Who Are Our Competitors?

LiveCareer Staff Writer
by LiveCareer Staff Writer
Published On : May 30, 2017

This question is another way of asking, how well do you know the field If you aren’t aware of the companies with which this firm competes, it may be difficult to contribute to its competitiveness. Your answer to this question shows whether you’ve adequately prepared for this interview and have some degree of global understanding of the industry. This is a question that requires advanced preparation and one you should be ready to answer if you want to convince your interviewer to take you seriously.

Points to Emphasize

To demonstrate your savvy when it comes to the playing field in your industry, follow these tips:

  • Research not only the company to which you’re applying, but also its chief rivals.
  • Make sure you interpret the information you’ve gathered rather than just reporting it.
  • Bring the focus back to you at some point in your answer.
  • Be prepared to talk about industry and market trends, and what sets this firm apart from others.

Preparation is key for success with this question. It’s one that you may spend more time researching than some others.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Assuming you know your stuff when it comes to the company where you want to work, here are some possible traps to sidestep:

    • Never disparage the firm in any way, even when discussing potential areas for growth.
    • Avoid implying that competitors are the same or better.
    • Don’t just list information about the company without demonstrating an understanding of it.
    • Don’t try to wing it. If you inadvertently give even one piece of wrong information, you may destroy your credibility with the interviewer.

This question can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be a stumbling block if you’re ready for it. This is information you really should know if you’re going to work here.

Sample Answer

Here’s a sample of a strong answer to this question:

My research indicates that Competitor A is currently outselling your product due to their line’s greater functionality. However, given the improvements you’re working on for the next generation being released this fall, I would anticipate that you’ll recover a good portion of the market share. Your planned upgrades will put you ahead in terms of functionality, and at a lower price. I would love to be able to apply my experience with improving efficiency in order to help this company keep costs low and maintain its competitive edge.”

Remember, the interviewer wants to know how you’re going to be an asset to the company and help it outpace the competition.

About the Author

LiveCareer Staff Writer

At LiveCareer, we live and breathe the belief that we can help people transform their work lives, and so do our contributors. Our experts come from a variety of backgrounds but have one thing in common: they are authorities on the job market. From journalists with years of experience covering workforce topics, to academics who study the theory behind employment and staffing, to certified resume writers whose expertise in the creation of application documents offers our readers insights into how to best wow recruiters and hiring managers, LiveCareer’s stable of expert writers are among the best in the business. Whether you are new to the workforce, are a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, LiveCareer’s contributors will help you move the needle on your career and get the job you want faster than you think.

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