Interview Question: Why Do You Think You Are Qualified for This Position?

By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW, Career Advice Expert •Last Updated: April 26, 2024

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“Why do you think you are qualified for this position,” is a common interview question that hiring managers ask to determine what sets you apart from the other qualified applicants.

We'll provide tips and strategies for crafting a compelling answer to this question, including how to structure your response and what specific examples to include.

Browse “Why do you think you are qualified for this position” answers and learn how to effectively demonstrate what makes you the best candidate for the job.

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Why do employers ask this question?

When employers ask the question, "Why do you think you are qualified for this position," they are seeking to understand several key points:

Relevant Skills and Experience: Employers want to know if you possess the necessary professional skills and experience required to excel in the role. They are looking for specific examples that demonstrate your competence and ability to handle the position's responsibilities.
Alignment with Job Requirements: Employers want to gauge your understanding of the job requirements and how well you match them. They are interested in hearing how your qualifications align with the specific needs of the role and the organization.
Motivation and Passion: Employers want to assess your interest and enthusiasm for the position. They seek evidence that you are genuinely excited about the opportunity and the challenges it presents.
Cultural Fit: Employers want to determine if you would fit well within their team and company culture. They may be interested in hearing about your values, work style and ability to collaborate effectively with others.
Self-Awareness: Employers want to see if you clearly understand your strengths, weaknesses and areas for growth. They may ask this question to assess your ability to reflect on your experiences and articulate how they make you a strong candidate for the position.

By asking this question, employers aim to gauge your qualifications, enthusiasm, and fit for the role to assess if you are the right candidate for the position and the organization as a whole.

Use our Resume Builder to craft a compelling resume that showcases your unique skills and qualifications. You can elaborate on these skills during your job interview to further demonstrate what makes you qualified.

Prepare your skills and qualifications

When hiring managers ask why you think you are qualified, they are checking to see if your skills and experiences match the requirements of the role.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare to answer this question effectively:

Review the job description: Start by reviewing the job description thoroughly and make a list of the required skills and qualifications. Identify the soft skills and hard skills that you possess and those that you may need to develop.
Research the company: Conduct research on the company's culture, values and mission. This will help you understand what they are looking for in a candidate and how you can align your skills and qualifications with their needs.
Make a list of your accomplishments: Make a list of your professional accomplishments, including specific projects you have worked on, awards you have received and other achievements. Identify the skills and qualities crucial to your success in these endeavors.
Identify your transferable skills: Think about the transferable skills you have developed in previous roles that can be applied to the position you are interviewing for. These could be skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving or collaboration.

Taking time to craft a thoughtful answer to this question can set you apart from other applicants and help you project a lasting, positive image in the interviewer’s mind.

How to Answer ‘Why Do You Think You Are Qualified for This Position’

There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when preparing for this interview question. See our pro tips below and explore our job interview guide for additional pointers.

Market your skills and qualifications

Above all other interview questions, this question provides the greatest opportunity for you to set yourself above other applicants for the position.

The trick is finding a unique angle from which to describe your qualifications. Rather than restating what is written on your resume, tell the interviewer something he or she doesn’t already know about you.

Make sure that it is completely relevant to the job description. While staying within the bounds of honesty, feel free to show off a bit, but refrain from bragging or exaggerating.

You can use our ATS resume checker to ensure that your resume effectively showcases your skills and qualifications. Scan for 30+ common errors and get instant suggestions on how to improve your resume score.

Include measurable achievements

Bringing up fluff about how dedicated you are to your career isn’t what interviewers want to hear in answer to this interview question. Instead, prepare to share exactly what you accomplished at your previous job.

If you created jobs for two dozen people, say so. If you saved your former employer half a million dollars per year by cutting overhead costs, share that information.

Or maybe your marketing skills boosted sales by 10 million dollars over the last two years you were employed.

These are the facts that interviewers want to hear. If you achieved great things for your last employer, you will likely do equally great things for the company interviewing you.

Review our library of 800+ resume examples to learn how to quantify your achievements and accomplishments.

Provide a unique response

Offer a personal touch by avoiding answers that other candidates will likely provide. Stating that you work hard, enjoy your career and have experience simply won’t cut it.

Instead, mention personal experiences and achievements demonstrating your exceptional qualifications for the role.

If you have continued your education and earned a higher degree, point that out. Or, if you have experience building a company from the ground up and taking it all the way to becoming a publicly-traded company, be sure to mention it.

Perhaps you’ve earned a prestigious award in your industry; this would certainly be worth discussing.

Speak with confidence, highlight the most important parts of your career and make sure you are being completely honest in everything you say.

Remember that your answer should be unique and highlight your special qualifications, but not seem completely over the top.

Our interview preparation tools can help you practice your answers to frequently asked interview questions.

‘Why Do You Think You Are Qualified for This Position’ sample answers

Explore ‘Why do you think you are qualified for this position’ examples crafted by career advice experts. We also recommend checking out more common interview questions as you prepare.

Sample answer for a sales manager role

“As my resume states, I have over 10 years of experience working in management in this field. What isn’t stated there is that I was one of the company's founders, and my sales skills grew from a start-up to its first public offering. The skills I used to do this have been further honed, and I anticipate being able to do great things for your company as well. In addition to having sharp business acumen, I relate well to my colleagues and clients and pride myself on being an excellent communicator, which helps foster a stress-free environment for everyone.”

Sample answer for a project management role

"I believe I am highly qualified for this position because of my extensive experience in project management. Over the past five years, I have successfully led multiple cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects within budget and on schedule. I am skilled in creating comprehensive project plans, managing resources effectively and mitigating risks. My ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels and adapt to changing priorities has consistently resulted in successful project outcomes."

Sample answer for a marketing specialist role

"I am confident in my qualifications for this position as a marketing specialist. With a solid foundation in digital marketing, I have effectively implemented successful marketing campaigns across various platforms, significantly increasing brand awareness and customer engagement. I am proficient in data analysis and have utilized insights to drive targeted marketing strategies and optimize conversion rates. My strong creativity, attention to detail and ability to stay updated with industry trends have consistently delivered impactful results."

Sample answer for a customer service role

"My qualifications for this position stem from my extensive customer service and relationship management background. Throughout my career, I have consistently exceeded customer expectations and built strong, long-term relationships. By actively listening to customer needs and providing personalized solutions, I have consistently achieved high customer satisfaction ratings. I am skilled in conflict resolution, adept at handling difficult situations and have a proven track record of retaining and upselling existing clients."

Sample answer for a software engineer role

"I believe I am well-suited for this position as a software engineer due to my comprehensive technical skills and experience. I have a strong background in full-stack development, with expertise in languages such as Python, Java and JavaScript. I have successfully designed and implemented scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products. Additionally, my ability to quickly grasp new technologies and stay updated with industry advancements has enabled me to consistently deliver efficient and innovative solutions."

Sample answer for a financial analyst role

"I am confident in my qualifications for this position as a financial analyst. With a solid foundation in financial analysis, I have developed robust financial models, conducted in-depth market research, and provided strategic recommendations to drive business growth. I am well-versed in financial forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis. Moreover, my strong analytical skills, attention to detail and proficiency in tools such as Excel and SQL have consistently enabled me to provide accurate and actionable insights to support decision-making."

Remember to write an interview follow-up email to thank the interviewer for their time and express your continued interest in the role.

Preparing for related interview questions

1. What Skills and Qualities Can You Bring to This Position?

When answering this interview question, focus on the skills and qualities you possess that most closely align with the needs and requirements of the role. For example:

Hard or soft skills, like software expertise or excellent customer service skills.
Qualities like dedication, determination and perseverance.

2. How Do You Meet the Qualifications for This Position?

When answering this interview question, be sure to:

Closely align the qualifications that you hold to the ones outlined in the job description.
Speak clearly and confidently about how your skills, talents and abilities make you the most qualified candidate for the position.

3. When Would You Be Available to Start Work?

To answer this question accurately and honestly, keep the following in mind:

Check your contract at your current job before your interview. Come to the interview with a date in mind.
Forgot to check your contract? Don’t lie to the interviewer. Simply tell them that your employer will tell you once you give notice.

If you haven’t put in your two-week’s notice yet, we recommend checking out our guide on how to write a resignation letter for tips and tricks from career advice experts.

Key takeaways

When employers ask, ‘Why do you think you are qualified for this position,’ they are seeking to understand your skills, experiences and qualifications.
Review the job description carefully so that you are prepared to discuss how your skill set matches the requirements of the role.
Showcase measurable achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your positive impact in past roles.

FAQ

How to answer ‘Why do you think you are qualified for this position’ with no experience?

If you have no direct experience in the field or role you are applying for, here are some ways to answer an interview question about your qualifications:

Emphasize transferable skills: Even if you don’t have direct experience in the field, you may have transferable skills relevant to the position. For example, if you are applying for a customer service role, you may have experience in a different industry where you provided excellent customer service.
Discuss relevant education or training: If you have completed relevant coursework or training programs, mention them. This shows that you have a solid understanding of the principles and skills required for the role and are committed to learning and growing in the field.
Highlight relevant achievements: Even if you haven’t worked in the field before, you may have achieved things in other areas that demonstrate your skills and abilities. For example, if you were a captain of a sports team, you may have developed leadership, communication and teamwork skills that are relevant to the role.
Show enthusiasm and eagerness to learn: Employers may be willing to train candidates who show a strong desire to learn and grow in the role. Express your enthusiasm for the field and eagerness to learn and take on new challenges. Show that you are a quick learner and willing to go the extra mile to succeed.

We also recommend checking out our guide on how to make a resume with no experience for additional tips from career advice experts.

What are some tips for a successful job interview?

Here are some tips to help you have a successful job interview:

Research the company: Understand its mission, values, products, services and recent news or developments.
Review the job description: Identify the key skills, qualifications and responsibilities needed for the role.
Practice common interview questions: Focus on highlighting your skills, experiences and achievements relevant to the role.
Prepare questions: Come prepared with thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
Dress professionally: Dress appropriately for the interview, considering the company culture and industry norms.
Be attentive and engaged: Maintain eye contact, nod, and use body language to show your engagement.

Check out the STAR interview method for guidance on how to effectively answer behavioral interview questions.

How do you answer ‘What makes you uniquely qualified’?

When answering this question, it’s important to showcase your distinct combination of skills, experiences and qualities that set you apart from other candidates. Here’s how you can approach this question:

Reflect on your unique experiences: Identify experiences from your past roles, projects or personal life that have provided valuable insights or perspectives. For example, you may have worked in a cross-cultural team, managed a challenging project or overcome a significant obstacle.
Highlight specialized skills or certifications: If you possess specialized skills or certifications relevant to the role, emphasize them. This could include technical skills, industry-specific knowledge or advanced training that sets you apart from other candidates.
Highlight your unique qualities and strengths: Identify personal qualities or strengths that make you stand out as a candidate. These can be attributes such as creativity, resilience, adaptability or a strong work ethic.

Remember to provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims. By demonstrating your unique combination of experiences, skills, qualities and passion, you can effectively answer the question and stand out as a uniquely qualified candidate.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.

Sources

InCharge Debt Solutions. Article. Morris, George. Keys To A Successful Job Interview
Forage. Article. Pelta, Rachel. How to Answer: ‘Why Do You Think You Are Qualified for This Position?’
Harvard Business Review. Article. Alpaio. Tips for Acing Your First Job Interview