You’ve finally made it to the job interview, where the dreaded—yet all-too-familiar—question has arrived: “Why should we hire you?”
There are plenty of reasons. After all, you’ve worked for years, gaining expertise, experience and education, so you could bring it all to the table and make your mark. But, right now, the only accomplishment you can think of is how you won the third grade spelling bee when you were 8 years old. Not exactly something to share with a potential manager.
What should you do when your mind goes blank?
The first thing is to realize you’re not alone: 68% of job seekers say the job search has hurt their mental health, a 2025 report from TopResume finds. And over 90% of Americans experience anxiety related to job interviews, a survey by employment screening firm JDP shows.
The second thing you should do is remember the four-letter acronym HIRE.
H—Highlight your relevant experience.
I—Impress them with your past results.
R—Reveal the reasons why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
E—Embrace your nerves and leverage that feeling by showing enthusiasm.
You know exactly why you should be hired for this position. You’re the perfect match. So don’t let stress and anxiety interfere with good performance. Remember why this company should HIRE you, and you can shine, even if your knees knock and your hands shake.
WORK SMARTER
Practical insights and advice from Forbes staff and contributors to help you succeed in your job, accelerate your career and lead smarter.
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If you’re on the job hunt and have a call with a recruiter, treat it like an interview and turn it into a connection you can leverage for a future role, executive coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine says.
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Decoding Gen Z At Work: A Conversation With Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree Colin Rocker
Want to know what Gen Z really wants at work? I got the inside scoop from career educator Colin Rocker, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and LinkedIn Top Voice who helps professionals navigate the modern workplace. Grab your coffee and notepad for some insights from our Q&A.
Colleen Batchelder: What question from Gen Z surprises most managers?
Colin Rocker: “This isn’t in my job title. Why do I have to do this?” Many Gen Z workers started their careers remotely, so the unspoken parts of work (relationship-building, overcommunication, and managing perception) don’t come as naturally. When expectations outside their formal role aren’t made explicit, it can feel exploitative rather than motivating.
What do employers that successfully attract young talent do differently?
They lead with transparency. That means clearly outlining job responsibilities, compensation, growth paths, and role stability upfront. Gen Z isn’t swayed by office perks. They want honesty, especially after experiencing layoffs so early in their careers.
What is one mistake Gen Z should avoid in a job interview?
Treating the interview as a transaction. If you’ve made it to the interview, they already assume you’re qualified enough to do the job. What’s often overlooked is storytelling, enthusiasm and showing how you’ll actually fit and collaborate with the team.
What’s your best advice for managers frustrated by Gen Z?
Start listening and guide them based on how they’re uniquely motivated. Gen Z wants to feel heard and understand how their work connects to their career growth or impact. Once you know what motivates them, you can address their disengagement with clarity instead of conflict.
Source – https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenbatchelder/2026/02/03/why-should-we-hire-you-how-to-answer-the-hardest-interview-question/