Mastering the ‘Why should we hire you?’ Question

Article Date | 1 July, 2024

 

By Sianat Mahmood, Career and Employability Officer at LSST Luton

 

Have you ever wondered why an employer should hire you over other candidates? If so, you’re not alone. This article aims to provide you with a clear understanding of the key areas employers focus on during the application process to identify the best candidate for the job.

Employers evaluate candidates based on specific criteria. While some may argue that interview processes can be overly rigorous, it’s essential to recognise that each employer has their own methods and standards, influenced by their experience and expertise. Continue reading to discover effective strategies for excelling in your job applications and securing the role you desire.

  Core Presentation Skills

One of the top things that an employer looks out for during the hiring process, are presentation skills. Presentation skills come out in a lot of different forms for an individual. A few being; how you look, how you speak and how you act. Employers need to see that the candidate that they recruiting is good for the role and this can be found in the stated presentation skills.

On the day of your designated interview, if you present yourself in a good manner in the way that you talk, speak and act, there is a higher chance that you’ll be employed as this will allow the employer to see you in that professional manner and setting, picturing you in the role.

By presenting yourself well, you make a strong first impression, which can significantly influence the employer’s decision. Ensure you are well-prepared, confident, and professional to stand out.

  Expertise and Experience

Another key area for the question of why employers should specifically hire you would be briefly delving into your knowledge and experience. If you have experience over the years which matches the job you have applied for, there would be more far more chance for you to obtain this job over other candidates who do not have sufficient experience for that role.

In the same way, if you have the knowledge for the job you’ve have applied for then an employer would be more eager to give them the job offer rather than a candidate who has less knowledge of the sector they have applied for. Don’t be afraid to show off how much you know by using terminology and engaging in topics around the field. Having sufficient knowledge about the field you are going to work in is only going to propel you further into your career.

  Skills

Another area in which employers cast their eye to before selecting a candidate is by examining their key skills. Every individual has a different set of skills to start with and to actually match the job role alongside an individual’s skills is something employers focus on at the hiring stage. For instance, if you have the skills to complete the job role successfully, why would the employer not hire you only?

It is known that employers scrutinize the skills of candidates to determine their fit for the role. Important skills include Technical Skills, which are Specific abilities required for the job and Soft Skills which are known to be Interpersonal skills in an individual including teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Demonstrate your proficiency in the necessary skills through examples from your previous roles and Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the skills mentioned in the job description.

  Adaptability

Another key area in which many employers would want to explore with a candidate during the application process would be their adaptability. This is key to examine for most employers as this gives them confidence that the employee would be reliable for the job and not back out at the first sign of chaos.

One area in which employers observe the employee’s adaptability would be their flexibility. If the individual is willing to take on different tasks and roles, then this shows they are quite flexible for the role and will most likely continue doing so in the future too.

Openness to Change is another core area which employers think about when hiring an individual. The ability to handle changing circumstances and new challenges is a core skill for most employers. If you are willing to change as well as accept any new challenge; your employer will see your flexibility and be assured, you are right for the role.

Focusing on these key areas can significantly improve your chances of being hired. Present yourself well, showcase your expertise and experience, highlight your skills, and demonstrate your adaptability. By excelling in these aspects, you can make a compelling case for why an employer should choose you over other candidates.

 

For any further assistance, contact me at sianat.mahmood@lsst.ac.