The Best Answers to Tough Interview Questions-Part I

Why should we hire you rather than someone else?

Do not be distracted by the mention of two other candidates, you don't know anything about them and they could be fictitious. Focus on  what strengths you bring to the table. These should be consistent with the four things most employers are looking for in candidates during  the job interview: competence, professionalism, enthusiasm, and likeability. Remember, they are looking for chemistry between you and  them. Be prepared to summarize in 60 seconds why you are the best candidate for the job. Also, let the employer know you want the job  and you will enjoy working with them. A lack of interest in the job may indicate a lack of enthusiasm for the job and them. 

Why do you want to work in this industry?

Tell a story about how you first became interested in this type of work. Point out any similarities between the job you're interviewing for  and your current or most recent job. Provide proof that you aren't simply shopping in this interview.
Make your passions for you work a  theme that you allude to continually throughout the interview. 

"I've always wanted to work in an industry that makes tools. One of my hobbies is home-improvement projects, so I've collected a number  of saws manufactured by your company. I could be an accountant anywhere, but I'd rather work for a company whose products I trust."

Tell me what you know about this company.

Describe your first encounter or a recent encounter with the company or its products and services. What would be particularly motivating  to you about working there as opposed to working the same type of job in a different company? The recruiter will look for evidence of  genuine interest and more than just surface research on the company. Reciting the annual report isn't likely to impress most recruiters, but 

feedback from customers and employees will. "I served as an intern to a restaurant analyst last summer, so I followed all the steak-house chains closely. What you've done especially  well is focus on a limited menu with great consistency among locations; the business traveler trusts your product anywhere in the U.S. I'm  particularly interested in your real-estate finance group and expansion plans." 

Why should I hire you?

Don't repeat your resume or employment history. Offer one or two examples to explain why you're talking to this particular company. 

What's the most compelling example you can give to prove your interest? 

This question often remains unasked, but it's always in the back  of the recruiter's mind. Even if this question isn't asked, you should find an opportunity to use your prepared response sometime during  the interview, perhaps in your closing remarks. 

"My uncle had a company that was a small-scale manufacturer in the industry, and although he later sold the business, I worked there for  five summers doing all sorts of odd jobs. For that reason I believe I know this business from the ground up, and you can be assured that I  know what I'd be getting into as a plant manager here." Tell me about a time you didn't perform to your capabilities. This question forces the candidate to describe a negative situation. Do so in the context of an early career mistake based on inexperience;  then demonstrate the better judgment you now have as a result of that learning experience.  "The first time I had to give a presentation to our board, I failed to anticipate some of their questions. I was unprepared for anything  other than what I wanted to report. Now my director and I brainstorm all the what-ifs in advance."