Differentiating Yourself As A Job Candidate

One of my favorite interview questions is “Why should we hire you?”. While this question may be daunting to others, this question excites me because it allows me to close. In interviews you're selling yourself and any sales professional will tell you how important in business it is to close the deal!

Differentiation and articulating your value-add to a company are key elements to effectively close an interview and to fully answer “Why should we hire you?”. The key with this question is going beyond the cliche answers like:

• “I am a great communicator”

• “I am a hard worker”

• “I am a team player”

These answers are minimum qualifications that employers already expect you to have to even be a potential employee. Below are sample questions that will help you determine your value as a candidate and what makes you stand out from other candidates.

**Pro Tip: Consider jotting down answers to these questions to prepare for your next interview**

Questions to determine your value as a candidate:

• What critical experiences do you have that make you the best fit for this position?

• What education, training, certifications, or licenses do you have that set you apart?

• What awards have you won in this field that will make you stand out?

• What motivates you? Are you intrinsically motivated or extrinsically?

• Are you interested in taking on leadership positions?

• Are you interested in playing an active role in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or company-wide initiatives?

Questions to determine what makes you stand out from other candidates:

• What will you accomplish 30/60/90 days in the job?

• What processes can you bring that will be useful to increase workplace efficiency and productivity?

• How do you structure your day?

• What business problems are you looking to solve? *You find out the business problems by asking the interviewer qualifying questions. Example: What issues is your team currently facing?

After answering these questions, you should consolidate your answers and develop your 1-2-minute pitch that clearly articulates why a company should choose you over the 100s if not that 1,000s of candidates that applied, what you will accomplish 30/60/90 days into the job, and what ideas you have that will solve the business issues. It is key to remember in business that “You are either solving problems or you are the problem”. Companies look for innovators, disruptors, and solution-focused people.

Stay Creative,

Lauren

If you enjoyed this activity and are actively conducting your job search consider reading " To the Applicant That Keeps Being Told No".

Photo Credits: Josh Coleman

https://colemanintellect.com/