Tips For Answering Interview Question "Why Should We Choose You Over Other Applicants?"

An Overview:

This is one question that everyone is bound to face at the time of an interview and most of the times interviewee’s succumb to the pressure and do not answer it appropriately. They miss on the opportunity of securing the job. Thus, it is imperative for an applicant to know the interviewer’s psyche well and be prepared with a convincing answer. But, how does one answer to such a question? How can an interviewee put forward a logical explanation when the interviewer asks- Why should we accept you?
The most important factor that will help you decide how to answer the question is the timing of the question. If the interviewer asks, “Why should we give you this job?” in the beginning of the course of interview or after; it needs to be addressed accordingly.

Asking This Question In The Beginning

If the interviewer has asked you in the beginning then he is trying to ascertain the following points:
➔ The interviewer is trying to judge if you can handle work pressure by bouncing off such a question right at the beginning of the interview. If you happen to succumb, you might not secure the job.
➔ He may also be providing you an opportunity to direct the course of the interview and decide its tonality as well. You need to capitalize on this opportunity and touch-base on your strengths in conjunction with the job requirements.

Example

Interviewer:

Why should we choose you over other applicants?

Interviewee:

“Well, frankly, I am the perfect fit you are looking for. I have a 5+ years of experience in Operations Management. I have sound expertise in Material Management and I have consistently out-performed in the capacity of a Regional Operations Manager in FMCG market. I believe you require an individual who can spear-head projects related to Operations Management in the white goods market.”

Asking This Question At The End

If the interviewer has asked the question towards the end of the interview, he wishes to gauge the following points:
➔ The interviewer wishes to take a final call on whether you would be fit for the job or not.
➔ He may be providing you a second chance to prove your worth and secure the job.
Ideally, an individual should take the question in his stride and summarize what all he has discussed up till now. Further, he ought to re-emphasize on his strengths and their utility in relation to the job.
The aspects that can set one apart from any other applicant/candidate are the  job competencies: The skill sets, professional experience and qualifications.

Last edited by alisiddiqui (2015-05-02 05:23:06)