How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?” Using the SMART Method
Learn how to stand out in interviews by using the SMART method to showcase your skills, achievements, mindset, and the value you bring.
A few years back, when I was just starting as a writer, I walked into an interview nervous and hopeful, and then the hiring manager hit me with this question: “So, why should we hire you?”
I froze for a moment, and then I said something vague like, “I love writing and I work really hard.” It wasn’t a terrible answer, but it wasn’t memorable either. I left the interview feeling like I didn’t really show them who I was or what I could do. That day, I realized something important that if I wanted better results, I needed better answers. Because the truth is, if you don’t give a clear, confident, and meaningful answer, there’s a good chance you’ll blend in with the rest of the applicants and walk out without an offer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use the SMART method to answer Why should we hire you? in a way that shows confidence without bragging, and personality without rambling. I’ll also share examples so you’re not stuck trying to figure it out on your own.
David Adubiina
What is the SMART method, and why is it important?
You can think of the SMART technique as how to present your answer in a way that actually shows your value. Instead of throwing around general lines like, “I’m dedicated and I learn fast,” SMART helps you explain why you’re the person they should pick. In this context, SMART stands for:
- Skill
- Mindset
- Achievement
- Return on investment
- Type of person you are
Tips to consider when asked, “Why should we hire you?”
/1. Expect this question and prepare for it ahead of time
In most interviews, this question shows up near the end, right when it matters the most. Treat it as a planned moment, not a surprise. When you prepare for it, you walk into the room ready to summarize your value instead of scrambling for words at the last minute.
/2. The interviewer isn’t trying to intimidate you
This question isn’t meant to trap you or make you feel small. It’s simply a way for the interviewer to understand what makes you different from the other candidates. They already know you have skills, but they want to hear what you believe sets you apart so they can picture you in the role.
/3. A strong candidate is never defined by one single quality
Instead of saying just one thing, like “I’m hardworking,” think in layers. Maybe you have relevant experience, a strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, and a history of hitting goals. When you share a combination of qualities, you paint a fuller picture of the value you bring.
/4. Show passion, not just competence
The interviewer wants someone who cares about the work. Passion doesn’t mean you have to give a dramatic speech. It means speaking with clarity, confidence, and genuine interest. Your tone should say not only “I can do this job,” but “I want to do it well.”
/5. Aim to leave a lasting and positive impression
Think of your answer as a moment to close strong. You want them to remember you after the call or after a long day of back-to-back interviews. Use this chance to highlight how you plan to add value to the company, whether that’s through problem-solving, better processes, stronger teamwork, or helping the company reach its goals faster.
How to answer interview questions using SMART
Here’s how to structure your answer using SMART:
/1. Skills
Start with the essentials. Show that you read the job description and that you have the key skills needed to help the company reach its goals. You might say something like:
“From your job description, I saw that you need someone who can handle content research, write SEO articles, and manage publishing timelines. I’ve done all of that in my previous role...”
/2. Mindset
Next, highlight your attitude toward the work. A positive mindset could sound like:
“I enjoy taking feedback and improving drafts until they’re exactly what the project needs. I’m not afraid of tight deadlines, and I like finding creative solutions when projects shift suddenly.”
/3. Achievement
Then show a track record of results. Something like:
“In my last role, I wrote articles that brought in a 40 percent increase in organic traffic in three months, and two of those pieces ranked on the first page of Google.”
/4. Return on Investment
Explain how hiring you pays off. For example:
“If I join your team, I can help speed up content production and improve SEO rankings so you can bring in more qualified leads without spending more on ads.”
/5. Type of Person You Are
Close with something that humanizes you. A short line works best:
“I’m easy to work with, I communicate clearly, and I care about the quality of what I create because it reflects the team and the company.”
Conclusion
When faced with the “Why should we hire you for this role?” question, at any point in time, it's important to deliver a response that showcases your strengths and relevance to the position.
As you prepare, try not to think of it as a trick question, but as an opening to remind the interviewer why you’re worth choosing. Use the SMART approach to go beyond general statements and speak to your skills, mindset, achievements, the return on investment you bring, and the type of person you are to work with.
The goal isn’t to sound perfect but to sound like someone who understands the role, knows what they bring to the table, and is ready to make a real contribution. If you can communicate that clearly and confidently, you give yourself a much stronger chance of leaving a lasting impression and walking away with an offer.
David Adubiina
