Toronto Passions

Interview Question Problem

J

jbar

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Jun 4, 2006
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Hi Gang,

I have an interview coming up within the next few days (for an accounting/treasury role), and there is this one question that they might ask, where I believe that I can only give a mediocre response. I have gone to several other interviews already, and I have fielded those other questions quite nicely.

Anyways, here is the question that I am typically asked: "Why should we consider you over the other candidates that we are reviewing?"

My typical answer usually outlines my two greatest strengths, and my two greatest accomplishments. What answer would you, or did you, give? I don't want to just merely rehash what has already been said. I would rather say something compeling, but I can't figure out just what.

Or am I making too big a deal out of this, and my initial approach is correct?
Feedback from the Terb family would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance.
 
jbar said:
Hi Gang,

Anyways, here is the question that I am typically asked: "Why should we consider you over the other candidates that we are reviewing?"

.
Click to expand...


1. I am the only one at Enron that didn't get charged.
2. The other candidate is sleeping with your mother
3. My uncle, tony soprano, said the fix was in - ya folla?
 
Why should you consider me?
Because I will give you my best to get the job done. My goal is not to say in the entry level position but rather advance with the company.

Not to mention I bowl with a 230 average and golf at a 3 handicap.
 
Generally these cliched interview questions have little effect on getting hired. Everyone gives the same answer. Prepare a meaningful cliche, do not oversell, and find a meaningful way to connect with the interviewer.
 
red said:
3. My uncle, tony soprano, said the fix was in - ya folla?
Click to expand...

Sometimes life has the capability to imitate art.....you never can tell what lays below the surface.
 
Garrett said:
Generally these cliched interview questions have little effect on getting hired. Everyone gives the same answer. Prepare a meaningful cliche, do not oversell, and find a meaningful way to connect with the interviewer.
Click to expand...

This is true.

Any seasoned interviewer will know that he or she could not reasonably expect a perfect answer because chances are you do not know the other candidates and even if you do, you likely don't have enough data about them to give a calculated answer.

Don't fall for the trap that every question in an interview has a perfect answer. Know that every question in the interview has a poor or even terrible answer, though.

It's best to be general with this type of question. "Without the data to analyze the other candidates, I'm confident that I'm the right person for the job because of....." might be one approach. And then you'd briefly highlight the strengths that you know are useful in the job. Remember that there isn't necessarily one sure ace in the pocket. Showing evidence of a track record of consistent hard work and strong results is always a good start. Next if you have done some research about the position (which you should have), this is a good place to discuss the fact that after your research into the company/position, you know that it's perfectly aligned with your skills and career aspirations. If you have taken courses/have a degree/diploma in RELEVANT discipline, you can mention that at the end. {Remember that unless you graduated magna cum laude from Stanford, your educational qualifications could be identical to your competition for the job. Unless you know that you outmatch your competition in this area and that this would be helpful in the role, don't feel sit pretty thinking that mentioning a sheepskin will get you anywhere}.

Hope this helps...
 
As with most interview questions, they are designed to see if you can think clearly and quickly, formulate a coherent and articulate response, and form a well-reasoned explanation. It is more about unearthing any potential warning sign or deficiency than actually learning about your background. If you werent fit for the job, you wouldnt have made it to the interview.

Be general but be honest. Look directly at the interviewer, dont fidgit, dont mumble, and whatever you say, be convincing and sincere.

"I have the relevant experience you are looking for in this position, and I have excelled at blah blah blah in my current position with XYZ company. I have a proven track record of success and advancement in my career, and I know my skills would prove to be an asset in this role."

OR, "I have compromising pictures of you with a goat that I will gladly send to your boss and wife if I dont get this job."
 
Sometimes the point of the question is to see if you say something incredibly foolish rather than getting the "right" answer. You'd be surprised how many people say stupid things that immediately get themselves eliminated. And I don't mean weak answers, I mean dumb answers. Like unethical and/or illegal answers.
 
Just say "because I'm the best guy for the job" or if that doesn't work, "your wife told me i'm the best guy for the job", also, jack h. tells me it's important in the interview to ask whether they ever press charges.
 
Try a little reverse psychology. Something like... :)

"For this tremendous opportunity I am sure that you received someone outstanding resumes."

"Since I am not privy to their actual applications, I would be inappropriate of me to make any comment unless given the chance to review their qualifications further."

"Therefore I can only tell you what my proven history of accomplishments and success are."

#1...

#2...
 
ahhhh

Calloway, that comes off a little condesending.

Make sure you understand early what they are looking for (key skills, not the likes people bullshit).

Then use that opportunity to highlight how your skills meet there top need and provide and example.

Always link it back to what the company needs or wants, strengths and accomplishments mean nothing if the employeer doesn't care about those.

This is really a think on your feet question. Get a good understanding early in the meeting so you have time to think.

Good luck.
 
Condescending or self-confident in your abilities? It's unfair to make a comparison about people you don't know. I agree with you however that the first critical step is get all the information about the job requirements and qualifications required. The second step is to find out everything you can about the company and even the person interviewing you.

BTW... I've interviewed 1000's of people in my career. One last suggestion... make sure you do great follow up after the interview. Send a letter or even an e-mail thanking them for taking the time to meet with you and reconfirming your interest. With so many people applying for the same job... every little added personal touch will help. Good luck.
 
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You may want to tie in how the goals and values of the company mesh nicely with your own and in such an environment you would produce your best work.
 
Actually I was asked this question once. I said this:

"If you can find a better candidate than me, you should hire them, absolutely. If you've got a problem where you've got too many good candidates walking through the door and you can't make up your mind, I envy you. I've hired people before, and people like me are hard to find. If you've got another one, maybe you should hire us both."
 
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