We’ve all been asked that dreaded interview question, “What makes you a great candidate for this position?” Even if we think we’re prepared, it doesn’t always come out as planned. Hiring managers ask this question not only to try to determine how well of a fit you would be for the position but also to gauge the confidence you have in yourself. That is why it’s imperative that you know the answer ahead of time. You don’t want to come across unprepared at any job interview or convey uncertainty about your ability to perform the job tasks at hand.

In this article, I will share with you how to prepare yourself for this question so that you can give an impressive response and snag your desired position.

Know the job and company

The first thing you should do is study the job description. Know in depth what skills and tasks will be required of you. What skills is the company wanting for this position? It is also good to familiarize yourself with the company and what they do. Discover their goals. What are their mission and beliefs? Familiarize yourself with their backstory and any accomplishments they may have had. Studying up on the job and company will help ensure you are ready to answer a multitude of questions you may be asked and will look impressive during the interview.

What skills and talents do you own

Now isn’t the time to be shy. You want to sell yourself. Make a list of all the talents and skills you possess and how they make you qualified for the position. Be sure you only include the skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It makes no difference if you are discussing your people skills if the position won’t involve customer contact. Back yourself up by including a direct example of a relevant experience that matches the skill. Just be sure to keep it short and straightforward.

How can you contribute to the company’s success

If you studied the job description and company, here is where you can put what you’ve learned to use. Express how you can use your exact skill set can be used to help take the company one step further in achieving its goals. Explain the areas where you can be significant and how you could contribute positively to the company.

Now you can put this all together and rehearse what you will say when asked, “What makes you a great candidate for this position?” You will want to come across as confident in your answer while at the same time not sounding too rehearsed.