Every job seeker knows of the tricks that hiring managers play. Much of this comes in tricky questions that can be hard to answer on the spot. They may ask one question in a couple of different ways, although this does not make answering any easier.
If you dread the question, “Why do you think you should be considered for the role?” or even, “Why did you apply for this position?”
They sound very different, yet the answers will be the same, and you will need to prepare in the same manner. Either and many more like them are common interview questions, and here you can learn more about what employers wish to know; and how you can fly through any questions and answers part of your interview.
What is the Interviewer Asking?
This question aims to see how well candidates sell themselves during the job interview. The answer to these interview questions are similar to others, requiring you to look far beyond your first position in the company; and what you have to offer further on.
Any recruitment will be an investment in the company, so they wish to know the following the answer to the question:
- Are you a good fit for the company?
- Are you suitable for long-term work in the company?
- How much do you know about the company, and have you done sufficient research?
- Do you possess excellent influencing and communication skills?
How Do You Think You Will Contribute to Our Team?
Even without thinking of your answer to this common interview question can backfire if you are not careful.
There are two particular areas where this can happen.
Keep the answer to yourself: You need to highlight what makes you the best option for the position over other candidates. It would help if you sold yourself, but not at the expense of making other candidates appear bad. Never speak negatively of others.
Describing your strengths: Job interview questions are designed to see the best of you. It would help if you sold your strongest attributes and strengths. However, listing the answers to things you are good at can negatively portray you.
To come up with the best answers to the “What can you bring to the team?” question, you need to practice your answers. The reason is, it may not be a natural way you speak, as you are talking purely about yourself to others. You can use the information you had in your cover letter, yet be sure you do not repeat that, as the interviewer will likely check as you deliver your answer. Here are the areas to focus your practice ready for your job interview.
Why are you unique?
Until you hear this interview question, you will try to set yourself apart from every other candidate. The way you answer here does the same thing, so explaining with cliché terms you no good such as “I am hardworking.” Many other candidates will say the same, so you can easily blend in. Refer to the job description to see if anything stands out you may think others cannot deliver.
How Can You Apply Your Skills?
After the first part of the question and what makes you stand out, you need to make this the key section of the “What can you bring to the company” question. You have unique skills, yet the employer wants to see how you can use these for their benefit. People can list skills as part of their job search, yet understanding where they can use them is very different.
If you possess excellent problem-solving skills, you can expand on this and explain which part of the company or team these skills can benefit. If you are not applying for your first position, it may be easier to see how your skills helped you in other jobs if they relate to your new application.
Show Your Value
When trying to show your value, if you have any past professional or academic experience, you should mention this and relate it to your position. The best career advice will always be to ensure your answers using your skills relate to the job in question and the job description.
You may have references from past supervisors or talk about how previous team members saw you as a valuable asset. As we said, you will need to practice answering this and other common interview questions.
Sample Answers to What Can You Bring to the Table
I have always been hardworking, and throughout my employment history, such energy has manifested itself in my confident attitude and ability to keep busy. The job was more than just a chore list for me. I endeavor to help with special projects and daily tasks to be sure the assignments are completed.
Naturally, proper time management skills drove my energy, so I focus on the most important tasks before looking for new busy work. If I got this job, my energy and all that comes with it would lead to thinking outside the box and being innovative and efficient.
Conclusion
You can find many interview tips, yet these are only guidelines for what to do. You can scour every page on a site right down to the policy terms and conditions, yet nothing serves you better than your research and practice. No matter what you find, no information can help you because you are unique and have unique benefits that others cannot deliver.
