Some interview questions, like “Tell us about yourself” and “Why should we hire you?” are universal. Others, like “How will you impact the company’s culture and success?” are less common, but no less important.

When an interviewer asks this question, she wants to know not only what you plan to do to make a difference, but how well your approach will fit with the company’s needs and plans. Here’s how to answer this question so you’ll stand out among other candidates.

1. Understand the company’s culture. Before the interview, learn everything you can about the company’s internal culture. Talk to current employees, if possible. Read the company and department websites and other publications. Schedule time to speak to your recruiter; staffing firms focus on knowing their client’s culture inside and out.
2. Know what the company considers “success” in this position. Marketing and sales positions often measure success by the numbers – but where is the bar set in this particular department and for the position to which you are applying? Make sure you know what “success” looks like, so you can craft a response that demonstrates both that you know what it takes to succeed at this company and that you can achieve it.
3. Play to your strengths. With the company’s culture and goalposts in mind, review the job description. Circle those items that represent your own strongest skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Choose the top one or two of these, and find a story from your previous work that demonstrates your ability to use them to achieve success. This story will form the basis of your answer.
4. Structure a concise but thorough response. Begin by clarifying that you know what matters to the company’s culture or that you understand its markers for success: “I know teamwork matters a great deal here.” Then, tell a story that features you using that skill or ability to succeed: “In my last job, I assembled a team across departments in order to….” End on a positive note: “As a result of our efforts, sales rose 30 percent in the next six weeks.”

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters match top sales and marketing talent to the best jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. Contact us today to learn more.