How To Answer The Question: Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote from within?

Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote from within? 

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)."

One Great Question To Ask During A Job Interview

You want to come across as the ideal candidate during a job interview. Also you are secretly interviewing them too. You want to make sure the company is a right fit for you. Either way you want to sound smart AND get some real good information that will be useful to you. There are several questions you can ask but I am going to give you ONE great question that has worked for me many times and hopefully it will work for you.

What are some of the common attributes of your top employees?

It shows that you seek to be a top performer for the company. AND it helps you decide if this is a place you want to work.