Ahh yes, the question that seems unassuming, but should be given some real thought and appreciation. When you focus on one compelling reason — grounded in the organization’s stated needs within the vacant role and delivered with confidence — you make the decision easier for the search committee. Yes, it can feel like a confrontation, and it may be disguised as “tell me about yourself” or “is there anything we didn’t ask you that you wish to share?” — but it has more to do with a company’s cultural fit than anything, and determining if you not only check the boxes for the role, but fit into the dynamic of the office and connect to what they value on a personal level, that really stands out in an answer. This is also a chance for you to “flex” your muscles on the research that you’ve done on the company, and a thorough self-assessment of alignment of goals, mission, values and other qualities can allow you to use this question as an opportunity to not dilute your value, but to define it. Reframe your approach, and it can be the difference to hoping it doesn’t get asked, to excited that it does.
For additional insights and strategies to develop a great answer to “Why should we hire you”, check out this article from The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-better-ways-to-answer-why-should-we-hire-you
Also, be sure to visit our Interview page for more tips and guides when preparing for interviews: https://careerservices.upenn.edu/channels/interview/
