value would you add to the organization if hired.
Recommended
Answer
To
come out with flying colours for this question, you must have done a research
about the company. You know the company for which you are applying for. Check
out the company’s website and spend at least an hour in it. You will get to
know the products and services the company provides. You will know their
vision, mission and values. Align your answer with what the company is looking
for. An example would be as follows.
“I
looked up your company’s website and was thrilled to know you are planning to
convert all your classroom training sessions to virtual training sessions. I am
an expert at creating platforms that facilitate virtual training sessions. I
believe I possess the skills and attitude required to make your company’s
vision come true. I am also a self-motivated and extremely creative person
which makes me the right candidate to get hired.”
The
website of any company is humorously called the ‘Bragging Page’ in corporate
circles. This is where the company displays all its achievements and the HR
actually feels happy when someone has looked into it.
Come up
with your own unique answer. Ensure you convey your technical and people skills
through this answer. After all, sales is all about convincing your potential
customer of the value your product/ service is going to add. In this case, you
are the product. Convince the HR of your worth.
This is an excerpt from my book, "Cracking the
Campus Code". To know more about the book, click here.
Wishing you all the very best in your interviews.
Cheers!
Photo Courtesy: Edmond Dantes
Source: Pexels.com