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<\/a> <\/p>\nYour answer could ultimately make or break your interview, so it\u2019s important to really nail it. I\u2019ll walk you through how to answer this question the right way.<\/p>\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n There are many ways that interviewers try to tease out what makes you a stand-out candidate.<\/p>\n Here are some of the common questions that are actually \u2018What makes you unique?\u2019 in disguise:<\/p>\n No matter how this question manifests itself during your interview, the overarching goal remains the same.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n The interviewer is asking you this question to give you an opportunity to showcase your value.<\/p>\n They want to see that you\u2019ve done thorough research about the company and the position. And they want you to connect your skills and experience back to the role you\u2019re interviewing for.<\/p>\n For example, let\u2019s say I\u2019m trying to land a social media role, and I notice that the company could be doing a better job on TikTok.<\/p>\n I can use this as an opportunity to:<\/p>\n Think about it like this: If you can show the interviewer that you can help the company meet their goals (and that you know what their goals are in the first place), that\u2019s one great way to set yourself apart from the rest.<\/p>\n Plus, it becomes clear to the interviewer that you\u2019ve taken the time to prepare if you can provide specific examples related to the role.<\/p>\n These are all reasons why this is such a popular interview question \u2014 so come ready, and don\u2019t be afraid to humble brag about yourself a little.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n This is one of the best ways to show the interviewer that you\u2019ve done your research. Also, the job description is basically like your cheat sheet. Use it as a guide so you know exactly which skills to highlight throughout the interview.<\/p>\n My recommendation:<\/strong> Refer back to the job description but don\u2019t recite it word for word. Use it in context to explain how your skillset aligns with the expectations for the role.<\/p>\n This is another smart way you can use the job description to your advantage. Reference prior accomplishments or results from past roles that relate to the position you\u2019re interviewing for.<\/p>\n My recommendation:<\/strong> Focus on examples that tie back to the skills required for the position, and always quantify success where possible.<\/p>\n Using our social media example, saying \u2018I ran a social media campaign which resulted in a 120% increase in traffic to our website\u2019 is a lot more impactful than \u2018I have experience running social media campaigns.\u2019<\/p>\n Remember, this is a very standard interview question, so that means every<\/em> candidate is likely being asked this question.<\/p>\n Make your answer compelling. Instead of saying you’re a \u2018hard worker,\u2019 give specific examples about the hard work you\u2019ve accomplished related to the role.<\/p>\n My recommendation:<\/strong> Try to avoid the common buzzwords and instead replace those with real descriptions of your past work.<\/p>\n For example, you and every other candidate for a social media position probably consider yourselves to be \u201csocial media savvy.\u201d <\/p>\n Instead, make the case to prove that you are actually savvier than the competition based on your unique background.<\/p>\n Someone else might have similar skills as you, but your personality is one of a kind. <\/p>\n Being \u2018social media savvy\u2019 is one thing. But if you\u2019re social media savvy and<\/em> a tenacious person who is able to think quickly on your feet, that\u2019s an asset.<\/p>\n Highlight the traits that have proven value in helping you grow as a professional.<\/p>\n My recommendation:<\/strong> You want to know one of my favorite ways to convince interviewers that I can deliver the results they\u2019re looking for? Tell them how I\u2019ve found similar success in the past and how my individuality supported that.<\/p>\n This closely relates back to Tip #3. <\/p>\n Don\u2019t just talk about generic skills that most candidates have \u2014 always tie your skills back to specific projects you\u2019ve worked on.<\/p>\n Your background is what makes you unique. There\u2019s no one person that has the exact experience, skills, and traits that you do. Use that to your advantage.<\/p>\n My recommendation: <\/strong>You may not know the company’s internal goals, but you should always try to connect your skills back to their mission and values when possible.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Consider mentioning a personality trait you feel would be a good fit for the business. After reading the job description, make a list of attributes that could make you an exceptional candidate.<\/p>\n Additionally, including a personality trait in your answer allows you to display how you’re a good fit for a role in which you have little prior experience.<\/p>\n For instance, if you’re applying for a position as a team leader, it’s critical that you demonstrate strong communication skills and an ability to connect with a diverse group of people. <\/p>\n If you tell the interviewer, “I am a very good communicator and find it’s easy for me to relate to other people”, you’re able to match your personality to components of a successful leader.<\/p>\n Why this works: <\/strong>Effective communication is a critical trait to emphasize in interviews. If you consider how 86% of employees<\/a> cite lack of collaboration as a main component of workplace failures, you can begin to appreciate why.<\/p>\n By mentioning your passion for learning new things, you’re demonstrating you’re growth-focused and unafraid of challenges.<\/p>\n Additionally, answering the question in this way allows you to remind the interviewer why you’re uniquely qualified for the role. <\/p>\n Why this works: <\/strong>While other candidates might have more prior experience in the industry, you’re proving your desire to exceed expectations of the job quickly.<\/p>\n If you have prior experience in a role vastly different from the one for which you’re applying, you might use this as an opportunity to explain how your background uniquely qualifies you. <\/p>\n It’s critical, however, that you provide specific examples of how <\/em>your prior experience has provided you with certain transferable skills.<\/p>\n For instance, you might say the following:<\/p>\n “My prior experience in customer service provided me with an extensive knowledge base for how our product works. As a marketer, I will be able to use this knowledge to ensure we’re meeting our customers’ needs.”<\/p>\n\n
Subtle Ways Interviewers Ask ‘What makes you unique?\u2019<\/h2>\n
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Why do interviewers ask \u2018What sets you apart from other candidates?\u2019<\/h2>\n
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1. Mention skills listed in the job description.<\/h3>\n
2. Provide specific examples from your background.<\/h3>\n
3. Avoid generic phrases like “I’m a hard worker.”<\/h3>\n
4. Include key personality traits that will allow you to deliver results.<\/h3>\n
5. Tell the interviewer how your unique skills will help the company succeed.<\/h3>\n
7 Sample Answers to “What Makes You Unique?” and Why They Work<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n1. “I am a very good communicator and find it’s easy for me to relate to other people.”<\/h3>\n
2. “I really enjoy learning new things and am constantly seeking out new learning opportunities.”<\/h3>\n
3. “My prior experience in customer service has provided me with unique technical skills that I can apply to this role.”<\/h3>\n