Why they’re asking: They want to make sure you are confident that you can do the job and prove that you are the right person to do the job.

Why it’s tricky: It’s a very open-ended interview question. It’s also sort of a bold question, one that is kind of meant to challenge you a bit and see how you respond to pressure.

How to answer: Explain why you’re great, what you’ve done that relates to the job opportunity, and be really, really confident.

Note: This is a pretty similar question to “Why are you suitable for this job?” so there will be some overlap with that post, but this question has a slightly different tone (and therefore a different answer). When someone asks “Why should we hire you?” it’s sort of like saying “Prove yourself,” and the answer should be a bit more powerful, more confident, and stronger than the answer to “Why are you suitable…”  It’s like someone telling you, “Okay, now close the sale.”

Let’s dive into how to answer this common interview question in the most impactful way possible: (Click here to tweet this list.)

1. Know the job description really, really well

That’s right. I know I always say this, but you absolutely need to know the job description like the back of your hand to ace this question (and any interview, for that matter). Study everything from the overview to the daily responsibilities to the qualifications. Truly understand what you are interviewing for and know what your interviewers are looking for. Think of the job description as a wish list that your future manager has written.

2. Know how to apply your past experiences to it

Read through the “responsibilities” or “tasks” and be able to talk about similar tasks you’ve done in the past. Look at the qualifications and desired qualities and be able discuss how you meet (if not exceed) them. This question is sort of about you… but it’s more about how your skills line up with what the company is looking for. You probably have many great accomplishments, but you should be focusing on the ones that most closely match the job you’re going after.

3. Talk results

Remember I said this answer should be a little “bold”? If you’re proving yourself to your interviewer, you’re going to want to talk about what you personally can bring to the table. Something along the lines of, “I see you’re looking for someone to manage X. I am confident I’d be able to execute on that by doing X, Y, and Z.” You don’t want to be just another candidate. You want to be seen as an asset who is ready to add value right away.

4. Make sure you come across as a “good fit”

You’ve already shown off your hard skills and qualifications in the first part of this answer, but I’ve seen even the most qualified candidates not get the job based on that pesky notion of “fit.” Doing well in a job isn’t just about what you do, but also how you go about doing it.

In a small or growing company, you might want to express that you’re willing to “get your hands dirty” or “pitch in wherever needed.” In a more structured company, you may want to talk about how focused and task-oriented you can be. Learn as much as you can about the company (and the company culture) before the interview and emphasize why you’d fit in there.

5. Close the sale and make it compelling!

Again, when this question is asked in this way, you should be going into sell mode, and every good sale has a great closing. Wrap up your answer in a way that is confident, concise, and enthusiastic. While you don’t want to go totally overboard, make it memorable too.

As you answer this question, it’s important to strike the right balance between being confident and being a total egomaniac. It’s always important to gauge the interviewer’s reaction and adjust your answer accordingly as you go. However, this question is someone basically forcing you to explain “why me,” so don’t be afraid to show off a bit.

Jaime Petkanics is the writer behind www.prepary.com, an online resource which provides advice on all aspects of the job search. A former recruiter, Jaime answers questions ranging from how to write a great resume, to how to answer interview questions, and everything in between.

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The post How to Answer the Most Important Question in Your Job Interview appeared first on Brazen Life.

Here are four tips for juggling work and a grueling job search:

1. Make the time, and use it wisely

I know it seems like there are not enough hours in the day, and that means something’s gotta give. Whether it’s giving up an hour of sleep, your Sunday brunch or your spin class, that time has to come from somewhere — but don’t worry; it’s only temporary.

Try to allocate an hour a day to your job search. Since you’re only going to give it one hour per day, use that hour wisely. Shut down Google Talk, turn off your cell and really focus on the task at hand, whether it’s browsing for roles, putting together applications or preparing for an interview. Really make it count.

2. Choose your jobs carefully

Making it count means not applying to every job you see. Trust me — getting out of work to go on interviews (if you’re lucky enough to get called in!) is not easy or fun. Make sure you’re only applying for roles you really want to go after wholeheartedly. Also make sure you’re applying to roles that you’re qualified for. Anything else will be a waste of time that you do not have a surplus of!

3. Don’t let coworkers know you’re looking

This is a mistake I see people make often. You’re excited about the prospect of a new opportunity and feel the urge to tell a coworker. Resist that urge!

There may also be times you need to sneak away from the office. Use personal days when you need to, but otherwise schedule interviews early in the morning or late in the afternoon when you can. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t be showing up in a suit every time you have a “doctor’s appointment,” either. Overall, keep your search under the radar as much as possible.

Whether it’s true or not, the perception is that if you’re looking for a job elsewhere, you’re not giving 110 percent where you are. If it ends up taking you a long time to make a move, this could negatively affect how people view you and value you in your current company.

4. Don’t let your search interfere with your work product

Most importantly, make sure you’re still delivering flawless work to your current employer. After all, they’re the one handing over that paycheck, and being mentally checked out is not professional. Leaving a job can be sensitive enough, and you want to leave on the best terms possible. You never know when you might need to use them as references. (Click here to tweet this thought.)

Ultimately, this double-duty isn’t going to be the most relaxing part of your year. Just remember that it’s only temporary, and the short-term sacrifice of time and energy will pay off in dividends when you land in a great new role.

This post originally appeared on Your Coffee Break.

Jaime Petkanics is the writer behind www.prepary.com, an online resource which provides advice on all aspects of the job search. A former recruiter, Jaime answers questions ranging from how to write a great resume, to how to answer interview questions, and everything in between.

Your Coffee Break is a lifestyle magazine for the professional woman. Based in London with representatives in New York, Los Angeles and Paris, Your Coffee Break has rapidly established itself as the go-to magazine for business women across the globe looking for inspiring content to read during their coffee break. Follow them on Twitter at @UrCoffeeBreak.

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The post How to Juggle a Full-Time Job AND a Successful Job Search appeared first on Brazen Life.