This is the fourth of the series of typical interview questions. For each question we outline why the interviewer is asking the question and how the interviewee should respond to it.
 
Our suggestions should be treated as guidelines, always adapt them to your personal judgement of the situation and to your own particular experience and individual style.
 
4. Why are you the ideal candidate?
 
or: Why should we choose you?
 
or: How would you differentiate yourself from the others applying for this role?
 
 
Why is this question asked? 
  • To see whether you have analysed and considered this question before the interview
  • To verify if you really know this job
  • To probe your readiness, passion, interest and motivation
  • To select the best/most suitable person for the job
  • To look for the person who stands out, whose experience, skills and motivation would match the job and would add value to the company
  • To consider if this person can act as an ambassador for the company or department
 
How to Answer? 
  • Initially think who else might be applying for the role and what they may offer
  • Then consider your personality and interests to understand what makes you unique and different? Highlight your differentiators.
  • Show how you match the specific culture, the company, the job competencies (e.g. being adaptable, open to change, multi-tasking, attentive to detail, flexible, committed to company, able to develop and maintain good relationships)
  • Show why you really want it – emphasize the element of your particular interest/challenge in the job
  • Show your forward looking approach and vision. Prove it by linking your unique experience and strengths with potential benefits to the employer
  • Show how you have worked towards this opportunity and how this job is a logical next move in your career
Always remember not to come across as ‘desperate’ or ‘arrogant’ – stay very positive about yourself but factual.

Dental Assistant – we’re hiring now!

We are currently looking for a Dental Surgery Assistant to join a successful team in a well-trusted Orthodontics Practice in Limerick city.   Dental Surgery Assistant part time position, potentially leading to a full-time role comprehensive training will be provided...

Sales Manager – we’re hiring now!

On behalf of our client, a well-established organisation, which is part of a worldwide business consultancy network, we are looking for a talented and ambitious SALES MANAGER Main responsibility Selling products and solutions into Irish Market Perfect fit excellent...

Good news for Retirees!

  Tilda - Research Results Great news for Retirees! Recent research from TILDA (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing) tells us that older people in Ireland report high levels of wellbeing – with most feeling younger than their actual age and maintaining a sense of...

Career and Retirement Programmes – Now Online!

Torc in New 'Virtual' Reality In response to the global pandemic situation and in the interest of our clients' safety all Torc Career and Retirement Planning Programmes have been adapted to the new reality and are currently available online. New Forms of Delivery Torc...

Latest News & Views

Torc Consulting Group
13 Herbert Place
Dublin 2
D02 YD32
Ireland
Tel: +353 1 662 3020

Case Studies

A member of the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers

Call Now Button