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How to Answer “What Makes You Unique?” [Sample Answers and Tips]

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is key. By clearly highlighting your unique strengths, you can capture employers’ attention and position yourself as a top candidate with confidence and the right mindset.

So, 'what makes you unique?.' This article will explore the importance of highlighting your individuality and provide key takeaways on effectively showcasing your unique and distinct qualities during your job interview.

Why Do Interviewers Ask ‘What Makes You Unique?’

Employers ask the question, “What makes you unique?” during interviews to assess more than just your resume; they want to understand your individual value and how you stand out among other candidates.

Here's a breakdown of the key reasons why this question is asked:

To Understand Your Self-Awareness

Employers want to see if you know your own strengths and can articulate them clearly.
It shows whether you’ve reflected on your skills and how they align with the job.

For example, a candidate who says, “I’m detail-oriented and love finding patterns in data,” shows both self-awareness and relevance for a data analyst role.

To Evaluate Cultural Fit

Unique traits can signal how well you might fit into the team or company culture.
They’re looking for qualities that go beyond qualifications like adaptability, empathy, or creativity.

To Gauge Your Confidence Without Arrogance

This question reveals how confidently you present your value without sounding overconfident or generic.

Tip: Specific examples (like a time you solved a unique problem) show both confidence and authenticity.

To Identify What You Offer That Others May Not

With many candidates having similar academic or work experience, your unique qualities help differentiate you.
This can include personality traits, life experiences, communication style, or innovative thinking.

To Match Unique Strengths to Job Needs

Employers want to see if your unique traits align with the specific requirements of the role.
A standout answer can convince them you’re not just a good fit; you’re the best fit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

20 Best Sample Answers to What Makes You Unique

Let us consider some of the best sample answers to the question, ‘What makes you unique?’:

General Personality-Based Answers (All Fields)

1. Quick Learner & Adaptive

"What makes me unique is my ability to quickly grasp new concepts. For instance, during my college internship, I was asked to use Canva for presentation design. Within a day, I created client-ready slides that were praised by my mentor."

2. Problem Solver with a Fresh Perspective

"Being new to the industry allows me to approach problems with a fresh perspective. During a group project on water conservation, I introduced the idea of QR-code posters, which increased engagement across campus."

3. Strong Work Ethic

"My dedication makes me stand out. At a college event, I stayed late to complete the logistics setup even though it wasn’t my assigned duty. This commitment was later recognized by the organizing head."

4. Curious & Self-Motivated

"I’m deeply curious and motivated. After a seminar on AI, I taught myself basic Python using online tutorials and created a simple chatbot, even though it wasn’t part of my coursework."

5. Empathetic Team Player

"I naturally build rapport in teams. During an NSS camp, I helped mediate between two conflicting groups, ensuring our community service activity was carried out peacefully."

Best Interview Answers for Engineering & Tech Students

6. Hands-On Learner

"I learn best by doing. I independently built a voice-controlled car using Arduino after watching tutorials. This hands-on approach gave me a solid understanding of IoT fundamentals."

7. Blend of Technical & Communication Skills

"I bridge the gap between tech and communication. During our final-year project on machine learning, I explained our algorithm to non-technical judges, earning us special mention for clarity."

8. Project-Oriented Thinker

"I always connect theory to real-world problems. I led a team to create a shared assignment tracker using Google Sheets, helping over 50 students organize submissions better."

9. Self-Taught Programmer

"Outside my curriculum, I self-learned web development on freeCodeCamp and later built a portfolio website for a local artist as a freelance project."

10. Strong on Fundamentals

"I prioritize solid foundational knowledge. My grip on data structures helped me ace the online round of a top IT company’s placement test."

Creative & Arts Students: Unique Interview Responses

11. Creative Problem Solver

"Our college fest faced a marketing budget cut. I proposed a meme-based Instagram campaign, which went viral and boosted attendance by 30%."

12. Detail-Oriented Communicator

"While working on our student magazine, I proofread and edited over 15 articles, ensuring polished and impactful content. I was later named Editor of the Year."

13. Storytelling Ability

"During my internship, I wrote a blog on mental health awareness that received over 3,000 organic views and was later used in a client campaign."

14. Personal Branding Skills

"I started a digital art page on Instagram during college, grew it to 10K followers in 6 months, and began receiving freelance design inquiries."

Commerce & Business Students: Standout Interview Answers

15. Analytical Yet People-Focused

"In a marketing case competition, I handled data analysis and led team discussions. My ability to balance logic and empathy helped us place in the top 5."

16. Entrepreneurial Spirit

"I co-founded a t-shirt printing venture in college. Managing customer service, budgeting, and inventory gave me hands-on business experience."

17. Quick Adaptor in Dynamic Settings

"In a live business simulation, the rules changed midway. I revised our team strategy quickly, and we ranked in the top three."

Strength & Personality-Driven Interview Examples

18. Growth Mindset

"I didn’t make the debate team in my first year. I worked on my public speaking skills, joined a speaking club, and next year, I hosted our college panel discussion."

19. Calm Under Pressure

"During a college hackathon, our app crashed an hour before submission. I kept the team focused, suggested a fix, and we delivered on time."

20. Organized & Dependable

"I coordinated a seminar for 300 students. By creating detailed task checklists and timelines, we completed prep work a day early without stress."

Mistakes To Avoid When Answering "What Makes You Unique"

Let us also look at some of the things that you must avoid saying when asked what makes you unique during a job interview:

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.

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.

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.