How To Answer “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates?” (With Examples)

In today’s competitive job market, one question that frequently arises in interviews is, “What sets you apart from other candidates?” Your response to this question not only reflects your qualifications but also showcases your unique value to potential employers. This article will guide you on how to effectively answer this question, provide illustrative examples, and explain the reasoning behind this common interview query.

Key Takeaways:

• Thoroughly analyze the job description and identify qualifications that align with your skills.

• Understand that interviewers ask this question to gauge your self-awareness and the specific qualifications you believe make you the ideal candidate.

• Prepare examples of your work and highlight successful projects to illustrate your capabilities.

How to answer “What sets you apart from other candidates?”

When preparing to answer this question, it’s important to first review the job description and catalog your qualifications that correspond with the role. Follow these steps to craft a compelling response:

1. Research the job requirements. Analyze the job description in depth to pinpoint the required qualifications and responsibilities. Utilizing tools like an AI resume builder can help you focus on relevant achievements from your career.

   Understanding the essential experience levels will enable you to highlight skills, qualifications, and personality traits that go beyond the minimum requirements.

2. Compile a list of your qualifications. Align your skills and qualifications with those in the job description. Choose a few strengths that directly relate to the role and form the basis of your response about what differentiates you from other candidates.

   Consider including professional skills, areas of expertise, personal attributes, or any relevant experience. Highlight impressive past accomplishments or career goals that demonstrate your dedication to the industry.

3. Anticipate what other candidates might say. As you gather your information, consider what strengths other candidates may perceive as valuable. Think of unique examples that illustrate how you surpass those expectations.

   Remember to avoid referencing other candidates directly. Instead, focus on your distinct strengths that set you apart.

4. Identify your unique qualities. Reflect on what makes you particularly suited for the position. Highlight one or two unique traits or experiences that differentiate you from other candidates.

5. Stay focused on relevance. When discussing what sets you apart, ensure your answer remains closely tied to the position you’re interviewing for.

   Consider the key strengths needed for the job and convey how your skills and experiences position you as the ideal candidate.

“What sets you apart from other candidates” sample answers

When formulating your answer, consider your experiences and qualifications that make you a standout candidate. For instance, having specialized certification can enhance your knowledge in specific technologies.

Here are some sample answers that illustrate different ways to express what sets you apart. Tailor these responses to fit your unique situation:

1. Relevant skills and experience example answer

   “I have two years of experience managing similar projects, allowing me to foresee potential issues and proactively mitigate them. This foresight helps the team focus on strategic, high-impact tasks.

   Additionally, I’ve effectively led projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. At XYZ Inc., I developed comprehensive project templates that significantly enhanced productivity across departments, which was a rewarding way to contribute to the organization’s overall success.”

   Why it’s a good answer: This response effectively communicates the candidate’s experience and contributions, showcasing their proactive nature and leadership skills.

2. Unique certification example answer

   “While many candidates may have a background in renewable energy, I hold multiple certifications from NABCEP and OSHA. These credentials not only demonstrate my knowledge of essential safety protocols but also my proficiency in advanced renewable energy practices across North America.”

   Why it’s a good answer: This candidate effectively highlights their unique qualifications, emphasizing certifications that enhance their appeal to interviewers.

3. Special skill example answer

   “After several years in HR, I realized my true passion lies in operations management. By optimizing our recruitment and onboarding processes, I reduced onboarding time by 22% while enhancing new employee retention by 14%. My strengths in policy formulation and strategic planning distinguish me from many mid-level HR professionals.”

   “I believe that my unique combination of talent acquisition and strategic thinking aligns perfectly with ABC Inc.’s organizational objectives.”

   Why it’s a good answer: This candidate subtly indicates their ambition and forward-thinking approach, which adds to their attractiveness as a potential hire.

4. Impressive experience example answer

   “I launched my own business right after college, which provided me with invaluable insights into both product development and the business landscape. Navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship has equipped me with a unique understanding of management dynamics, allowing me to serve as a bridge between technical and managerial teams.”

   Why it’s a good answer: This response showcases a distinct experience that sets the candidate apart, making them more memorable to interviewers.

Why do interviewers ask “What sets you apart from other candidates?”

Interviewers pose this question to glean insights into your self-perception and understand the specific qualifications you consider most valuable. They want to identify what makes you a stronger candidate compared to others with similar qualifications.

It’s essential to remember that this question is not about your competition—it’s about you. Your aim is to discuss your skills and how they can help the organization achieve its objectives, making it easy for the hiring manager to envision you in the role.

This question merges elements of “Tell me about yourself” and “What is your greatest strength”, but requires a more focused response. The goal is to articulate what unique contributions you can make to the company.

Tips to keep in mind when answering

Utilize specific examples from your past when addressing what makes you unique. Here are additional tips to help you enhance your response:

1. Provide work examples. Whenever you highlight a strength or skill, draw from your work, volunteer, or academic experiences to illustrate how you’ve applied these strengths.

   While not a behavioral interview question, effective answers should still reference past accomplishments to demonstrate your qualifications in action.

2. Be ready to describe your projects. Recall a specific instance where you utilized these qualities to achieve a positive outcome. Clearly explain the project, your contributions, and the impact of your efforts.

   For instance, if you excel in detail-oriented tasks, highlight a time when your meticulousness led to superior results compared to similar initiatives.

3. Keep it succinct. Aim for brevity in your response to maintain the interviewer’s interest. Select one or two key qualities to emphasize how you are the perfect fit for the position.

   Start by identifying what you believe the employer is seeking, and explain how you fulfill those needs. Ultimately, ensure your narrative demonstrates why you should be selected over other candidates.

4. Emphasize the employer’s perspective. It’s crucial to remember that the focus should be on how your skills can help the employer achieve their objectives. Keep this in mind throughout the interview process.

“What sets you apart from other candidates” interview question FAQ

1. What should I include in my answer to “what sets you apart from other candidates?”

   In your response, highlight your unique qualities and provide concrete examples from your background. Avoid generic statements like “I’m a hard worker,” as employers expect diligence. Focus on key personality traits that will support your success in the role.

2. What skills can set you apart from other candidates?

   A critical differentiator is intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. Demonstrating a genuine interest in the role and a desire to expand your knowledge shows hiring managers your dedication to problem-solving.

3. What should I say to be chosen over other candidates?

   To stand out, articulate your skills and experiences that align with the job description. Hiring managers seek candidates who not only have the experience but also the expertise to fulfill the role effectively. Bringing work examples can illustrate your qualifications.

4. What are some ways to distinguish myself from other candidates?

   A unique skill set, relevant work experience, or specialized certifications can set you apart. When answering this question, ensure you back up your claims with specific examples from your past. Interviewers will be looking for what makes you special for the position.

Final thoughts

Preparing for common interview questions is crucial for successful interview performance. Remember, the question of “what sets you apart” is fundamentally about the unique value you can offer the organization.

Don’t shy away from showcasing your strengths—this is your moment to confidently present yourself to the interviewer. When delivering your pitch, maintain a positive tone and express your genuine interest in the company and the position.

Expert opinion

How To Answer “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates?” Tips

Cathy Lanzalaco
CEO, Inspire Careers

Frame your answer as a solution to the employer’s needs rather than merely listing your skills. The intent of this question is to clarify how you will utilize your capabilities to address their challenges.

If you struggle to articulate your unique qualities, seek feedback from those around you—clients, team members, or supervisors. They can often identify strengths that you might overlook, which is valuable for personal branding.

During the “do you have any questions” segment of the interview, consider reversing the question to gain further insight into the company’s differentiators and culture.

How To Answer “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates?”

Ross Williams
Best Selling Author CEO of Williams Commerce Writing Services

Going the extra mile is essential when trying to distinguish yourself from others vying for the same role. This is your chance to demonstrate your dedicated preparation for the opportunity. Mentioning recent company news or personal motivations for wanting to work there can solidify your response when asked, “What sets you apart from other candidates?”

References

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

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.