Kate Broadley
So why should I choose you? It’s a fine line selling yourself and not groveling because that certainly is not a good look and it most certainly won’t get you the job. Even if you are not asked this in so many words, you should have an answer prepared and be looking for ways to communicate this throughout the interview.
My job, is to hire the best person for the job and let’s face it, most of the candidates shortlisted to interview are well qualified for the job. The successful candidate must be more than qualified, especially in a competitive job market and leave me with a lasting impression. In reality every appointment is a risk, your interviewer is taking a personal career risk in recommending a particular candidate to fill the role. So if the successful candidate performs well, we all look brilliant and get a pat on the back. The downside is, if the candidate turns out to be a dud, we all look like dummies and our professional reputation suffers.
So as a candidate, you do have to persuade me, why I should employ you. I call this your elevator pitch – remember I am looking for smart and capable individuals. Fundamentally you must be able to do the work, deliver exceptional results, and fit in beautifully with the team. No one wants someone who is going to be hard work (we have enough of them right). So note to self, you must possess a combination of skills and experience that make you stand out from the crowd and if I hire you, it must make me look good and make life easier for the client.
Like everything there is a happy medium, so don’t overdo it, 60 seconds is all you have. This is an opportunity to highlight your strengths tailored to the job description. I recommend including a combination of industry experience, technical skills, soft skills, evidence of key accomplishments and your educational qualifications. So next time wow me for all the right reasons and you WILL get that job!!
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