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:
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:
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.