'Why should we hire you?' Bill Gates reveals 'perfect answer' to question that has vexed job seekers

If someone asks about the most annoying question they have faced in an interview, many would say, "Why should we hire you?" No level of preparation can guarantee a perfect response, unless you're Bill Gates! Well, in 2020, the co-founder of Microsoft sat down with NBA star Stephen Curry, who pretended to interview him for a software engineering job. Today and for years to come, their conversation will not only serve as an inspiration for many aspiring professionals but also spark meaningful discussions about career growth.

Curry had prepared a list of top 10 interview questions for Bill Gates, and the first one he asked was, "Why should we hire you?" To this, the tech pioneer replied, "You should look at the codes that I’ve written. I write software programs way beyond any classes that I’ve taken. I think I’ve gotten better over time, so take a look at how ambitious I’ve been there." Moving on from his technical skills, Bill Gates went on to describe what else the employer might expect from him. He said, "I do think I can work well with people. I might criticize their code a little harshly, but overall, I like to be on a team. I like ambitious goals. I like thinking through how we can anticipate the future. Software is cool, and I want to be involved." His subtle response highlighted how job seekers, especially the young ones, must try and highlight all their skills in front of the recruiter.

Next, Curry asked how he would like to define his strengths and weaknesses, and once again, Bill Gates touched hearts with his honest answer. "Well, I am not someone who knows a lot about marketing. You know, I wouldn't enjoy being a salesman for a position where you are actually creating the products and thinking through what those features should be. I am fascinated by that," he said, explaining both his strengths and weaknesses. While most recruiters generally ask about strengths and weaknesses, not many know how to handle the very question.

With nervousness peeping through every nerve, most candidates try to either avoid the question somehow or try not to speak much about their limitations. However, Bill Gates, through his response, showed just how important it is for all candidates to maintain honesty while negotiating with recruiters. No matter how much you've prepared for it, the interview anxiety hits you right when you are about to answer the most important question, and that's completely natural. In fact, according to a report by StandOutCV, 93% of job seekers have experienced interview anxiety. If you, too, are among those who have that fear, then you definitely need to watch Bill Gates' conversation with Curry. 

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This article originally appeared 1 month ago.