In interviews, a common question is, “Why are you the best person for the job?” While there are many ways you could answer this question, strategically crafting your response can easily be what sets you apart from another candidate. I will share some key points to consider and an example response to this question.
Three Steps to Answer “Why are you the best person for the job?”
1. Choose two to three of your most job-relevant skills and qualifications
At first, you may think this question is all about you. But, to stand out, you must tailor your response to the employer and their needs. A mistake that candidates make when asked this question is to focus on their top skills and achievements from their own viewpoint. While this approach is not entirely wrong, it is most important to craft your response based on what the employer needs and wants.
If you read my other articles on interviewing, you know that I recommend printing and saving job descriptions for every position you apply to. Doing so will allow you to review the position description and use it to prepare for an interview. If you wonder how to respond to “Why are you the best person for the job?”, begin with the job description. What skills and qualifications are most desired and emphasized?
By choosing two or three specific skills or qualifications that the employer is seeking, you can ensure that you are addressing the question in a relevant and attention-getting way. After you have identified the skills and qualifications you will speak to, you must provide tangible evidence.
2. Provide tangible evidence
Any candidate can say they are a great leader, provide exceptional service, etc. If your answer lacks tangible evidence that proves your skills and qualifications, your answer will be generic and easily forgotten.
Bring your skills and qualifications to life for the hiring manager by providing evidence and examples. Explaining how and why are crucial to answering the question, “Why are you the best candidate for the job?” In the example below, I illustrate how you can provide evidence.
3. Describe positive long-term contributions
A mediocre answer stops at step one. A good answer will include step two. But a great response to “Why are you the best person for the job?” will speak about the future and explain how and why their skills and qualifications will be assets in the role.
By taking this extra step, you ensure that the hiring team sees the value you will bring to the role. As an added benefit, you will also be demonstrating that you have thoroughly thought about this opportunity and are excited and passionate about the role.
While part three of your response does not need to be lengthy, it does need to be well thought out. Research and preparation before the interview will help ensure that you understand the role and company and allow you to formulate your response on more than just assumptions.
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Example Answer for “Why are you the best person for the job?”
Response for Nursing Role in Newborn Intensive Care Unit
I realize how important empathy and attention to detail are to your organization and the nursing profession. Additionally, I know this role in the NICU will require strong teamwork, which is one of the job elements that made me so eager to apply!
My ability to demonstrate empathy is why I will fit so well in this role. Caring for terminally ill patients and their families taught me early in my career that empathetic, good nursing is more than caring for a patient’s medical needs. I must tenderly and empathetically care for the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of patients as well as those of the family. The RN Certificate in Palliative Care that I earned from the California State University System helped me understand a truly empathetic approach, and my two years of experience as a Palliative Nurse helped me hone those skills.
Next, I am confident my attention to detail will be an asset to your team. I commit to practicing extra caution when charting, administering medication, and performing diagnostic tests. Last month, near the end of a 12-hour shift at the hospital, I was preparing to administer medication to a five-year-old patient. I was carefully working through the Five Rights of Medication Administration when I realized the dose seemed high for such a small patient. I quickly followed protocol and collaborated with colleagues to get the right dose to the right patient at the right time. Had it been administered, the original dose could have been deadly to the patient.
Finally, I believe I am the best candidate because of my proven ability to work and collaborate with others. One of my top work values is working relationships. Not only do I enjoy working closely with others, but I also need it to truly be professionally fulfilled. In my current position, I volunteered to serve on the committee to review and revise our hospital’s nursing procedure manual. A contribution our team was very proud of us our collaboration and revision of the shift-change checklist. Since implementing our new checklist, our team has streamlined shift changes to ensure exceptional patient care and efficient hand-offs.
When I think about these three strengths in this role, I am excited about my potential to make a strong impact on your infant patients, their parents, and the nursing team. I understand that empathy will be crucial as parents trust me to care for the most important thing in their lives. NICU patients and employees become family, and I am most excited to contribute to this tight-knit team through empathetic, detail-oriented patient and family care.
Notes on the Example Answer
As you can see, the example response above allows you to get to know the candidate. You are getting small glimpses of the professional’s career journey and strong evidence of his/her skills and experiences. The response is detailed but concise and communicates authenticity that will be so important in this nursing role.
The goal of an interview is to genuinely connect with the hiring team authentically. We want them to know and trust you at the end of the interview, and specific answers with evidence and forward-thinking efforts will accomplish that!
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Hello! My name is Loren Kelly, and I am passionate about helping students and professionals accomplish their career goals! Whether you are interviewing for a promotion, changing your career field, or have been invited to interview for your dream job, I can help you stand out amongst candidates with the right interview preparation. Let’s boost your confidence and success with an Interview Preparation Coaching Session!
