So, you’ve been through the application process and have been invited to an interview. What you look like on paper, with qualifications and experience, has got you here, but this is where the way you communicate your value sets you apart. One of the most frequently asked interview questions, ‘what can you bring to the role?’, can catch you off guard if you’ve not thought through what to say and prepared a structured response.
Taking time to prepare for common interview questions helps you respond confidently, showcase your strengths and provide evidence that you align with the company’s values and expectations. This guide will look at how to prepare a strong response, as it could be the difference between getting hired and missing out on a dream opportunity.
HOW TO ANSWER THE QUESTION: ‘WHAT CAN YOU BRING TO THE ROLE?’
UNDERSTAND THE SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE JOB
For a strong response, you should start by identifying the core skills and qualities listed in the job specification. These are the clues to what the employer and company value. Skills that interviewers are often looking for include:
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- Teamwork
- Communication
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Adaptability
- Customer Service
- Motivation
- Ability to work under pressure
Many of these skills are highly transferable across industries, so think about how these skills match your experience and have helped you in previous roles. Tailoring your answer to the job description shows you’ve taken time to understand what’s needed and that you’re genuinely interested in meeting those expectations.
PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF HOW YOU HAVE USED THESE SKILLS
An interviewer won’t want just a list of attributes; they want proof! Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your answer. Share a specific example of a situation where you demonstrated a key skill, explain the task you faced, the action you took and highlight the result. For example, talk about a time when your communication skills solved a customer issue or when your motivation helped your team hit a tough deadline. Strong ‘what can you bring to the role?’ answers are grounded in real achievements.
DEMONSTRATE YOUR ENTHUSIASM
Enthusiasm about what you can bring to the role shows not only your capability but also excitement at the opportunity to contribute and grow; an attractive attitude and positive energy that will impress an interviewer. Showing passion for the industry, company and role shows you’re motivated, team-oriented and keen to add value from day one.
STAR METHOD
The STAR method, or sometimes the CAR (Context, Action, Result) method, is a structured way to approach answering behavioural interview questions, which can be especially helpful when explaining what you can bring to the role. Regardless of which method you use, it can be helpful to make notes which you take into the interview as a prompt. The method is:
S – Situation
Set the scene and explain the situation and context of the task or challenge you were facing.
T – Task
Explain the tasks that needed to be completed to resolve the situation, what your responsibility was and what you decided to do.
A – Action
What steps did you take to resolve the issue or complete the task? Focus on your personal contribution rather than what your team or colleagues did.
R– Result
Share the outcome, what you achieved and what you learned – quantifiable, measurable or impactful results are best and clearest.
Using the STAR method helps to ensure your answers are concise and focused. Some like to add a final ‘R’ for Reflection and explain what you might have done differently another time, or how the experience shaped your development.
NEED MORE HELP WITH INTERVIEW PREPARATION?
If you’re preparing for an upcoming interview and want to boost your confidence or are apprehensive about how to answer ‘what can you bring to the role?’ types of questions, Clover HR are here to help. Our friendly, approachable team offers personalised support for job applicants, from developing standout ‘what can you bring to the role?’ answers, to refining your CV and practising interview techniques. Whether you’re changing careers, applying for your first job, aiming for a promotion or simply looking for a new challenge, our team is here to help you smash it!
Contact us today via our online form, call us on 0330 175 6601 or email us at info@cloverhr.co.uk to speak to our expert HR and recruitment team.
