Summarize the following:
As you begin to answer the question, focus on how you match with the company overall. That is, talk about your years of experience and the objective ways that you can talk about how you were valued at your last company. For instance, you could talk about how you were the youngest person in a managerial position at your last company, as it shows the company that you could handle the position. Three achievement-based examples will show that you are uniquely suited to the task. In addition, this approach will give your answer structure instead of letting your ramble through an answer. Use the preparation you did before the interview to answer the questions. Try not to get flustered. Take a deep breath and give a brief but thorough answer. Don't give canned answers. Once you know the facts of why you should be hired, try to approach it specifically, rather than generically. For example, skip a generic answer, such as "An experienced manager will be better for employee morale and company growth." Instead, try an answer like this one: "You should hire me because I have managed a team for 10 years. During my time managing, I have lowered employee turnover and increased productivity by 10 percent." This response lists specific reasons why you're a good fit, matched up to what the company is asking for in the job description. When answering, don't focus on why you want the job or why you think the position would be good for you. Instead, put the attention on what you can give the company. That's what the interviewer wants to hear. For instance, you may be tempted to say, "It's always been my dream to work for an art gallery." Instead, say something to this effect: "I know many people want this position, but I have worked hard to be the best person for this job. From my degree in art history to my extensive internships in art galleries, I have the skill set needed to be useful to you." Follow that statement with some of the skills you have picked up over the years. Take this time to use what you've learned in the interview. Connect your skills to what the company wants. Similarly, use the time to highlight aspects of your skills that the interviewer has overlooked. For instance, maybe you heard that the company is really people-focused. Use the time to highlight your people skills with specific examples from your previous jobs. You could say something such as: "At my previous job, I handled all the service calls, and the numbers showed that customer satisfaction was up during my time there." If the employer thinks you're overqualified, underqualified, or don't the right experience, take this time to reassure the interviewer that you're the right person for the job. For instance, if it's evident the interviewer finds you overqualified, note that you are trying to make a new move in your career, and you're willing to start from the bottom. If the person thinks you're underqualified, highlight other skills you have that would be relevant to the job. If you haven't proven you have enough experience for this position, highlight other experience in your past that is relevant. In fact, you can make almost any experience relevant. Say you worked as a sales clerk at a store in the past. That may not seem relevant to an office job, but it gave you the skills to work diplomatically with a wide range of people. An elevator pitch is a sales pitch that will sell someone on your cause, even in the most limited of time frames. This question is usually asked at the end of the interview and possibly your last appeal to show you are a good fit. Sell yourself as if you have been designed to solve the company's problem. Stay on point. You may be tempted to tell everything you've ever done. However, tailoring it to the company will help you stay on task in addition to keeping the interviewer interested. Make sure your pitch isn't longer than two minutes.
Start with the larger view. Address three qualities that make you a fit for the employer's needs. Be specific about your experience. Put the attention on the company. Use what you've learned. Change your interviewer's mind. Think of this question as your elevator pitch.