How to Answer "What Makes You the Best Candidate" and Stand Out in Any Job Interview

Job seekers in competitive fields like IT, sales, marketing, and HR often face this make-or-break question: "What makes you the best person for this job?" The direct answer is to match 2-3 key skills or experiences from your background to what the company actually needs, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), back it with targeted research, and close with your potential impact--all in 60-90 seconds. This works for entry-level to mid-career professionals preparing for behavioral or fit-focused interviews.

Start with company insight, share 1-2 STAR stories proving your fit, and end with forward-looking value. For example, in a marketing role: "Your focus on SEO growth aligns with my experience boosting traffic at my last role via SEO."

You'll get a proven framework (research + STAR + fit) with 3 tailored examples for common roles, drawn from recruiter insights like Shine.com (2020), MIT CAPD (2022), and MVNU.edu (2024). Practice to hit 60-90 seconds for crisp delivery.

job interview handshake

This approach may not apply to highly technical screening interviews focused solely on coding tests or certifications, where skills demos take precedence over narratives.

The Core Formula: Why Interviewers Ask and What They Really Want

Interviewers ask "What makes you the best person for this job?" to gauge your fit and unique value over other candidates, not just to hear you praise yourself. They want proof you understand their needs and can deliver results.

Over 83% of recruiters rank this question highly because it reveals if you prioritize company goals over personal wants (Shine.com, 2020). A LinkedIn survey cited by MVNU.edu (2024) shows 92% of employers value soft skills like emotional intelligence as much or more than hard skills, which means cultural and team fit matter.

Your script: "I'm the best fit because [skill 1 + STAR proof] addresses your [company challenge], and [skill 2] will help drive [specific impact]." Some older views, like Forbes (2016), call it "insulting," but recent sources confirm it's common for assessing value.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Best Response

Build a standout answer with this checklist: research the company, select 2-3 strengths matching the job, structure via STAR, link to their goals, and rehearse to 60-90 seconds.

Spend at least 1 hour on the company site, clicking all links for history, values, and clients (ImpressiveInterviewing.com, 2025). Check Glassdoor for interview questions (MIT CAPD, 2022).
Pick 2-3 strengths from the job description and outline STAR stories: Situation/Task, Action, Result (FINDrecruitment.co.nz; MIT CAPD, 2022). Prepare 3-5 stories ahead (Unity.edu, 2018 -- historical data).
Link to the role: "This experience directly supports your [goal]."
Practice aloud, timing to 60-90 seconds (Shine.com, 2020).

For an HR role: "Task: Managed recruitment for 50 hires. Action: Implemented software streamlining processes. Result: Reduced time-to-hire by key margins" (Wuzzuf.net, 2025). Skip deep research for generic entry-level roles--focus on resume highlights.

Research Like a Pro to Show Genuine Fit

Dedicate time to uncover mission, values, and challenges via their site and LinkedIn (ImpressiveInterviewing.com, 2025; ElevenRecruiting.com, 2021 -- historical data). Note recent projects or values like "innovation" and tie your story to them.

Use Glassdoor for common questions (MIT CAPD, 2022). This shows initiative beyond the job description (Unity.edu, 2018). For entry-level, a quick values scan works better than exhaustive dives.

company research laptop

STAR vs Generic Answers: Comparison and Examples

STAR turns vague claims into evidence-based stories, outperforming generic boasts. Weak answers list traits without proof; strong ones quantify impact.

Aspect	Generic (Weak)	STAR (Strong)
Sales Role	"I'm a great salesperson."	"Task: Hit launch deadline. Action: Reallocated resources, improved communication. Result: Exceeded sales by 20%" (FINDrecruitment.co.nz).
Marketing	"I do digital marketing."	"Grew traffic 80% via SEO blogs, ready to replicate here" (Shine.com, 2020). Note illustrative variances like 60-80% from examples, no controls specified.
Project Mgmt	"I'm organized."	"Applied problem-solving to streamline team processes, boosting efficiency" (CanxGlobal.com, 2024).

Add a 90-day plan for edge: "In 90 days, I'll optimize [process] for quick wins" (How2Become.com, 2025).

Key Qualities to Highlight: Skills Employers Prioritize

Focus on a mix of hard and soft skills tied to stories--avoid lists. 92% of employers value soft skills equally or more (MVNU.edu, 2024, LinkedIn survey), with emotional intelligence rising in emphasis (2023 data).

Prioritize: Communication for collaboration (SkillsTG.co.uk, 2022 -- historical data); problem-solving via STAR; cultural fit like passion for innovation (ImpressiveInterviewing.com, 2025). Vary by role--technical for IT, relationship-building for sales. Don't list without examples, or it feels generic (ResumeGenius.com, 2024).

Common Mistakes That Make You Sound Like Every Other Candidate

Avoid these pitfalls to stand out:

Arrogance over confidence: "I'm the best" vs. evidence-based fit (Hirewala.com, 2025).
Irrelevant info: Stick to job needs.
Self-focus: Skip pay/schedule; address company goals (Hirewala.com, 2025; Forbes, 2017 -- historical data).
No cultural fit: Link to values.
Vagueness: Use specifics, not "hardworking."

Fix it by emphasizing your unique value proposition with STAR.

Evidence Pack

Use this Strong Answer Builder Matrix for quick tailoring. Rows cover key roles; columns guide customization.

Job Type	Research Insight (Company Value)	Key Strengths (2-3 Skills)	STAR Story Snippet	Closing Impact Phrase	Weak Alternative
Marketing	SEO growth focus	Digital marketing, analytics	Grew traffic 60-80% via campaigns (Shine.com, 2020)	"Deliver similar results here"	"I'm experienced"
IT	Collaborative innovation	Technical problem-solving, teamwork	Tackled challenges in team settings (Wuzzuf.net, 2025)	"Streamline processes efficiently"	"I like tech"
Sales	Client needs focus	Target exceeding, relationship-building	Exceeded sales 20% post-launch (FINDrecruitment.co.nz)	"Boost your targets immediately"	"I'm driven"
HR	Employee thriving environments	Recruitment, labor law, software	Managed programs reducing time-to-hire (Wuzzuf.net, 2025; MIT CAPD, 2022 STAR)	"Build stronger teams"	"I'm passionate"

Tailored from examples; adapt to JD.

interview answer matrix table

Pro Tips to Demonstrate You're the Top Fit Beyond Words

Show fit through actions: Prepare 3-5 questions on their goals (Unity.edu, 2018 -- historical data); take notes with pen (ElevenRecruiting.com, 2021); send thank-you within 24 hours. Dry palms pre-handshake.

Ask cultural fit questions like team dynamics (RisePeople.com, 2024). Positive spin on gaps: "My background adds fresh viewpoint."

Checklist: Smile on arrival; body language open; follow up referencing discussion.

FAQ

Why should we hire you?
Use the core structure: Company insight + 2 STAR skills + impact. Example: "Your retention challenges match my 15% improvement via data analysis."

What makes you unique for this role?
Highlight unique value like a different viewpoint or milestone, backed by story--not traits alone (3PlusInternational.com, 2022; ResumeGenius.com, 2024).

How to stand out from other candidates?
Research deeply, add a 90-day plan, and ask insightful questions. You're the only one with a tailored action plan (How2Become.com, 2025).

Common mistakes in "best candidate" answers?
Arrogance, irrelevant details, no company focus, ignoring culture--fix with evidence and alignment (Hirewala.com, 2025).

Best skills to highlight?
Balance soft (92% equal value, emotional intelligence) and hard skills with stories; communication key across roles (MVNU.edu, 2024; SkillsTG.co.uk, 2022).

Resume vs interview: Proving you're the best hire?
Resumes list; interviews prove via STAR stories showing how you apply skills, revealing fit interviewers can't see on paper (ElevenRecruiting.com, 2021).