TRAPS: This
question isn’t as aggressive as it sounds.
It represents the interviewer’s own dilemma over this common
problem. He’s probably leaning toward you
already and for reassurance, wants to hear what you have to say on the matter.
BEST ANSWER: Help him see the qualifications that only you
can offer.
Example: “In general, I think it’s a good policy to
hire from within – to look outside probably means you’re not completely
comfortable choosing someone from inside.
“Naturally, you want this department to be as strong
as it possibly can be, so you want the strongest candidate. I feel that I can fill that bill
because…(then recap your strongest qualifications that match up with his
greatest needs).”