If you’re one of those people who finds self-promotion a bit uncomfortable, few interview questions are as nerve-wracking as “Why are you the best person for this job?” It’s a big question that interviewers rely on to understand how you view your fit for the role. With the right approach, though, it’s actually a great chance to show off your strengths and explain what makes you stand out.
In this article, we’ll walk through what interviewers want from this question, tips to help you respond effectively, and examples of what to say for various scenarios. With preparation and thoughtful answers, you can show interviewers that you’re the best fit for the role.
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Why employers ask this question
Employers ask this question to gauge several important factors. “It helps to determine whether the candidate can add real value to the company or not,” says Anna Williams, human resources director at Pretty Moment,, who has 15 years of experience in HR leadership.
Here’s what they’re really looking to find out.
- Self-awareness and confidence: They want to know if you understand your strengths and can confidently articulate them.
- Alignment with job requirements: Are you aware of the skills, qualifications, and qualities they need? They’re looking to see if you can link your experience to the specific requirements of the role.
- Cultural fit: Beyond skills, interviewers want someone who aligns with the company’s values, mission, and team dynamic. This question allows them to see if you understand and connect with the company’s culture.
- Motivation to excel: A candidate who’s passionate about the role is more likely to contribute meaningfully. Interviewers want someone genuinely excited about the opportunity.
Understanding these motives can help you craft an answer that resonates with the interviewer and demonstrates why you’re the best choice.
How to answer “Why are you the best person for this job?”
When preparing your response, follow these tips to make sure you’re giving a well-rounded answer that highlights both your skills and personality.
1. Focus on key qualifications
Begin by reviewing the job description and noting the skills and experiences highlighted. Then, match these to your own qualifications. “Articulating an answer that aligns individual strengths with the objectives for the role will undoubtedly create an impact,” Williams says.
Choose two or three top qualifications that align with the role and build your response around them. “For instance,” she says, “someone interviewing for a sales role might answer, ‘With my five years experience in B2B sales and track of consistently exceeding targets, I bring vast industry knowledge and an expansive network that will help me boost the sales numbers in your company.’”
2. Be specific with examples
Instead of making general statements, illustrate your points with specific examples. Discuss how your past experiences helped you develop relevant skills and include quantifiable achievements whenever possible.
“A project management role aspirant could say, ‘I managed a project at my previous company where we were slipping off our delivery schedule. I led my team to redefine the strategy and we not only delivered on time but also ensured quality, as testified by our high customer satisfaction scores,’” William says.
3. Highlight your soft skills and cultural fit
In addition to technical skills, consider the soft skills that make you an asset to any team. If the company values teamwork, mention your collaborative approach and share examples of successful team projects. These details demonstrate that you’re not only qualified but also aligned with the company’s values.
4. Show enthusiasm
Genuine enthusiasm for the role and company goes a long way. Research the company’s mission and current projects so you can express interest in what they do. “This assists in conveying your dedication and attitude, which can often be as important as skills and experience in a hiring decision,” says Linda Moore, head of human resources at Slipintosoft, who has experience in talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development.
5. Practice and stay concise
Ask yourself “Why am I the best person for the job?” and practice your answer out loud to ensure it flows well. Aim to keep your response between one to two minutes, covering key points without over-explaining.
“Practice your answer but don't memorize it,” says Andrew Lokenauth, a finance executive with over 15 years in leadership roles. “You want to sound natural, not like a robot.”
For a little extra guidance, read this next: How to Do a Practice Interview That'll Actually Help You
“Why are you the best person for this job:” Answers for different situations
Here are some tailored why-are-you-the-best-person-for-this-job example answers that can help you navigate different professional backgrounds and levels of experience.
Example #1: Entry-level candidate
I believe I’m the best person for this job because I have a solid foundation in digital marketing and a strong desire to learn. In my last internship, I was able to increase our social media engagement by 15% by using a data-driven approach. I also worked on a team project to revamp the website’s SEO strategy, which taught me a lot about collaboration and attention to detail. I’m excited to bring my passion for digital marketing and my eagerness to learn to this role at [Company name].
Example #2: Mid-career professional switching fields
I’m transitioning from a background in customer service to marketing, and I believe my experience makes me a unique asset. In customer service, I’ve developed strong communication skills and a customer-centric mindset, which is crucial for creating effective marketing campaigns. At my previous job, I led a feedback initiative that reduced our response time by 30%, enhancing customer satisfaction. I’m passionate about marketing and confident that my background in understanding customer needs will allow me to make a meaningful impact here.
Example #3: Experienced professional in the same field
With over five years of experience in software development, I bring a track record of creating efficient and user-friendly applications. In my last position, I successfully led a team of four to develop a new platform feature that increased user retention by 25%. I pride myself on my problem-solving skills and my ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders. I’m excited about the prospect of contributing to your team and continuing to grow professionally in a collaborative environment.
Example #4: Project manager with industry-specific expertise
I believe my experience managing cross-functional teams in the tech industry makes me an ideal candidate for this project management role. I recently completed a project that came in under budget and exceeded client expectations, which taught me the importance of balancing project goals with stakeholder needs. I’m drawn to [Company name] because of your commitment to innovation, and I’d love to bring my project management skills to help drive forward your ambitious initiatives.
Key takeaways
When preparing for this question, choose a few qualifications that align with the role and highlight them in your answer. Back up your statements with relevant, concrete examples. “Don't use generic answers,” Lokenauth says. “Everyone says they're hard workers—be more specific!”
Also, research the company to show that you align with their values and goals. Convey your excitement for the role and company to stand out from other candidates. Ultimately, a strong answer to this question is about balancing confidence with authenticity. Show them that you’re the perfect fit for their team, and you’ll stand out as a top candidate.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to deliver a compelling and memorable answer to “Why am I the best person for the job?” that shows the interviewer why you’re the best fit.