Published: September 7, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor

“Why should we hire YOU?” Before walking into any interview, be sure that you have the answer to this question ready to roll right off your tongue. Why? Because you are going to be asked this question or one like it, and you want to knock the interviewer’s socks off with a strong, well-thought-out response.

You may also be asked:

• Why are you the right fit for this position ?
• What would you bring to this position that other candidates won’t?
• What makes you the best candidate for this job?
• What are your strengths?

Whichever question you are asked, it is your opportunity to share why you are the best candidate for this job. Give a concise confidant summary of your top 3-5 strengths or selling points and back them up with related examples, accomplishments, or success stories. Develop a standard response that can be tweaked a bit for different positions.

Consider using a combination of any of these items:

• Years of experience
• Education/training
• Expertise/experience performing certain tasks or duties
• Technical skills (remember your MLIS is 100% online)
• Transferable soft skills
• Key accomplishments
• Awards/recognition

EXAMPLE ANSWER

“I am really excited to be interviewing for this position. I have the experience and the enthusiasm to excel quickly in this role. I have over two years of experience working in a public library setting where I was able to rotate and gain experience in reference, in the children’s library, and do community outreach. In my MLIS program, I had the opportunity to very successfully work as a student assistant providing technical support for our virtual colloquia sessions. I am comfortable working with people in-person and online. I have strong communication skills and collaboration skills as evidenced by the partnerships I have been able to make and I am looking forward to the opportunity to directly apply my strengths and interests to this position.”

ADDITIONAL PREPARATION TIPS

1. You must be clear on your strengths and what you are good at before you go to the interview!
2. You must be comfortable sharing and communicating your strengths which will only come with practice!
3. You need to be clear in your own head how you can connect what you have done in the past to this job and how it is a benefit before you can ever communicate it to someone else!

For more tips on interviewing success, check out the interviewing section on SLIS Career Development and for a unique experience practicing your interviewing skills; try our online mock interviewing tool Big Interview.