This question is very similar to when companies ask “why should we hire you?” The company is looking for you to show them several things:
- Confidence – They want to know that you believe you can help the company.
- Knowledge – They want to hear what you have to say about your abilities.
- Research – They want to know that you have some idea what their company does.
This is also the type of question that you can potentially take full advantage of in order to put yourself in a far better position. It is one of the best questions for laying out your best points and showing the interviewer why you are right for the job. As always, make sure you stay away from clichés. Try to take advantage of this opportunity to make yourself unique. Also, remember to focus on the company even more than the job.
Bad Answer
“My strengths are that I am a hard worker. I have knowledge in PowerPoint and Access. I have worked in the marketing field for over 10 years. I have always been a fast worker and reliable. I believe that my skills and expertise will allow me to do the job well and to help your company grow.”
Too many clichés, and it focuses too much on the job without discussing the strengths of the company.
Good Answer
“Your company has long been a leader in strategic marketing, due primarily to your usage of modern marketing technologies and current techniques for reaching your target markets. When I worked at MarketTech, I worked directly with those same strategies include the integration of social media marketing. I also have a passion for new technologies that will allow me to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. I have a history of working directly with marketing companies that focus on integration, using such products as Software Name 1, Software Name 2, and Software Name 3, I am I am positive that these experiences will help your company achieve its goals.”
Fewer clichés, and a focus on how your experiences will help the company. You can also integrate information about the corporate culture, or anything else that shows that you understand how that company operates.
Take Away Interview Tips
- Focus on the company, not the job description.
- Relate your experiences to the company.
- Be confident with your answer.
- Avoid all clichés.