How to Answer The “What Makes You Unique?” Interview Question

What makes you unique?

This is a dime a dozen question asked by nearly every employer to identify what skills or qualities make you a better fit for the role. This is especially when you and your competitor have identical skills and when the employer wants to understand what you value about yourself.

This question can stop you in your tracks. You know you have the qualifications and the skills to do the job, but how are you supposed to know how you’re different from anyone else?

The answer is: you don’t have to know.

Use this opportunity to expand on relevant qualities that make you the best fit for the position. Having prior preparation with an informative answer will help you convince the employer since you will elaborate on how your uniqueness will be valuable to the organization.

Here are some helpful tips that will help you answer the question “what makes you unique.”

1. Research About the Company and Job Description

 ‘What makes you unique’ question may sound like it’s all about you. That is not true.

It is all about your role in that position and the company. The more you understand the job description and company values, the better you will identify unique qualities that resonate with the employer. Do thorough research to grasp the key qualities that the employer is looking for.

2. Include Examples

Create a picture of your abilities with successful examples because the employer is trying to visualize how you could be successful in this job based on how you used the skills that are needed.

3. Choose Relevant Skills and Qualities

List the required skills and match them up with the ones you have. You may have unique and wonderful traits, but it’s important to focus on things that are most relevant to a job description. Employers ultimately need someone who can ease the pain points of the company therefore mention the skills or personality traits that will lead to success.

Need help to identify and understand what you’re unique and good at? Book for one on one interview session and you will get an answer to that question.

4. Be Unique and Be Yourself

Employers have heard numerous answers from various candidates and therefore your unique experience will matter most. Do not be tempted to exaggerate or say what you think employers want to hear, be honest to avoid losing your credibility.

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5. Don’t Be Negative or Generic

Employers look for unique qualities which are positive and the main aim of the question is to understand what makes you unique and differentiate you from others in a positive way. You may pick a common skill like leadership, but you must paint them a picture with words and explain your unique leadership experience possibly mentoring a team.

Example of how to answer what makes you unique “My ability to organize effectively makes me unique. In my previous role as an executive assistant, I came up with a plan to reorganize the office supply closet by category. Because items were easier to find, we placed fewer orders and saved 30% on office supplies year-over-year.”

Final Tip

When interviewers ask what makes you unique, it’s a great opportunity to highlight your strengths and provide supporting examples. By preparing in advance and thinking strategically about your answer, you can take this chance to shine and reinforce why you would be a great addition to this company’s team.

Having a challenge identifying your unique skills?

Consult our interview coaches who will help you identify your unique strengths, refine how you will answer interview questions, and secure your dream job.