How to Answer: What Makes You an Ideal Candidate for This Job?

Ah yes, the most dreaded question of them all… Or is it? I have no idea. Out of all interview questions, “What makes you an ideal candidate for this job” happens to be the one I fear the most. I don’t count being put on the spot when stakes are high as one of my favorite pastimes. And -dare I say it- you probably feel the same way. It’s OK. I get butterflies in my stomach too. The thing is, you don’t have to leave that moment to your improvisation skills; a little bit of planning can go a long way in engendering an aura of confidence as you readily give your answer.

Here’s the line of thought behind it, and what to do when the hiring manager “drops the bomb.”

Same question, different form

As far as why hiring managers ask this question, it’s pretty self-explanatory: They want to see whether you are compatible as a job candidate with the responsibilities and tasks of the position. This is your chance to sell yourself to the hiring manager, using your experience, credentials, and unique skill set as persuasive firepower, and therefore position yourself as a strong and unique candidate.

This question can also masquerade as other forms like:

"Why are you a good fit for this job?"
"What sets you apart as a unique candidate?"
"What makes you the best applicant?"
"Explain why you are the ideal candidate."

Keep in mind that while the interviewer might elect to not ask this question altogether, you still want to position yourself and convince them that you’re the real deal – ‘cause your suit (or blouse) won’t be doing the convincing.

How to retort your answer

Basically, you want your answer to utterly floor the hiring manager. Or maybe not; having your interviewer on the floor, convulsing in awe and shock at how qualified you are for the position is not an ideal situation (sorry, my imagination likes to run free sometimes).

That being said, you still want to impress the person who’s going to play a significant role in dictating your future. Here are a couple of ways to do so:

Before the interview, take some time to see how your credentials/qualifications match those found in the job posting.
This is why you should pick jobs you feel particularly qualified for. Come up with strong arguments for each qualification or point to support your case. Use real-life examples, anecdotes, and stories from your professional history.
Talk about your achievements.
Based on the research you’ve conducted prior, what feats, in particular, are going to impress the person sitting in front of you? Be specific and deliberate with your choices (i.e., don’t say irrelevant stuff). Bonus points if you are able to link them with the company’s mission.
Flaunt your skills.
No, don’t do that (that’s physically impossible, anyway). The point: do you have a particular skill that not many employees are privileged to call their own? Even better, are you particularly good with a skill that’s listed in the job posting? Once again, anything that can hook the individual’s attention will do you massive favors.
Rehearse your lines.
Don’t sound rehearsed in the actual interview though. Loosen up some. Yes, you want to know what to say and how you’ll say it by heart, but you don’t want to turn into a robot in the process. A good way to prevent this is to practice answering in a few different ways while making a conscious effort to vary your answers and thoroughly explain your case each time.

Example answer:
Working hard in previous jobs has provided me with a specific and ideal skill set for this position. I have a broad range of experience across multiple divisions, so I know how to handle many different types of problems. I’m also highly organized and extremely personable, so I can receive a lot of calls or do well in situations where I have to see a lot of people face-to-face. I’m also very flexible, so if a sudden change were to occur in my schedule, I’d be able to accommodate it without slowing down my performance.

The above is a fictional example, but it uses the same principles in playing off of what the hiring manager is already looking for.

On the other hand, a bad example would be…

While I don’t have that much experience [red flag #1], I still have a lot to bring to the table. As opposed to other candidates [red flag #2], I know how to bring my personality into my work. I’m honest, hard-working, organized, cheerful, and nice to people [major red flag #3]. So, the story goes like this: my mom had forgotten to wake me up on time for my first day at work because my alarm had stopped working, and since I didn’t own a phone… [Lol, what?]

Stand (or sit?) tall, my friend…

When answering, look your interviewer in the eye (don’t be creepy, though – death stares are a big no-no). Speak slowly and clearly. Be unwavering in your demeanor. Show them confidence, that you’re certain you are going to do well. It’ll probably rub off on them and then you’ll get the job. Who knows, it might just be the one thing that seals the deal (y’know, in case your qualifications suck so hard, lol… don’t worry though, they probably don’t).

For more job interview tips, tricks treat, and sweets, go yonder.