Help With the Interview Question "What Makes You Qualified for This Position?"

Stating why you are a qualified job candidate can influence your interviewer.

If you are looking for a job, you can expect interviewers to ask certain stock questions to determine whether to offer you a job. An interviewer will commonly want to know why you feel you are more qualified than other candidates for a particular position. Although there is no single correct answer, approaching this question strategically can increase your chances of securing a job.

Preparation

Because you can reasonably anticipate that an interviewer will as you why you are the most qualified candidate for the job, you can prepare for this question before you arrive at the interview location. Take the time to research the company you want to work for, and review your experience and education to evaluate how your strengths fit with the job role. The more you know about the company, the more effectively you can tailor your answer to appeal to your interviewer.

Illustrate Points

Plan to illustrate the key points of your answer with stories from past jobs or business ventures, instead of expecting the interviewer to believe you possess the strengths and qualities you list. For example, if you interview for a customer service job, saying that you are customer-focused might not mean much to the interviewer. Instead, back up the statement with a brief story about a time when you exceeded job requirements to help a customer.

Practice Response

Before you leave for your interview, practice your response so you can speak confidently about your qualifications. Enlist a friend or family member to role-play as the interviewer, and deliver your answer just as you would in a real interview. You can also practice your response in front of a mirror -- this can help you identify slouching, excessive use of hand gestures and other physical mannerisms that might distract the interviewer from your response.

Pay Attention to Interviewer

As you respond to the question, pay attention to your interviewer's reaction. If the interviewer leans forward, nods or verbally encourages you to continue, you can elaborate on stories and key points to position yourself as an attractive candidate for the job. However, if the interviewer leans back in her chair or provides little expressive feedback, you may want to verbalize your points succinctly.

References

• Wall Streer Personnel: What Makes You Qualified for This Job?
• "Acing the Interview"; Tony Beshara; 2008