Landing a job in today’s competitive market is about more than just qualifications—it’s about standing out. One of the toughest questions candidates face during interviews is:
“Why should we hire you?”
While it might seem straightforward, answering it effectively requires strategy, confidence, and the ability to showcase your unique value.
Fortunately, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, once revealed a brilliant approach to tackling this question during a 2020 mock interview with NBA star Stephen Curry. His response wasn’t just compelling—it was a masterclass in how to make yourself the best candidate for any role.
Bill Gates’ Three-Step Approach to Winning Interviews
Instead of giving a generic answer, Gates structured his response into three powerful elements—each designed to highlight his expertise, self-awareness, and alignment with the company’s vision.
1. Showcase Your Expertise with Real Examples
Rather than simply stating his skills, Gates backed them up with tangible proof:
“Look at the code I’ve written. I went beyond what was taught in my courses. I’ve improved over time.”
This approach shifts the focus from just listing achievements to demonstrating impact. Instead of saying, “I’m great at my job,” candidates should provide specific examples of past work that showcase their abilities.
2. Address Weaknesses While Highlighting Strengths
Gates didn’t shy away from admitting his flaws. He acknowledged a challenge in his professional behavior but turned it into a strength:
“I can be overly critical of my colleagues’ work, but my goal is to push for ambitious outcomes.”
This move is genius. Instead of dodging weaknesses, he reframed his high standards and attention to detail as a driver for excellence. Employers appreciate self-awareness and a willingness to improve—it signals a candidate’s potential to grow within the company.
3. Align Yourself with the Company’s Vision
The final and most powerful part of Gates’ response? He shifted the focus from himself to the company’s future:
“I like ambitious goals. I like thinking about how to anticipate the future.”
By showing excitement for long-term projects and innovation, Gates made it clear that his ambitions aligned with the company’s goals—something hiring managers always look for.
How to Apply This Strategy in Your Next Interview
You can adapt Bill Gates’ method to craft a standout response for your next job interview. Here’s how:
- Highlight a key skill with a specific example from past experience.
- Acknowledge a challenge you’ve faced in your work and explain how you manage it positively.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for the company’s vision and how you can contribute to its success.
This structured approach helps you stand out in any interview by shifting the focus from generic strengths to real-world contributions.
Final Takeaway
The next time an interviewer asks, “Why should we hire you?”, don’t just list your skills—prove your value through real examples, self-awareness, and alignment with the company’s mission.
After all, hiring managers aren’t just looking for skills; they’re looking for the right fit for their team. By following Gates’ method, you can make sure that fit is you.
