Introduction
When preparing for an interview, an inevitable question that always seems to come up is, “What makes you unique?” It’s a question that can make even the most confident person squirm. Talking about ourselves can be uncomfortable, and trying to pinpoint what makes us different from everyone else can feel like a daunting task. However, answering this question effectively is crucial to standing out from the crowd and landing the job. Let’s explore some methods for crafting the perfect response and making the most of your unique qualities.
Using Personal Stories
One effective way to demonstrate what makes you unique is by using personal stories. Personal stories are an excellent way to showcase your personality and experiences while also making a connection with your interviewer.
Example story 1
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job, you could tell a story about how you came up with a creative marketing campaign for a small business in your community. This story shows your creativity and strategic thinking while also highlighting your practical skills.
Example story 2
Another example could be a story about how you overcame a significant obstacle in your personal or professional life. This story shows your resilience and determination, two qualities that are highly valued in the workplace.
How to craft a personal story effectively
When crafting a personal story, it’s essential to keep it brief and focused on a specific point. Choose a story that demonstrates a quality that relates to the job you’re applying for, and be sure to practice telling it ahead of time.
Tips for truly being memorable
To stand out from other candidates, try to incorporate humor or a unique perspective into your story. You want to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Listing Specific Traits
Another method for answering the “what makes you unique” question is by identifying specific traits that set you apart from others. These traits could be skills, personality traits, or even quirks that make you stand out.
Identifying traits
Start by brainstorming a list of traits that you possess that could be valuable to the company you’re interviewing with. These could include things like being a strong communicator, having excellent problem-solving skills, being a natural leader, or being highly organized.
Exercise prompts for brainstorming traits
Some helpful prompts to get you started could be:
- What qualities have others complimented me on in the past?
- What skills do I enjoy using the most?
- What am I passionate about outside of work?
How to communicate traits effectively
Once you’ve identified your unique traits, it’s essential to communicate them effectively to the interviewer. Be specific about how these traits have helped you in the past and how they could be an asset to the company.
Tips for not coming off as arrogant
Be careful not to come across as arrogant or boastful when discussing your traits. Instead of saying, “I’m the best problem solver you’ll ever meet,” talk about specific instances where you used your problem-solving skills to benefit a previous employer.
Focusing on Accomplishments
Focusing on your accomplishments is another effective way to illustrate what makes you unique. Rather than just listing skills or traits, you can provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied those skills in the past.
Identifying accomplishments that highlight unique skills
Think about specific achievements or projects you’ve worked on in the past that highlight your unique skills. For example, if you’re applying for a sales job, you could talk about a time when you exceeded your sales goals despite a challenging market.
How to communicate accomplishments effectively
When discussing your accomplishments, be sure to discuss the specific actions you took to achieve them and the positive results that came from those actions. This will demonstrate your initiative, drive, and problem-solving skills.
Tips to make sure the accomplishment is relevant to the job
Make sure that the accomplishment you choose to highlight is relevant to the job you’re applying for. This will demonstrate that you understand the requirements of the position and that you’re prepared to succeed in it.
Comparing and Contrasting
Comparing and contrasting your unique skills and experiences with those of other candidates or industry standards is a powerful way to illustrate what makes you unique while also showing your knowledge of the industry.
The benefits of comparing and contrasting
By offering alternative examples of unique skills or experiences, you can show that you think outside of the box and have a unique perspective on the industry.
Identifying common skills and experiences
Start by identifying the common skills and experiences that other candidates or industry standards possess. Then, brainstorm alternative examples of unique skills or experiences that you possess.
Offering alternative examples of unique skills or experiences
For example, if the job posting lists “problem-solving skills” as a requirement, you could talk about how your experience as a volunteer mediator gives you a unique perspective on conflict resolution.
Tips to avoid being negative
Be sure to frame your responses in a positive light. Instead of saying, “Everyone else in my field does X, but I do Y,” try saying, “While many candidates possess X, I have experience in Y, which I believe would be valuable to this company.”
Using Humor
Finally, don’t be afraid to use humor to demonstrate your unique qualities. A well-timed joke or witty remark can set you apart from other candidates and make a memorable impression on your interviewer.
Example of interviewee using humor effectively
For example, one person applying for a job at a tech company joked, “You’ll never meet anyone who can make a spreadsheet sing like I can.” This statement not only highlights a valuable skill but does it in a creative and humorous way.
How to find creative and unexpected responses
Think about what makes you unique and try to find creative and unexpected ways to communicate those qualities. Don’t be afraid to take risks with your responses.
Tips for ensuring the response is appropriate
However, be sure that your response is appropriate for the company and the position you’re applying for. Always keep in mind your audience and the tone of the interview.
Conclusion
Answering the “what makes you unique” question can be stressful, but with a little preparation and creativity, it can be an opportunity to shine. Whether you choose to use personal stories, list specific traits, focus on accomplishments, compare and contrast, or use humor, be sure to demonstrate what sets you apart in a positive and memorable way. With these methods in mind, you can confidently showcase what makes you uniquely qualified for the job.
Final advice for interviewees: Remember that the interviewer wants to get to know you as a person and as a potential employee. Don’t shy away from what makes you unique. Embrace it, and use it to your advantage.
