This kind of response does two things:

  • Summarizes why you are a strong candidate.
  • Shows the interviewer that you are enthusiastic about the position.

Remember, this is your closing statement, so you want to remind the interviewer of all the reasons you are an ideal candidate, and would be perfect for the job.

 Examples of the Best Answers

Here are sample interview answers that you can edit to fit your personal experiences and background:

You have done a very thorough job of getting at my strengths. We have discussed my writing, presentation, and computer skills, but I haven't had the opportunity to tell you about my persuasive abilities. For example, I was able to convince seven local businesses to sponsor the charity run which I organized for my fraternity, and I successfully placed several stories in the local media about a client during my public relations internship.

Why It Works: This candidate demonstrates presence of mind in remembering to touch upon a few of his personal strengths that haven’t come up in the interview, providing two illustrative examples to support his statement.

I think that you have been incredibly thorough and we have discussed my key strengths like my communication skills, my ability to work across departments, and my experience in public relations. However, one important skill I have not yet mentioned is web design. I recently completed an internship at XYZ Public Relations firm, in which I helped design a new website for one of their clients. The client was extremely happy with my design and even sent a letter to our CEO praising my skills. I am familiar with a number of web design platforms, including Squarespace, Webflow, and Wix. This skill is something I would love to bring to your company.

Why It Works: This answer is designed to “add value” to what the candidate can offer the employer (in this case, web design skills). Even if web design isn’t a skill that was specifically required in the job listing, it’s a useful additional talent that not all of the other applicants will possess. Most candidates who make it to an interview will have the primary qualifications for the job; thus, it’s a good strategic move to explain the “extra” skills you can bring to the table.

I think we have covered a number of my work experiences that make me a strong candidate for this position, including my ten years of teaching experience, my administrative experience, and my communication skills. I would like to add that I also have experience running afterschool programs for teens. At my previous job, I led two afterschool programs: the school newspaper, which had a staff of twenty-five students, and the literary journal, which had a staff of fifteen. I would also like to assure you that I am very excited about the opportunity here. I am extremely motivated to pursue this job and will devote maximum energy to succeeding if I am hired.

Why It Works:  This answer is effective because it reiterates the candidate’s number of years of experience, provides additional examples of useful and relevant past experience, and restates her enthusiasm for the position and the employer.

We have discussed many of my skills, abilities, and experiences that make me a strong candidate, including my experience working with clients and my written and oral communication skills. I would also like to add that I am currently developing another skill that will make me an even more effective employee, should I be hired. I am currently taking a computer programming course, and am learning SQL and Java at the moment. I am extremely passionate about this job opportunity, and I believe my skills (including the skills I am currently developing) make me a strong candidate.

Why It Works: Sometimes a candidate may not have all of the skills that an employer lists in their job announcement. Especially in the case of commonly-requested technical skills, it’s a wise move to pursue training at the same time one is on the job market. This demonstrates to the employer your ability to take independent initiative to continue to develop skills that will improve your job performance.

What Not to Say 

Nothing. Should you choose, out of nervousness or humility, not to respond to this question, the interviewer may perceive this as a sign that, after learning more about the job and the company during the interview, you are no longer interested in it. Instead, use your answer to convey your eagerness to be offered the position. 

What “you” want. Especially if this is a first interview, this is not the time to talk about salary or benefits or flexible scheduling; you are still at the stage where you are “selling” your skills, so the focus needs to be upon what you can offer to the employer.

Too much personal information. Don’t mention personal politics, religion, or hobbies that might result in your asking for a lot of time off from your job. You don’t want to give the employer a reason not to hire you because they don’t agree with your opinions or your lifestyle.