How to Convince an Interviewer You Should be Hired

After you've explained your credentials and talked about the company, get ready for the most important question during an interview: "Why should I hire you?"

Here are some things to help you prepare your response to this oh-so-important question that could make or break getting the job.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Resume

1. 

   Make a list. So, why should the employer hire you? Before your interview, make a list of the benefits you can offer the company. Don't just list your features (e.g. 15 years of experience, certifications), but talk about the benefits rather. An example would be that you have demonstrated your experience to increase sales. Think about the results.
   
   It may help to imagine that the interviewer pulls another candidate in the office and gives you each 30 seconds to tell why you should get the job. Look at the other person and assume you know their background--what makes you better?

2. 

   Stick to the Top 3. Out of all the benefits there are to hiring you--pick the three that you feel will land you the job. Focus on those unless you think the interviewer wants to hear more. Mention the biggest benefit first in the event that you get cut off.

3. 

   Devise alternate responses. Let's say you get the big question and give a killer "elevator pitch." You're done, right? Probably not.
   
   An interviewer can turn around and grill you more by stating that you're underqualified or overqualified, for example. Or he/she may say that your experience isn't relevant for the position.
   
   Without being too pushy, it's good to have a response prepared. You can respond by saying, for example, that you may not have experience in the insurance industry, but you have responded to client inquiries and customer concerns in other jobs. The point is to screen your experiences and show that you have already used and honed the skills needed to perform the job at hand. Don't be snide, but you may want to lead in with something like, "Although I may not possess the experience you desire, I have leveraged the skills needed to perform the job. In job such and such at company such and such.

4. 

   Craft an elevator pitch. Imagine that 30-second scenario discussed above. Even if another candidate isn't pulled into the office, your response should be concise and to the point--and under 30 seconds or so. Skip the "uhms" and practice your elevator pitch.

[jsackett]

on 8/11/2009 From a seasoned interviewer, this is very sound advice.

[Dreamwrite03]

on 6/24/2009 Thank you. I'll use this in my upcoming interview.