“What can I bring to the company?” This is one of those interview questions that you need to have an answer to no matter if the hiring panel asks it or not.
Here’s why. As an ex-hiring manager and Career Coach, this is often the question that seals the deal. If it’s not asked, I always recommend volunteering the answer throughout your interview. Your goal during the interview is to clearly explain what you can bring to the company. Whether it’s a technical skill, soft skill, experience, or connections, you never want to leave the hiring panel wondering what makes you different from the other candidates they are interviewing.
During my interview coaching sessions with clients, I am intentional about making sure they have a solid answer to the question, “what can I bring to the company?” and today, I’m going to make sure you walk away with a solid answer as well.
Whenever I talk about mastering the art of interviewing, I like to start with the “why” behind the question. When I was a hiring manager and Executive Director, my purpose for answering this question was really to learn more about a candidates special skills, talents, and knowledge that may not have been highlighted on the resume.
I also wanted to know what they could do for my team. In other words, “what can you do for me?” In case this sounds a bit harsh, I want you to understand that the hiring process is a series of negotiation, where each party (the candidate and the employer) are having conversations to understand what each can do for each other.
Your answer is truly an opportunity for you to showcase that you are the right person for the job. You can do this by giving great examples that showcase how your skills, experiences, and personality in a way that aligns with the company’s needs and goals. In this article, I’m going to give you insider tips on why employers ask this question, how you can prepare to answer it, and I’ll provide 10 sample answers based on different scenarios.
Let’s start off with the “why!”
Why do employers ask “What can you bring to the company?”
There’s a reason behind every question being asked in an interview. Employers ask “What can you bring to the company?” for several:
The way to assess fit: They want to know if your skills and experiences match the job requirements. On top of determining if you can truly do the role, they also want to figure out whether or not you would blend in with their current work culture and if you’d get along with your immediate team.
Understanding your motivation: Naturally, employers are always curious about why you’re leaving your current company. They want to make sure that you understand the company’s mission and values so and they want to see if you’re enthusiastic about joining the company. We all know that hiring is expensive, so in a way they are trying to do their due diligence to make sure you really want to work there.
Also, if you want to learn more tips on how to answer “why are you leaving your current company?” check out this article!
If you’ve done your research: Speaking from personal experience as an Executive Director, I can tell you that my favorite candidates were the ones who did their research and came ready to solve a problem. This doesn’t mean that I expected them (or you) to do hours of research, dig to find a problem, and create a presentation. What I looked for (and my colleagues) were clients who spent at least 30 minutes, reading about our mission, background, staff and activities to get a better understanding of who we are and what we do.
Doing a little bit of research can allow you to see where there’s a gap or a problem that you can solve… then you can highlight the importance of your skillset and why the company needs you. We’ll get into that more a bit later when we get to the example answers for what can I bring to the company.
What should your goal be when answering “What can you bring to the company?”
As a coach, I always tell my clients that there is no “perfect answer” to any interview question. There’s only well-prepared, thoughtful, and genuine answers. The answer that you ultimately craft should be one that you are comfortable and confident in saying.
With this in mind, when preparing to answer the question “What can you bring to the company?” in an interview, your goal should be multi-faceted. This question provides a unique opportunity to highlight your qualifications, showcase your understanding of the company’s needs, and demonstrate how you are the ideal candidate for the role. Here’s a breakdown of the primary objectives you should aim to achieve with your response:
Showcase how your skills and experience directly align with the role
Your first goal is to clearly present the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the position. Focus on highlighting the qualifications mentioned in the job description and match them with your background. You can also discuss specific achievements and examples that demonstrate your zone of genius and competency in those areas.
Demonstrate that you’ve done your research Your Understanding of the Company’s Needs
This is your time to stand out by showing that you understand the company’s needs. As mentioned earlier, employers want to see that you’ve done your homework and understand the challenges and opportunities the company is facing. Be sure to tailor your answer to reflect how your skills and experiences can help address these needs. This shows that you are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in contributing to the company’s success.
Share your Unique Value Proposition
This is not a time to be shy! You want to stand out and be remembered. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates. Remember, there’s hundreds of other people who have applied for this role so show them they made the right decision in bringing you in to interview. This is your chance to emphasize your unique strengths and attributes. Whether it’s a particular skill set, a unique experience, or a personal trait, make sure to convey what makes you uniquely valuable to the company.
Don’t be afraid to show that you want the job
Feel free to show your genuine interest, enthusiasm and demonstrate cultural fit. Employers are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic about the role and will fit well within the company culture. Express your excitement about the opportunity and how your values align with those of the company. This helps to paint a picture of how you would integrate and thrive within their team.
Be a problem-solving mastermind (a.k.a Prove your problem-solving abilities)
The workplace needs more innovators and problem-solvers. When I was a Director, I also looked for people who were solution finders. If possible, walk them through how you’ve successfully solved problems or contributed to significant projects in your past roles. Make sure to use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how they can be applied to benefit the company.
Let them know you’re in it for the long run
Help the hiring panel imagine a future with you at the organization. While it’s important to focus on what you have achieved in the past, also touch on how you can contribute to the company’s future. Show that you have the potential to grow with the company and take on new challenges. This forward-thinking approach can make you an attractive long-term investment for the employer.
Now that you have all the background knowledge as well as goals to keep in mind for answering this interview question, we can now move on to (drumroll please), structuring your answer!
Interview Answer Example: Structuring Your Answer
Here’s how you can structure your answer to cover the goals we just discussed:
Create your introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your current role or recent experience.
Share your relevant skills and experience: Highlight key skills and experiences relevant to the job you’re interviewing for.
Demonstrate your understanding of company needs: Mention your research on the company. You can include new insights, programs or products that you admire. You can also discuss initiatives you’re passionate about and how your background aligns with their needs.
Tell them what your Unique Value Proposition is: Always make sure to emphasize what sets you apart from other candidates.
Give an example of your problem-solving abilities: Provide an example of a problem you’ve solved or a significant achievement.
Show your enthusiasm: Express your excitement about the role and how you align with the company culture.
Illustrate your future potential: Conclude with how you see yourself contributing to the company’s future success.
I know that was a recap, but I really wanted to make sure you’re comfortable with the flow of your answer and have a quick snapshot as a resource of how to structure your final answer. Now that we have the structure and your goals, let’s talk through some examples!
I’ve created these examples based on some of the most common clients that I work with.
If you want to work on your interviewing skills, I have a 4-session Interview Coaching program. I can help you confidently define your brand and craft powerful answers to some of the most common interview questions.
What will you bring to the company? Sample Answers
Project Management Role
Scenario: Applying for a Project Manager position in a tech company.
Sample Answer: “I bring over eight years of project management experience in the tech industry, where I successfully led multiple cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. At my previous company, I implemented a new project management software that improved our project completion rate by 25%. My ability to manage stakeholders, coordinate resources, and drive projects to completion aligns perfectly with your company’s current expansion goals. I am excited to bring my organizational skills and strategic vision to your team to help streamline processes and ensure successful project outcomes.”
2. HR Role
Scenario: Applying for an HR Manager position at a mid-sized firm.
Sample Answer: “I bring a decade of HR experience, specializing in talent acquisition and employee engagement. In my last role, I developed an onboarding program that reduced new hire turnover by 15% and increased overall employee satisfaction. I understand the importance of creating a positive work environment and fostering a culture that encourages growth and development. I am eager to apply my experience in enhancing employee engagement and retention strategies at your company, contributing to a motivated and high-performing workforce.”
3. Data Analyst Role
Scenario: Applying for a Data Analyst position at a financial services company.
Sample Answer: “I have a strong background in data analysis and a keen eye for detail, with five years of experience in the financial sector. In my previous role, I developed a predictive model that improved our investment forecasting accuracy by 18%. I am proficient in various analytical tools and software, including Python and SQL. I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my data analysis skills to provide valuable insights and support data-driven decision-making at your company, helping to enhance your financial strategies.”
4. Marketing Role
Scenario: Applying for a Digital Marketing Specialist position at an e-commerce company.
Sample Answer: “I bring a combination of creativity and analytical skills to digital marketing, with a focus on driving online sales and engagement. At my last job, I launched a multi-channel marketing campaign that increased online sales by 40% and improved our social media following by 25%. My expertise in SEO, PPC, and content marketing will be beneficial in enhancing your online presence and attracting more customers. I am excited to use my digital marketing skills to contribute to your company’s growth and success.”
5. Engineering Role
Scenario: Applying for a Mechanical Engineer position at a manufacturing company.
Sample Answer: “With seven years of experience in mechanical engineering, I have developed a strong foundation in designing and improving mechanical systems. In my previous role, I led a project that optimized our production line, reducing downtime by 20% and increasing overall efficiency. My hands-on experience and problem-solving skills will be valuable in enhancing your manufacturing processes and developing innovative solutions. I am excited to bring my engineering expertise to your team and contribute to your company’s continued success.”
6. Sales Role
Scenario: Applying for an Account Executive position at a B2B company.
Sample Answer: “I have a proven track record in B2B sales, consistently exceeding my sales targets by an average of 15% over the past three years. My ability to build strong relationships with clients and understand their needs has been key to my success. I am skilled in consultative selling and have a deep understanding of the sales cycle. I am eager to bring my sales expertise and client-focused approach to your company, helping to drive revenue growth and expand your customer base.”
7. IT Role
Scenario: Applying for an IT Support Specialist position at a healthcare company.
Sample Answer: “I bring five years of IT support experience, specializing in providing technical assistance in high-pressure environments. In my previous role, I managed a helpdesk team that resolved 95% of support tickets within the first 24 hours. My expertise in troubleshooting, network management, and customer service will be instrumental in ensuring smooth IT operations at your company. I am excited to bring my problem-solving skills and dedication to your team, helping to maintain a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure.”
8. Creative Role
Scenario: Applying for a Graphic Designer position at a marketing agency.
Sample Answer: “I have a strong portfolio of graphic design work, with five years of experience creating compelling visuals for various clients. At my last job, I led a rebranding project that successfully revitalized our client’s image and increased their market presence. My proficiency in design software and my ability to translate concepts into visually appealing designs will be valuable in delivering high-quality creative solutions for your clients. I am excited to bring my creative talent to your agency and contribute to your projects.”
9. Operations Role
Scenario: Applying for an Operations Manager position at a logistics company.
Sample Answer: “I have over a decade of experience in operations management, with a focus on optimizing supply chain processes and improving operational efficiency. In my previous role, I implemented a logistics strategy that reduced shipping costs by 15% and improved delivery times by 20%. My strategic planning and leadership skills will be valuable in enhancing your operational processes and driving efficiency. I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and contribute to your company’s operational success.”
10. Healthcare Role
Scenario: Applying for a Registered Nurse position at a hospital.
Sample Answer: “I bring over seven years of nursing experience, with a strong background in patient care and critical thinking. In my previous role, I was recognized for my ability to handle high-stress situations and provide exceptional care to my patients. I am skilled in various medical procedures and have a compassionate approach to patient care. I am excited to bring my nursing expertise and dedication to your hospital, helping to deliver the highest quality of care to your patients.”
So how do you feel after reading these examples? While it’s fresh in your mind, I strongly suggest crafting an answer that you can easily customize based on the employer that you are applying to.
Need some tips on the best way to prepare your answer? I got you covered!
How to prepare your answer to “What can you bring to the company.”
Preparation is key to answering this question confidently. Here are 5 steps you can take to craft a unforgettable response that leaves a lasting impression. To show that you’re the best candidate, use these following tips during the preparation process:
Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent achievements or challenges.
Analyze the Job Description: Identify the key skills and experiences required for the role.
Self-Assessment: Reflect on your own skills, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to the job. Sometimes it’s easy to forget your achievements so I want to remind you to create a “wins folder” where you document kudos and successes!
Align Your Strengths: Match your strengths to the company’s needs and the job requirements.
Use the STAR Method. A lot of government agencies are known for using this method when interviewing. There are also some private companies who use it too. Honestly, it’s a fail-proof way to answer any interview question. Here’s how to use it. Structure your answer using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework to provide clear and impactful examples.
Conclusion
Answering “What can you bring to the company?” effectively requires preparation, self-awareness, and the ability to align your strengths with the company’s needs. By researching the company, understanding the job requirements, and using concrete examples, you can craft a compelling answer that highlights your value. Use the sample answers as a guide to tailor your own response, and approach the interview with confidence and clarity.
Cheers to your success!
