How To Use Job Descriptions And Statistics In Employment Interviews

Employment interviewers ask job candidates questions in order to determine whether the applicant is a good fit with the job advertised, with the company's mission, vision, and staff, and with expected achievement that the newly hired person will offer.

The answer to the question "Why should we hire you?' may be self evident -- You want a job and the company wants a new employee. However, the question is not only about that mutual goal.

The employment interviewer wants a fresh 60-second commercial that clearly states why you are the best candidate for the job, preferably with hard evidence like statistics linked to accomplishments, and the plans you have for the company in the future. One of my clients pulled out a set of brochures for the future that he had designed for the potential new boss. He was hired that week.

The most important thing to consider when answering this question is to see to it that what you say gives solid evidence that you match the requirements of the job description that was posted for the position for which you applied and are interviewing.

These accomplishment statistics and any like them will help you in your efforts to answer the question, "Why should we hire you?"

• I increased the number of clients in my private workforce and employment practice from 300 to 650 in a period of only three months.
• During a period of five years, the educational team that I directed assisted the largest number of people among all adult training programs in our county to attain GED Certificates every year. In the last three of those five years, we won regional recognition for this accomplishment.
• I helped to increased profits by 12% during the three years I worked for (insert name) company, while reducing costs by an additional five percent each year.

Aside from statistics, there are other ways of convincing a potential employer to hire you over other job candidates. They have to do with specific job listing requirements.

Before your interview takes place, re-read the job advertisement and position description of responsibilities carefully. Then, prepare yourself to highlight exactly how you meet or surpass these required elements.

Your goal is to show your potential new boss how much added value you will bring to the company, its vision, and its bottom line.

Examples You Might Use:

• If the job requires a Bachelor's of Science in biology and you have attended graduate school for a few semesters, you can say that you earned the required degree and went on to successful complete some graduate school training as well. Describe you advanced courses and lab work and vial experience that these classes provided you.
• If the job requires three years of related work experience and you have five years of successful experience, then make sure to mention that fact and supply concrete examples of your accomplishments.
• If the job requires expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and you can handle other software programs as well, be sure to mention them. If you wrote any useful software programs, that is a fact even more worthy of mention.

During this particular answer, make sure to emphasize what the company needs, rather than what you want for yourself.

To paraphrase the great John F. Kennedy:

Ask not what your company can do for you, but ask what you can do for your company.

You might recall a certain television commercial in which a job candidate sits back smugly as an interviewer offers perk after perk. After each offer, the applicant says, "And..." That tactic will likely get you shown to the door without a job. So, be positive about how you can help the company and then expect a fair employment package.

Answers and Behaviors To Avoid:

• How to Avoid the Top 10 Interview Mistakes

  Not everyone has the benefit of schools that provide work readiness and interviewing skills. However, there are some errors in interviewing for a new job that you can easily avoid.

• Top 10 Things You Should NEVER Say During a Job Interview

  After much hard work in writing countless resumes, cover letters, and job applications, do not ruin your chances by verbalizing these comments or questions. Very particularly, do your research and determine the salary range appropriate in your city for the job and wait until the end of the interview or until the second interview to discuss money.