If you are a jobseeker and are going to interviews, then you must have already faced this question. If not, then you should always be ready to explain why you think you can do well in this position. Hiring managers and employers love to ask this question, and sometimes the answer can make the difference between getting a call for the next round or not getting any responses at all.

This question might look like it is asking you to prove how your very existence is about and around this job, but arrogance, as well as self-deprecation, is going to hurt you. Having a cool head and a well-researched answer beforehand can go a long way.

What does this question mean?

When an interviewer asks this question, they are basically focusing on three things:

Your Special Talents: Do you have any experience, skills, or passion that may help you do this job in a better way? How are you a perfect fit for the position?
Your Well-Suitability: Why are you suited for ‘this’ job specifically?
Your Abilities: Do you have what it takes to be successful in the industry, especially in the context of the job you are applying for?

What is the interviewer asking?

On the face of it, it might look like the interviewer just wants to know more about you, which is true, but additionally, they want you to prove to them why they should hire you and not anyone else. So while you are sharing that anecdote about how you once saved a million dollars by your quick thinking, the interviewer is gauging whether you meet the demands for that specific role or not.

In an answer, an interviewer is looking at:

What do you bring to the table? They need evidence that you can swoop in and save their world from the get-go. So, try to be specific to the role when you tell your stories and experiences.
Do you understand the role? A lot of times, job seekers don’t know what’s expected of them, and that hurts employers in the long run, so they want to know whether you understand the work environment and your role or not. For this, researching the company beforehand will come in handy and will help you in telling the interviewer how your views align with the company.
Do you walk the same path as the company? Are your personal goals congruent with those of the company?

How to answer this?

You already have a cheat sheet the moment you apply for the job, the job description. Go through it once, and try to match your skills, experience, and attributes to the company’s specific requirements. Then, step up and try to explain how this match will lead to success for both you and the company. And all this while, try to keep your responses specific, brief, and relevant. A sample answer could be:

During my internship days, I was able to rotate through different positions, and that helped me understand multiple related roles in a better way. This helps me understand my place in the team and also assists me in knowing what to do. I have to contribute to get the job done. For me, one of the most important things is interpersonal relationships, and that goes a long way. The job advertised required someone with excellent communication skills, and I believe that I will be able to deliver exceptional results.

An alternative response: Ever since I stepped into the first class at university, I knew this was it. I was going to spend my life working in this niche. During my internships, I tried to learn as much as I could about this field so that I could communicate really effectively with my clients. My grades demonstrate that I am committed to mastering the intricacies of this role. I believe my interpersonal skills will also help me flourish in this role and provide the company with more than expected results.

Or: I have the right combination of skills and experience. At university, I helped organise several functions, and only last year I arranged for the venue and catering at this charity event, so I am used to overseeing tasks and working in teams. I also helped them generate more money than in previous years. I have a good track record on the technical side of the role as well. I understand the dynamics of the organization and I look forward to leveraging my experiences to help bring increased success.

Mistakes to avoid

You must avoid these rookie mistakes:

Not doing research. No matter how many similar interviews you have been to, always research the company and the role you are going to interview for. You never know what information can give you the edge and make you stand out.
Making answers about you. You have to balance your answers between what you have and what you are giving to their organization.
Being too modest and not sharing something relevant. One must be humble, but don’t let this hold you back from sharing relevant experiences. On the flip side, don’t be arrogant.

The bottom line

The employer and the hiring manager want to know whether you have what it takes and whether you will be dependable, honest, and able to follow their directions. Make sure you get that across. Many employers make their own assumptions about you based on how you present yourself. Therefore, be confident and well groomed. Finally, instead of just telling them that you are a hard worker and a fast learner, tell them how you learned something and how fast you did it. They need evidence of your skills, so always back yourself up. This strategy will help you enter the interview prepared and leave it with success. All the best.