*Interview Insider is an educational series by neteffects dedicated to sharing the "inside scoop" on the latest and most effective interviewing tips that land jobs.

“Why should we hire you?” is a simple and straightforward question that can seal the deal and get a job offer if answered in a way that impresses an interviewer. So how do you provide a strong answer this question?

First and foremost, the most important thing to remember when answering is that it’s not about you!

Think of this question in the context of a new friend or contact. If someone whom you’ve just met approached developing a relationship you with around how you could benefit them, you’d likely be put-off by their approach and advances as demonstrated in this scenario:Miriam: I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you! We should do this again – maybe brunch in the next few weeks?Maleah: I think it would be great to have you as a friend. You have a high profile and high-paying job, offer wonderful benefits including job related perks and a huge circle of influential friends! Of course we can do brunch!

Potential employers (like people you’re trying to build a relationship with) don’t want to hear about what they can do for you, they want to know what you can do for them!

Let’s try to scenario with Miriam and Maleah again, only this time we will put it in the context of a job search:Miriam: Thanks for answering all of my questions. I do need to ask you Maleah, why should we hire you?Maleah: That’s a great question.As you know during my time at XYZ company, I was responsible for the product management of their logistics software and three other software products, steering the development, launch, and ongoing marketing and sales strategy. In the first year alone, we were able to generate 2.3 million dollars in domestic sales and refined our approach by testing, tracking, and doubling down on proven performers for the logistics software alone. During this time, I worked directly with marketing and sales – which as you know, is key for sustainable growth. I provided them with the materials they needed to work more effectively – product plans, roadmaps, specs, pricing/positioning strategy, competitive intelligence, and we collaborated on market/customer requirement research, which generated the counterparts. My direct work with these two teams helped to free up more of their time to focus on other brand building and other streams of revenue for the company.In addition, I also worked with the technology team and several fantastic project managers who expressed interest in getting into the product management field. With the company’s growth, I made it my mission to cross-train my colleagues and promote them into roles as product managers once we were confident that they could take the helm. This enabled me to free up more of my time to focus on new product development and work with the executive team on establishing key partnerships and researching possible acquisitions.For me a job isn’t just a means to pay the bills (although that is nice!) It’s about doing work that makes an impact not only for my fellow teammates, but for our customers too. It’s exciting and invigorating. Your company is passionate about developing great products and helping its employees grow into strong leaders. I was really impressed to see your involvement with the startup ecosystem and investment in two of your former employees newest ventures. That’s what I want in my next position – a company that cares about the work it does and the potential of its people and where my work will make an immediate and significant impact.

The Key Takeaway:

Your answer should convey to the interviewer that you possess the skills and can bring something to the table that not every other candidate can. It also helps to add in something that relates to the company’s mission, it’s culture, or both so that the interviewer can see that you are closely aligned to their vision. Remember, it’s not about what they can do for you, but what you can do for them.