Interview Questions – Why are you suitable for this job?
When preparing for a job interview, it’s important to remember the fundamental question you ask yourself: “Why are you right for this job?” Whether or not this question is asked directly, every employer wants to know the answer. If you can present yourself and your qualifications in a way that convinces the employer that you are the “right” person, then you will substantially increase your chances of being hired. Here are some basic tips to help you answer this important question:
Know your own skills and technical competencies.. All job seekers have varying degrees of technical skills and competencies. Before you arrive at the interview, you should have done a thorough analysis of your own skills and competencies so that you are not only clear about what you can bring to the job, but can express it clearly and concisely. Don’t exaggerate your skills, but hopefully you’ve found an opportunity where the requirements closely match your own skill set. If you have gaps like most people, be prepared to explain how you will close the gaps. Smart employers know that job applicants rarely meet all of their requirements; however, they will also value openness and people who are quick to learn new skills. If you have ever done this in the past, maybe you can explain how you gained technical skills in a previous position and how you might do it again.
Know the needs of the employer: To match your own skills, you must also be clear about the needs of the employer. Be prepared to ask questions to help clarify your needs. Think of yourself as a consultant rather than a job seeker. Your skills must provide a solution to their problems. If you’ve done your homework at the company, then you’ll be more likely to hone in on important requirements. Also, if you have in-depth knowledge of the industry, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise by asking good questions.
Make sure you can demonstrate a cultural fit. Every company has its own unique operating culture. You want to make sure that your personality and their culture are a strategic fit. People fail in a new position more often because they don’t fit into the culture than because they aren’t technically competent. Employers don’t want to have to rehire another candidate in ninety days because you didn’t fit in with their team. If you’re a good fit, present the case, and if not, you might be better off looking for another opportunity. Only if you fit well into their culture will you truly be “right” for the job.
So whether or not the interviewer asks the key question, be prepared to answer it. In the same way that an experienced politician will connect his answer to express his point of view in a news interview, he will want to use the same techniques in a job interview. Most likely, the interviewer will not directly ask you “Why are you right for this job?” However, they will want to know the answer. So regardless of their questions, decide ahead of time what critical messages you want to leave with them and explain them. In the end, there is no magic formula for getting hired, but your ability to communicate how your skills can meet your needs as a contributing member of your team will get to the heart of the bigger question.