How To Answer “What Makes You Unique?” (With Examples)

In today’s competitive job market, interviewers frequently ask, “What makes you unique?” This question aims to gauge how you perceive your own strengths and what distinctive skills and qualifications set you apart from other candidates.

This guide will help you craft a compelling response to “What makes you unique?” We will provide sample answers, useful tips, and common pitfalls to avoid when responding.

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare your answer by focusing on job-specific skills and providing examples from your previous experiences.

• Keep your response work-related rather than personal.

• Hiring managers and recruiters are interested in your contributions to the role and why you would be a superior choice compared to other candidates.

How to Answer “What Makes You Unique?”

When posed with the question “What makes you unique?” focus on the attributes that position you as the ideal candidate for the job. Avoid irrelevant personal anecdotes that don’t relate to the role.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for formulating your answer:

1. Prepare. You’re already on the right track by seeking information. In addition to rehearsing your responses, conduct thorough research. Carefully review the job description to identify key qualities necessary for success in the position.

   Understanding the specific objectives of the role enables you to tailor your answer to demonstrate your capability without explicitly stating it. For example, if the job emphasizes cross-department collaboration, you might frame your uniqueness around your experience in organizing team events.

2. Be job-specific. Research the company culture and what they value. If the organization is small and employees often juggle multiple tasks, highlight your multitasking abilities and adaptability.

   Remember, the interviewer wants to understand how your unique qualities will positively impact the company.

3. Reflect on compliments. Recall the strengths that have served you well in your career and any positive feedback from past supervisors. Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for insights if you feel uncertain about what makes you unique.

   This approach is especially helpful if you’re unsure what the interviewer would appreciate and want to provide an authentic representation of yourself.

4. Provide examples. Illustrate your skills with concrete examples. For instance, if you’ve interviewed high-profile individuals, share how this experience boosted your confidence and honed your interpersonal skills.

   Specific examples enhance your response and provide context for your unique traits, making them more relatable to the hiring manager.

5. Tie it to work. If your unique trait involves personal experiences, such as traveling, connect it to relevant work skills like cultural awareness or adaptability.

   Even seemingly unrelated hobbies can underline desirable professional traits with thoughtful reflection.

6. Be authentic. If you feel unremarkable, remember that the goal is not to present yourself as the most exciting candidate but as someone genuinely enthusiastic and committed to their work. A simple answer about your dedication to a hobby can convey your attention to detail and passion.

   Ultimately, the interview process focuses on finding the candidate who can effectively convey their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Example Answers to “What Makes You Unique?”

Here are several sample answers tailored to different scenarios to inspire your response:

1. Sample Answer 1:

   “I’m an avid fly fisherman, a passion that I learned from my father. This hobby has instilled in me the values of attention to detail, patience, and perseverance. When faced with challenges, I maintain focus, much like I do when fishing. This mindset helps me achieve my goals consistently.”

   Why it works: This response humanizes the candidate while highlighting qualities essential for success in any professional setting.

2. Sample Answer 2:

   “As a marathon runner and triathlete, I thrive on setting ambitious goals and achieving them. These personal challenges have fostered growth and resilience in my life.”

   Why it works: This response demonstrates commitment and goal-oriented thinking, traits beneficial in any career.

3. Sample Answer 3:

   “I may not have a college degree, unlike many candidates for this role, but I have climbed the ranks from customer service to management. This journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of every aspect of our business, making me an effective leader.”

   Why it works: This response turns a potential drawback into a compelling strength.

4. Sample Answer 4:

   “I’m a foster parent to two incredible children alongside my own. Juggling these responsibilities has honed my conflict resolution skills and taught me the importance of empathy and patience.”

   Why it works: This answer showcases the candidate’s ability to manage complex situations while highlighting their compassionate nature.

5. Sample Answer 5:

   “I hold a degree in archaeology, but I opted not to pursue a career in the field. Instead, I apply my analytical skills and attention to detail in my current role, which has enriched my professional perspective.”

   Why it works: This response creatively connects a seemingly unrelated background to valuable job skills.

6. Sample Answer 6:

   “I’m a naturally outgoing person, and I excel in social settings. I thrive on building connections, which I believe is critical in roles that involve teamwork and collaboration.”

   Why it works: This answer is straightforward and indicates the candidate’s suitability for customer-facing roles.

7. Sample Answer 7:

   “At 18, I was elected mayor of my hometown, making me the youngest person to hold that position in our state. While I eventually realized politics wasn’t my calling, the experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and community engagement.”

   Why it works: This answer highlights unique life experiences and demonstrates the candidate’s passion for making a difference.

“What Makes You Unique?” Example Answers for Specific Job Opportunities:

1. For a Deadline-Driven Job:

   “I excel at staying calm during high-pressure situations. From my first job flipping burgers to my last as an editor for a major publication, I’ve always prioritized time management. Colleagues often commend my ability to maintain composure, boosting our team’s confidence to meet deadlines.”

2. For a Customer-Facing Job:

   “I have a knack for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether I’m in a bustling neighborhood in Madrid or a local community in San Jose, I strive to build relationships and assist those around me.”

3. For a Recent College Graduate:

   “My adaptability sets me apart. Through studying abroad and engaging in various leadership roles, I’ve learned to embrace new challenges and perspectives, which I believe is crucial in today’s global job market.”

Why Interviewers Ask “What Makes You Unique?”

Interviewers pose this question to understand your self-perception and why you consider yourself the best candidate for the position. They already believe you may be a suitable fit, but it’s your responsibility to articulate why you stand out among other candidates.

This question is common and can be challenging to answer, which is why it’s often employed. It serves as a conversation starter to explore your strengths and values.

When preparing your response, consider whether your unique attributes stem from personal experiences, skills, or interests. Your answer should align with the job and reflect how you will contribute to the company.

Tips for Answering “What Makes You Unique?”

To craft an effective response, consider what you would want to hear if you were the interviewer and aim for honesty. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be concise; avoid rambling.

• Respond promptly, but don’t interrupt the interviewer.

• Focus on work-related experiences instead of personal anecdotes.

• Understand the company’s values and incorporate their language into your response.

• Maintain eye contact as much as possible.

• Be mindful of non-verbal cues, such as fidgeting or avoiding eye contact.

• Listen carefully to the question; avoid anticipating too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “What Makes You Unique?”

Steer clear of overly personal or negative responses. Here are additional pitfalls to avoid:

• Sharing deeply personal information. Be cautious about divulging intimate details that may make the interviewer uncomfortable. Stick to surface-level details unless prompted for more.

• Being negative. Frame your answers positively. Even if discussing a challenging situation, focus on how you overcame it instead of dwelling on the negative aspects.

• Including irrelevant quirks. Avoid sharing party tricks or unusual habits; instead, emphasize skills relevant to the workplace.

• Providing an overly long response. Keep your answer brief and to the point, focusing on a few key sentences that illustrate your uniqueness.

• Claiming you are unremarkable. Everyone has unique qualities; don’t default to saying you are “just like everyone else.”

• Exaggerating or lying. If you’re unsure what makes you unique, be honest rather than fabricating an answer that may not hold up.

“What Makes You Unique?” FAQs

1. What are five things that make you unique?

   Five things that make you unique include:

   • Experience. Your diverse experiences shape your unique perspective, both externally and internally.

   • Perspective. Your life experiences inform a worldview that is distinct from others.

   • Communication. Your communication style, including language choices and body language, sets you apart from others.

   • Interests. While you may share interests with others, your motivations for them are unique.

   • Goals. Your personal goals are specific to your life and aspirations.

2. What makes you stand out from other candidates?

   Be specific about how your values, skills, and experiences contribute to your unique qualifications for the job. Your response should leave a memorable impression on the interviewer.

3. What are unique professional skills?

   Unique professional skills are relevant to the job and may not be possessed by other candidates. Examples include:

   • Fluency in multiple languages.

   • Certifications from accredited institutions.

   • Advanced or specialized technical knowledge.

   • Conflict resolution skills in high-pressure situations.

   • Diverse interpersonal skills.

4. How do I figure out what makes me unique?

   To identify your unique qualities, consider the following:

   • Keep a journal. Documenting your daily activities can help you uncover patterns that define your uniqueness.

   • Ask friends and family. Close acquaintances can provide valuable insights about your unique traits.

   • Visualize your perfect day. This exercise can reveal characteristics that are uniquely you.

   • Focus on your goals. Consider what aspirations make you distinctive.

   • Reflect on your past. Your history contributes to your uniqueness; analyze how your experiences differ from others.

5. How to answer “What makes you unique?” in an interview?

   When responding, emphasize the skills and qualifications that distinguish you from other candidates. Relate these attributes to how you will excel in the role, and use past experiences to illustrate your points.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re equipped with strategies for answering the “What makes you unique?” question, remember that many other questions may arise during your interview. Prepare for these as well:

• What sets you apart from other candidates?

• Is there anything else we should know about you?

• What motivates you?

• Why should we hire you instead of someone else?

• Why do you want this job?

• How would your friends describe you?

• Tell me about yourself.

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Employment Interviewing: Seizing the Opportunity and the Job

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.