Why should we hire you? question

Hey,

So this question is really trying to figure out two things: your spikes and whether you can tell a story. First of all, don't fall into the trap of trying to cover everything: you're a leader but also a team player, detail-oriented but also big-picture, analytical but also creative. This doesn't sound very distinctive :)

My suggestion is starting from three blocks:

1. Recognize the pool. Start by admitting you share traits with other strong candidates (international experience, big companies, and so on). It keeps you credible and stops you from sounding arrogant.
2. Mention two specific spikes. Pick two things that genuinely set you apart. Each spike needs a concrete skill plus proof with measurable impact.
3. Close on fit. Tie the spikes back to why they matter for that specific role and that specific firm.

An example could be:

"Look, I share a lot with other strong candidates: international experience, time in large companies, the usual. But two things have really defined me.

• The first is advanced data analytics. I come from an econometrics background and I've already applied ML and AI to hard problems that generated hundreds of millions in impact, from Company X in Country Z to Company Y in Country W.
• The second is empathetic leadership: I'm the person who lifts the team up. My goal is always to get people performing at 120% of what they thought they could do. During my MBA, everyone was drowning before the Data Analytics exam. Over one weekend I built an 8-hour course from scratch, 30% of my class showed up, and nobody failed. 

I would love to work at McK/Bain/BCG because I would be excited to apply my advanced data skills to the largest companies in the world, at a time where AI is creating significant performance differences between leaders and followers. Moreover, I love getting high-performing team to perform even better, and there's no better place to express this skill of mine"

Hope this helps! Feel free to DM me to continue the conversation and make it tailored to your story :)

Best, 

Tom

That's a great question. 

Effectively, they are trying to understand the crossover point between your skills and knowledge AND their needs. 

So in order to provide a great answer you need an understanding of both. 

First, try to reflect on the feedback you've been provided with in the past, and also the moments which showed you at your best. What sort of skills did you exhibit? What topics does your value proposition organise around? 

Second, what is the firm you're interviewing seeking from a candidate? Have a close read through the job description. Ask even during the interview. Try to connect with current employees prior to the interview to build a deeper understanding. 

If you're looking for help on personal fit, you might also find this guide useful:

• • Video Course: Master personal fit

Best,
Cristian
 

The biggest mistake with this question is making it about yourself instead of about the company.

A strong answer is usually not:

• “I work hard”
• “I’m passionate”
• “I’m a team player”

Everybody says that.

The core of the answer should be:
what can you bring that is genuinely useful and differentiating compared to other candidates?

Good answers usually combine:

• a couple of concrete strengths
• evidence behind them
• and why those strengths matter for this role specifically

For example:
“Given my background in X, I think I can bring a combination of strong analytical problem solving and practical exposure to Y industry. In my previous role I already worked on…, and I believe that perspective would allow me to contribute quickly while also learning fast in this environment.”

That’s much stronger because:

• it’s specific
• it’s tied to the role
• it answers “why you over someone else?”

Also, don’t try to sound perfect.
The best answers usually sound:

• self-aware
• concrete
• credible

And one subtle point: this question is often testing whether you understand what the company actually values.

So before answering, ask yourself:
“What would make someone successful in this role?”
Then position yourself around that.

Hi,

Honestly, I think this question is less about finding the “perfect answer” and more about whether you can explain your value clearly without sounding scripted.

A lot of candidates make the mistake of giving very generic answers like: “I’m hardworking, passionate, and a fast learner.”

The interviewer has probably heard that 100 times already.

What usually works better is being specific and connecting your background to what the role actually needs.

Something along the lines of:
“I think I’d be a strong fit because I’ve already worked in environments that required problem solving, teamwork, and handling ambiguity. In my previous role/project, I had to do X and achieved Y. I also genuinely enjoy this type of work, which is why I’m pursuing consulting.”

That already sounds much more real and convincing.

Also, I wouldn’t try to sound overly polished. A calm and honest answer is usually much stronger than a memorized speech.

Best,

Soheil

hey! 

 I normally teach it that way: A three‑point answer works best because it’s clear, memorable, and forces you to focus on what actually matters. You can reuse your strongest skills, and you should also highlight what makes you unique as a person, especially characteristics that make you great in a team.

A strong structure looks like this:

1. Your core strengths   Pick the three abilities that match the role directly. These can be analytical skills, communication, ownership, or fast learning.
2. What makes you unique   This is your differentiator: your background, perspective, or experience that other candidates don’t have.
3. Your personal qualities   Traits that make you a great teammate, such as being calm under pressure, collaborative, reliable, or proactive.

Best Alessa! 

Not to repeat what others have said, the key is to avoid generic answers. Link your specific experience and strengths directly to the firm’s needs and current priorities. For example if you are an experienced banker applying to a firm with a growing financial services practice, point to how your industry experience can add immediate value on FS engagements. If you are a fresh grad, link your problem solving, leadership or analytical strengths to the kind of work the firm does and your motivation to grow into it.

The structure that works well is short. Acknowledge what they need, point to two or three specific things you bring, give one concrete example, and tie it back to why this fits the firm specifically.

Hope its useful !

Quite some approaches to this question in the Q&A. 

What I can recommend is an answer coming from "what you are passionate about". 

E.g.,

What get's me up in the morning are two things: A) Applying AI to real-world problems and B) Communicate my passions to people around me. 

Then explain how your previous experience matches these passions and lastly connect this to the company you are applying for. 

Let me know if you need further help! :) 

Best of luck, 

Vincent

This is one of the trickiest closing questions to get right. The interviewer isn't asking "list your strengths." They're asking "give me a reason to advocate for you in the debrief."

Structure that works, in 60 to 90 seconds.

• Headline. One sentence on your unique value. Lead with confidence.
• Two or three specific reasons. Each backed by a quick proof point. Tie to what the firm actually values.
• Future-facing close. Why you'd contribute to their team, not just fit the role.
• Avoid generic lines like "I'm a hard worker." Avoid hedging. Avoid listing everything.
• Practise out loud. Record and refine.

Good luck.