Do you want to stand out at a job interview? Do you want to be the person who gets the job?
These are 3 questions to ask yourself when preparing for the job interview:
- What results can you deliver in the role?
- Why should they hire you?
- What value do you bring?
Most people applying for the role will have the skills and responsibilities for the job. These questions are about showing why you are the best fit for the role and what you will bring to the role apart from being able to do the job.
1. What results can you deliver in the role?
As John F. Kennedy said:
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
What can you do for the organisation?
Any position that you work in is two-way, as you are applying for the role assumption is it will deliver lots to you (such as pay (money), career step-up or development to name a few examples) however think about what results you will produce for the company.
I love this question because it starts to form the basis of my interview question preparation. As I start to think about what results I will provide it then reminds me of examples throughout my career I have achieved similar results. These are the examples I use to answer interview questions as they are relevant to the role.
2. Why should they hire you?
As Smart Insights explains in their article Golden Circle model: Simon Sinek’s theory of value proposition ‘start with why’
“(Simon) Sinek explains that ‘Why’ is probably the most important message that an organization or individual can communicate as this is what inspires others to action.”
The article then goes on to say “Successfully articulating your ‘Why’ is a very impactful way to communicate with other humans, define your particular value proposition and inspire them to act. Sinek’s theory is that communicating ‘Why’ taps into the part of the listener’s brain that influences behavior.”
Hence being able to articulate why they should hire you will help create certainty in the hiring manager’s mind that you are the right fit. It will make it easier for them to justify why they choose you.
If the whys do not align better that this is called out earlier before starting a new role that is not right for you.
3. What value do you bring?
The value you bring is something unique to you something that sets you apart. Often many can deliver results and have the skills for the role. The value is how you will you about delivering these results. What is unique about you?
I know I invest and develop myself in my spare time, and have a growth mindset which means I am continually looking to improve and have a passion to help others. I am also competitive and driven to be the best I can be and improve daily.
The value that I bring is managing and leading a team, people development, instilling a continual improvement culture and building a strong team. All this is in addition to the results I deliver to the team.
“Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”
— Michelle Obama
These questions are a great starting position to prep yourself for an interview or even when applying for the role. Defining what you have to offer for the role gives you confidence.
This also makes the role a two-way benefit removing away any desperation you have for the role. As you know why you are awesome for the role and the value you will bring to the organisation.
By asking these questions you will be able to define your value, why and worth to the organisation. This will help put you as a top contender for the role because you have already done the work for the interviewer on why you are best suited for the role. Hence making you the simple and obvious choice.
Next time you are applying for a job or going for an interview ask yourself these 3 questions and feel your confidence increase.
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