Why should we hire you for a receptionist?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You answer, "why should we hire you for a receptionist," by focusing on proving your worth to the company and highlighting your qualifications that match the job requirements. According to an HR consulting firm, it costs approximately $30,000 to replace a staff member. To that end, your answer needs to show why you are worth it.

To fully answer this question, you should:

Analyze the job description and match your skills and qualifications to the job's listed requirements. Place emphasis on the skills that match the role and the company's needs.
If the job requires someone with great interpersonal and communication skills, give specific examples of times your communication skills have helped your employers or teammates.
Be a storyteller. Think of a specific time when your skills were useful in achieving something tangible. For instance, saying, "I have great communication skills," is not impressive unless you can explain why.
Avoid making bland and generic statements and, instead, tell a story. Discuss the specific situation, the task or action that you had to take, and the result of the situation you are describing.
Outline your uniqueness. Mention a few qualities or skills that likely set you apart from the competition and highlight why these skills are useful. You can also mention previous volunteer or professional experience that ensures you have a unique perspective.

You should also be prepared to discuss situational skills that you have that are essential for a receptionist to have. Receptionists need to be able to keep the office running smoothly and are often the primary contact for the company. Your answer should reflect your skills in this area. Highlight your: