The Best Way To Answer 'What Makes You Unique?' + Tips For This Tricky Question

13 mins read

Showcasing your unique qualities is essential in today's competitive job market. With countless candidates vying for the same positions, it's crucial to stand out and grab the attention of hiring managers. So, what makes you unique? This blog post will explore the importance of highlighting your individuality and provide key takeaways on how to effectively showcase your unique and distinct qualities during the job application process.

With a mindset that focuses on highlighting your uniqueness and strengths, you can position yourself as a standout candidate before a potential employer. This may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and a clear understanding of your unique selling points, you can confidently navigate through each step of the job search journey.

So, let's dive in and discover how to make yourself shine among other candidates by showcasing what makes you truly unique and special.

How To Answer The Question "What Makes You Unique?"

One question that often catches people off guard is "What makes you unique?" Employers ask this question to better understand what sets you apart from other candidates. In order to answer this question effectively, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

Identify Your Strengths And Attributes

To answer the question of what makes you unique, start by identifying your strengths and attributes that differentiate you from others. Consider your skills, experiences, and personal qualities that make you stand out. Are you particularly creative? Do you have strong problem-solving abilities? Are you an excellent communicator? These are all examples of unique qualities that can set you apart from other candidates.

Think of it as a personal statement, similar to the one you wrote to get into a school of your choice. You could even use a professional writing service to write me my essay and help turn a personal statement into a handy cheat sheet for acing job interviews.

Tailor Your Answer

It's essential to tailor your answer to align with the job requirements. Take some time to research the company and the specific role for which you're interviewing. Look at the job description and identify the key skills and qualities they are seeking in a candidate. Once you have identified these requirements, think about how your unique attributes align with them.

Employers want to know not only what makes you unique but also how that uniqueness translates into tangible contributions within their organization. When answering "What makes you unique?" during a job interview, be sure to demonstrate how your unique qualities can benefit the company and make you a good fit for the job role.

For example, if the job requires strong leadership skills, highlight instances where you have successfully led teams or projects in the past. If they are looking for someone with excellent attention to detail, discuss how your meticulous nature has helped ensure accuracy in previous roles.

Emphasize Value Creation

When answering the question “What makes you unique?”, it's crucial to emphasize how your uniqueness can bring value to the company. Employers want to know how hiring you will benefit their organization. Think about specific examples or achievements that demonstrate how your unique qualities have contributed positively in previous roles.

For instance, if you possess strong analytical skills, mention how these skills enabled you to identify cost-saving opportunities or improve efficiency in previous positions. If creativity is one of your strengths, talk about innovative solutions or ideas that resulted in positive outcomes for past employers.

By highlighting the value you can bring to the company, you demonstrate your potential impact and make a compelling case for why you are the best fit for the role.

Best Answers When A Hiring Manager Asks "What Makes You Unique?"

Highlight Your Unique Combination Of Skills And Experiences

When a hiring manager asks, "What makes you unique?" it's an opportunity for you to showcase your individuality and stand out from other candidates. One way to do this is by highlighting your unique combination of skills and experiences. Think about the specific skills that set you apart from others in your field. Are you proficient in a particular programming language or have experience with specialized software? Mention these skills and explain how they make you an ideal candidate for the job.

• Example answer: "What sets me apart is my combination of technical expertise in Python programming and my background in graphic design. This allows me to not only develop innovative software solutions but also create visually appealing user interfaces."

Discuss How Your Diverse Background Brings Fresh Perspectives

Another way to answer the question is by discussing how your diverse background brings fresh perspectives to the table. Employers value diversity because it brings different ideas, experiences, and viewpoints into their teams. If you have lived or worked in different countries, come from a multicultural family, or have experience in various industries, highlight these aspects during the interview.

• Example answer: "I believe what makes me unique is my multicultural background. Growing up in different countries has given me a global perspective on problem-solving and working with diverse teams. I can bring fresh ideas and insights that come from experiencing different cultures firsthand."

Showcase Any Specialized Training Or Certifications You Possess

If you have undergone specialized training or possess relevant certifications through an internship, don't hesitate to mention them when answering this question. These additional qualifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can make you stand out as an exceptional candidate.

• Example answer: "One thing that sets me apart is my extensive training in project management methodologies such as Agile and Scrum. I hold certifications in both methodologies, which allow me to effectively lead cross-functional teams and deliver projects on time and within budget."

Remember, the key to answering this question is to focus on what truly makes you unique. Avoid generic answers that could apply to anyone. Instead, personalize your response by highlighting specific skills, experiences, or qualifications that make you an exceptional candidate for the job.

Mistakes To Avoid When Answering "What Makes You Unique"

Exaggerating Or Fabricating Information

One common mistake to avoid when answering the question "What makes you unique?" is exaggerating or fabricating information. It may be tempting to embellish your skills, experiences, or achievements in order to stand out from other candidates. However, it's important to remember that honesty is key during an interview or any professional setting.

Exaggerating or fabricating information can backfire in several ways:

• Loss of credibility: If you are caught stretching the truth, it can damage your reputation and make employers question your integrity.

• Inability to deliver: If you claim to possess certain skills or experiences that you don't actually have, you may find yourself unable to meet expectations if hired for a position based on those false claims.

• Missed opportunities: By focusing on what truly makes you unique and showcasing your genuine strengths, you have a better chance of finding the right fit for both yourself and the company.

Being Too Modest Or Downplaying Your Strengths

While it's important to be honest about your abilities, it's equally crucial not to downplay your strengths. Being too modest can give the impression that you lack confidence in your own abilities and may not be able to contribute effectively.

Here are some reasons why being too modest can hinder your chances:

• Underrepresentation: By downplaying your accomplishments and skills, you risk not fully representing yourself as a strong candidate for the position.

• Missed opportunities: Employers want candidates who are confident in their abilities and can bring valuable contributions to their organization. By underselling yourself, you might miss out on potential opportunities.

• Competitive disadvantage: In today's job market, where competition is fierce, highlighting what sets you apart from others is essential. Being too modest might put you at a disadvantage compared to candidates who confidently showcase their unique qualities.

Steering Clear Of Irrelevant Or Unrelated Anecdotes

When answering the question "What makes you unique?", it's important to provide relevant and meaningful information. Avoid sharing anecdotes that are unrelated to the position or company, as they may not add value to your candidacy.

Here's why you should steer clear of irrelevant anecdotes:

• Lack of focus: Sharing unrelated stories can divert attention from your actual qualifications and what makes you a strong fit for the role.

• Time wastage: Recruiters and hiring managers have limited time during interviews, so it's crucial to make every moment count. Irrelevant anecdotes can waste valuable interview time that could be better spent discussing your relevant skills and experiences.

• Confusion for the interviewer: If you provide irrelevant information, it may confuse the interviewer and make them question your understanding of the job requirements.

Remember, when answering this question, highlight specific skills, experiences, or qualities that make you uniquely suited for the position. Be honest about your abilities without downplaying yourself. And most importantly, keep your response relevant to the job at hand.

3 Impressive Tips To Answering "What Makes You Unique?"

There are a few tips that can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on the interviewer when answering the question “What makes you unique?”. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:

Focus On Qualities That Are Relevant To The Job Role

To effectively answer the question “What makes you unique?”, it's important to highlight qualities and skills that directly align with the job you're applying for. Consider what sets you apart from other candidates and how those unique attributes can contribute to the company's success. For example, if you're applying for a customer service position, emphasize your exceptional communication skills and ability to handle difficult situations with empathy.

Use Storytelling Techniques To Engage The Interviewer

Engaging storytelling techniques can make your response more memorable and captivating. Instead of simply listing off your unique qualities, try incorporating anecdotes or examples from past experiences that demonstrate these qualities in action. This not only helps paint a clearer picture of who you are but also showcases your ability to apply these unique attributes in real-world scenarios.

Practice And Rehearse Your Response Beforehand

Preparing for the question "What makes you unique"? is crucial since it allows you to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. Take some time before the interview to brainstorm potential answers and practice delivering them aloud. By rehearsing your response, you'll feel more comfortable discussing what makes you unique and be better equipped to provide specific examples when asked.

Here are some sample answers that could inspire your own response:

• "I believe my ability to think creatively sets me apart from others. In my previous role as a graphic designer, I consistently approached projects with fresh perspectives, resulting in innovative designs that exceeded client expectations."

• "One thing that makes me unique is my passion for continuous learning. In my previous position as a software developer, I actively sought out new technologies and attended industry conferences regularly to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. This allowed me to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table."

• "I would say my strong problem-solving skills make me unique. In my previous role as a project manager, I encountered numerous challenges that required quick thinking and resourcefulness. By effectively analyzing problems and collaborating with team members, I was able to find efficient solutions and deliver successful projects."

Remember, the key is to provide specific examples that demonstrate your unique qualities in action.

Conclusion

To stand out in a competitive job market, take the time to craft a thoughtful response that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates. Avoid common mistakes and be specific in your answers, providing context and encouraging a detail-oriented response.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I prepare for the question "What makes you unique"?

When preparing for this question, take some time to reflect on your experiences, skills, and achievements that make you stand out from others. Identify specific examples where you have demonstrated exceptional qualities or achieved notable results. Practice articulating these points clearly and concisely so that you are prepared during an interview.

2. Can I mention personal attributes when answering the question "What makes you unique"?

Absolutely! Personal attributes can provide valuable insights into what makes you unique as an individual. However, it is essential to connect these attributes back to the position or company's requirements. For example, if adaptability is one of your strengths, explain how it has helped you navigate challenging work environments successfully.

3. Should I tailor my answer based on the company culture when answering "What makes you unique"?

Yes! Researching the company culture beforehand can help tailor your answer effectively. Highlight aspects of their culture that resonate with your values or working style. This demonstrates not only what makes you unique but also why you would be a good fit for their organization.

4. How long should my answer be answering "What makes you unique"?

Your answer should be concise and to the point. Aim for a response that is around one to two minutes in length. Be mindful of not rambling or going off on tangents, as it may dilute the impact of your unique qualities.

5. Is it okay to use examples from personal life experiences?

While it is generally more effective to draw examples from professional experiences, there may be instances where personal life experiences can highlight your unique qualities. However, ensure that these examples are relevant and directly contribute to the skills or attributes required for the job you are applying for.

6. Can tips from YouTube videos help a fresher prepare for an interview?

Yes, dedicated YouTube channels that focus on grooming and providing invaluable tips for interviews be it in private or government sectors can help a fresher to a great extent.

7. Does a fresher need to stay updated with social media platforms to get relevant information on job hiring?

Yes, employers frequently send out information about their organization's growth and progress. Not only this, but job openings and other related advertisements are also frequently notified through social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, etc. A fresher who has access to these platforms has a better chance of applying for the job in time.

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