Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
You’ve landed an interview, and you’re thrilled about the position. As you research common interview questions, “What makes you the ideal candidate?” repeatedly pops up.
Most of us have been taught not to brag, so it might feel a bit awkward at first glance. Don’t let the question throw you, though. Instead, take advantage of it.
This is an opportunity to give a mini elevator pitch targeted at the hiring manager.
To do so effectively, you’ll need solid research into the position and the company, as well as excellent self-awareness.
When you understand the reasoning behind the question, you’ll realize it’s a chance to reassure the hiring manager that you understand the role’s nuances and what you’ll need to excel in it.
No interview is exactly like another. Each hiring manager might phrase this question differently. When preparing for your interview, familiarize yourself with a few variations so you can answer as seamlessly as possible.
Although there are different ways you might be asked about your fit for the position, here are the four most common:
Recognizing that they all mean the same thing, you can dive into crafting a compelling answer.
It’s great to break your prep into sections when preparing for interview questions. That way, you’re checking all the boxes and giving a concise but complete response.
For starters, list everything you’re bringing to the role. Review the job description carefully and keep your list of skills relevant. Don’t forget to include soft skills that might be applicable.
Need help figuring out where to begin? Start your brainstorming by thinking back to feedback from colleagues and previous managers.
What about performance reviews, feedback from clients, or notes from professors? Gather all of those together and highlight the ones you feel will be impactful.
Then, make a list of relevant software and technical skills that you have as well. Leave out standard minimums, like introductory email and computer skills.
Next, you’re ready to make a separate list of the company’s needs. This second list is likely to take a bit longer because you’ll need to research and analyze where this position sits regarding the team and department.
Consider the daily tasks listed in the job description. Ask yourself, if you were the hiring manager, what gap on the team are you trying to fill? Think in terms of both technical skills and interpersonal skills.
This second list needs to be your focal point as you craft your answer.
Now, gather both lists and look for areas that overlap. What skills fit each job? This sweet spot will help the hiring manager picture you in the role.
Write a bulleted list where you can connect your skill set to the position’s primary duties.
Prioritize duties or skills that are repeated more than once. These are your resume keywords. For example, is there a focus on leadership, optimizing resources, or customer service?
Try to narrow it down to one or two key areas the hiring manager focuses on. With that in mind, you’ll move into story creation.
The most effective way to communicate your answer is in a story. You want to create a narrative that blends your relevant skills with the position’s primary objective.
Is the hiring manager looking for a team leader? Share your experience by using the STAR method. You’ll share a situation, a task, an action, and a result.
It’s easy to overthink this, but essentially, you’re saying:
I am an ideal fit for this role because you need [this skill]. I’m qualified to meet this need because of [previous experience] where I [took this action] and achieved [this result].
Connecting the dots from your background to the company’s needs in a relatable story is the key to standing out in a competitive job market.
Once you have your answer, take the time to practice it. Ideally, you’ll practice with cue cards and then without them.
Ensure you utilize key points, rather than a memorization strategy. When you memorize an answer, it’s easy to be thrown off when an interview question isn’t phrased in a way you’re expecting.
Instead, practice hitting the key points you want to make with a slight variation each time.
Also, if you’re interviewing over the phone or interviewing via video, it’s best to practice using the same format. This can be as simple as recording yourself answering or conducting a mock interview with a friend.
Analyze how fast you were talking, if you were making eye contact, and whether you need to adjust your speaking volume.
Utilize interview best practices when you’re preparing yourself to answer this question.
The best way to ensure you can answer confidently is with thorough preparation. Along with solid prep time, work on making appropriate eye contact and practicing open body language.
That means making eye contact but looking away before it feels like a staring contest. If you’re in a panel interview, start by answering the person who asked the question, but then make eye contact with each of the other panel members.
Also, double-check that you’re sitting up in your chair (rather than slouching), leaning in a bit, and keeping your arms uncrossed. All of those body language cues help portray interest and confidence.
Try to eliminate any filler words that you use when you’re nervous, and speak a bit slower than you want to. Most of the time, nerves make us naturally talk faster. Don’t let the rush derail your answer.
You desperately want the job, but there are a few areas where your skills don’t match the listed qualifications.
While estimating and showing yourself in the best light is alright, it’s never wise to be intentionally dishonest about your skill set or experience.
For one thing, it’s grounds for dismissal. For another, it’ll be awkward when the hiring manager dives deeper and it’s painfully apparent you fibbed.
Don’t bring attention to gaps in your qualifications, but be honest if you’re asked about a specific skill you still need to gain. Remember, the manager’s job description is like a wish list.
Generally, they realize they’re unlikely to find a candidate who checks every box. Instead, aim for jobs you’re mostly qualified for and express your excitement about learning any missing skills.
Your previous role was challenging, and you were proud of everything you accomplished. But remember that this conversation is about what you can do for this new company.
Don’t waste time sharing stats about your previous company that aren’t relevant. You’re not here trying to get your old company a new customer.
Instead, slim down your answer to share abilities relevant to the job you’re applying for that will make the hiring manager think, “This is exactly the skill set I need in this role.”
After your last role, you feel like your experience is easily explainable. However, if the hiring manager isn’t familiar with the key performance indicators in your previous position, your examples will lack impact.
Add quantifiers to help the manager understand what you achieved.
For example, instead of saying, “I led the sales team at a high-performing dealership,” you might change your response to include information about how many people were on the team, what your targets were, or a percentage of how much you exceeded them.
Those concrete examples help the manager relate your experience to their needs.
Ask yourself if your answer highlights accolades for your previous role, such as an award or accomplishment, that isn’t directly relevant to the interview or the role you’re applying for.
That’s not ideal. The manager might think your achievements are great, but it doesn’t necessarily demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate for their needs.
Double-check your research and consider the objectives you’d be helping to meet in this new role.
Does your answer directly relate to that? If not, take some time to fine-tune your answer and showcase how it aligns with the company’s mission statement and current goals.
Let’s look at some tailored responses across different job levels and industries.
“In my recent internship at UVW Marketing Agency, I crafted social media campaigns that resulted in a 15% increase in online engagement.
“My proficiency in market research and data analysis and my creative mindset align well with your company’s emphasis on innovative marketing strategies. I am eager to bring my fresh perspective and dedication to achieving results to your team.”
“In my recent role at XYZ Sales Solutions, I successfully managed client relationships and achieved a 20% increase in sales for the accounts I oversaw over six months.
“Through effective communication, I consistently exceeded monthly targets.
“My natural flair for building rapport and a keen understanding of customer needs align seamlessly with your company’s commitment to delivering exceptional sales experiences.”
“In my current role at LMN Financial Services, I oversee a team of 12 financial analysts.
“We achieved a 10% reduction in operational costs through strategic forecasting and budget management while optimizing resource allocation.
“My expertise in financial modeling and risk management aligns seamlessly with your company’s fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth goals.”
“My background and skills make me the strongest candidate for the role. In my current position at ABC Tech Solutions, I successfully managed a cross-functional team of 10 project coordinators.
“Through strategic planning and resource allocation, I achieved a 15% acceleration in project delivery timelines, leading to increased client satisfaction and a 10% growth in revenue.
“My expertise in Agile methodologies and solid track record of delivering projects on time and within budget align perfectly with your company’s focus on innovation and efficiency.”
“I am the best candidate for this role due to the experience I gained in my previous role at XYZ Health Systems, leading a 15-member team.
“Through a focus on data and efficiency, we drove a 20% increase in overall efficiency, which reduced operating costs by 15%. As a result, we were able to avoid increasing patient costs.
“This aligns directly with your company’s commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality patient care. With a Master’s in Health Care Administration, I am confident that I can drive positive outcomes for patients and stakeholders.”
At first, you might feel like the employers are asking you to rank yourself over the other candidates. Realistically, this question is more about gauging your understanding of the role and how you’ll fit into the team.
Not only that, but the hiring manager wants to evaluate your self-awareness and confidence in your professional presence.
With a thoughtful response, you quickly show that you’ve taken the time to research the company and considered how you’ll fit in with the team.
Tying your experience to the role communicates that you’re eager for the career growth that the position offers.
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