By Mike Simpson

There you are, sitting across from the hiring manager, answering questions like a boss. Then, the hiring manager hits you with, “Why are you a good fit for this job?”

Suddenly, you’re dumbfounded – and secretly hoping you didn’t just look at them like they spontaneously grew a third head. After all, the hiring manager’s seen your resume. They know you’re a great fit, right? Otherwise, why would they bring you in for an interview?

Well, there’s a bit more behind this interview question. So, if you’re wondering why the hiring manager would ask you, “Why would you be a good fit for this position?” and how to answer it, here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Meaning of “Fit?”

Before we dig into how to answer “Why are you a good fit for this job?” let’s take a step back a second and talk about what “fit” even means here.

The folks at Merriam-Webster define fit as “acceptable from a particular viewpoint.” Well, that doesn’t help a ton, but it does start to shape the picture.

Think of it this way. A company is like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Every employee is a piece of that puzzle, coming together to create the picture. A vacant position is a missing piece, a hole in that picture. The hiring manager’s job is to fill that hole.

Ultimately, in the context of this question, fit is mainly about being that right puzzle piece. It’s how your skills, experience, and interests match the duties and responsibilities of the job, as well as the company’s culture.

Why Does the Hiring Manager Ask This Question?

During an interview, every question usually serves a purpose. So, why would a hiring manager include “Why are you a good fit for this job?” in their list of interview questions.

We get that this question can feel a little silly. Your resume does give them insights into your skillset and experience. However, the hiring manager wants to know more about how what you bring to the table lines up with the role.

Additionally, the hiring manager needs to identify the best candidate in the bunch. They are hoping you’ll say something that separates you from the pack, making their decision easier.

Another main goal is seeing if you’ll mesh with the company’s culture. Overall, 87 percent of companies say that culture and engagement is one of the biggest challenges they face, so the hiring manager needs to find a good fit.

Plus, by asking this interview question, they get to test your research and listening skills. That’s right; it’s a surprise motive!

You can’t craft a great answer if you don’t know enough about the job description and company. The hiring manager is testing what you know. How sneaky.

So, the hiring manager is asking you this question for all of the reasons above. They want to make sure you’re the perfect match, and this question helps them figure that out.

Common Mistakes When Answering This Question

As with all interview questions, certain mistakes can completely derail your chances of landing a position. When it comes to answering “Why are you a good fit for this job?” there are a few doozies you want to avoid.

First, when you answer this interview question, focusing on anything other than the “fit” part of the equation is a misstep. This isn’t the same as answering “Why should we hire you?” or a similar question that’s more open.

You really have to drill into why what you bring to the table aligns with this specific job. If you aren’t addressing the must-have skills and experience you found in the job description, you’re missing the mark.

Second, not showing that you understand the company’s needs is a big no-no. You need to demonstrate that you know what the company and job are all about, referencing specific details from your research.

Finally, simply rehashing your resume and cover letter isn’t going to do it. You need to use examples that highlight your relevant capabilities. Otherwise, your answer is going to land in bland territory.

Remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Tips for Answering This Question

Alright, we know you’re here for some great example answers and we promise those are coming. But first, how about some handy tips that can help you create your own answers?

With these tips, you can get a solid understanding of how to respond to this interview question. It allows you to use out example answers as frameworks and then adjust them to meet your needs. Awesome, right?

So, without further ado, here are three tips for answering “Why are you a good fit for this job?”

1. Mention Specific Core Duties

Ideally, you want to mention a few specifics in your answer. Head to the job description and review the highest priority requirements or duties. Then, work those into your response, addressing them directly.

2. Reference the Company Mission or Values

When it comes to “fit,” it’s about more than the job itself. You also need to show that you’ll mesh with the company’s culture. How do you do that? By discussing part of the company’s mission or values that really speak to you.

In most cases, you can find a company’s mission and values statements on its website. In some cases, they’ll be included in the job description, too, so you can look there as well.

3. Be Enthusiastic

When you’re answering this interview question, enthusiasm is your friend. If you seem hesitant or blasé about your answer, the hiring manager might think that you’re not all that into the job. That’s no good.

In the end, a little bit of excitability can work in your favor here. So, choose points that really bring a smile to your face, ensuring you come across as an engaged, passionate candidate.

How to Answer the Interview Question “Why Are You a Good Fit for This Job?”

Alright, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of how to answer “Why are you a good fit for this job?” First, it’s important to understand that this is an open-ended interview question that doesn’t have an official “right” answer.

Instead, being “right” means showcasing yourself as a great match to the role and company. Plus, you need to make your answer as compelling as possible.

So, how do you do all that? Well, by using the Tailoring Method. In fact, the Tailoring Method is ridiculously perfect for this interview question. It’s all about crafting custom answers that really speak to the job you’re trying to land. If now isn’t the time to bust it out, when is?

Now that you have a general idea of how to answer this interview question, it’s time for some samples. Here are three example responses to “Why would you be a good fit for this job?” that each use slightly different approaches.

1. Start with Duties

With this approach, you begin your answer by discussing core duties you found in the job description. While you still want to discuss culture-fit, this strategy can work best if the job ad focused heavily on the role’s responsibilities, as that indicates that may be the hiring manager’s biggest priority.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“In the job description, I noticed there were several references to high production standards and working in a fast-paced environment. In my previous manufacturing position, our targets were always challenging. The goal was to hone efficiency, ensuring we could exceed expectations at every juncture.

As a result, I dedicated myself to learning the technical skills I needed to thrive. This included everything from safety protocols to machine operation, ensuring I could perform the duties correctly and quickly.

Not only did I grow my production and assembly skills, but I thrived in the fast-paced environment. I have a track record of exceeding production goals by 10 percent, often making myself the top performer on my team.

However, I understand that personal performance is only part of the equation. Just as your company values teamwork, I believe that part of my strength comes from my colleagues. As a result, I consisted worked to help them excel, acting as a mentor to new hires and offering my support whenever the need arose.

Together, I believe that makes me an exceptional fit for this role.”

2. Lead with Culture

At times, company culture actually takes center stage in a job description. Usually, you’ll see a lot of references to the work environment and personality in the job posting, showing that culture is potentially a higher priority than technical prowess.

Now, it isn’t that you don’t want to talk about your hard skills. Instead, it’s simply that you want to lead off with references to the company’s mission, values, and culture.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“When I was looking for opportunities, one of the factors that led me to apply for this position was the company’s values. ABC Corp. believes in supporting its community and putting its customers first, a perspective that is very much like my own.

In my last customer service position, my goal was always to exceed expectations. Going the extra mile to solve customer problems and make things right is essential in my eyes. Not only does it ensure they have a better experience, but it also boosts retention and the company’s brand. Ultimately, that’s a win-win.

However, it isn’t my mentality alone that makes me an exceptional fit for this job. I also have extensive customer service experience in your industry, as well as knowledge of contact center technologies, trouble ticket systems, and troubleshooting techniques, making me a great match for the position.

3. Solve a Problem

If you have the ability to use this approach, it can be a smart move. With the problem-solver angle, you focus on a challenge the company is facing that this role can solve. Then, you highlight how you can be the answer to that conundrum, showcasing your value in that specific way.

Throughout your answer, you’ll touch on hard and soft skills that would allow you to help the company overcome its troubles. Additionally, you can squeeze in a bit about culture-fit, rounding out your response.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“Based on my research, I gleaned that one of the biggest priorities for this position is to help the company recapture sales losses due to COVID-19. It was certainly a hard-hit sector, and it’s a challenge that I’m surprisingly familiar with.

In my past position, our sales team experienced pandemic-related declines in customer interest. As part of the marketing team, my goal was to adjust the product’s position. Showcasing its value in the current landscape meant a departure from the tried-and-true approaches of the past. However, innovative-thinking was necessary, ensuring any losses could be recovered.

Ultimately, my campaign adjustments did the trick, leading to sales reaching pre-COVID numbers in just a few months. I feel that I can use similar techniques to identify opportunities in the market that can allow your company to experience the same gains, making me a great fit for this position and the company’s overall goals.”

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you answer “Why are you a good fit for this job?” in a way that captures the hiring manager’s attention. Use them to your advantage. That way, you can shine and, in the end, increase your odds of landing the position.

Good luck!

—

Mike Simpson( Co-Founder and CEO )

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan, Penn State, Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page.