Photo by cottonbro studio
"What makes you unique?"
When it comes to job interviews, this common interview question often catches candidates off-guard.
If you don't have the time to call your mother on the phone during an interview, we hope you've prepared to answer this doozy. What unique skills do you have? Of those unique traits, which ones make sense to share in an interview setting?
Let's face it. Many interview questions are boring.
As such, they elicit boring answers. This is one of those interview questions that can separate a good candidate from the ideal candidate. It's where a job seeker can tell a story that brings those qualifications and skills listed on their resume to life.
This is an opportunity for you to showcase your unique qualities, strengths, and experiences, setting yourself apart from other candidates.
The direction you decide to take your answer—whether you discuss your soft skills, hard skills, past achievements, or a formative moment you've experienced—could very well be what separates you from the other candidates.
So, should you discuss the fact that you know how to juggle flaming batons? If the job is a high-pressure, demanding job, this might be a perfect unique skill to share.
Why Interviewers Ask, "What Makes You Unique?"
Interviewers ask this question to get that extra detail that shows why you're a good fit or a great fit. Rather than regurgitating every line of your resume or job application, the interviewer wants to dive deeper into your past experiences and unique attributes.
This is where they want you to show your best personality traits, your creativity, and your unique ability. This question could be the way you really show a hiring manager that you will thrive in this role.
Beyond impressing an interviewer, knowing what sets you apart is important for your own self-worth as a human and as an employee. Use these moments of introspection to cultivate self-awareness. What do your prior accomplishments mean in the scope of your career? What is that je ne sais quoi that colors your contributions to the places you've worked?
How to Answer "What Makes You Unique?"
In this article, we're exploring how to craft an impressive and unique answer to this interview question.
Unlike questions like "What is your biggest achievement?" and "Tell me about your biggest weaknesses," this question allows a little more wiggle room. If you've spent the last 15 minutes of your interview talking about all of your specific project manager duties, skills, and competencies, this could be where you veer off-road a little.
Be prepared to share stories, experiences, and lessons you've learned that shape your work today and tomorrow.
1. Know Your Core Values
Consider your core values and their alignment with the company's mission and culture. Are you passionate about sustainability, inclusivity, or innovation? Highlighting these values and explaining how they drive your decision-making and work ethic can make you stand out as a purpose-driven candidate.
2. Embrace Your Life Story
It might be hard to believe, but so many of our formative experiences molded our professional personalities.
- How did your first job in a bookshop mold your views of customer service?
- How did learning a second language at a young age mold your communication skills?
- How did frequently relocating as a child impact how you connect with others?
- How did living in a remote area cause you to escape and expand your horizons by reading?
Think about your upbringing, heritage, or international experiences that shaped your perspective. Your unique insights can bring fresh perspectives and enrich the company's diversity.
Share stories highlighting how your background has broadened your understanding of the world and enhanced teamwork skills.
3. Bring Your Skills to Life
No interviewer wants to attend a live reading of your resume, so don't answer this question by repeating the information you've already shared.
Bring your applicable skills to life. It might not seem like your experience coaching a youth basketball team is transferable to this administrative assistant role, but think about how to connect the two. When starting or changing careers, it's crucial to translate your skills and illustrate how they can work in the future.
Do you possess a rare or niche skill set that is relevant to the position? Whether it's proficiency in a particular programming language, expertise in a unique field, or specialized certifications, emphasizing these skills can make you a valuable asset to the company. Demonstrate how your knowledge can contribute to solving complex problems or achieving business objectives.
4. Discuss Your Passions
Passion projects or side hustles can provide insight into your unique interests and skills. If you've pursued creative endeavors, launched a blog, volunteered for a cause, or founded a community organization, share these experiences.
They demonstrate your motivation, skills development, and your willingness to try new things.
Example Passions to Share
- Night Photography
- Urban Gardening
- Archery
- Beekeeping
- Dancing
- Adventure Photography
- Climbing
- Game Design
- Stand-up Comedy
- Tutoring
- Volunteering
- Experimental Cooking
- Creative Writing
- Capoeira
- Bookbinding
- Knitting or Embroidery
- Mosaics
- Wine Tasting
- Parkour
As we've discussed earlier in this article, find ways to draw a line from your interests or passions to the job at hand. For example, your rock climbing skills might not be too handy in your data analyst position. However, your stamina, focus, and attention to detail are skills required to climb rock walls will be applicable. See what we did there?
Find the challenges, commonalities, and throughways between your passions and your potential new job.
5. Showcase Your Best Characteristics + Their Impact
If you leave an interview without speaking about who you are as a person, you and the interviewer have missed a crucial element of the screening process.
Yes, hard skills and real-life experience on the job are very important. However, your day-to-day interaction as a human being is so important.
Showcase what makes your personality unique. Do you have a knack for collaboration? As a leader, do you have a magic ability to draw out unexpected talents from your team members? Are you a team leader who prioritizes empathy above all else?
Think about your greatest strengths. If you can attach raw data and metrics to how those characteristics have impacted the bottom line, that's even more compelling to a hiring manager!
Positive Character Traits Examples
- Dependable
- Motivated
- Independent
- Creative
- Empathetic
- Flexible
- Humble
- Responsible
- Inclusive
- Efficient
- Curious
- Diligent
Attach a story or an anecdote to illustrate how you've displayed your unique characteristics in the past. Even better, apply those same qualities to the job at hand. Show how you might use your creativity to transform your potential team.
Examples! Sample Answers to "What Makes You Unique?
Answering the question, "What makes you unique?" requires a thoughtful and introspective approach.
By reflecting on your core values, diverse background, specialized skills, adaptability, passion projects, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal strengths, you can craft a compelling response that showcases your individuality and leaves a lasting impression on interviewers.
What Makes You Unique Sample Answer for Social Media Manager
What sets me apart as a Social Media Manager is my ability to create and execute comprehensive social media campaigns that deliver tangible results. I believe in the power of a holistic approach that integrates various social media platforms and strategies to create a cohesive brand presence. I have a strong understanding of audience segmentation and targeting, which allows me to tailor content specifically for different demographics and engage them effectively.
Additionally, I have a knack for identifying and leveraging emerging trends and cultural moments to spark conversations and generate organic growth. What makes me truly unique is my passion for building and nurturing online communities. I have a natural ability to foster authentic connections with followers, turning them into loyal advocates for the brand.
With my strategic mindset, campaign management skills, and community-building expertise, I am confident that I can drive impactful social media strategies and contribute to the success of any organization as a Social Media Manager."
Additionally, I have a knack for identifying and leveraging emerging trends and cultural moments to spark conversations and generate organic growth. What makes me truly unique is my passion for building and nurturing online communities. I have a natural ability to foster authentic connections with followers, turning them into loyal advocates for the brand.
With my strategic mindset, campaign management skills, and community-building expertise, I am confident that I can drive impactful social media strategies and contribute to the success of any organization as a Social Media Manager."
What Makes You Unique Sample Answer for a Project Manager
What makes me unique as a Project Manager is my ability to blend exceptional organizational skills with strong interpersonal communication. I have a proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects on time and within budget. My holistic approach to project management sets me apart, as I prioritize both the technical aspects and the human element of the projects I oversee.
One aspect that distinguishes me is my ability to break down complex projects into manageable tasks and create detailed project plans. I excel at setting clear goals, establishing realistic timelines, and allocating resources effectively. My meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the project is accounted for, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.
One aspect that distinguishes me is my ability to break down complex projects into manageable tasks and create detailed project plans. I excel at setting clear goals, establishing realistic timelines, and allocating resources effectively. My meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the project is accounted for, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.
What Makes You Unique Sample Answer for an Office Manager
What sets me apart as an Office Manager is my exceptional organizational skills combined with a genuine passion for fostering a positive and productive work environment. I have a proven track record of efficiently managing office operations, enhancing workflow processes, and ensuring the smooth functioning of daily tasks.
One aspect that makes me unique is my ability to create a welcoming and inclusive office culture. I believe that a positive work environment leads to increased employee morale and productivity. By implementing initiatives such as team-building activities, employee recognition programs, and open communication channels, I have successfully cultivated a sense of belonging and camaraderie among team members. I strive to create an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work.
Furthermore, my strong attention to detail is another quality that sets me apart. As an Office Manager, I pride myself on meticulously coordinating schedules, managing calendars, and organizing events seamlessly. I have a knack for anticipating needs and addressing them proactively, whether it's arranging meetings, coordinating travel logistics, or streamlining administrative processes. My ability to stay on top of multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency enables the office to run smoothly and optimally.
Additionally, I bring a proactive and solution-oriented mindset to my role. I am always seeking opportunities to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance office efficiency. I enjoy staying up to date with emerging technologies and tools that can streamline operations, such as project management software, communication platforms, or automation tools. By leveraging these resources, I strive to create a more efficient and productive work environment for the entire team.
Moreover, my strong interpersonal and communication skills allow me to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including colleagues, clients, and vendors. I am adept at building and maintaining relationships, resolving conflicts, and ensuring clear and open lines of communication. I believe that fostering positive relationships and effective collaboration are essential for the overall success of an office.
One aspect that makes me unique is my ability to create a welcoming and inclusive office culture. I believe that a positive work environment leads to increased employee morale and productivity. By implementing initiatives such as team-building activities, employee recognition programs, and open communication channels, I have successfully cultivated a sense of belonging and camaraderie among team members. I strive to create an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to do their best work.
Furthermore, my strong attention to detail is another quality that sets me apart. As an Office Manager, I pride myself on meticulously coordinating schedules, managing calendars, and organizing events seamlessly. I have a knack for anticipating needs and addressing them proactively, whether it's arranging meetings, coordinating travel logistics, or streamlining administrative processes. My ability to stay on top of multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency enables the office to run smoothly and optimally.
Additionally, I bring a proactive and solution-oriented mindset to my role. I am always seeking opportunities to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance office efficiency. I enjoy staying up to date with emerging technologies and tools that can streamline operations, such as project management software, communication platforms, or automation tools. By leveraging these resources, I strive to create a more efficient and productive work environment for the entire team.
Moreover, my strong interpersonal and communication skills allow me to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including colleagues, clients, and vendors. I am adept at building and maintaining relationships, resolving conflicts, and ensuring clear and open lines of communication. I believe that fostering positive relationships and effective collaboration are essential for the overall success of an office.
