Looking at a job with a new employer can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. When you get to the interview stage, you may be faced with the daunting question, “What can you contribute to this company?” This question is asked to gain insight into your capabilities, work ethic, and how you perceive yourself fitting into the company’s culture. It allows interviewers to assess your potential in a deeper and more nuanced way than just reviewing your resume.
The way you answer this question can reveal a lot about you as a candidate. It can show how well you have researched the company and the position, how enthusiastic and dedicated you are, and what sets you apart from other applicants. By preparing and thinking about your response in advance, you can showcase your skills and accomplishments in a way that demonstrates your value to potential employers.
When responding to the question “What can you contribute to this company?” there are a few key approaches you can take to craft a compelling answer. One approach is to present your abilities by providing specific examples of how you have used your skills in previous roles. For example, you could talk about how your communication skills helped you coordinate across departments and resolve conflicts in a previous job. Highlighting your abilities in this way shows interviewers how your past experience has prepared you for the position you are applying for.
Another approach is to highlight how your skills align with the position you are seeking. By showing that you have done your research on the company and understand its values and goals, you can demonstrate how your abilities are a good fit for the role. For example, if the company values customer service and product warranties, you could talk about how your customer service skills have prepared you to excel in a customer-oriented role.
It’s also important to use concrete examples to back up your responses. If you have achieved specific results in past roles, such as increasing sales or meeting project deadlines ahead of schedule, be sure to include these accomplishments in your answer. Providing quantifiable data can help you demonstrate your value to potential employers and showcase your past achievements.
To illustrate these approaches, let’s look at some example responses tailored to different types of positions:
Administrative assistant:
“In my previous role, I developed strong multitasking skills by opening the office daily, managing multiple executive schedules, and assisting with various tasks as needed. I am adaptable and can take on a variety of responsibilities each day. I am excited by your company’s dedication to excellence, and I believe I can be a valuable resource in helping prioritize tasks and support your team.”
Project manager:
“At my previous employer, I spearheaded the creation of an online marketplace connecting local craftspeople with consumers. Our team of six individuals worked collaboratively to bring this project to life, finishing three weeks ahead of schedule. The platform was featured in a prominent design blog shortly after launch, resulting in a fourfold increase in user registrations. My enthusiasm and determination were key to the team’s success, and I am confident that I can bring the same level of commitment to innovative projects at your company.”
Salesperson:
“Over the past year, I have discovered a passion for sales through my work on the traveling sales team at my previous employer. I was honored with the Top Regional Sales Award for bringing in new clients within the first six months. Meeting clients in diverse locations was a rewarding challenge, and I am eager to build connections and provide personalized recommendations based on my knowledge of your company’s products.”
In conclusion, when responding to the question “What can you contribute to this company?” it’s important to showcase your abilities, align your skills with the position you are seeking, and provide concrete examples of your past accomplishments. By preparing thoughtful and tailored responses, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job.
