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“Why should we hire you?”
It sounds simple enough. But when going into a job interview, it’s often one of the questions with which I really struggle. I am someone who is really awkward around new people, especially people who could be in charge of me. On one hand, I want to make a good impression, look nice, smile a lot, make eye contact, etc. I want to show that I’ve done my homework on the company and know things that they wouldn’t expect me to already know. I want my resume to be shiny and full of things for which they are looking. On the other hand, even after I’ve studied, researched, and practiced, something about my mind turns to Jell-O when it comes to talking about…me.
“Because, I…uh…uh…what was the question again?”
I got a call today for an interview next week. The job is receptionist at a place that, as far as I can tell, council people who are addicted to drugs or are mentally handicapped and work on getting people medicine and therapy that they couldn’t necessarily pay for otherwise. It’s a government job, so the hours and pay are both nice. So, what will I have to offer them?
In case you are in the same boat, here are a few of the right and wrong answers to this very unnerving question:
Wrong Answers:
“Because I need a job.” — This answer is about YOU — “they” want to know what you can do for “them.”
“I am a hard worker.” — This is a really trite answer — almost anyone can say he or she is a hard worker.
“I saw your ad and could do the job.” — This answers lacks passion and purpose.
Better Answers:
“Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar environment.”
“Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job – solve customer problems using my excellent customer service skills.”
“Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is required in this position.”
Check out more here so you hopefully won’t end up at the Jebbica School of Bombing Interviews! If nothing else, you could take a cue from Kenny Powers and answer, “Because I’m the best motherf*cker in the world. I am better than all y’all. No one is better than me!”
If at first you don’t succeed, then maybe you just suck.
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Hi Jebbie!
Taylor your response to the position. What qualities does a receptionist who will be dealing with “people who are addicted to drugs or are mentally handicapped” need? Welcoming demeanor? Bright and courteous smile? Patience? Soothing and calming voice? Good memory? Doesn’t get bored? Can multi-task? Warm, friendly personality?
Think about what the job is going to entail — meeting people face-to-face, talking to them on the phone, signing them in, making appointments, giving them directions, etc. Then think about what traits an EXCELLENT receptionist would have doing those things. Find those traits in yourself and PUSH them. That’s how I went from being a secretary to a contracting officer in the Government.
Good luck!
Hugz
♥Kat
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I’m a video game addict
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