Answering 'What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?'
The entire purpose of a job interview is for employers to figure out if you have the right qualifications for their position. That's why it's so important to reflect on why you're a good fit for the job prior to your meeting. During your preparation process, thinking about your current abilities and past experiences can help you come up with effective answers. Here we share how you can ace the interview question, 'What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?'
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Why employers ask 'What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?'
Employers ask ‘What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?’ to learn more about your credentials. This question is one way they can test that you understand what this role entails. Ideal candidates are those whose skills and qualifications match those of the job description. This question tells employers whether you’ll be a valuable asset to their team.
Learn more: 15 Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer
How to answer 'What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?'
Follow these steps when answering ‘What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?’:
Read through the job description
Although it’s a given that you read through the job description when you first applied, make sure you do it again when preparing for your interview. This can refresh your memory and help you plan your answer. Look for particular skills or qualifications the employer has listed. Highlight them to help you remember your talking points.
Learn more: 3 Skills You Should Develop That Are Guaranteed to Improve Your Career Prospects
Reflect on what you can offer
After learning what the employer is looking for, think about which particular skills and qualifications you can offer. You can even come up with some additional ones that you think could be relevant for the role. The key is to show that you can meet, or even exceed, the requirements of the position. Show the employer that you have the background to be a valuable asset to their team.
Tie it into the position
The main thing to remember is that you need to emphasize the role you’re applying to. You need to show that you would have a strong future with the company if you were to get a job offer. Even if you’ve never had this job title before, prove that you have the skills and qualifications to get the job done right.
Learn more: How to Sell Yourself in a Video Interview, According to a Remote Worker
Example answers to 'What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?'
Use these example answers as inspiration when answering, ‘What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?’:
Example: Graphic designer
My goal with this role is to provide clients with deliverables that will make their jaws drop. Throughout my time as a graphic designer, I also make sure to put the client first while keeping the consumer in mind. One skill I can definitely bring to the table is my artistic ability. I have an eye for fonts, colors, and layouts that are sure to capture a viewer’s interest. A quality I can offer is my ambitious attitude. I am definitely a ‘yes’ person, and I want to do whatever it takes to create the best work possible.
Example: Fitness instructor
Since I have a background in exercise science, I understand the processes behind helping clients achieve their body goals. I have the skills to help people change their bodies in a safe and healthy way. I understand the importance of pushing yourself but not going past your limits. One quality I can offer is my enthusiasm. It’s my goal to make every class a fun yet challenging experience. With my upbeat personality, I hope to make clients eager to attend my classes.
Example: Marketing manager
Over the course of my five-year marketing career, I have developed many skills that make me a good fit for this role. First, I have grown quite comfortable with using Salesforce. I used this software to track leads and create email campaigns. I would be able to jump right into your system if I were to get this job. Along with my technical skills, I am an effective leader. I am quite experienced in hiring and training employees. I also am a clear and concise communicator, which is quite important for a role like this.
Example: Nursing home aid
Providing excellent care is something I can bring to this position. I understand that the health and happiness of residents rest upon the staff’s shoulders, which is why I will always make sure residents are getting what they need to thrive. I am an experienced certified nursing assistant, so I have the medical training needed for this position too. I can safely administer medications, get residents cleaned up, and transport them around the facility. While doing my job, I will make sure to have a good attitude to ensure people feel happy with the care they receive.
Example: Flight attendant
Customer service is something I know a lot about. During my time as a waitress, I learned to anticipate guest’s needs before they even needed to ask me for something. My attention to detail will help ensure passengers are comfortable and enjoying their flight. Likewise, it’s a useful skill when going through all the safety checks required for this role. I will always be focused to make sure we all can get to our destination safely. To continue to help the airline keep its wonderful reputation, I will always manage any situations with discretion as well.