cover letter why they should hire me

How To Answer Why Should We Hire You? – [15 Sample Answers Included]

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 6/21/2022.

Few questions make a job seeker feel like they’ve been put on the spot quite like, “Why should we hire you?” No matter how skilled you are or how qualified for the job you happen to be, it feels like one of the dastardliest questions around.

Even strong candidates may doubt what they bring to the table. Plus, it feels incredibly tough to come up with a good response if you don’t like to brag.

Luckily, by checking out our tips and some why should we hire you answers, you can get a better grip on this question. Are you ready to take a look? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

How To Answer “Why Should We Hire You/Why Should I Hire You?”

Before we dive into the why should we hire you answers, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what this question – and others like it, including “Why are you a great match for this role?” – is all about. Mainly, the hiring manager wants to see why you feel you’re a great match, “see” being the operative word.

Every company or organization has a certain type of person in mind when it comes to the position they are interviewing for. This person will usually need to have one, two, or even more specific qualities that the organization believes in or emphasizes.

Overall, 42 percent of job applicants don’t meet the skill requirements for a job. Since the hiring manager is looking for someone who brings the stuff they need to the table, they’re hoping you’ll show them exactly why you’re a stellar match, and they will normally select the person who best exemplifies the specific qualities they’re after.

This job interview question is the perfect opportunity for you to pitch yourself to your potential employer and reinforce the idea that you are the perfect candidate! How do you show them that? By using examples, of course.

What kind of example should you use? Usually, you want to showcase one that matches a specific job duty or skill you saw in the job description/job ad. When you do that, you know for a fact you’re speaking to the hiring manager’s needs. So, reference what you saw in the vacancy announcement specifically to show the alignment.

Top 5 Tips for Answering Why Should We Hire You?

1. stay achievement-oriented.

Simply listing capabilities is rarely enough if you want to impress with your “why should we hire you” answer. Instead, you want to be achievement-oriented. Discuss accomplishments that showcase the best of what you have to offer. Also, quantify the details to make your responses extra impactful.

2. Feature Hard AND Soft Skills

When you create your answer, you don’t want to focus solely on the technical capabilities listed in the job ad. Instead, make sure to bring some soft skills into the mix, too.

If there aren’t any features in the job description, go with classics like communication, leadership, and teamwork. By including those in the achievements you discuss (alongside some hard skills), you’ll look like a stronger candidate.

3. Show Culture Alignment

Hiring managers aren’t just looking for specific skills; they want candidates that will mesh with the company culture. Make sure to show you’re a fit by bringing in aspects of the company’s mission and values into your answer. That makes the connection ridiculously clear, making you seem like a strong fit.

4. Express Excitement for a Specific Duty

One simple way to make your answer stand out is to express excitement for a specific duty (or two) listed in the job ad. If you can show that you’re passionate about a core responsibility, it’ll make you a more appealing candidate.

5. Embrace “I” Statements

While a job interview isn’t all about you, your answer to this question generally should be, at least in one key way. You need to use “I” statements in your answer. Saying “we” muddies the water, making it unclear whether it was you or other colleagues that accomplished certain goals or possessed specific skills. By using “I” instead, you remove those doubts, making it easier to show why YOU are a great match for this role.

Just remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

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Top 15 Why Should We Hire You Answers

Okay, now is the moment you’ve been waiting for: our fantastic why should we hire you sample answers.

But before we dig in, a quick word about these answers. While these why should we hire you examples can give you a solid idea of how to approach the question, they are for inspiration only.

Why are they only inspiration? Because they aren’t targeted to the job you’re trying to land, that’s why.

When you interview a job, you need to use the Tailoring Method to speak to that exact hiring manager’s needs. When you do that, your answers are even more impactful, increasing the odds that the hiring manager will see you as a strong match.

Plus, 47 percent of hiring managers wouldn’t offer a candidate a job if they seemed to have little knowledge about the company. By tailoring your answers, you show you’ve gone the extra mile.

So, spend some time getting to know the Tailoring Method. Then, use that to customize your answers the right way, increasing the odds that your response genuinely stands out.

With that out of the way, let’s dive into how to answer why should we hire you by looking at some stellar examples.

Sample Answer 1 – Entry-Level IT

In the job ad, I noticed that finding a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in software development, strong Java skills, and entry-level mobile app development skills is a top priority. Along with graduating with honors, during my time in school, I was tasked with designing a mobile app to demonstrate my skills. I chose to create a Java-based application that helps students refine their programming skills. After the project’s completion, I decided to launch the app. Not only is it now listed on Google Play, but it’s been downloaded more than 5,000 times and has a 4.8 rating. Plus, I’ve used feedback to make improvements, giving me experience with application updates and maintenance. I believe that my education and experience make me a strong fit for the role, and I look forward to not just applying my skills at a company like yours but continuing to grow in my next position.

Sample Answer 2 – Entry-Level Office Administration

Between the job description and what we’ve discussed thus far, it’s clear that communication skills are essential for this role. During my time in school, I’ve had the opportunity to hone my writing skills. Along with report writing and business communications, I’ve also taken coursework in technical writing specifically, which I believe manufacturing companies may find valuable. Additionally, along with taking a public speaking class in college, I also joined Toastmasters. That allowed me to boost my presentation skills, increasing my confidence when speaking in front of large groups. Together, those experiences allowed me to acquire and improve a wide range of communication skills. I look forward to using them as I take the next step in my career.

Sample Answer 3 – Entry-Level Sales

According to the job description, finding someone comfortable with cold-calling seems to be essential. While I don’t have prior outbound sales experience specifically, my time working in retail customer service has given me valuable capabilities that seem like an excellent match. Along with speaking with and assisting customers I hadn’t met previously, upselling was a core part of the job. Not only was I comfortable with upselling, but I consistently exceeded expectations, outpacing other employees by an average of 45 percent. That experience aligns with cold-calling in many ways, and I believe that makes me an exceptional fit for the role.

Sample Answer 4 – Entry-Level Healthcare

Based on the job ad and what I’ve learned about the company, you’re looking for a team-oriented candidate who can thrive in a fast-paced environment while providing exceptional patient care. As a recent nursing graduate, I’m familiar with working under pressure, as that was a necessity while I was earning my degree and completing my internship. Additionally, I’m incredibly motivated to not just assist patients to the utmost of my ability but also support my colleagues. By working closely together, we elevate the patient experience and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Plus, it creates opportunities for me to learn from more experienced coworkers, ensuring I can continue to exceed expectations.

Sample Answer 5 – Entry-Level Manufacturing

You discussed in the job posting that you’re looking for a diligent, reliable candidate for the role who is willing and able to learn quickly on the job. During high school, my attendance was immaculate, exceeding 99 percent across all four years. Additionally, I was diligent about handling my classwork, ensuring everything was completed on time and to the desired standard. When it comes to my willingness to learn, the idea of being able to launch a career with this role is incredibly motivating. I can envision growing in the position and honing my skills as I, hopefully, move up in the company. Between my dedication and desire to find a company that can become my long-term employer, I feel I’m an excellent fit for the job.

Sample Answer 6 – Mid-Level Marketing (Individual Contributor)

The job description stated that you’re looking for a candidate with at least three years of marketing experience, emphasizing the need for social media marketing skills. I’ve held my current position for the past four years, working with clients in a range of industries to refine their social media marketing strategies. On average, conversation rates for my accounts rose by 62 percent, and customer acquisition costs declined by 48 percent. With my track record and experience, I believe that I’d be an asset to any team, including in the role you’re trying to fill.

Sample Answer 7 – Mid-Level Accounting (Individual Contributor)

You’ve mentioned that finding an accounting professional with experience in accounts receivable is your top priority. Along with being a CPA, I have six years of accounts receivable experience. Additionally, I’m familiar with auditing processes, as well as account reconciliation, deposit management, general ledger procedures, and report creation. Due to my strong knowledge base, I believe I’m an excellent candidate for this role.

Sample Answer 8– Mid-Level Human Resources (Individual Contributor)

From what I’ve learned about your company and the role, you’re not just looking for a human resources team member; you’re specifically in need of a skilled recruiter. Along with my degree in human resources, I have four years of experience in the recruitment space.

During that time, I updated job descriptions, wrote vacancy announcements, and interviewed for dozens of openings each year. While the average time-to-hire at my last company was 36 days, my average came out to 27 days. Additionally, the retention rate for positions I filled exceeded company norms, sitting at 96 percent, and the selected employees – on a performance scale of 1 to 5, with three being “meets expectations” – scored an average of 4.75. Since finding high-quality matches is a company priority, I believe my expertise and track record make me an exceptional candidate for the role.

Sample Answer 9 – Mid-Level Cybersecurity (Individual Contributor)

Based on what you’ve shared during the interview and what I learned from the job ad, you’re looking for a cybersecurity professional who can help your company stay ahead of emerging threats. Along with my degree, I’ve worked diligently to further my education. I currently hold two cybersecurity certifications – the CISSP and CEH – giving me a stronger foundation. Additionally, I’m dedicated to monitoring emerging trends and learning about new solutions. Along with trade publications and following thought leaders, I spend much of my off-time researching new threats and learning about mitigation processes. That way, I can provide exceptional value to my employer, increasing the odds that the company will stay safe against the newest risks.

Sample Answer 10 – Entry-Level Finance Management

According to information I found on the company website, it appears that facilitating additional growth is a main goal for the organization. I feel that I have the right skills to help the company achieve that objective. Along with data analysis experience, predictive analysis and forecasting are two of my strengths. This makes me incredibly well-equipped when it comes to making sound investment recommendations that can spur growth. Couple that with the risk mitigation skills I discussed on my resume, and I believe that I’m highly suited to the role.

Sample Answer 11 – Entry-Level Sales Management

I understand that finding someone with a proven track record and experience guiding others toward success is a must based on what you’ve listed in the job description. In my previous role, I recommended process changes that allowed our team to exceed sales goals by 15 percent, making us the top performers in the company. Additionally, I personally seized opportunities to coach and guide entry-level hires as part of the mentorship program. As a result, I’ve had the chance to hone my leadership skills, including adapting my approach to meet the needs of each incoming employee. I think my cumulative experience makes me well-equipped for a management role such as this one and an excellent fit for your hiring goals.

Sample Answer 12 – Entry-Level Human Resources Management

When I reviewed the job posting, it seemed that finding a well-rounded candidate was your main goal. I believe that makes me an exceptional fit for the position. Along with seven years of recruiting experience, I’ve also spent five years in benefits administration. I also redesigned my last employer’s onboarding process, boosting first-year retention by 72 percent, and overhauled the performance management approach, resulting in an overall productivity increase of 28 percent. On the education front, I’ve completed a Master’s degree in Human Resources, giving me a solid foundation in many critical areas. Additionally, I earned my SHRM-CP last year and recently secured my SPHR certification. Taken together, I believe this makes me an excellent fit for the job.

Sample Answer 13 – Entry-Level Technology Management

I believe that my resume showcases the technical capabilities you’re after, based on what I saw in the vacancy announcement. As a result, I want to focus my response on the traits and soft skills that I believe make me a strong match.

Working as a manager means setting down your individual contributor hat and focusing on team development, delegation, and cumulative success. While I haven’t worked in management specifically, leading large, cross-departmental projects is one of my current duties.

Along with overseeing substantial budgets, task delegation and timeline management were core responsibilities. I also focused on promoting solid communication and effective collaboration, all while coordinating the activities of a number of professionals and coaching them toward success.

Based on that experience, I believe I’m a strong candidate for the technology manager role and would quickly become an asset at any company.

Sample Answer 14 – Upper Management

I know that finding a candidate with strategic vision is a top priority based for this leadership position. During my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of teams and overseeing many cross-departmental initiatives. That experience has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to gather more insights about how various teams interconnect and how they stand apart. Additionally, it’s taught me how to guide a broader range of professionals, allowing me to address their concerns and secure their buy-in efficiently. As a result, I’ve become skilled at accounting for the big picture, making me an excellent fit for the role.

Sample Answer 15 – Executive Leadership Team

You explained earlier that your company is concerned that its current technology is holding the organization back. I believe that’s an issue I can address.

In my past positions, I’ve overseen comprehensive technology audits designed specifically to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Once the information was gathered, I was able to outline a technical vision, identifying improvement opportunities with the strongest ROIs.

Since facilitating growth is the goal, I believe my experience would serve the company well, making me an excellent fit for the role.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, the why should we hire you sample answers above should give you some solid ideas about approaching that interview question. Use the information above to your advantage. That way, you’ll be able to craft a fantastic answer whenever the need arises.

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

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About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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12 Best Answers to “Why Should We Hire You?”

By Biron Clark

Published: November 16, 2023

More and more employers are asking, “why should we hire you?” or, “why should you be hired for this role?” And it can be an intimidating question if you’re not ready for it! Don’t worry – in this article, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to answer… with word-for-word answer samples, steps to follow, mistakes to avoid, and more.

Let’s get started…

Why Employers Ask “Why Should I Hire You?”

There are a couple of reasons why an employer may ask you to explain why you should be hired for their role.

First, they want to see how confident you are in your abilities. If you don’t think you’d perform well in their job and succeed in the role, why should they? So the first step to answering this interview question is to show confidence in the interview and don’t panic when they ask this question.

The next reason employers ask, “Why should we hire you?” is to make sure you’ve done your research and understand the job.  If you didn’t even look at their job description before applying, they’re not very likely to want to hire you. Employers want a job seeker who’s looking for specific things in their next job and being careful in their job search. No exceptions. This is also why employers ask why you applied for their job. They want to know if you researched their job or just applied randomly.

The last reason that hiring managers ask, “Why should I hire you?” is they want to know what sets you apart , what makes you qualified for this job, and why you’ll perform well in this role. So this is your chance to brag a bit and sell them on yourself! What are the things that make you qualified for this role? And if possible, what do you have that other candidates might not?

Watch: How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

Key steps to answering “why should we hire you”.

When the hiring manager asks, “Why should you be hired for this role?” you can break your job interview answer down into four steps, which will help you give an effective response. I’ll explain each step in more detail below, too, and then we’ll look at a couple of the best answer samples, too, so keep reading until the end.

The steps to answer why you should be hired for the role:

• Remain calm and confident, and never say, “I don’t know.”
• Show the employer that you’ve researched the job and understand what their role involves
• Explain why you’re a great fit for this position and its specific job requirements
• Show them why you’re excited about this type of work and will be motivated and enthusiastic in the role

I’ll explain each piece of the answer below.

1. Show confidence

This should be self-explanatory, but you need to seem confident and show that you believe in your own abilities in the role first and foremost. You don’t have to act like you’re perfect at every task they mention in their job description. But you need to show, through your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, that you’re reasonably confident that you have the basic skills needed and that you could learn whatever you’re missing once hired.

2. Show you’ve researched the job and know what it involves

Next, you can’t answer “Why should we hire you for this role?” if you don’t know what the company wants/needs in that role. The fastest and easiest way to know what the hiring manager needs is to look at the job description. What’s mentioned near the top, or most often on the page? If something is the first bullet point you can bet it’s pretty damn important most likely.

3. Demonstrate why you are a great fit for this job (in terms of hard skills and experience)

Now you know what the hiring manager wants and needs in a candidate because you studied the job description. Next, you need to point out the pieces of your background that are best aligned with their needs and the tasks you’ll be performing in this job. It’s okay if you’re not the perfect fit – they liked something on your resume or they wouldn’t have invited you to have a job interview. So when they say, “Tell me why we should hire you?”… give an answer that highlights the pieces in your background that are most relevant to them.

Your job when answering is to convince them that you’ll be able to succeed in this role and start contributing quickly to the team’s work.

4. Show them you’re interested in this type of work

There’s a difference between being able to do something and wanting to do it. That’s why showing interest is important – to eliminate any doubt of whether you’d want to do this type of work. If you don’t convince them you’re enthusiastic about the work, they’re going to worry that you’ll lack motivation, get bored, quit soon after starting, etc. And these are all big fears hiring managers have, which can cost you the job offer.

Bonus answer tip: Be as specific as possible

Let’s say you’re going to talk about leadership. Don’t just say, “Yes, I led people in my last job. Leadership won’t be a problem for me if I’m hired.” Instead, paint a clearer picture by getting into some details. Tell them how many people you led, what topics you guided them on, how long you’ve been in leadership , and what you learned as a leader. And then show them that you’re interested in leadership and that you enjoy it as well!

For example, you could say:

“Yes, I’ve led people for the past three years. I started with two direct reports and then hired an additional three people to grow my team to five in total. I did their performance reviews, training, and more, and it’s an area I enjoy a lot and am targeting in my next position. That’s one reason I applied for this job ; I saw this Manager role has the opportunity to build and grow a team.”

This is one of my favorite job interview tips in general. The more specific you can be when telling a story, the more you’ll show you’re a fit for this position. That doesn’t mean you should answer every question with a story. If they simply ask, “how many years have you worked with X?” then the hiring manager wants a very basic answer, like, “Five and a half years.” But when an interview question does ask for a story, this is how to respond effectively. I’ve got more example answers coming up next, so don’t worry if you’re still not 100% sure what to say when you answer this question.

“Why Should We Hire You?” Sample Answers

Next, let’s look at some sample answers so you can see what the steps above would actually sound like in a job interview.

Sample answer #1 to “Why should we hire you?”

“I read the job description before applying and it seems like self-management is mentioned a lot. That’s one of my strengths and something I’ve been working a lot to develop and improve recently. In my last job, my boss only checked in with me once a week. Other than that, his approach was to let me manage my work entirely. On top of that, I’ve been doing the exact type of work that your role involves – in-person sales – for two years. That’s why you should hire me for this role… because not only do I have the technical experience, but I thrive in an environment where I’m trusted to manage my own work. As a side note, in my own time, I’ve been doing a lot of reading on the subject of productivity and self-management, so it’s something I’m personally passionate about as well. I’ve looked up new productivity strategies and read a few books on goal setting, and I’m excited to put that knowledge to use.”

That little “side note” in the answer above is an extra piece you can add to stand out further. It’s an extra bit of story that shows you’re personally interested/passionate about a topic, or at least committed to studying and learning it. The interviewer will remember you for that comment. It’s how you make your answer stand out from all the other answers that the interviewer has heard when they ask, “why should you be hired for this role?” If the hiring manager talks to 10 or 15 people for a position, the answers will sort of blend together when they go to review each interview and make a decision. So this is a huge factor in getting hired.

Just be ready for follow-up questions when you use the “distinguisher” strategy to answer why they should hire you.  Don’t get nervous… it’s a good sign when they ask questions. You caught their interest and they want to know more because you gave them a really unique answer. So the hiring manager or recruiter may ask an additional interview question or two to learn more! But this is why you need to only say things that are true and that you’re comfortable talking more about.

Sample answer #2 to “Why should we hire you?”

“Based on the job description, it sounds like you need an experienced Data Analyst who can replace the person you’ve lost and organize some of the new processes and data that your department is receiving, too. In my last job, I was the first Data Analyst hired into the department and set up our entire data analysis process from scratch. We ended up using our internal data to save 22% on advertising costs the following year. So I think this role has a lot of similarities to what I’ve done in the past. That’s why you should hire me for the position. As a side note, I’m a bit of an organization geek, and love creating SOPs and documents for my work. So when I saw there’s a need for that in this role, too, I knew I should apply!”

In that example answer above, you can see most of the time is spent directly answering the question of why they should hire you. But you’re also including a specific example of your past accomplishments, which is great. And you’re wrapping up the answer by sharing a detail to show how passionate you are about this type of work.

Any time you can point out specific skills and experience mentioned in the job posting, and share why that interests you, you’ll “wow” the interviewer!  Why? Because this shows them you’ve done your research and really thought about what you want in your next job. Those are both things that many job seekers aren’t doing enough of. Hiring managers don’t just want someone who is a fit for the job. They want someone motivated and interested. Always. Before I wrap up the article, I’ll share one more example answer. This time, I’ll leave it as a template that you can fill in for yourself.

Best example answer formula for “Why should we hire you?” (template)

“My impression based on the job description is that you need someone who can do <key responsibility of the job>. In my last role, I did <similar task or accomplishment you’ve done in the past>, so I’m confident I will be able to step into this role and begin contributing quickly for you. As a side note, I’m also personally very <interested/passionate> about <topic related to the job you’ll be doing>, so I’d be very excited for the opportunity to step into this role.”

If you follow the steps above and organize your answer like the interview answer examples we looked at, you’ll have a great answer for “why should we hire you.” This is how you can make sure you sound confident when you explain why they should hire you in the interview.

“Why Should We Hire You?” Example Answers for Different Occupations

“You should hire me because I’m passionate about writing clean, reliable, scalable code. Having studied computer science, I’ve since built up a wealth of work experience in full-stack development. I’m certified in the use of Ruby, Ruby on Rails and associated languages and frameworks like HTML, CSS and Javascript. I can support and contribute to all corners of your dev team, from setting up a Rails environment to managing databases, systems integration and administration, and designing and building cutting-edge web apps, platforms and services.”

This works because: From this answer, it’s clear that you have a strong technical background that covers all aspects of tech administration and app development. Your confidence shines through, and it’s clear you have relevant certifications along with practical skills.

 Real Estate Agent:

“I’d be a valued asset to your team because of my advanced knowledge of the real estate market, market trends, and the local real estate business. Having completed a 12-month internship at <company name>, I had the opportunity to develop strong negotiation and closing skills. I have what it takes to build trust and long-term relationships with clients, as I’m discerning, perceptive, and skilled in appealing to clients’ needs and wishes. I’m also very visually oriented and, having completed a 6-month course in interior design, I can be of great help in staging and presenting houses for ‘open house’ days.”

This works because: This answer conveys a sense of eagerness and potential to the interviewer. It’s clear that the importance of client relationships and people skills is understood, along with the ability to ‘close the deal.’ Yet, there’s also a cherry on top added, as you offer your ‘staging’ skill that goes beyond the job description while still remaining relevant.

“I’d be a strong addition to your team because I’m reliable, technically skilled and empathic. I’d bring leading certifications and more than 8 years of 10h/day patient-care experience to the role. I’ve worked alongside both top and intern doctors at one of the busiest hospitals in the area, building up confident, actionable knowledge of patient care through a wide range of scenarios. I’m skilled at putting patients and their loved ones at ease, even in trying circumstances. With my extensive knowledge of patient assessment, monitoring and administration procedures, medications, ailments and anatomy, I can provide effective, dependable support to your doctors and nursing team.”

This works because: This answer inspires confidence because it sounds confident. It’s clear that you are ready to take on a range of important responsibilities in a stressful, busy setting. The focus on reliability is noted as this, along with empathy and technical skills, is a highly valued quality in a nurse. 

Digital Marketing:

“You should hire me because I’m proactive, trend-conscious and goal-oriented, and I have an impressive portfolio of measurable successes through all aspects of the online marketing process. From market analysis, strategy and campaign planning to multimedia content creation, I’ve spearheaded, executed and optimized winning campaigns through a range of digital platforms. I think outside the box, always leveraging the best of cutting-edge tools and solutions to maximize the reach of my work. I’m also a team player, able to delegate, support and motivate, but ready to act on instruction and feedback as needed.”

This works because: This answer describes a balanced, knowledgeable professional with strong references related to all steps in the marketing process. Besides the track record of success and experience using online marketing tools, it’s noted that you respond well to feedback, an essential quality for a marketer.

Personal Trainer:

“I think I’d be a great addition to your team because of my people skills, physique and impressive sports and academic background. After achieving my BSc in movement science, anatomy and sports nutrition, I played professional rugby for four years, working one on one with some of the best personal trainers in the country. It’s those trainers that inspired me to apply for this role. I believe my professional sports experience, and my vast working knowledge of anatomy, exercise, nutrition and dietetics make me well suited to individualized program development and transformative training and support.”

This works because: This answer mentions your impressive academic accolades, as well as your background in professional sports, both of which are a big plus. What makes this answer stand out, however, is when you mention that you have strong role models in the world of personal training. It’s plain to see that you have what it takes to practice physical movement as a career and deliver personalized training solutions for diverse clients.

Flight Attendant:

“You should hire me because of my professionalism under pressure, my attention to detail and my passion for customer service. I speak light conversational Arabic and French, along with fluent native English. I have a passion for diverse customs and people, who I know how to greet and interact with respectfully. I have both customer service and emergency medical training and, having worked in a hotel FOH, I’m a strong team player. I’m passionate about putting customers at ease and pampering them, no matter how pressurized things are ‘behind the scenes.’” 

This works because: This answer highlights your impressive language skills and cultural knowledge, which are useful in a post that involves culturally diverse communication and etiquette. The answer also indicates how well you understand the pressures and responsibilities of the flight attendant role, as you’ve mentioned teamwork, emergencies, customer service and stress, all of which are relevant.

“You should hire me because, having worked three years as a full-time retail assistant, I’ve won numerous national incentives for both sales and customer service. I’m accustomed to mall life and long hours on my feet, and I work well in a close team setting, getting on well with diverse people and teams. I have a strong work ethic through all aspects of retail work, from stock-take and merchandising to customer service, sales and breaking targets. I’m a competitive seller, always working to beat my targets, though my customers would tell you I’m respectful, friendly, helpful and never pushy.”

This works because: This answer works because retail work is not for everyone and can involve long hours standing in a stressful, competitive team environment, however, it’s clear that you have experience in a similar role and understand the pressures of long hours, teamwork and meeting targets. This answer also shows that you are dedicated to making targets, but doing so in a way that won’t make customers uncomfortable.

Customer Service:

“ I’d be a profitable addition to your team because of my discernment, tact and dedication to quality customer service. Having worked in food and beverage, front of house, and retail environments, I’ve seen all aspects of customer service both behind the scenes and in person. I know the value of confident product and process knowledge, as well as strong listening and conflict management skills. I’m empathic and good at tapping into a client’s wishes and wants. I’m a people person and a perfectionist, able to make high quality, meticulous customer service look easy.”

This works because: This answer is impressive because it shows that you know the value of product and process knowledge, and nothing is more off-putting to a customer than an assistant who’s unable to answer questions confidently. What sets your answer apart is your statement about making great service look easy, this says a lot about how you work and it’s definitely intriguing to me as an interviewer.

Answering “Why Should We Hire You?” With No Experience

If you haven’t held a previous job and don’t have a track record of delivering high quality work, you can still create an impressive answer to set you apart from other candidates. If you’re an entry-level job candidate, answer “Why should we hire you?” by talking about the following:

• Highlighting academic experience you have (if you have no work experience, then your academic experience is your work experience)
• Talking about hard skills and soft skills that you obtained through studying, internships, etc.
• Showing that you’ve put effort and time into researching the company and role, and that you understand their needs better than other candidates.

That last point is especially important if you want to have a successful job search as an entry-level candidate. Some parts of the interview process are pure effort. They don’t require any key qualifications, past experience, etc. Showing that you’ve researched the team and read the job description carefully is one of those ways to stand out from other candidates in any interview process. Another way you can stand out is by showing strong communication skills. So practice your answer at home!

Example answer to “Why should we hire you?” (no experience)

“While I just graduated and don’t have any corporate project management experience, I was successful in leading numerous team projects in my final year of university. Three teams from three separate classes decided I would be the best person to lead and delegate tasks, so I took that leadership position for each project. We were able to deliver high-quality work on all projects and earned a perfect grade in each. For two of the projects, we also delivered a presentation to our class. This helped me build confidence and public speaking skills, which I believe will benefit me in my professional career.”

Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “Why Should We Hire You for This Position?”

To conclude the article, here are the top mistakes to avoid if you want to pass the interview when you hear this question.

Answer mistake 1: Saying, “I don’t know, you decide who to hire.”

The interviewer knows it’s their decision, but they’re looking for confidence in this answer, and they’re looking for evidence you’ve studied the job and have real reasons for applying (other than just needing employment). Saying, “I don’t know,” does none of this and will likely cause you to fail the interview .

Answer mistake 2: Giving a sarcastic answer to this question.

The most effective answers to this question will be direct and serious. Avoid jokes and sarcasm when responding. When a recruiter or hiring manager asks this question in a job interview, they are looking to learn meaningful info about your background and why you want this job. Anything but a serious, direct response to, “why should we hire you for this position?” is a mistake, in my opinion.

Answer mistake 3: Naming too many reasons that you should be hired for the role.

Sometimes less is more when answering open-ended interview questions like this. If you try to name 10 different reasons you believe they should hire you, it will just make your answer scattered and make all of your arguments less convincing. So be narrow and targeted in your answer. Think about the job description and pick one or two qualifications that make you the BEST candidate for the role. That’s how to make sure your interview answer stands out and gets remembered when you’re competing with many other candidates in the interview.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What have you done that’s most similar to this job?
• What’s going to be the best proof that you can come in and succeed in this position, so that they have no concerns about hiring you?

That’s what to share when the interviewer asks why they should hire you for the role.

Answer mistake 4: Telling a lie in your answer

You may be tempted to tell a lie in your answer. There’s pressure to show them you’re the best fit for the role, and maybe you haven’t met every requirement yet in your career. I strongly recommend not lying, though. Lies often lead to more lies  and can cause you to become more nervous in the job interview as it goes on. The fact is, if they invited you to the interview, then they liked your resume and qualifications.  Most candidates don’t have every qualification, so you just need to sell the experience you do have. Research their job posting, give detailed examples, and show the interviewer that you’re confident that your qualifications are enough to succeed in their role. If you show this, plus a show positive attitude, enthusiasm , and interest in learning more after being hired, you’ll be one of the top candidates and get more job offers consistently… even without the perfect resume. Plus, you never know what any individual employer or hiring manager is looking for in the interview. Maybe they’re looking for someone with less experience who they can train and develop in their career. That happens quite often, so I recommend you never lie on your resume or in a job interview.

Conclusion: Why Should You Be Hired for the Role?

If you stay calm and confident, study the job description and show you understand their role, and then point out exactly how your past work and learning have prepared you to step into their job and succeed, you’ll have a great answer to, “why should we hire you?” Remember to share details in your answer as another way to set yourself apart from competing candidates. For example, don’t just say, “I’ve led people in the past.” Say, “I’ve been leading people for three years with teams of up to 10 people.”

And finally, practice your response at home before your interview. Nothing comes out perfect the first time you say it, so you’ll usually perform better and feel more confident if you practice. You can rehearse in the mirror or by recording yourself talking into your smartphone voice recorder app (every modern phone has one), and then playing it back to hear how you sound. That’s my preferred method for practicing interview answers.

About the Author

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This is a very helpful article. I will put this in mind the next time I go to a job interview.

Great article! I have had an interview last week and recruiter asked me the same question but i was actually confused in what to answer exactly as it was my first interview. After reading your article, now i understood how to answer this question properly and also knew what is the intention behind asking this question by recruiter.Thanks for the tips shared by you.

Great article! I have had an interview last week and recruiter asked me the same question but i was actually confused in what to answer exactly as it was my first interview. After reading your article now i understood how to answer this question properly and also knew what the intention behind asking this question by recruiter. Thanks a lot for sharing!

Hi Biron! I just came across your videos and have to say I really like the easy and simple way you break things down. Sometimes I think we can over think things, especially when your job hunting (what do they want to hear, what should I say, what shouldn’t I say etc etc). Really appreciate these videos and will be recommending them for sure!

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

Thanks for the kind words, means a lot! I’ll try to create more videos soon. My original goal was to do 10 and then see if enough people are watching for me to do more.

If there’s a specific question you’d want to see covered, let me know. I’m trying to keep it to common questions that everyone can relate to, but questions that can be tricky or uncomfortable for a lot of job seekers.

Anyway, thanks for watching and sending the feedback!

I just had a interview. Wish I saw this first. They didn’t ask this exact question, they actually made it harder and said: Why should we hire you over all of the other candidates for this position. Or something like that. It seemed odd because I don’t know who else they’ve spoken with and I don’t know if I’m the best person to hire. But your article introduced a pretty cool idea to me, the fact that I might not need to be the most qualified candidate if i can show i’m better prepared and more eager to perform well in this job. Showing interest instead of just ability, distinguishing myself so i stand out, and other tips are going to help me next time I bet. Looking forward to another attempt. Or if this company calls back I can use some of this info but it’s been 5 days so who knows.

Thanks for this video Biron. I do admit this question is a bit intimidating. Some interviewers ask it nicely but others ask very directly and it’s not always the most comfortable situation when you don’t know what to say. I still don’t think I’m going to love the feeling when I sit down and they ask pretty much right away why should they hire me for this position. But these tips did a lot to help me get to a point where at least my actual answer will be adequate and well rehearsed. Maybe that’ll squash the nervousness too.

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Why Should We Hire You? - Professional Answers for 2024

“Why should we hire you?” is one of the most common, yet hardest, interview questions to answer.

It’s so open-ended, that you might not know where to start.

Should you go over your resume and explain how your work experience makes you a great fit for the role? Or should you talk about how you possess certain skills that make you stand out from other candidates?

No worries, we're here to help! 

In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know to answer this complicated job interview question efficiently.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Interview Question?

• How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”
• 79 Sample Answers for Different Professions and Levels of Experience

Let’s dive in.

When the interviewer asks, “Why should we hire you?” they want to measure exactly how qualified you are for the job and what makes you a good fit for the company.

There are a few alternative ways you might hear an interviewer ask the same question, such as:

• Why are you the best candidate for this job? 
• What makes you a good candidate for this position?
• Why are you a good fit for this position?
• Why should we hire you over other applicants?
• Why do you think this position is a good fit for you?
• Can you describe why you’re the ideal candidate for this position?
• Why should we hire you for this position?

They’re basically asking for a short elevator pitch that will help you sell yourself as a professional.

Now, if you’re good at thinking on your feet and can present yourself as a worthwhile candidate, you’ll likely ace this question.

But if you don’t meet the interviewer’s expectations, your entire job interview might go down the drain.

So, your answer should cover:

• Your work experience and achievements. You can talk about a specific accomplishment at a previous, relevant position and show the interviewer how you can achieve similar results for them.
• Your most relevant skills and qualifications. Prove that you’ve got all the skills the company is looking for in a candidate by mentioning your abilities and qualifications that match the job advertisement’s requirements.
• Your passion and motivation. Highlight how well you would fit into their company by talking about how much you love working in your field or industry.
• Your determination for growth. Mention how the job aligns with your career goals and how you see yourself contributing to the company and growing in the field.

Want a comprehensive guide to job interview questions? Check out our article on 35 of the most common interview questions and how to answer them!

How to Never Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

Before we tell you how to answer this interview question, let’s talk about what you should avoid when the interviewer asks, “Why should we hire you?”

There are a few angles you should never take when answering this interview question, such as:

• Money. Even if the salary is your main motivation, you still shouldn’t mention it during the job interview. No company will hire you just because you want a steady income.
• Perks. Like the previous example, saying that you’re in it for the perks that come with the position is not a good enough reason why the company should hire you over other candidates.
• General interest. Don’t be generic when answering this question. Giving some vague explanation as to why you got into the industry (e.g.: “my parents chose this major for me and I just went along with it, so now I’m looking for jobs in the field”) won’t go far.
• Too much information. You need to be brief with your answer, so taking five whole minutes to give the interviewer your life story is a no-go.
• Arrogance. Don’t answer by saying they would be lucky to have you or how the other candidates could never match up. You’re going to come off as arrogant, not confident.
• Lying. Don’t embellish your skills, experience, or achievements. The employer will eventually find out the truth, and there will be consequences.
• Desperation. “Because I really need it” is never a good answer. While the interviewer might feel bad for you, they’re not going to hire you just because of that.
• Poor self-esteem. Saying, “I’m not sure; I don’t deserve the job more than any other candidate,” might seem honest to you, but it looks bad to an interviewer. You’re supposed to convince them you’re worth hiring, not impress them with your modesty or admit to your weaknesses .
• No prepared answer. Not being able to answer this question is as good as answering it badly. You should always be ready to tell the interviewer how you can contribute to their company and what sets you apart from other candidates, so practice in advance.
• Memorized answer. Your answer will be more impactful if it sounds natural instead of something you learned by heart. So, practice your pitch beforehand instead of trying to memorize a prepared answer.

Want a comprehensive list of things you shouldn’t do during your job interview? Read our article about the biggest interview mistakes for more.

9 Tips to Help You Answer “Why Should We Hire You?” During a Job Interview

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about tips you should apply when answering this interview question.

There are nine main tricks to getting this job interview question right, starting with: 

#1. Analyze the Job Ad

Start by carefully reading the job ad you’ve applied to.

The job ad can give you valuable insights into the role's exact responsibilities, the required qualifications, and the company's expectations for their candidates.

Take the time to identify the keywords , in terms of skills, experiences, and qualities the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Then, use that information to tailor your answer during your job interview and highlight how your background aligns with their needs.

By understanding the job, you can show the interviewer how suitable you are for the role when you answer this question.

The job ad is also super useful for tailoring your resume . Learn how with our detailed guide!

#2. Research the Company

Beyond the job ad, researching the company you’re applying to is just as important for explaining why they should hire you.

The more you understand the employer, the better. Learn as much as you can about the organization - its mission, values, culture, recent achievements, and future goals.

Start by exploring their website and social media presence. Then, look for any articles and other publicly available information.

You can then tailor your response to show that you align with their needs and values.

For example, if the employer is known for their sustainability initiatives, you can mention how you find that inspiring and how you’re an environmentally conscious individual who shares the same values outside of work.

Moreover, showing the interviewer that you’re familiar with the company's culture and values says that you've taken the time to research them, and employers love a well-prepared candidate.

#3. Match Your Skills and Experience

The first thing you should do when answering “Why should we hire you?” is to highlight any skills and professional experience that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. 

You don’t want to talk about skills that the employer isn’t interested in.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, you should talk more about how great you are at numbers and staying organized, not about your amazing leadership skills .

To make your answer all the more credible, make sure to always back up everything you say with specific examples.

“You should hire me because I’m a great accountant. I’ve been doing this for years now.”

“I’ve got the skills you’re looking for. I'm well-versed in QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle Financials, and I've got a solid grip on GAAP principles. I’m sure I can handle the work accurately and efficiently, so I’ll be a great fit for your team.”

See the difference?

#4. Mention Your Achievements

Show the interviewer how your past achievements tie in with the job you’re applying for.

Just be sure to provide concrete data. Quantifying your professional achievements is a powerful way to reinforce why you’re the right candidate for the job.

Here’s an example:

“I’m really good at advertising. Trust me, I am, I’m amazing.”

“Because I’m very good at pay-per-click advertising! At my last job, I managed to improve return on ad spend by 12% within 3 months of taking over the account.”

Hiring managers want tangible examples that demonstrate your skills and the impact you made. If you can tell them exactly what you did for your previous employer, they’re more likely to believe you can do that for them, too.

Just be sure to focus on your more recent and relevant achievements. Your greatest accomplishment shouldn’t be something you did ten years ago during your time as a server if you’re applying for a job as a software engineer.

#5. Highlight What Makes You Unique

When answering "Why should we hire you?" it's important to highlight what makes you stand out as a candidate.

Think about your greatest strengths , unique experiences, or qualities that separate you from others.

Do you have an unusual skillset or background that could bring a fresh perspective? Maybe you overcame a significant challenge and developed valuable traits like resilience or problem-solving skills .

Identifying what makes you stand out lets you come up with a memorable answer to this question, and you can show the interviewer why hiring you over other candidates is the right choice.

Just be sure to tie your unique attributes back to the role's requirements. Explain how your distinct qualities can directly contribute to the company's success and your impact on their work.

#6. Convey Your Cultural Fit

Another thing the interviewer wants to know is if you’ll be a good fit for their team and how their company approaches work.

So, depending on the company, you might need to be an independent self-starter or someone who can work well with others. Just make sure to incorporate the right impression into your answer.

For example, teamwork skills and adaptability come in handy for practically every position out there.

No matter your profession, you’ll likely need to work alongside others and adapt to different people and situations, so these are two skills that employers are always on the lookout for . 

So whether you’re applying for a job as a QA engineer or a waitress, the interviewer will want to know how well you’d fit into their team.

Let’s look at an example:

“I always end up doing everything when I’m part of a team, so I’d rather just work alone and spare myself.”

“I’m a great team player, and I really feel like that’s one skill that really sets me apart from other project managers. Whatever team I might be managing, I end up making fast friends. I’m also very effective at getting my teammates to be at their A-game without having to push them or be too micro-managing.”

#7. Explain How You Can Help Them

At the end of the day, the point behind every role is to help an organization achieve a certain goal.

If you’re applying for a job in marketing, for example, your goal might be to generate leads. If you’re in customer support, it’s to provide excellent service to the company’s customers. 

So, another way to answer, “Why should we hire you?” is by explaining how, exactly, you can help the company achieve such a goal through your experience and skills.

Let’s say that you’re applying for a role as an event planner at a small company. From reading the job description, you know they’re looking for someone to organize events in their area and get the company’s name out there.

So, you have a clear understanding of what the company’s goal in hiring you is. They want to find someone who can: 

• Organize events successfully
• Promote those events
• Improve the company's brand awareness

With that in mind, you can explain exactly how you’ll be able to fulfill the company's goals.

“I’m good at planning parties, and I have the experience you need.”

“Because I have a lot of experience using event management to promote small startups such as your company! In my last role, I held a brainstorming event with the CEO and came up with over 30 different event ideas, out of which we executed around 10. Most of the events turned out to be quite successful, driving over 50 participants each on average.”

#8. Show Your Dedication and Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is a critical component of workplace success.

According to the US Department of Labor , it’s exactly what employees seek from prospective candidates beyond skills, experience, and training.

As per this study, some employers would rather train an enthusiastic but inexperienced candidate than someone who is qualified but has a negative attitude.

So, when answering this job interview question, make sure to show dedication and enthusiasm for the company or the role you’re applying for.

“Honestly, I’d rather be playing the games than making them, but I have over five years of experience in the industry, so I know how to handle the job.”

“I know I don’t have an extensive work history, but what I lack in experience I make up for in enthusiasm and dedication. I’ve been into video games since I can remember and have always wanted to get into UI design! Other than my B.A. in Computer Science, I’ve also spent a big chunk of last year practicing. I even created 3 mock UI designs for some of my favorite games. I believe that under the right mentorship, I can apply the programming skills I’ve acquired during my studies and internships to meet the responsibilities of the role and more.”

Some hobbies and interests can also show your passion for the field you’re applying to or even back up your skills. Learn how to add them to your resume with our dedicated article!

#9. Be Honest

This final tip applies to practically every interview question you’re going to hear.

At the end of the day, you don’t want to sell yourself as someone you’re not. 

If you lie about your experience, credentials, or skills, you might get the job, but the experience will end up very unpleasant for both you and the employer.

Whatever you lied about will come up, and things will get awkward. You might lose your professional reputation and, at worst, your job.

So instead of risking going back to square one with your job hunt and a bad story about how you got fired , just be honest from the start.

Honesty and integrity are great qualities that should be part of your work ethic, and they’re something that employers value, too.

Towards the end of your interview, you might want to ask some questions of your own. Check out our article on questions to ask an interviewer for ideas!

“Why Should We Hire You?” Sample Answers

Do you need inspiration to explain why the interviewer should hire you? We’ve got your back.

We’ve made a list of over 79 sample answers for different professions and levels of experience.

Sales and Customer Service Sample Answers

#1. sales associate sample answer.

“Well, I have proven sales experience and a strong customer service background. In my previous role, I consistently exceeded my sales targets by at least 15% each quarter through personalized customer interactions and diligent follow-ups. I thrive in team settings and am passionate about delivering exceptional shopping experiences, which makes me a great fit for your team.

Read a full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Account Manager Sample Answer

“Because I have extensive experience with client relationship management and a proven track record of boosting client retention rates. At my previous job, I led a team that increased customer satisfaction scores by over 20% through strategic partnerships and effective communication. I'm also skilled in using CRM software like Salesforce and HubSpot, which I understand are central to your operations.”

#3. Software Support Specialist Sample Answer

"I have a strong background in technical support, where I've successfully managed software troubleshooting and resolution for over 500 users. In my last position, I was recognized for reducing ticket resolution times by 30% while maintaining high customer satisfaction ratings. I’ve also developed comprehensive user manuals that decreased recurring user queries by 25%, so I’m definitely committed to improving support processes and user experience."

#4. Customer Service Representative Sample Answer

"I'm really focused on advancing my career in customer service because I love helping people solve their problems. At my current job, I’ve been involved in projects that improved customer feedback mechanisms, which actually increased our service ratings by 15%."

Read a full customer service resume example here.

#5. Cashier Sample Answer

"I have extensive experience as a cashier, and I’ve handled transactions quickly and accurately in a high-volume retail environment. At my previous job, I was praised for my ability to manage long lines and keep customers happy. I also played a key role in reducing checkout times by implementing a new queuing system, which helped increase the store’s overall efficiency."

Read a full cashier resume example here.

#6. Retail Manager Sample Answer

"I’m well-suited for this retail manager role because I have strong experience with inventory management and staff training. At my last job, I implemented a new inventory system that reduced waste by 15% and improved stock turnover rates. I also developed a training program that boosted our team’s sales performance by over 20%. Understanding your store’s focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction, I'm confident I can contribute effectively to your goals."

Read a full retail manager resume example here.

#7. Barista Sample Answer

"I’m passionate about coffee, and I see this job as a perfect opportunity to grow my skills, especially when it comes to crafting specialty beverages. At my previous cafe, I helped introduce several new drinks that became customer favorites and increased our repeat visits. I’m eager to bring my creativity and enthusiasm to your team and grow with a business that values quality and innovation when it comes to coffee."

Read a full barista resume example here.

#8. Server Sample Answer

"I thrive in fast-paced settings, which is why I’ve consistently worked as a server in busy restaurants. At my last job, I managed multiple tables with a positive attitude, which kept customers happy during rush hour. I also led a team initiative to streamline order-taking processes and managed to reduce our wait times. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my energy and track record to your dynamic team."

Read a full server resume example here.

#9. Waiter Sample Answer

"Even though I haven’t been a waiter for long, I’m a fast learner and really eager to make sure every customer has a great experience. At my first job at a local café, I quickly got the hang of things, handling orders smoothly and keeping diners happy. I’m excited about the opportunity to work at your family diner and contribute to the welcoming atmosphere you’re known for."

Read a full waiter resume example here.

#10. Front Desk Agent Sample Answer

"I absolutely love the tourism industry, and there's something special about making visitors feel welcome and informed. I was a seasonal worker at a beautiful resort last summer, and I had the chance to meet people from all over the world and help them discover what makes our area unique. I'm thrilled to bring my passion for hospitality and my enthusiasm for travel to your team, and to give guests the best experience during their stay."

#11. Housekeeper Sample Answer

"I’ve been a professional housekeeper for over three years, mostly in hotel settings where high standards are the norm. I’m praised for my thoroughness and efficiency, and I’ve regularly received compliments from guests on the cleanliness of their rooms. I really enjoy making sure every corner of a space is spotless and welcoming.”

#12. Line Cook Sample Answer

"I’m passionate about cooking and eager to expand my skills in a dynamic kitchen environment. At my previous job as a line cook, I refined my grilling techniques and contributed ideas that were included in our seasonal menus. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my culinary creativity to your kitchen team and I can help you deliver outstanding dishes that align with your restaurant’s reputation for excellence."

#13. Restaurant Manager Sample Answer

"I’m well-prepared for the role of restaurant manager and I’ve already mastered a lot of the skills you’re looking for. At my current job, I manage scheduling and payroll for a staff of 20, and I've implemented new inventory practices that cut our costs by 10%. I’m also experienced with the POS systems I noticed you use here. I’m excited about the chance to use my skills to contribute to your team and enhance the dining experience for your guests."

#14. Bar Manager Sample Answer

"I’ve always thrived in lively environments, which is why I love being a bar manager. Over the past five years, I’ve developed a knack for creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. I’ve also been responsible for coordinating events and specials that boosted our weekday sales by about 30%. I'm really looking forward to bringing my passion for socializing and my experience in bar management to your team."

Read a full bar manager resume example here.

Administrative and HR Sample Answers

#15. receptionist sample answer.

"I thrive in roles that allow me to support others and keep things organized. In my previous job, I was often praised for my ability to multitask while maintaining a friendly attitude. I see the receptionist position as a great way to refine my skills and contribute to making your office a welcoming and productive environment for both your staff and visitors."

Read a full receptionist resume example here.

#16. Recruiter Sample Answer

"I genuinely love the recruitment field because it allows me to connect people with opportunities that can change their lives. In my current role, I've helped match over a hundred candidates with roles that suit their skills and career goals, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’m particularly excited about the chance to bring my passion and experience to your team and help build a strong workforce that drives your company's success."

Read a full recruiter resume example here.

#17. Human Resources Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm really passionate about HR because it gives me the opportunity to contribute directly to the workplace culture and growth of a company. In my current role, I've been instrumental in implementing new employee engagement programs that have increased staff retention by 20%. So, I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication and innovative ideas to your team and help nurture and develop talent that aligns with your company’s long-term goals."

Read a full human resources resume example here.

#18. Office Manager Sample Answer

"I have a strong background in office management and I’ve coordinated operations for a busy legal firm for over four years. I’m known for my ability to keep everything running smoothly, whether that’s managing schedules, handling vendor relations, or ensuring compliance with office protocols. My previous role involved reducing overhead costs by 15% through efficient resource management. Now, I’m looking forward to bringing my organizational skills and proactive approach to your team."

Read a full office manager resume example here.

#19. Secretary Sample Answer

"I've been working as a secretary for over four years now, primarily in high-pressure office environments where multitasking and efficiency are key. I'm known for my meticulous attention to detail and my ability to manage complex schedules and administrative tasks seamlessly. In my last role, I supported a team of 10 executives and helped coordinate everything from daily meetings to international travel arrangements."

#20. Executive Assistant Sample Answer

"I think I’m a great fit for the Executive Assistant position because it aligns perfectly with my career goals and my experience with high-level support. In my current role, I’ve managed complex calendars, coordinated international meetings, and led project logistics that contributed to the streamlined success of the executive team. I thrive in an environment that challenges me and needs me to anticipate the needs of others so I can support them best."

Read a full executive assistant resume example here.

#21. Administrative Assistant Sample Answer

"I’m a great match for this Administrative Assistant role because I've developed a strong set of skills that perfectly suit the demands of a busy office. In my previous job, I managed all front-office activities, including handling sensitive documents and coordinating internal and external communications. I'm also proficient with various office software, including Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace, which ensures I can keep things running smoothly."

Read a full administrative assistant resume example here.

#22. Data Entry Clerk Sample Answer

"I've always had a knack for handling large amounts of data with accuracy and speed, which is why I'm drawn to data entry. In my previous position, I was responsible for updating customer records for over 10,000 clients and I ensured the highest level of accuracy. I'm good at making sure that information is correct and easily accessible, which helps the whole team perform better. I’ve also got really fast typing skills that I’m sure will make me feel right at home in your company."

Read a full data entry resume example here.

Finance Sample Answers

#23. accountant sample answer.

"I think I’ll thrive as an accountant on your team because I'm good at bringing order and clarity when it comes to financial systems. In my current role, I've been instrumental in streamlining accounting processes, which improved our reporting time by 20% and enhanced accuracy. I can apply my skills in GAAP and financial analysis to contribute to your financial team and help make things more efficient."

Read a full accountant resume example here.

#24. Financial Analyst Sample Answer

"You should hire me because the Financial Analyst role aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and I’ve got the skills and experience to thrive here. In my current position, I've been responsible for managing investment portfolios and developing forecast models that have consistently outperformed market benchmarks. I have a proactive approach and analytical skills that let me provide valuable insights that can drive business decisions."

Read a full financial analyst resume example here.

#25. Bank Teller Sample Answer

“I think I'd be a great fit for the Bank Teller position given my experience in customer service and cash handling. In my last job, I was known for nailing the details in transaction processing and handling tricky customer questions smoothly, which really helped boost our customer satisfaction. I'm already familiar with the banking software you guys use here, so I'm confident I can hit the ground running. I’m really looking forward to using my skills and upbeat attitude to help maintain the excellent service reputation of your bank.”

Read a full bank teller resume example here.

#26. Banker Sample Answer

"I truly love banking because it gives me a chance to work directly with clients and help them achieve their financial goals. Right now, I’m looking after more than 200 clients, giving them personalized financial advice that really fits their needs. What drives me every day is my passion for financial planning and making sure my clients are happy."

Read a full banker resume example here.

Business Sample Answers

#27. business analyst sample answer.

"I've always been driven by my curiosity, so I like analyzing data and transforming it into insights that can really drive business success. In my last role, I worked on a project that helped streamline operational processes and it resulted in a 15% increase in efficiency. I love digging into the numbers to find areas for improvement, and I'm really excited about the chance to bring my analytical skills and enthusiasm for problem-solving to your team."

Read a full business analyst resume example here.

#28. Business Development Manager Sample Answer

"I absolutely love the thrill of forging new business relationships and finding win-win opportunities. In my current role, I've successfully expanded our market reach by partnering with key industry players, and that resulted in a 25% increase in overall revenue. I’m big on strategic growth and innovation in business development, and that’s something I'm eager to bring to your team. I'm excited about the potential to collaborate and drive your company's expansion."

Read a full business development manager resume example here.

#29. Project Manager Sample Answer

"I think I'd be a great match for the project manager role because I've handled similar projects in the media before, keeping everything on schedule and within budget. I'm good at bringing teams together and making sure everyone's on the same page. I’m excited about the chance to do the same here and really make a difference in your projects."

Read a full project manager resume example here.

Marketing and Advertising Sample Answers

#30. marketing executive sample answer.

"I’m sure I’d be a great fit here and I have the skills and experience to make a difference.  In my current role, I spearheaded a multi-channel campaign that increased our market share by 20% within a year. I thrive on challenges and I’m always looking for ways to make a real impact. Joining your team would be a fantastic opportunity for me to leverage my experience in a vibrant and forward-thinking environment."

Read a full marketing executive resume example here.

#31. Marketing Manager Sample Answer

“I think my extensive experience in the field is the main reason I’m a perfect match for this role! I have held this exact same position at another, slightly smaller, organization for over eight years, where I successfully managed a team of twelve employees in our marketing department. Over the first 2 years of working at the company, I completely overhauled our marketing strategy, putting more emphasis on PPC advertising. This ended up paying off big-time and resulting in a company-wide revenue increase of over 52% over the coming years.”

Read a full marketing manager resume example here.

#32. Social Media Marketing Manager Sample Answer

“I am confident I have the right skills - communication and marketing, respectively - to help you grow your business and get your company to stand out from the competition. I helped my previous company increase its social media engagement by 24% by implementing a new content strategy. I’m sure I can bring that same innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to your company now.”

#33. Content Marketer Sample Answer

"I believe I’m a great fit for this content marketing role because my experience aligns closely with the skills you need. At my previous job, I managed the content calendar for our company’s blog and social media platforms, growing our audience by over 50% in one year. I’m skilled in SEO, social media analytics, and creating engaging content that resonates with target audiences. I’m really looking forward to bringing my digital marketing expertise and creative ideas to your team."

#34. SEO Specialist Sample Answer

"I have a strong background in SEO, with over four years of experience driving successful campaigns in various industries. At my last job, I increased organic traffic by 120% within a year by optimizing content and refining backlink strategies. I'm praised for my analytical skills and my ability to adapt strategies based on data insights. I’m really looking forward to bringing my expertise in SEO and passion for digital marketing to your team and helping boost your website's visibility and engagement."

Read a full digital marketing resume here.

#35. PPC Specialist Sample Answer

"I’m a good fit for the PPC Specialist role because I love the field. PPC advertising lets me use a creative and analytical approach to directly impact a company's visibility and sales. In my current role, I’ve managed budgets of over $300,000, mostly for optimizing ad spending to increase the ROI by 35%. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in crafting targeted campaigns and my enthusiasm for data-driven results to your team so I can contribute to your digital marketing efforts."

IT and Software Development Sample Answers

#36. it specialist sample answer.

"I'm well-prepared for this IT Specialist position because I have a solid background in managing and troubleshooting network systems. At my previous job, I was responsible for maintaining the IT infrastructure for a mid-sized company, where I significantly improved system reliability by implementing proactive maintenance schedules. I’m also skilled in cybersecurity measures, which I understand is a priority for your organization. I’m excited to bring my technical expertise and problem-solving skills to your team and help maintain a secure and efficient IT environment."

Read a full IT resume example here.

#37. Software Engineer Sample Answer

"I've been a software engineer for over five years now, focusing mainly on developing scalable web applications. At my last job, I led a project that revamped our e-commerce platform, which improved load times by over 50%, enhanced user experience, and significantly boosted customer satisfaction and sales. I enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems and writing clean, efficient code. Now, I’m looking forward to bringing my technical skills and proactive approach to your development team."

Read a full software engineer resume example here.

#38. Cyber Security Sample Answer

"Because I hold certifications in CISSP and CompTIA Security+, I've got a firm grasp on both the theory and practical sides of cyber security. My experience extends to cloud security and network defense, which matches exactly what you're looking for in this role."

#39. Web Developer Sample Answer

“I believe that my experience with tech, specifically in the web design space, makes me the best match. I was responsible for maintaining and updating our company website at my previous job. So, I kept employee profiles updated and continuously posted information about upcoming events. I truly enjoyed what I was doing, which is what drew me to apply for this position next. I would love to bring the coding and design skills I learned there to this new and more challenging role.”

Read a full web developer resume example here.

#40. Computer Scientist Sample Answer

"I’m a great fit for this Computer Scientist role because my background and skills align closely with the innovative projects you’re known for. During my graduate studies and subsequent work experience, I specialized in machine learning and data analysis and developed algorithms that improved data processing speeds by 30%. I'm also proficient in Python and Java, which I read are essential for the job."

Read a full computer scientist resume example here.

#41. Data Scientist Sample Answer

"I absolutely love diving deep into data and uncovering insights that can really transform a business strategy. At my previous job, I developed predictive models that helped the company reduce churn by 20% by identifying key customer behaviors. I’m also skilled in using advanced analytical tools like R and Python."

Read a full data scientist resume example here.

#42. Data Analyst Sample Answer

"Well, the Data Analyst position aligns perfectly with my career goals and skills. I was instrumental in analyzing customer data to help tailor marketing strategies at my previous job. We even increased campaign effectiveness by 25%. I’m proficient with SQL and Python, and I have strong analytical skills, so I can effectively interpret data and provide solutions to whatever problems you have."

Read a full data analyst resume example here.

#43. DevOps Engineer Sample Answer

"You should hire me because I have the background you’re looking for. For example, at my previous job, I played a big role in migrating our legacy systems to the cloud, which improved our deployment times by 40% and significantly enhanced system reliability. My experience with automation tools like Jenkins and Kubernetes was also crucial in streamlining our operations."

Read a full DevOps engineer resume example here.

#44. AI Engineer Sample Answer

"For starters, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems and improve people's lives. I also have useful experience that can help me adapt to your team. Like in my last role, I contributed to a project that developed an AI system for healthcare diagnostics, which increased the accuracy of patient assessments by over 30%."

Read a full AI engineer resume example here.

#45. Java Developer Sample Answer

"I'm a great fit for the Java Developer position because I have extensive experience with Java-based applications. Last year, I spearheaded the development of a high-traffic e-commerce platform using Java and Spring Boot, which enhanced transaction processing times and improved the overall system’s stability. Generally, I’m also proficient with the entire Java ecosystem and agile methodologies."

Read a full Java developer resume example here.

Health and Medicine Sample Answers

#46. nurse sample answer.

"I've been working as a registered nurse for over six years, primarily in fast-paced emergency departments. I'm really dedicated to providing compassionate and efficient care to patients. In my last role, I was commended for my ability to handle critical situations with calmness and professionalism, which can be crucial in a stressful environment like an ER."

Read a full nurse resume example here.

#47. Medical Assistant Sample Answer

“I believe that my resume and cover letter offer enough information about my professional experience as a medical assistant. So, I’d like to mention how passionate I am about my profession and how important I think that is for any successful employee in the medical field. Helping people and saving lives has always felt like my calling, and that allows me to do my job with dedication and patience.”

Read a full medical assistant resume example here.

#48. Dental Assistant Sample Answer

"I'm a great fit for the position because of my experience in dental care. Over the past three years, I've supported dentists with various procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex restorative work. I'm well-versed in preparing and organizing dental instruments, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring patient comfort throughout their visit."

#49. Dentist Sample Answer

"I’m passionate about dentistry because it allows me to combine my love for science with my desire to help people directly. In my previous practice, I provided comprehensive dental care and implemented a community outreach program that educated local schools on oral health. I'm eager to bring my clinical skills and commitment to patient education to your team and help to expand our impact on community health while maintaining high standards of dental care."

Read a full dentist resume example here.

#50. Pharmacist Sample Answer

"I think I'm well-suited for the position because of my extensive background in clinical pharmacy. Over the past five years, I've managed medication therapy for patients with chronic diseases. I'm also skilled in conducting health and wellness screenings, which has been really instrumental in building patient trust and loyalty."

Read a full pharmacist resume example here.

Creative Sample Answers

#51. graphic designer sample answer.

"I've always been passionate about design and how it can influence people's perceptions and experiences. At my last job, I led the redesign of our company’s branding, which refreshed our image and significantly increased customer engagement across our digital platforms. I love the challenge of creating visuals that communicate effectively and resonate with audiences."

Read a full graphic designer resume example here.

#52. UI/UX Designer Sample Answer

"I absolutely love diving into user experience design because it’s all about solving real problems and making things easier and more enjoyable for people. I recently led the overhaul of the user interface for a popular mobile app, which led to a 40% increase in user retention. I also thrive on feedback and iterative design to create the best possible user experience, so I think I’m a great candidate for the job."

#53. Product Designer Sample Answer

"Sure! I have extensive experience in bringing innovative products from concept to market, so product design is something I’m very familiar with. One of the last things I did at my previous job was lead the design of a new line of ergonomic office furniture that won industry awards and saw a sales increase of 30% year over year. Now, I’m excited about the chance to use my skills and creativity to contribute to your team and help drive successful product launches."

#54. Creative Director Sample Answer

"Well, I’ve been leading creative teams for over a decade. My focus is on crafting compelling branding and advertising campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. I thrive on inspiring my team to explore innovative concepts and push the boundaries of traditional design, and from what I read, that’s exactly what you’re looking for."

#55. Game Designer Sample Answer

"You should hire me for the Game Designer position because I'm experienced and passionate about creating immersive gaming experiences that captivate players. Most recently, I developed a multiplayer strategy game that won critical acclaim and built a dedicated fanbase. I tend to closely analyze player feedback to refine game mechanics and enhance our engagement, and I can do that for your projects."

Read a full game designer resume example here.

#56. Animator Sample Answer

"I've always been passionate about bringing stories to life through animation. At my last job, I worked on a variety of projects, including animated shorts and advertisements. I was able to push the boundaries of traditional animation techniques to create engaging and memorable content, so that was super fun. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team that shares my dedication to innovation and quality."

Read a full animator resume example here.

#57. Illustrator Sample Answer

"I’ve been working as an illustrator for over five years. My focus has been on creating visually meaningful artwork for books, magazines, and digital media. My style adapts well to different themes and audiences, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing my work published in several notable publications. I pride myself on my ability to translate complex ideas into engaging visual narratives. So, I think I can bring my artistic skills and creative insights to your team and produce captivating illustrations that resonate with your viewers."

Read a full illustrator resume example here.

#58. Photographer Sample Answer

"I've always been passionate about capturing moments that tell a story, and that's what has driven my career as a photographer. Whether it's shooting weddings, corporate events, or outdoor landscapes, I strive to bring a unique perspective that resonates with people. I’m confident I can bring my artistic eye and technical skills to your projects and enhance the visual storytelling that your brand is known for."

Read a full photographer resume example here.

#59. Actor Sample Answer

"I think I’m right for this role because it taps directly into my strengths and experience as an actor. I've spent the past few years honing my skills in a variety of stage and film productions, where I've been praised for my ability to bring complex characters to life. I'm particularly skilled at dramatic roles, but I also have a knack for comedy, which I understand is important for this project. I'm eager to bring my versatility and passion to your production and contribute to creating something truly memorable."

Read a full actor resume example here.

#60. Writer Sample Answer

"I’ve been writing professionally for over five years, specializing in feature articles for lifestyle magazines. My work has won awards and has helped increase readership by engaging a broader audience, mostly through compelling narratives and thorough research. I love telling stories that resonate with people and inspire them to think differently. I’m sure my passion for storytelling and my writing skills can help me create impactful content as part of your team."

Read a full writer resume here.

#61. Editor Sample Answer

"Because the position aligns perfectly with my passion for language and literature. I’m good at refining content and enhancing its readability, so I've been managing the editing processes for a major online magazine. I significantly improved content quality and consistency across various sections there. I have strong attention to detail and a dedication to maintaining the voice of the writers without compromising clarity."

Read a full editor resume example here.

Education Sample Answers

#62. professor sample answer.

"I'm deeply passionate about advancing knowledge in my field and mentoring the next generation of scholars. Over the last decade, I've published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and have been actively involved in leading research projects that explore innovative concepts in environmental science. What excites me most about this professorship is the opportunity to collaborate with your department's talented faculty and engage with students whose energy and curiosity can drive further exploration and discovery. I’m eager to contribute to and grow with your academic community."

Read a full academic CV example here.

#63. Teacher Sample Answer

"The teaching position perfectly aligns with my skills and experience. I’ve spent the last two years teaching high school math, where I've helped improve students' test scores and developed digital tools to enhance learning engagement. I'm skilled in curriculum design and classroom management, which are crucial for creating an effective learning environment."

Read a full teacher resume example here.

#64. Tutor Sample Answer

"I’m a great candidate because I've always had a passion for education and particularly enjoy working with children to help unlock their potential. Over the past three years, I've tutored students in a variety of subjects and seen many of them improve their grades significantly. What I love most is creating engaging lessons that make learning fun and accessible."

#65. Recent Graduate Sample Answer

“As a recent college graduate, I know that what I'm lacking is career experience. However, I used my time at university to develop a lot of the required skills for this job. For example, after interning in four different organizations and managing a full course load while also working at the university's admissions office, I learned how to multitask and prioritize responsibilities. From what I understand, this is a fast-paced environment, so the ability to manage my time, effectively prioritize tasks, and work with self-discipline are going to be the keys to success.”

Read a full recent graduate resume example here.

#66. College Student Sample Answer

"I'm a great fit for this role because my college coursework and extracurricular activities have prepared me well. I've taken courses in management and business communication, and I'm an active member of our campus debate club. I’d say I’ve sharpened my organizational and collaboration skills, so I’m well-suited for a dynamic work environment. I'm excited about the opportunity to apply what I've learned in a real-world setting and contribute to your team."

Read a full college freshman resume example here.

#67. High School Student Sample Answer

"I think I'd be a great fit for this position because I love working with people and I'm always up for a challenge. In school, I'm involved in various clubs and sports, which has helped me develop strong teamwork skills. I'm really energetic, which comes in handy for keeping up in fast-paced environments. I'm also excited to bring my enthusiasm and outgoing personality to your business and make a positive impact!"

Read a full high school resume example here.

Other Sample Answers

#68. architect sample answer.

"I believe I'm a great match for this position because my expertise is directly in line with the kind of projects your firm handles. I have extensive experience with sustainable design, and I’ve led the development of several eco-friendly buildings that reduced energy use by over 30%. I’m also proficient with BIM software and I’m committed to innovative, environmentally-conscious design."

Read a full architect resume example here.

#69. Electrical Engineer Resume Sample Answer

"Well, my background aligns closely with the skills you're after. Until recently, I specialized in designing and implementing robust power distribution systems for industrial plants. I improved system efficiency by more than 15% there, and I’m also experienced with the latest CAD software and electrical simulation tools."

Read a full electrical engineer resume example here.

#70. Interior Designer Sample Answer

"Sure! Well, I have a deep passion for interior design and I’m backed by over five years of experience transforming spaces with different styles and budgets. At my last job, I led a project that won the 'Best Residential Interior' award for its innovative use of space and materials. So, I’m confident I can make a significant contribution to your company."

Read a full interior designer resume example here.

#71. Construction Project Manager Sample Answer

"I'm well-prepared for the because I've managed numerous large-scale projects over the past eight years and always ensured that they were completed on time and within budget. I'm adept at coordinating between different teams and I leverage technology to streamline processes. For example, in my last job, I oversaw the construction of a commercial complex, which involved coordinating with over 40 subcontractors and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations."

Read a full construction project manager resume example here.

#72. Operations Manager Sample Answer

“From what I understand based on what I've read about the company and what we've discussed so far, you're looking for an operations manager to oversee operational activities at every level of the organization and to ensure higher efficiency and employee performance. Well, I believe I have the right skills to make that happen for you. To give you an example, in my previous role as a District Operations Manager, I oversaw more than 100 employees, ensuring consistency across policies, procedures, and the sorts in the assigned territory.”

Read a full operations manager resume example here.

#73. Event Planner Sample Answer

"I absolutely love bringing people together and creating memorable experiences, which is why event planning has always been my passion. I've organized a wide range of events, from corporate retreats to large-scale festivals, and I always focus on creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. I'm thrilled about the possibility of bringing my creativity and eye for detail to your team, especially because I admire how your company innovates when it comes to themed events and their execution."

Read a full event planner resume example here.

#74. Warehouse Worker Sample Answer

"I think I’m the right person for the job because I’m experienced at working in logistics and inventory management. In my last job, I was responsible for streamlining the packing process, which helped reduce order fulfillment times by about 15%. I’m also familiar with the latest warehouse management systems and have a forklift certification."

Read a full warehouse worker resume example here.

#75. Welder Sample Answer

"I've always had a passion for metalwork and precision crafting, which is why I pursued a career in welding. I love the challenge of creating strong, durable welds that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At my previous jobs, I've worked on everything from small custom projects to large-scale industrial constructions, so I’m confident I’ve got the skills you’re looking for."

Read a full welder resume example here.

#76. Real Estate Agent Sample Answer

"I'm the right fit for this role because I have a strong track record of closing deals efficiently and satisfying both buyers and sellers. In the last real estate company I worked at, I successfully managed over 30 property listings at a time and I consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by about 20%. I'm also well-versed in the latest real estate software and market analysis tools, and I’m eager to bring my expertise to your team."

Read a full real estate agent resume example here.

#77. Flight Attendant Sample Answer

"I've been working as a flight attendant for over five years and I thrive in environments where I can use my strong interpersonal skills while being prepared for any emergency. In my current role, I've been praised for my ability to provide excellent customer service. I always make sure passengers feel comfortable and secure during flights. I've also led the safety demonstrations and effectively managed in-flight emergencies whenever they arose."

Read a full flight attendant resume example here.

#78. Paralegal Sample Answer

"I'm really keen on advancing my career in the legal field, and this paralegal position is a great fit for my career goals. I've been involved in extensive legal research and document preparation, which have been crucial for supporting case strategies at my current firm. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to your team and help streamline processes and help manage your cases."

Read a full paralegal resume example here.

#79. Social Worker Sample Answer

"I’ve dedicated my career to social work because I’m passionate about supporting individuals and communities through challenges. At my previous job, I managed caseloads involving families in crisis and consistently helped them access the resources they needed to improve their lives. I’m particularly proud of a program I initiated that increased community engagement by 40%."

Read a full social worker resume example here.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Now you know everything you need to answer, “Why should we hire you?” during a job interview.

Before we go, let’s just recap some of the key points we covered:

• Start by learning everything you can about the job and the company before your interview. The more information you have, the better you can tailor your answer.
• Make sure your answer mentions your skills, experience, passion, or determination for growth within the industry. Interviewers want motivated candidates as much as qualified ones.
• Explain to the interviewer how you can help their company and fit in with their team. How well you fit into the company culture is as important as your skills and qualifications.
• Highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates, whether it’s a unique experience you had or how one of your hobbies makes you familiar with the company’s products and services.

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Best Answers to "Why Should We Hire You?"

You have successfully landed that all-important job interview with a company you really want to work for. Now comes the difficult part of preparing what you are going to say. In every interview, there is a standard set of questions that employers tend to ask, one of which is "Why should we hire you?"

While the question may seem generic, it remains a favorite among hiring managers as your response reveals much about your character and your skills. You should always have a couple of responses ready just in case the question comes up.

Why Hiring Managers Ask "Why Should We Hire You?"

If you have made it to the interview stage of the hiring process, the hiring manager already has a hunch that you have the qualifications and experience to get the job done. What employers are looking for when they ask "Why should we hire you?" is how much you really know about the company and if you are a perfect fit for the role.

If a given selection of candidates all have the same experience and qualifications, employers tend to hire those who understand the culture of the company, solve problems, and ultimately will make their lives easier. So, find out what they need, and pitch yourself accordingly.

How To Answer "Why Should We Hire You?"

1. make your answer unique and specific..

Don't respond with a generic answer that could be replicated by any candidate. Saying "I have the right qualifications and experience" will most likely not impress the hiring manager. Be specific about which of your skills and experiences will benefit the company.

2. Use the job posting as a guide.

Read the job posting carefully and pick out key requirements, like education or experience, that you can tie in with your answer. Find commonalities between your skills and those listed under the requirements section. The more specific your answer, the better.

3. Demonstrate that you will fit in with the team.

Employers are not just looking for someone who can do the job, they also want to ensure that you will fit in with the company culture and characteristics of the department. Use this opportunity to highlight personal and professional traits that will make you a great addition to the team.

4. Quantify your achievements.

Referencing your achievements and accomplishments is a great idea, especially if you can show numerical results. For example, if you were able to streamline a particular manufacturing process, mention that it led to a 20% increase in production rates.

5. Describe ways in which you will make their lives easier.

Before arriving for the interview, find out what goals the company is working towards and what issues they are facing. You can do this by searching their webpage, social media page, company letters, job postings, and online archives. Then find ways you can use your skills or experience to help them achieve these goals.

Tip for Addressing Your Strengths:

Make a list of your strengths that directly correspond to the job requirements, then structure your answer around these.

Examples of the Best Answers:

Based on what you said today and the research I have done, you are looking to boost your online and social media presence to help you stand out from the competition. At my previous company, I was able to increase buyer activity by 32% by creating targeted social media advertising. I plan on bringing the same entrepreneurial spirit to your company and will be looking to share my best ideas with the team.

Explanation: This response uses numerical results to demonstrate the candidate's ability to perform key job responsibilities. It also indicates that the candidate understands the needs of the company and shows what they can bring to the table.

Your job listing states that you are looking for someone with excellent communication skills and a great deal of patience. In my time as a volunteer caregiver, I have learned the value of patience when working with the elderly. I have also recently attended a management course that focused on improving communication skills in the workplace.

Explanation: This response is great for candidates with limited industry experience. Instead of focusing on job-specific skills and qualifications, you can highlight life skills that would be beneficial in the workplace.

This is a good question. My experience with mobile application development and, in particular, intuitive design, makes me a good match for this position. In my most recent role, I was responsible for the development of an app that could identify user trends and alter its functions accordingly. I would love to bring my development skills and passion for intuitive design to this position.

Explanation: Employers want to know how you stand out from the pack. This response focuses on the qualities and achievements that will set you apart from the other candidates. It highlights certain skills that the other interviewees might not have.

In our discussions earlier today, we spoke about how my qualifications and skills meet all the requirements for the position. I feel that my familiarity with the industry and seven years of experience in logistics have prepared me to take on such an important role.

Explanation: If you have already had a lengthy discussion about your skills and qualifications, you can keep your answer short and sweet. Reiterate the point that you are fully qualified for the role and indicate your desire to join the team. This would also be a good time to ask the interviewer if there are any skills or qualifications that they would like to cover again.

You explained earlier that you are preferably looking for candidates with leadership skills. In my eight years as a departmental manager, I have managed teams of more than 40 people. During this time, I developed key managerial and motivational skills that contributed to my department meeting and exceeding sales targets for five years in a row. I would love to bring my skills and leadership abilities to your company.

Explanation: This response focuses on bonus skills that are not a core requirement for the role but would certainly set you apart from other candidates.

How to Answer: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

How should you answer "Why should we hire you?" in an interview?

• Use the opportunity to highlight your bonus skills.
• Highlight life skills that can be beneficial in the workplace.
• Use numerical results to demonstrate your achievements.
• Use your answer to highlight skills that separate you from other candidates.

Why do hiring managers ask "Why should we hire you?"

If you have landed an interview, the hiring manager already knows you have the qualifications to do the job. What they are looking for is confirmation that you are a perfect fit for the role.

What are some tips for answering "Why should we hire you?"

• Make your answer unique and specific.
• Use the job posting as a guide.
• Demonstrate that you will fit in with the team.
• Quantify your achievements.
• Describe ways in which you will make their lives easier.

What should you avoid saying when asked "Why should we hire you?"

• Avoid giving a generic answer that anyone can replicate.
• Don't make your answer too general or too personal.
• Don't go over points that you have already discussed.
• Don't compliment the interviewer.

Related Articles:

Action verbs for resumes, the 12 best cover letter tips for 2024, how to ask for a letter of recommendation, questions to ask interviewers, how to answer: "why do you want to work here".

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You have an interview scheduled, but wait for a second. Do you have an answer to the most expected question, ‘why should we hire you?’

Interviewers will inevitably ask you this question irrespective of the position you are interviewing for. They want to gauge your response to determine if you are a good fit for the company.

While listing out the skills and unique qualities in your response, you need to be careful not to go overboard or sound like you are boasting. A clever response can give you an edge over other candidates and land you your dream job.

Read on to know more about how to answer why should we hire you question in an interview, along with the following topics related to it:

• Why do employers ask why should we hire you?
• What are some ways to ask why should we hire you interview question?
• How to answer why should we hire you question?
• Why should we hire you example answers
• How to answer why should we hire you with no experience
• Why should we hire you answer for freshers
• Tips for giving the best response to why should we hire you
• Common mistakes while answering why should we hire you interview questions

Why Do Employers Ask Why Should We Hire You?

Employers often ask why should we hire you question to know what distinguishes you from other candidates. They also want to test you with a challenging question to see how you would react to them.

Why should we hire you interview question checks the confidence level of the candidates. Most of the time, the question can baffle the candidates as they might not know how to answer without sounding overly arrogant or meek.

With this question, the interviewers want to know how you could be an asset to the organization, what sets you apart from other candidates, and what your strengths are in terms of the job description.

Also Read: How to answer why do you want to work here in an interview?

Ways to Ask Why Should We Hire You?

There can be different ways in which the interviewers can ask why should we hire you. These are mentioned below:

• Why are you a great match for this role?
• Why do you want this job and why should we hire you?
• What sets you apart fromy do you feel we should choose to hire you over other candidates?
• Explain why your background and experience would be a good fit for this job.
• What makes you a good candidate for this position?
• Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
• Why you are an ideal candidate for this position?

Also Read: How to impress the interviewers while answering why are you a good fit for this job?

How to Answer Why Should We Hire You Question?

Answering why should we hire you requires some work. Simply listing your skills won’t help much. You need to plan and prepare an answer that convinces the interviewer and hiring managers.

Given below are some steps that you should take if you want to come up with an effective answer to why should we hire you:

Go Through the Job Description

Studying the job description can be highly beneficial if you want to understand what the hiring managers are looking for in a candidate. Pay special attention to the key sections in the job description, such as experience, education, and requirements.

Going through the job description will help you locate the skills and knowledge required for the job you are applying for. You can use those skills, qualities, and knowledge while framing your response. It will also help in crafting the answers to other questions like tell me about yourself, how would you describe yourself, and what motivates you.

Learn About the Company

Researching the company can give you an edge over other candidates. If you understand the company goals, values, and vision, it will become easier for you to provide a convincing answer to why should we hire you.

Through your answer, you can tell them how you can add value to the company and help them achieve their overall goals. Companies always look for candidates who resonate with their mission and can take it to higher levels of success.

Recognize Your Skills

Possessing the right skills is crucial to impress the hiring managers. Refer to the job description to identify if you have the required skills.

Once you recognize your selling points, you can use them to answer the question why should we hire you. Remember that your skills will help you excel in the job and hence, speak of what you truly possess.

Also Read: What are the top skills that must be put on a resume?

Quantify Your Accomplishments

Simply listing your skills will not impress the interviewers. You must tell them how your skills helped you accomplish specific targets. For example, you can tell them how you increased the territory sales by 12% within two years and generated a revenue of 3 million in your previous job.

Quantifying your experience will suggest that you have a proven ability to utilize your skills efficiently Interviewers would like to have you on their team as you can be a safe bet for the company.

Create Bullet Points

Remember that you cannot give vague or general answers to why should we hire you. It is your chance to get selected, and your response should reflect that you have carefully considered answering every question.

You can jot down all the bullet points about your skills, experience, education, awards, etc., and frame an impressive answer for the question.

Practice Your Response

Once you are ready with your response, you must practice it in front of people. It can be your family, friends, or anyone who can offer you constructive feedback on improving your response or demeanor while answering.

You must ensure that you do not sound robotic or someone who is reciting a poem after memorizing it word to word. Practice until you sound natural, fluent, and confident. Your tailor-made response should flow like dripping honey.

Why Should We Hire You Sample Answers

Given below are some sample answers to the question of why should we hire you. You can use them as a guide to frame your response:

Example 1: For Administrative Assistant

Based on the job description, your organization is searching for an administrative assistant with both strong technical abilities and interpersonal skills, and I think my experience of working as an office assistant previously will align with the responsibilities that I would be shouldering. I have reduced office supply costs to 25% by reorganizing the supply closet. I am a good communicator with experience making phone calls, giving presentations in person, and exchanging emails. I'm also proficient in various pertinent software packages, such as spreadsheet applications and content management systems. If given a chance, I would like to contribute my broad range of skills to your organization.

Example 2: For Sales Manager

I am happy you asked this question. You mentioned before that this role requires strong leadership abilities. In my five years as a sales manager, I have successfully led teams of more than 15 people, and have been awarded manager of the year for my creative approaches to motivating colleagues to reach and exceed quarterly deadlines. I will apply my leadership skills and tactics to this post if hired.

Example 3: For Special Education Teacher

In the job description, you stated that you are seeking a special education teacher with a tonne of patience and compassion. For the past three years, I've worked as a special educator in an NGO with dyslexic children, where I have honed my skills to be incredibly patient while still helping my students make academic progress. I have tailor-made lesson plans per the children's needs that focus on cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. My experience in teaching the English language to children between the ages of 6 and 15 has taught me how to interact positively with students of all ages and skill levels.

Example 4: For Kitchen Manager

I am particularly suited to thrive in this kitchen manager role due to my expertise in effectively controlling inventory input and designing efficient, simplified schedules. I am aware that you are looking for a candidate that is well organized and has a keen eye for detail. In my prior position, I effectively managed 15 employees' schedules and reduced food waste to 20%. I am eager to contribute my organizing abilities to your restaurant.

Example 5: For Social Worker

Because of my shown capacity to counsel and provide support to people who are socially excluded, you should consider me for this role. I realize you are looking for someone who is self-driven and empathetic. My commitment to helping people in need in my community keeps me inspired and driven to perform at my best. In addition, I can bring leadership experience to your team, having trained over 20 new hires to become familiar with day-to-day tasks and to feel comfortable in their new roles.

Example 6: For Marketing Manager

I successfully oversaw a team of 12 in our marketing department after spending more than five years in the same role with another company. I was in charge of approving and managing budgets and creating innovative campaigns. In fact, in one of the campaigns, I was in charge of increasing target audience awareness by 14%. I'm keen to utilize my leadership and creative skills for this role.

Also Read: What are the top marketing manager interview questions in 2022?

Answering Why Should We Hire You With No Experience

If you do not have any previous work experience and are wondering how to answer why should we hire you question, fret not; you can still create an impressive answer that will impress the interviewers.

You can talk about your academic experience in the absence of any work experience. However, try to highlight your relevant education to the job. This will convey the interviewers that you have the knowledge for the job and, given a chance, you will be able to bring that into practice.

Your response should contain information about the internships that you have done in your college time. Your internship will be your professional experience during the interview, and it will suggest that you have some real-world experience in doing a job.

You must also convey to the interviewers that you have done your research about the company and how the overall goals of the company align with your aspirations. Even though you do not have professional experience, you should be able to convince the interviewer that you are the most suitable person for the job due to your knowledge, internship experience, and skills.

As a fresher, you must go through the job description thoroughly to understand the job role and what the company is looking for in its ideal candidate. This will help you frame your answers in a better way and stand out from the crowd when you will execute them using effective communication.

Why Should We Hire You Answer for Freshers

If you are a fresher, you can draw out experience from internships or college events in which you volunteered. Given below are some responses that might inspire you to draft your own:

Example 1: For Software Engineer

I am a strong fit for this role because of my technical expertise and, in particular, because of my proficiency in updating and maintaining websites. My most recent volunteering experience in the college coder’s club required me to take care of our department's website. I had to do this by updating the student and teacher profiles and posting details about future activities. I studied JavaScript and Swift coding in my spare time and redesigned our webpage using my coding knowledge, for which the college dean praised me for taking the initiative. I want to contribute my coding talents and my zeal for learning new technologies to this role.

Example 2: For Digital Marketer

With my recent bachelor's degree in media communication, I can introduce cutting-edge email marketing techniques to your business. I gained the ability to write persuasive marketing copy during my internship as an email marketer for a digital software start-up. I was able to help out with an email campaign that increased interaction by 10%. I am convinced I would be a great addition to your digital marketing team based on my expertise and the knowledge I acquired in college about developing and promoting effective messaging in both traditional and digital contexts.

Example 3: For Nurse

Since you are looking for an applicant who can handle pressure and succeed in a fast-paced environment while delivering first-rate patient care, I believe I possess the mentioned qualities. As a recent nursing graduate who had to work under time constraints to complete my internship and acquire my degree, I am accustomed to handling pressure. In addition, I'm truly driven to help my colleagues and patients to the best of my capacity.

Example 4: For Graphic Designer

By going through the job description, I could understand that you are looking for someone highly creative and possesses technical skills. I can create original designs as I have a solid grasp of themes, typography, and color schemes. Additionally, I’m proficient in using designing applications like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. As part of college coursework, I created original artworks for inter-college contests and have won awards too. Because I have the necessary skills, potential, and desire to learn, I think I should be hired.

Example 5 For Project Manager

Though I just completed my graduation and don’t have any corporate project management experience, I successfully managed multiple team projects in my last year of university. I took the role of project leader for various projects after three different teams concluded that I would be the best person to lead and assign duties. In every project, we produced top-notch work and received an ‘A’ grade. As a result, my confidence and public speaking abilities have improved, which I think will help me in my professional career.

Also Read: What kind of questions are asked in a project manager interview?

Tips for Giving the Best Response to Why Should We Hire You

Given below are some tips that you can consider while answering why should we hire you:

Express How You Add Value

For every skill that you mentioned, you must convey how you utilized it in a circumstance to get desired results. Ensure to mention any achievement, volunteer activity, or previous professional experience that suits the job you are applying for. After all, you must convey that you are an excellent fit for the company.

Tell a Story

Use your qualifications to tell a story about how you used them in your previous job. Going through the job description can be extremely helpful in understanding what the employer is looking for, and then you can tell them how you fulfill that need.

Keep Your Response Short

Pick one or two of the most relevant skills from the job description and use them in your answer. You must keep in mind that your response should not be over two minutes long. You do not want to bore the interviewers by bragging endlessly about yourself.

Add Your Hard and Soft Skills

Skills are an essential factor that can decide your suitability for the job. While answering, ensure that you elaborate on both hard and soft skills for the job.

For example, if you are interviewing for an executive assistant job, you can elaborate upon how you used MS office knowledge to make the most of your time. It will convey that you have the technical skills required to be an executive assistant and time management abilities as well.

Also Read: What are the necessary soft skills to put on the resume?

Convey Excitement

Another important but lesser focussed aspect during an interview is your energy level. You wouldn’t want to come off as a person who is least interested in the job.

While answering the questions, you must sound confident and enthusiastic so that the interviewers can perceive you as a candidate who is passionate about responsibilities.

Common Mistakes Answering Why Should We Hire You

While giving why should we hire you answer, you also need to avoid common mistakes that candidates generally make. These are mentioned below:

Memorizing the Answer

Do not present your answer in a memorized manner. While practicing, be flexible to change your response if required and present it coherently.

Being Arrogant

While stating your skills, achievements, and education, do not sound arrogant. Try to be humble and respectful in expressing how much you have accomplished and what you can offer to the company.

Exaggerating Your Achievements

You might have accomplished a lot in your life, but you don't need to state it all in your interview. Think of the job description and one or two essential qualities or achievements that make you the most suitable person for the job.

Giving a Long Answer

You wouldn’t want to bore the interviewers by giving a long, never-ending answer to why should we hire you. Keep your response short, to the point, and relevant.

Key Takeaways

Interviewers ask why should we hire you to understand what makes you different from others. If you are preparing an answer to this question, keep the points mentioned below in mind:

• Answering why should we hire you would help the interviewers understand how you can benefit the company , and an impressive response can take you to the next selection stage.
• Go through the job description to understand the skills, experience, and qualifications required for the job you want.
• Ensure to quantify your skills and experience as it suggests that you can adequately use your abilities.
• Focussing on both hard and soft skills will be an added advantage while responding to why should we hire you question.
• Keeping your response brief to about a maximum of two minutes and pertinent to the questions will keep the interviewers interested in listening to you.
• Rehearsing in front of people and seeking feedback can help to improve your confidence level and increase your chances of selection in the interview.

Visit Hiration's Career Activator Platform for round-the-clock chat support if you need assistance crafting a tailored response to the interview question why should we hire you.

You may also get in touch with us via email at [email protected] .

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The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: May 22, 2024

I’ve sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn’t usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don’t include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don’t recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It’s an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.

Table of Contents

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, what is a good cover letter, what’s on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

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In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

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How to perfect your “Why should we hire you?” answer

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Why ask, “Why should I hire you?”

The 6 components of a perfect answer, sample answers to “why should we hire you”, tying it all together.

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. And why shouldn’t they be? Whether you’re looking for your next pay raise or you’ve spent the last few months unemployed, the interview process can certainly feel high-stakes.

We’re told since childhood that first impressions matter , and this is one of the biggest first impressions of them all. Over half of interviewers make their decision within the first 5 to 15 minutes of an interview, so it’s important to knock it out of the park.

But, if you’re well-prepared, you’ll have less to worry about. You’re a rockstar, and you know it — you just have to show it.

The whole point of an interview is to find out why an employer should hire you and why you should work for them. That’s why one of the most common interview questions is, “Why should we hire you?”

On the surface, this seems like an intimidating question. But let’s try reframing it: this is the best possible question you could hope for. Why? Because if you have a great answer, it sets you up perfectly for the rest of your interview. It gives you a chance to state clearly what you’re made of and why you really are the best fit for the role.

Responding to this question is something of a balancing act. You want to self-promote and show your competence without seeming arrogant and highlight your skills without bragging. And most importantly, you want to honor your authentic self and your skill set. 

Let’s dive a bit deeper, shall we? Here are some interview tips for the perfect “Why should we hire you?” answer.

There's more to the “Why should we hire you” interview question than meets the eye. Sure, it may seem simple at first: of course they want to know why they should hire you! That’s why they booked this interview.

But, more than that, they’re on the lookout for other types of information. They want to know that you:

• Are prepared for the interview. Your answer should show them you’ve read the job description, studied the organization, and know what skills are required for the role. You should also have those skills already, proving you can hit the ground running from day one. 
• Understand the job requirements. You won’t know the tiny details of a job until you’re hired to do it. But you should have a general understanding of what’s required to succeed in that position.
• Know how your skills and personality fit the job. You should demonstrate a deep understanding of your skills and why they make you the best fit. And, even if you don’t have all the necessary experience, you should show how your personality will match the company culture . Your dedication to your own self-betterment will also prove to them you’re interested in growing in this position. 
• Aren’t overqualified . Employers are afraid that if you’re overqualified for a role, you’ll be bored at work and leave quickly. It’s important for you to explain why you’re interested in such a job, especially if it’s entry-level.

If you can tick these boxes for an interviewer, it could seal the deal for you. It shows that you’re focused on the company and have the skills for the job, making you a no-brainer for the role.

Other versions of the question

Sometimes, your interviewer will be less than direct in their approach. They’ll find another way to phrase the question and get the necessary information. Here are some alternate “Why should we hire you” examples: 

• Why would you be a good fit for this position?
• Why do you think you’re the best person for the job?
• What makes you unique?
• How do your background and work experience make you a good fit for the role?
• Tell me about yourself .

No matter how they ask the question, your approach is the same. Your interviewer’s main takeaway should be that you’re prepared, competent, and self-aware .

It’s your time to shine

Remember, this question is your chance to make your sales pitch and show why you’re the best candidate. Assuming they read your resume and cover letter , they already understand what certifications and skills you offer. Now’s your chance to tell a good story about those skills to drive the point home.

As you prepare for your interview, ask yourself: “Why should a company hire me?” Create a bullet-point list of every reason you can think of. Write down your success stories from your previous jobs, technical skills, communication skills, and exemplary personality traits.

Everything about you can help you reach your career aspirations . Talking yourself up can be difficult. It’s too easy to linger on past mistakes or why you’re not worthy of a job. If you’re struggling to feel confident , BetterUp can help .

Our coaches can provide you with an outside perspective on your work history and help you identify skills you didn’t know you had. And, if you’re truly not ready for your dream job, we can help you make a plan and set goals to get there.

So what makes a perfect answer? Here are the essential components you should include.

1. Focus on your achievements

It’s one thing to list your skills; it’s another to prove you have them. Employers want people who can deliver, so highlight your track record of bringing the goods. Emphasize your best moments in “Tell me about a time when…” or situational interview questions .

2. Talk about hard and soft skills

Hard technical skills are important for most roles. But, more often than not, there’s more to a job than simply performing tasks. You’ll have to work with people, solve problems, and make decisions — all of which require soft skills like communication and being a fast learner. They can set you apart from other candidates with similar technical abilities.

3. Highlight culture alignment

Employers aren’t just looking for the right worker; they’re looking for the right person. Companies often have tight-knit teams with members who have worked together for years. They want to know you’ll be a good match and connect well with your new colleagues. Be sure to demonstrate how you form relationships and build rapport in a workplace.

4. Show how your skills fit the job

Don’t assume the recruiter immediately sees how your skills fit the role. Paint a picture for them — especially if you’re from a different field or industry. Make sure to highlight your skills transfer to this new role.

5. Show your excitement

It’s tempting to remain stoic in the name of professionalism. But let’s be real: you applied for the job for a reason. Highlight specific tasks and responsibilities that set this role apart from others you’ve applied to. Talk about why this position gets your motor revving. This shows you’re passionate about the work and care to do high-quality work.

6. Use “I” statements

Hiring managers want to know your exact involvement in your previous team’s achievements. Avoid saying things like “We achieved our goal of X.” Instead, highlight your specific contributions.

Were you the team leader? Did you write all of the marketing material? Did you help keep a project within budget? Giving credit to your colleagues is nice, but don’t sell yourself short in the process.

What does a good answer to this question look like? Here are three example answers to this job interview question and why they work.

Example 1: project manager at a software company

“I think I’m the right person for this job because, through my previous work as a computer engineer, I learned to speak the language of software developers. I’ve collaborated closely with developers to design hardware that worked well with their operating system. Our product went on to sell millions of units. 

I think this collaborative approach is what you need in project management. I know how to work with people with expertise different than mine and can bring out the best in their work to build a successful product.”

Why it works: This response highlights one of your previous contributions to your team’s success. You also tied this example to the role’s needs, showing that you understand the new job’s requirements. Your example also illustrates your ability to collaborate — a key soft skill for this job.

Example 2: grant writer at an environmental research company

“I think I’m perfect for this job because I have completed a master’s degree in environmental policy and years of experience as a climate journalist. I’m a strong writer and know how to communicate complicated research to audiences outside of the field.

I once wrote a feature for a local news website about how trees can cool our city. It became one of our best-performing stories that week. 

Communicating complex ideas in clear language is important because many grant evaluators aren’t subject matter experts. They want to know what their money is funding, and I can help them connect the dots.”

Why it works: Here, your response draws attention to your technical abilities (writing), transferable skills from your last job (climate journalism), and expertise (master’s degree in a related field).

You also back up your claims with an example story, showing that you have past experience with the relevant subject matter. In the second part of your answer, you tie it all together by explaining why these skills will be helpful in the role.

Example 3: administrative assistant at a seniors’ hospital

“Based on what I know about your organization, your patients, and what we’ve discussed so far, it seems like you need someone great with people, understands what families need, and knows how to handle sensitive information. 

As a previous volunteer at a local nursing home, I often worked with families to learn more about their grandparents to make their stay more comfortable. Once, a family told me they appreciated how much effort I put into learning about their grandma’s needs.”

Why it works: This response demonstrates that you’ve done your homework. You know the hospital deals primarily with older adults, so you highlight your experience with this type of patient and setting.

You also offer an example that shows your interpersonal skills with patients’ families because you’ll be booking appointments for them and interacting with them daily in your new job.

Crafting the perfect “why should we hire you?” answer takes work. It requires a lot more than simply listing your key qualifications. You’ll have to release your inner student and study the job posting, learn about the company, and understand your own skills and competencies.

Once you’ve done that, it all comes down to your presentation. Don’t be afraid to talk yourself up. As the job seeker, it’s on you to paint a picture for your employer; help them see why you’re the best choice for the role. Pull it all together into a well-organized and thoughtful answer, and they'd be wrong not to give you a job offer.

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Maggie Wooll, MBA

Maggie Wooll is a researcher, author, and speaker focused on the evolving future of work. Formerly the lead researcher at the Deloitte Center for the Edge, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Maggie is passionate about creating better work and greater opportunities for all.

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10 Best Answers to “Why Should We Hire You?” Interview Question

During a job interview, you know some common interview questions will pop up no matter the position you’re applying for or the field you’re working in.

One of these inquiries revolves around why you’d be a candidate for the job, and giving your best answer during the interview process is paramount, or the perfect opportunity may escape you. The interviewer may outright ask you why they should hire you, why you are a good match, or be a bit sneaky about it with something like “what sets you apart from other candidates?” or “what can you bring to the table?”. So far, your job search has consisted of buttoning up your resume and applying to the job posting, but now, interview preparation is key to showing you’re the ideal candidate and best fit for the company.

Today, we’re discussing the ten best answers to “why should we hire you?”, tips to prepare the ideal answer, and the mistakes job seekers should avoid in their responses.

Top 10 Best Example Answers When a Hiring Manager Asks “Why Should We Hire You?”

To help you learn from the examples we’ll showcase in this section, approach each one with the intended goal so you understand the message you’re conveying with each type of response. Qualified candidates that do thorough company research and review the job description closely before practicing the examples below can make the most of a great opportunity.

Answer Example #1: Show you did your homework and reference qualifications from the job description

The goal here is to demonstrate how well you researched the company or business requirements before the interview, then tie your findings with impressive results you achieved in similar settings.

Say you’re applying for a position in sales or marketing management; your answer should be along the lines of:

“Based on my research, I know you need people with strong leadership, communication, and time management skills as you’re quickly expanding in the industry. I believe I can deliver what you’re looking for thanks to my experience managing sales teams and motivating them to fulfill and even go beyond our quarterly goals, which also brought me great pride.”

Other examples may include specific technical skills , your leadership experience, construction project management experience, or the introduction of new products.

Answer Example #2: Highlight your years of work experience from your current and previous job

The goal here is to give the interviewer an idea about how experienced you are to assure them you’re the best person for the role. Your answer has a more profound effect the longer your years of experience. Don’t forget to mention some of your significant achievements as a subtle indication that you can do the same for their company.

Say you’re applying for a position in accounting or finance management; here’s what your answer should look like:

“I believe my extensive experience in the field can be a valuable asset for this company. I was directly responsible for teams of over a dozen employees for seven years, so I’ve developed team-building and analytical skills. I developed innovative financing strategies that got me awarded manager of the year three times. If you hire me, I’ll spare no effort to bring these abilities to your organization and improve them for better gain.”

Answer Example #3: Prove you’ve been listening to the interviewer

Interviewers love it when you’re paying attention to what they’re saying and often like to check that this is the case by giving you information that you could use in your answers throughout the interview. Sometimes they’ll even ask specific questions that they’ve already asked just to see if you’ve picked up on it.

Here, the goal is to show you’re sharp and prove you’ve been listening closely to the interviewer. Here, your response should be similar to the following:

“Well, you mentioned earlier that you’re trying a new hiring approach to focus on recruiting younger talents. I believe I can provide a fresh outlook to the position, especially since I’m also passionate about keeping up with modern strategies. I like to always stay up to date and help my teammates get on board with current directions as quickly as possible while incorporating guidance from senior calibers.”

Answer Example #4: Establish your eagerness to evolve

Another thing that any interviewer would be glad to hear is how you look forward to improvement and how dedicated you can be to prove yourself and learning new roles. When you show determination for development, you’re telling the company you won’t just settle for your current skill level but rather constantly work on achieving better results.

Remember, the goal here is to establish your eagerness for more knowledge and show you deserve to be where you are, even if you’re new to the game. Here’s what your answer should entail:

“I’m always looking for ways to establish and improve my skills, so working for a renowned company such as this one is a tremendous opportunity for me to do both. You’ll provide me with a platform where I can show how well I can work, and I’ll contribute my full potential to the growth and success of this organization”.

Answer Example #5: Express confidence

Confidence is an attractive trait to demonstrate when getting into something new, such as meeting new people or applying for a new job. Providing a confident answer doesn’t just give the interviewer the impression that you know what you’re doing but vouches for your leadership, communication, and persuasion skills.

It’s important to note that you don’t want to be overconfident to avoid coming across as smug — that’s a huge no-no. You should simply stick to the facts about why you are the best candidate and the right person for the job. More importantly, you should keep your tone proactive and your voice clear as you say something along the lines of:

“I believe I possess all the necessary experience and skills you’ve mentioned you need for this position. I’m positive that I’m one of the best candidates you’ve interviewed, and I aspire to be the best worker if hired. Multiple previous bosses have praised my people skills and self-motivation, so you can rest assured I’ll meet your expectations and aim to exceed them. My past projects gave me a lot of experience related to the position, but I’m also a fast learner who loves overcoming challenges. I’m determined, resourceful, and analytical, which are all qualities I’m sure will benefit this great brand.”

Answer Example #6: Appeal to the deadline culture

Deadlines will likely be a crucial part of the position you’re applying for, so interviewers tend to respond well to candidates addressing the concept.

Meeting a deadline could be the difference between the success or failure of a project. It could make the difference between receiving all your agreed-upon earnings or losing a chunk of it, especially in the home building and construction sector.

Moreover, meeting or failing to meet deadlines heavily affects the company’s reputation and how much business it attracts.

For all this, telling the interviewer how committed you are to getting the job done in time can give you an edge. Here’s an example of this:

“I’ve experienced first-hand the time-demanding nature of the job, so I know how important it is for you to find employees who understand what’s at stake. Over my five years of work in sales and marketing, I’ve sharpened my organizational and time-planning skills to always be ahead of schedule. I’ve also developed valuable analytical and communication skills to be able to overcome unexpected setbacks. It’s always been my priority to deliver effective and timely results, so I’d like the opportunity to use my approach to benefit this company.”

Answer Example #7: Stand out from the crowd

Presenting unique aspects of your skills helps show the interviewer that you have something extra to offer the company and can add more value to the job than others. So, don’t be shy about highlighting qualities or skills that you think will help you stand out from other candidates.

You could take additional courses in your free time, speak more languages than required or approach projects with a newly emerging technique. Let’s take a look at a way to portray this:

“I always aim to bring something extra and different to my work, which I believe to be crucial for an established company looking to expand like this one. In addition to my 3-year experience in marketing, I’ve completed two university-grade courses on digital marketing and dabbled in web design to get better insight into the creative side of the job . You’ve mentioned you needed someone fluent in English and Spanish; I’m also fluent in French.”

Answer Example #8: Speak with passion

Sometimes letting your passion for the job and company shine through is the best way to make a memorable impression on the interviewer, especially if you’re short on years of experience.

The critical thing to remember here is not to sell yourself short . You can express your admiration for the company and your eagerness to join it and mention that you’d be an asset.

Remember, you don’t want to sound desperate , so watch the steadiness of your tone and keep your voice clear. Let’s have a look at an example:

“Honestly, I’ve always aimed to work for the best in the business, so I’ve been following this company closely as I admire the quality of work you do here and the level of professionalism. I believe you could benefit from my punctuality, determination, and quick thinking. I’m also a driven and fast learner, so I have no doubt I can make up for my relatively short time in the field.”

Answer Example #9: Get the interviewer to engage and discuss the needs of the company

In this approach, your goal is to establish a positive connection with the interviewer from the beginning of your answer. You want them to feel that you’re not just reciting a few phrases you practiced, but you’re responding with genuine wit, gratitude, and curiosity.

This approach also gives you a chance to get a clearer idea of the type of skills and qualities the interviewer is looking for. It establishes you as a candidate who got what the position demands by confirmation of the interviewer. Here’s an example:

“That’s an excellent question! I’m, of course, still learning about the company while you already know what sort of employee you want to work for you, which gives you a bit of a lead. Based on what I’ve understood so far, you need someone who can quickly and effectively resolve distribution and supply issues and deal directly with partners. Would you say that’s accurate?”

We’ll assume the interviewer says ‘Yes’. Hence, you continue: “Well, in that case, I believe to be the perfect match since I was responsible for managing my company’s external affairs and successfully expanded its supply chain by applying a series of modern strategies.”

Answer Example #10: Keep it general

Last but not least, you can always opt for the general approach, which can give an advantage depending on the position you’re applying for. Here’s one way you can put this to words:

“I believe I’m the right fit for the job because I possess all the skills and qualifications you require. Thanks to my solid background and work in previous projects, I’m confident, but I have certain analytical and people skills that’ll prove beneficial in tackling any task you throw at me. I’m a strong team player and a self-motivated one-person unit, and I’m a fast learner and always eager to improve.

Tips to Improve Your Answer to “Why Should We Hire You?”

• Respond with clarity and confidence that you’re a great fit
• Never undermine your lack of experience
• Always show what you feel makes you unique
• Incorporate examples from previous jobs and how they relate to the key qualifications
• Don’t be afraid to discuss soft skills that are also important
• Try to be specific about the job requirements

What Not to Say or Do When Answering “Why Should We Hire You?”

• Never attempt to memorize the sample answers word by word. Make notes to get the general gist and build from there so you sound as genuine as possible.
• Don’t stray from the point when answering a tough question
• Learn the difference between sounding confident and cocky
• It’s not enough to say you’re a hard worker; discuss the unique perspective you have
• Incorporate things that aren’t already on your resume or related to your background

More Ways to Answer Why Should We Hire You, and What Can You Bring to Our Company?

1: I believe I am the best candidate for this role because I possess the required skills, experience, and knowledge to excel in this position. Furthermore, I am passionate about this field and motivated to contribute to the success of your organization. For example, in my previous job, I consistently exceeded my sales targets and received positive feedback from my clients and colleagues. 2: You should hire me because I am a dedicated, hardworking individual eager to learn and grow within your organization. Additionally, I have a proven track record of delivering results and working collaboratively with others. For instance, in my last job, I was able to streamline our customer service process, resulting in a 20% reduction in customer complaints.

You should hire me because I have the qualifications, experience, and attitude to contribute to your company. I am a quick learner, adaptable, and possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, I am passionate about this field and eager to contribute to your team's success. For example, I implemented a new marketing strategy in my previous job that increased our customer engagement by 30%.

Although I may not have direct experience in this field, I am a fast learner and possess transferable skills that make me an ideal candidate for this role. For example, I have excellent communication skills, am a team player, and am eager to learn and grow within your organization. Additionally, I have taken relevant courses and completed internships to understand the industry better.

I am applying for this job because I am passionate about this field and eager to contribute my skills and experience to your organization. Furthermore, I believe this role aligns with my career goals, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow within your company. As an example, I have always been interested in the technology industry, and this position would allow me to work with cutting-edge technology and positively impact your business.

I can bring unique skills, experience, and knowledge to your company. For instance, I have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Additionally, I have experience in project management, data analysis, and customer service, which would be valuable assets to your organization. I am committed to positively impacting your business and contributing to your team's success.

My biggest strength is adapting to new situations and learning quickly. I am unafraid to take on new challenges and enjoy learning new skills. Additionally, I am a strong communicator and work well with others, which allows me to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients. For example, I quickly adapted to a new project management tool in my previous job and trained my team on its use, improving efficiency and productivity.

Summary of How To Answer “Why Should We Hire You?” in a Job Interview

There you have it, the ten best answers to “Why should we hire you?”. There’s no one right way to respond to this question and others, such as “ What areas need improvement? ” The next time you’re asked this somewhat challenging question, try one of these strategies. If nothing else, you can leave a lasting impression on how positively you answered the question. That alone can make you stand out.

Remember that most companies expect their new hires to be experienced at critical requirements but not all of them and that past experience, high-quality work, and the completion of successful projects are very important. As you can tell, it depends not only on the industry you work in and the position you’re applying for but also on the approach you’re most comfortable trying.

No matter, remember always to stay confident and articulate. Keep your tone steady, your voice clear, and your eyes on the interviewer.

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

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How to Answer: “Why Should We Hire You?” (+12 Examples)

• Noel Rojo , 
• Updated October 19, 2023 10 min read

The amount of people who freeze when asked the job interview question “Why should we hire you? ” is too damn high! 

For no reason too. 

Sure, the question is a bit tricky, but with the right approach you should be able to breeze through it. All while impressing your recruiter. 

In short, when an interviewer asks the question "Why should we hire you? ", they want to know why you, of all the candidates, are the right fit for the job, their company and their overall bottom line. In other words — are you the one?  

We’ll go over this question in detail and offer you tips and answer examples that will help you formulate the perfect response. 

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Best general answer to “Why should we hire you?”

12 sample answers according to your job position/experience.

• How to answer the question “Why shouldn't we hire you?”

Similar job interview questions

Other common job interview questions.

There is a simple 6 step formula that career coaches recommend when answering the interview question “ Why should we hire you ?”.

Step 1: Study the job listing. Understanding the ins and outs of the job at hand is a great way to put together a response that aligns with the company’s demands. Ensuring both you and the employer are on the same page. 

Step 2: Make it about them. Yes, your answer should be about how you are the right candidate for the job . However, it should be answered in a way that fulfills your potential employer’s needs . In other words, give them what they want.  

Step 3: Start the answer with a brief statement. A good way to do this is by stating you understand what they're searching for in an employee (skills, experience, and character).

Step 4: Voice your experienc e.  Although you have listed your experience on a resume . We advise you to pick 2 to 3 things that stand out to you from the job listing and restate how your experience can fulfill those requirements. 

Step 5: Present your benefits .  Don’t just state the skills you possess (features). Instead, talk about how your noteworthy skills , experience and personality traits can bring improvements into the job, team, or company (benefits). 

Step 6: Be humble. Fight the need to over embellish your accomplishments. Sure, you might have the proper technical skills for the job , but you also need to show them your soft skills, for example answering this answer with tact. 

Best general answer (example)

In the end, a general answer following the statement, experience, benefit formula should be something along these lines:

“I am well aware of the importance (company name) places on (skills, experience or values). I have (x amount) of experience in this field and the credentials (education, certificates, courses) to back it up. I believe (company name) would benefit from hiring me as I’m reliable, flexible and am able to adapt even under stressful situations.”

Or, another way to answer this question:

A good general response can take you a long way.

However, when replying to any interview question it’s always wise to tailor your response to the job at hand.  

This is especially true if you're conducting your interview online, as recruiter’s tend to have back-to-back interviews and therefore limited time. (Quick virtual interview tip :  In order to avoid speaking over the recruiter due to internet delays, try to pause for a second or two when responding online).  

Basically, the more you show you understand the job, the company, and its work culture. The higher the chances of you coming ahead of your competition. 

Here are a few answer examples from different job positions and experience levels that can help you formulate an impressive response.  

Best answer for a customer service job #1 (example)

“I know the value you place in providing excellent customer service in this company. I have over 3 years of experience providing exceptional customer service and various certifications on how to treat the customer, in fact I had over 95% customer approval in my previous job. I  believe my approach can benefit the company’s bottom line, as a happy customer is more likely to return.” 

Best answer for a customer service job #2 (example)

“I’m a people person. It doesn't matter if I have to talk with a customer through the phone or work together with a colleague towards a common goal, communication has always been one of my strong suits. So much so that in my previous job I was able to teach these skills to my peers and we were able to improve our customer approval rate by 25% in less than 3 months. With those numbers I would be a great asset to your company.”  

Best answer for a fresher #1 (example)

“From what I understand the role requires someone who’s a good team player. I had an internship where I worked for 2 years with different teams and diverse people from various walks of life. I believe I would be a great candidate for this role, as my experience would allow me to get into the job with minimal training and supervision.”

Best answer for a fresher #2 (example)

“Wow, where do I start? I have always wanted to work in such a great company. I have been preparing for years for this opportunity; with school, internships, and also part time jobs. I understand that I’m a fresher, but I can guarantee you that I'm that right candidate for the job and as you can see from my resume I have the dedication to pursue what I set my mind into. If you hire me I  will apply the same dedication to this job.” 

Best answer for a teacher #1 (example)

“I went over and read the school’s mission and I have to say it fits perfectly with my vision as a teacher. I believe that as a certified teacher with 4 years of experience I will be able to contribute immensely to this mission as I’m someone who has the track record of going above and beyond. I think you should hire me as I am someone with the ability to create a perfect learning environment with your mission in mind.” 

Best answer for a teacher #2 (example)

“I saw in the job listing that the school is searching for a candidate who can adapt to constant change. I have been teaching for years and I have always been resourceful and kept up with the changes of the modern world. In fact, I wouldn’t consider myself a traditional teacher. However, it is because of my unconventional ways that students take a liking of me. I’m positive your students will appreciate you hiring me.” 

Best answer for a nursing job #1 (example)

“If i’m being honest, I have all  the skills and experience that you’re searching for in a nurse.. Apart from having years of experience and the technical skills, I am also a very motivated person and always go beyond what's expected for the job. Lastly, I have always taken pride in my professional and amicable relationships with my colleagues. I’m pretty confident that I am the best candidate for this position.” 

Best answer for a nursing job #2 (example)

“Great question, I have always been someone who commits fully to the job and the overall idea of  nursing. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a nurse and now 5 years later I still think it is the best decision I have ever made. For me, being a nurse is more than a paycheck, I get tremendous satisfaction in providing my patients with excellent care. I think you should hire me because I sincerely believe I’m the best candidate for this job.”

Best answer for a fresh graduate #1 (example)

“As soon as I read the job description I knew I was the right person for the job . That is because even though I'm a fresh graduate, my volunteering and internship work has allowed me to gain the skills and experience you’re looking for. I am sure that I will be a great contributor to the company and I can assure you that you will not regret hiring me. ”

Best answer for a fresh graduate #2 (example)

“It has always been a dream of mine to work in this company and when I saw you hiring for an entry level position I knew I had to apply. The truth is that I’m very passionate about what you do and as you can see in my resume my skills and goals align with what you’re searching for. At this moment I am rather fresh, but that doesn't mean I haven't put in the work. I am a very passionate and motivated person and I believe I am the right candidate for this job.”  

Best answer for accountant #1 (example)

“Keeping up with the changes in technology is a must for an accountant . I have always been passionate when it comes to learning new programs. Apart from knowing the basic accounting softwares, I have also taken the time to learn Python, as I think it will open up more possibilities for me in the future. If you hire me, know that I will always be up to date with the  latest accounting trends.”

Best answer for accountant #2 (example)

“I know your company is searching for someone with great attention to detail. I believe I am your candidate as I possess years of experience with the accounting softwares you use. Knowing the ins and outs of these programs will allow me to limit the amount of errors that slip by. On the other hand, I understand accidents happen and if they do I am able to quickly limit the damage they can cause. I believe I am the most capable candidate for this job and you will not regret hiring me.”

How to answer the question “Why shouldn't we hire you?”

Sometimes recruiters like to throw oddball questions you don't find in your average job interview guide like, “ Why shouldn't we hire you? ” or “ What is your biggest weakness ?”.  

Usually, such questions are asked in order to gauge your limits, strengths and weaknesses, and to observe how you handle yourself in stressful situations. 

Hence, why a good way to answer these question is to:

• Keep your cool . 
• Collect your thoughts . Now’s a good time to take a sip of water (Reason to always  say yes when they offer you water). 
• Reverse the question . Pull out your reverse UNO card and flip that weakness into a strength.  
• Be honest . Even Superman has a weakness. If you’re to show one, show a weakness you overcame. 
• Don’t be too negative . Negativity is not the best of traits and is definitely not good as a first impression. 

With that said, here's an answer example if the company you're applying for values creativity and self guidance: 

“If you’re looking for someone who should perform each task with management supervision, then i’m not the one you should hire. As I tend to work better when tasks are given with an end goal and I have a bit of leeway to complete it. With that said, I have a good track record of meeting deadlines.”

The question “ Why should we hire you ?” comes in many variations, but with similar intentions. Such as:

• Why do you want to work here? 
• Why are you fit for the position? 
• Why do you want to work for us? 
• What will you bring to the position? 
• Why are you the right candidate
• Why should we take the risk in hiring you? 

Christy's word of advice

“Because I’m the best!”  probably won’t cut it 😉 A better way would be to briefly reiterate why you’re a great fit by summarizing what they’re looking for vs. what you bring to the table:  “As well as over a decade of experience as a fine dining chef, I believe my resume and our interview today demonstrate my passion for creating and serving incredible food, leading teams to success, and putting restaurants on the culinary map. As a customer, I’ve had excellent experiences in your restaurant and fully believe in what you do. I’d be thrilled to be part of your growth and continued success!” .

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

" Where do you see yourself in 5 years? "

“ Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?” is a question asked by recruiters in order to gauge if a potential employee has the ability to commit long-term, especially to a job, project, or company. A good general answer to this interview question is:

“Within 5 years, I see myself in a position that continues to challenge me and that provides me opportunities to grow my skill-set.” 

"What are you passionate about?" 

When answering the question “ What are you passionate abou t?” it’s important to be as specific and honest as you can. R ecruiters ask this question in order to see what you’re truly into and how you think. Also, how you answer this question might also affect where you get placed in the company, so embellishing could backfire.  

"Why did you leave your past job?"

In regards to the question “ Why did you leave your past job ?” What you don't say is just as important as what you do say. Here are the do’s and don'ts:

• Answer truthfully 
• Reframe question back to job prospect
• Show right amount of details
• Slander your past employer
• Overdo It with details 
• Lie about why you left

If you really want to come prepared for the interview, here is an article that teaches you how to answer 100+ common job interview questions . Or simply watch the video guide below.

That’s all, good luck in your interview! 

A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California. He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he got a nice job working for Kickresume thanks to that, so he won't complain.

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4 Cover Letter Examples (Plus Tips on How to Write Yours)

We love having examples. It’s so much easier to decorate a cake, build a model, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product could look like. So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (unfortunately we’re not experts in cake decorating or model building). 

You'll see that writing a cover letter is all about highlighting your relevant skills, professional experience, and accomplishments, while emphasizing your interest for the role in an engaging manner.

Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:

Why bother with a cover letter at all?

We bet when you see a job listing that says “ cover letter optional ,” you breathe a sigh of relief, gleefully submit your resume, and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not including a cover letter (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a career coach and the founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career. “In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or marketing manager position, an internship or a senior-level role, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture. A strong, customized cover letter will help you explain your value proposition and stand out from the stack of applicants. 

If there’s a gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume is pretty dull, a cover letter helps you show some personality . And yes, cover letters still get read.

Deep in the job search, or just browsing? These open jobs on The Muse could be your ideal next step »

What do I write in a cover letter? The 3 basic elements

You'll notice from our cover letter examples that the body of your text can vary a lot depending on factors like the position you're applying for, your career stage, and the type of cover letter requested by the hiring manager. For instance, a writing sample cover letter is different from a traditional professional cover letter (we'll get there soon.)

However, there is some information that you can't leave out. It's important to highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the role in any type of cover letter. Plus, make sure to write an engaging first paragraph to grab the reader's attention, and an effective final paragraph, ideally followed by a call to action, in order to leave a lasting positive impression.

You could say that cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture. Even though that picture is always different, the types of pieces are basically the same. We've broken down these three key elements for you:

1. An engaging opener

How you start a cover letter is everything. Your opening lines influence whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right? “Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” Godfred says. “You have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

2. A clear pitch

Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” Godfred says. Ryan Kahn , Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group , calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”

Additionally, Godfred says, “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.”

This section should have a balance of soft and hard skills . Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work, but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture,” says Godfred. “So what are your values? What do you stand for? These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the super specialized hard skills.

3. A great closing line

Your closing line could include your next steps or a call to action, Kahn says, such as “ I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to the team ,” or, “ I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience. ” But more importantly, “You want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple, “ Thank you for your consideration. ”

Does that sound a bit overwhelming? Don’t panic! We’ve got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter , an impact cover letter , a writing sample cover letter , and a career change cover letter . So let’s take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own.

1. The traditional cover letter example

A traditional cover letter is similar to what you’d come up with using position-based cover letter templates . It moves in reverse chronological order through your career history, highlighting parts of your past jobs that make you well suited for this position.

You might want to use this type of cover letter if:

• You’re applying to a more formal company (like a law firm or major healthcare company ) or a more conventional role (like a lawyer or accountant).
• You want to play it safe and conservative with your application materials.

What does the job description say?

Imagine you’re applying to a paralegal job opening at a law firm. The job description might include:

Responsibilities

• Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
• Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for legal proceedings
• Research legal and related issues and report findings and conclusions to team
• Provide overall legal administrative support to the legal team
• Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong organizational , multitasking, and prioritization skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and LexisNexis
• Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves

The cover letter example

Here’s an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y:

Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, and I’d be eager to join such a talented team.

I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler, Chandler, and Greene, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.

Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude. While working there, I came up with and implemented a plan for digitizing their old files while still ensuring security and privacy. This led to more efficiency when preparing for client meetings and legal proceedings.

My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222

Download this example

Why this works

This cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. It shows the candidate has a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely manner and a track record for helping out wherever needed. The opening lines also express a genuine interest in this specific firm. Plus, there are some important keywords in there like “calendar system,” “bachelor’s degree,” “paralegal certificate,” and “LexisNexis.”

2. The impact cover letter example

The impact cover letter puts your accomplishments front and center rather than organizing your paragraphs by past roles. You might use a cover letter like this if:

• You’re applying for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results (for example, if the jobs involve sales quotas or marketing metrics).
• You haven’t followed a straightforward career path and your past job titles don’t show the extent of your qualifications.
• You want your personality to stand out a bit more than it might in a traditional cover letter.

What does the job description say

Imagine you’ve come across an opening for an email marketing manager . Part of the job description states:

• Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on campaigns
• Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and other experiments
• Collaborate with the design team to ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
• Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
• 3+ years in email marketing
• Experience with Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel, a plus
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
• Strong interpersonal , relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent project management, problem-solving , and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively

Here’s an example of an impact cover letter where the writer’s hard skills and successes stand out:

Dear Russ Roman,

I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.

But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.

I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.

I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year. 

I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.

Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.

I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining beyond detail-oriented and into meticulous territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the applicant’s most significant, relevant achievements. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are and how they’ve successfully leveraged some of the skills the company is looking for.

One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include keywords such as Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel—all of which are listed in the job description. But those skills are most likely in their resume already, and leaving them out gives them the space to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their job application.

3. The writing sample cover letter example

For roles where written communication is key, such as PR, copywriting , or journalism jobs, your cover letter will likely be the first writing sample your future employer sees. So it’s just as important to show your skill set in action through eloquent writing.

• Writing or editing is a key component of the role you’re applying to.
• You want to show off your creativity.

Here’s part of a job description for a staff writer position:

• Pitch and write articles, reporting on timely issues and trends
• Collaborate with editorial and other teams to launch each digital issue and other special projects on schedule
• Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
• Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
• At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
• Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
• Familiarity working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
• Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments

Have fun with this one, but triple-check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure you’re showing off your best writing. Here's the cover letter sample:

Dear Tai Chen,

Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heroes—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.

That article—and so many others you’ve published—taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.

As an editorial assistant at TheImprovGroup.com for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live on the site. This included fact-checking, proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement. 

As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS. Reviewing every single article we published and following reactions and engagement helped me gain a deep understanding of what makes a piece really land with our audience.

But by far my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer profiles, features, and personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, reflect with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I would be so excited to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve its goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another little dance lover tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Hoping to be your next staff writer,

Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission that demonstrates their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Their voice comes through in every sentence, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively and creatively.

4. The career change cover letter example

Cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their qualifications—especially when it’s unclear how their skills transfer over to this new field.

You might write a career change cover letter if:

• You want to highlight the transferable skills you have that relate to the job description.
• You want to explain why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

Imagine you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant , and you’re now looking to become a sales representative. You come across a job posting that includes:

• Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
• Coordinate with other teams to increase lead-generation efforts
• Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
• 1-3 years of successful sales experience
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
• Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale

Typically, this type of cover letter should include a compelling narrative about your career change and how you can transfer your past experiences to this new role. Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:

Dear Maria Russo,

The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from coordinating meetings and inputting data to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding bootcamp. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.

Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

• At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, yielding an average increase in pipeline of 26% YoY.
• At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead-generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
• I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.

All the best,

Olu Abiola [email protected] (123) 456-789

The opener draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s substantiated. Then, the next couple sections explain their experience in the sales space and other relevant qualifications, before eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job. 

Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword inclusion and resume gap explaining along the way.

Bonus cover letter examples

To further guide you, check out some more cover letter examples:

• Pain point cover letter example
• Internship cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• (Another) career changer cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Example cover letter with no experience

Let’s break down one of our example cover letters real quick

All three professional cover letter examples have some key elements that make them great and able to grab the hiring manager's attention. Check out this handy infographic that breaks down our impact cover letter:

A few more cover letter tips

Here are a few more tips to help the cover letter process:

Start with a “brain dump” 

If you’re staring at a blank page, Godfred always recommends that her clients start by getting all their ideas on the page without paying attention to length. Then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it,” she says. You’ll likely find that repeated information and very generic phrases are the first to go. (If it’s still too long, here are some tips for getting your cover letter down to one page .)

Don’t just repeat your resume

You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume. A good cover letter should complement your resume, so use the opportunity to elaborate your skills and qualifications further, as well as your accomplishments and why you're a good fit for that position.

Focus on quality over quantity 

Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than trying to churn out hundreds of cover letters, Kahn says. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’ll have a better response rate.

Remember the ATS 

Much like your resume, an applicant tracking systems, or ATS , will be sifting through your cover letter. So you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your pitch where it makes sense.

Don’t stress over formatting 

You may see flashy cover letter examples across the internet, but for the most part, it just isn’t necessary. An ATS can’t read text that has been formatted beyond using bold, italics, underline, and color, so keep your font and layout simple—especially if you’re submitting your cover letter through an online portal.

Don't forget your contact information

Include your contact information on every page, including your name, phone number, and email. “Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” Godfred says. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”

Edit your cover letter before submitting

Never submit a cover letter right after you finish writing it—there could be critical errors that you didn't notice while typing. Take some time away from your text, then revisit it like you're reading someone else's letter. Be sure to double-check all the information you've included, paying special attention to:

• The company's name
• The hiring manager's name
• The job title
• Your contact information
• Basic grammar and spelling

You're ready to go

If you've come this far, you're equipped with all the information you need to craft a great cover letter. Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

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