How To Answer 'What Makes You Unique?' + 15 Powerful Examples

About the author: Ilam’s career in Technology and Financial Services spans more than two decades, characterized by leadership roles and vast international experience. He has managed large global teams, worked across five countries, and engaged with colleagues from over 100 nationalities. Through this blog covering executive interview questions, Ilam shares his diverse experiences and insights, aiming to contribute to and enrich the community.

The Art of Answering 'What Makes You Unique?' in a Job Interview

5 Key Takeaways from this post

Understand the Purpose of the Question: Employers ask the question “What makes you unique?” to understand what sets you apart from other candidates. Your answer can highlight your distinct skills, experiences, and perspectives that could bring value to their organization.
Align with the Company’s Needs: When structuring your response, aim to align your unique qualities with the company’s needs. This shows that you not only understand the role but also how you could contribute in a meaningful way.
Use Specific Examples: Instead of making general statements about your qualities, use specific examples from your previous roles to demonstrate your unique attributes. This could include a particular project you excelled at or an innovative solution you developed.
Highlight Your Accomplishments: Your unique qualities should be reflected in your accomplishments. Whether it’s a marketing campaign that boosted sales or a software solution that improved efficiency, these achievements can help illustrate your unique capabilities.
Prepare Different Answers for Different Roles: Depending on the job role, your answer to “What makes you unique?” might vary. For instance, a unique quality for a project management role might be your ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, while for a sales role, it might be your exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to exceed sales targets.

When it comes to job interviews, there aren’t few questions more intimidating than “What makes you unique?” This seemingly straightforward interview question can actually be incredibly tricky to answer, and many job seekers struggle to come up with a response that truly sets them apart from the competition. However, nailing this question can make all the difference in landing the job of your dreams.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of answering “What makes you unique?” in a job interview, and highlight some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your response. Whether you’re a seasoned job seeker or a recent graduate just starting out, these tips will help you stand out from the crowd and land the job you deserve.

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Understand the Question – ‘What makes you unique’

When the hiring manager asks “What makes you unique?” they’re really asking, “Why should we hire you over other candidates?” or “What unique attributes can you bring to this role that others cannot?” It’s an opportunity for you to highlight your strengths and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the position. However, it’s also a question that can catch candidates off guard if they haven’t prepared a thoughtful response.

Some variations of the question include:

What sets you apart from other candidates?
Why are you the best candidate for this job?
What skills or qualities do you have that make you stand out?

It’s important to understand that the interviewer is not just looking for a laundry list of generic qualities. They want concrete examples that showcase your unique qualities and how they align with the requirements of the job. By understanding what the interviewer is really asking, you can craft a response that is tailored to the position and truly sets you apart from the competition.

Structure Your Response

Understand the Question - 'What makes you unique'

To answer the question “What makes you unique?” in a job interview, it’s important to structure your response in a way that showcases your strengths and highlights how they align with the company’s needs.

Consider Your Background, Skills, Experiences, and Passions

Think about what sets you apart from other candidates.
Identify your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).
Assess the skills that job description emphasizes & try to relate your answer with them
Frame your USP in a way that highlights your value to the company.

Use the SCAR Technique

Explain the Situation, Challenge, Action, and Result of a specific example.
Showcase how your unique skills or experiences have benefited a previous employer or organization.

Try Alternative Approaches

By keeping these DOs and DO NOTs in mind, you’ll be better equipped to answer the question “What makes you unique?” in a way that highlights your strengths and demonstrates why you’re the best fit for the job.

Use storytelling to communicate your unique qualities.
Highlight your problem-solving abilities.
Focus on your personality-based characteristics such as being collaborative, adaptable, or having a growth mindset.

Whichever approach you choose, make sure to stay focused on the details that make you unique and how they can add value to the company. This will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the job.

DOs and DO NOTs When Answering “What Makes You Unique?” in an Interview

DOs

Highlight your strengths: Focus on your skills, experiences, and personality traits that set you apart from other candidates and align with the job requirements.

Provide specific examples: Back up your claims with specific examples that demonstrate how your unique qualities have made a positive impact on a previous employer or organization.

Do your research: Research the company and the role you’re applying for. This will help you identify what the company values and what they’re looking for in a candidate. You can then tailor your response to highlight your unique qualities that align with these values.

DO NOTs

Don’t be vague: Avoid making generic statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, be specific about what makes you unique and how it aligns with the job requirements.

Don’t be negative: Avoid talking negatively about yourself or others. Instead, focus on your positive qualities and how they can bring value to the company.

Don’t lie: Stick to the truth and provide specific examples to support your claims. Avoid exaggerating or fabricating your unique qualities in order to impress the interviewer.

Sample answers – what makes you unique

Use these interview answers as inspiration only. A good hiring manager will easily smell an insincere or a copy/paste response quickly. You cannot just google answer examples and come across authentic. If you start with a lie, you cannot answer follow up questions.

Marketing Manager

“My strong analytical skills and creative mindset set me apart in the marketing field. I have successfully used data-driven insights to create campaigns that increased brand awareness and generated leads. One of my proudest accomplishments was implementing a new email marketing strategy that resulted in a 15% increase in click-through rates. I recognize that there is always more to learn in this ever-evolving industry, and I am eager to continue expanding my skills and knowledge.”

Fresher

“As a recent graduate with a unique background in creative writing and computer science, I bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving. My passion for innovation and creativity drives me to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

One of my most exciting projects was developing an app that used gamification to encourage healthy habits among users. As a newcomer to the industry, I am eager to learn from experienced professionals and contribute my unique talents to the team.”

Developer

“My extensive experience in web development and passion for cutting-edge technologies sets me apart from the rest. My expertise in languages such as JavaScript, React, and Node.js, combined with my creative problem-solving skills, enables me to deliver superior results.

One of my most significant achievements was developing a complex web application that greatly improved workflow processes for my previous employer. While I take pride in my skills, I remain humble and am always looking for ways to improve and learn.”

Graphic Designer

“I consider myself a visionary graphic designer with a passion for creating visually stunning designs. I have experience working with a variety of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. My ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative concepts has contributed to the success of many campaigns, including a marketing campaign that I designed for a non-profit organization, which raised awareness and funds for their cause. While recognition for my work is always appreciated, I remain grounded and constantly strive to improve my skills and techniques.”

Sales Representative

“My exceptional communication skills, other people oriented soft skills combined with my ability to build lasting relationships with clients, sets me apart in the sales field. I am a results-oriented professional who never shies away from hard work and persistence. My personalized approach and consultative selling techniques have been instrumental in exceeding sales targets by 25% in my previous role. While I am proud of my achievements, I remain humble and am always looking for ways to improve and learn from others.”

Project Manager

“My strong leadership and organizational skills, combined with my ability to think critically and creatively, makes me an exceptional project manager. I have successfully managed complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.

One of my proudest achievements was leading a team that implemented a new system that greatly streamlined workflow processes and saved the company valuable time and resources. While I take pride in my abilities, I remain open to feedback and am always looking for ways to improve and grow as a leader.”

Data Analyst

“My extensive experience in data analysis and visualization, combined with my ability to communicate insights effectively, sets me apart in the field of data analytics. My expertise in using tools such as SQL, Tableau, and Excel enables me to provide valuable insights that help companies make data-driven decisions.

One of my most significant accomplishments was creating a dashboard that allowed my previous employer to track sales performance more effectively. While I am confident in my abilities, I recognize that there is always more to learn and am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills.”

Human Resources Manager

“My ability to connect with people and build strong relationships, combined with my experience in HR processes and policies, sets me apart in the field of human resources. I have successfully managed employee relations, recruiting, and performance management.

One of my proudest achievements was implementing a new onboarding process that reduced employee turnover by 20%. While I take pride in my accomplishments, I remain humble and am always looking for ways to improve and continue making a positive impact on the organization.”

Content Writer

“My ability to craft engaging and informative content, combined with my understanding of SEO principles, sets me apart from other content writers. I have experience writing for a variety of platforms such as blogs, social media, and email marketing.

One of my proudest achievements was writing a blog post that received over 10,000 views and generated leads for my previous employer. While I appreciate recognition for my work, I remain grounded and am constantly looking for ways to improve my writing skills and techniques.”

UX Designer

“My ability to design user-friendly interfaces with a focus on user experience sets me apart in the field of UX design. My experience working with tools such as Sketch and InVision has enabled me to create visually appealing designs that are easy to navigate.

One of my most significant accomplishments was designing an app that received high praise from users and increased engagement. While I take pride in my work, I remain humble and am always looking for ways to improve and learn from others.”

Financial Analyst

“My strong analytical skills and attention to detail set me apart in the field of finance. My experience working with financial modeling and forecasting has enabled me to provide valuable insights that help organizations make informed decisions. One of my most significant accomplishments was identifying cost-saving opportunities that resulted in significant savings for my previous employer. While I am confident in my abilities, I recognize that there is always more to learn and am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills.”

Social Media Manager

“My ability to create engaging content and build a strong social media presence sets me apart in the field of social media management. My experience working with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has enabled me to increase brand awareness and engagement.

One of my most significant accomplishments was launching a successful social media campaign that reached a wide audience and increased sales. While I appreciate recognition for my work, I remain grounded and am always looking for ways to improve my skills and techniques.”

IT Support Specialist

“My exceptional problem-solving skills and technical expertise set me apart in the field of IT support. My experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues has enabled me to resolve complex problems quickly and efficiently.

One of my most significant accomplishments was implementing a new system that improved network security and prevented cyber threats. While I take pride in my work, I recognize that there is always more to learn and am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills.”

Operations Manager

“My strong leadership and organizational skills, combined with my ability to think strategically and creatively, make me an exceptional operations manager. I have successfully managed complex projects and processes, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.

One of my most significant accomplishments was developing a new process that improved supply chain management and reduced costs. While I am proud of my accomplishments, I remain humble and am always looking for ways to improve and grow as a leader.”

Technical Writer

“My ability to write clear and concise technical documentation sets me apart in the field of technical writing. My experience working with software developers and engineers has enabled me to translate complex concepts into user-friendly language.

One of my most significant accomplishments was creating a user manual that received high praise from users and reduced support tickets. While I appreciate recognition for my work, I remain grounded and am constantly looking for ways to improve my writing skills and techniques.”

Business Development Manager

“My ability to identify opportunities and create strategic partnerships sets me apart in the field of business development. My experience working with clients and building lasting relationships has enabled me to increase sales and revenue.

One of my most significant accomplishments was forging a partnership with a major client that resulted in a significant increase in revenue. While I take pride in my work, I recognize that there is always more to learn and am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills.”

Quality Assurance Engineer

“My strong attention to detail and ability to identify potential issues sets me apart in the field of quality assurance. My experience testing software and products has enabled me to detect and resolve issues before they become a problem.

One of my most significant accomplishments was identifying a critical bug in a product before it was released, which saved the company from a costly recall. While I am confident in my abilities, I recognize that there is always more to learn and am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills.”

Video Editor

“My ability to create visually appealing videos with a focus on storytelling sets me apart in the field of video editing. My experience working with tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro has enabled me to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.

One of my most significant accomplishments was producing a video that received high praise from clients and increased engagement. While I take pride in my work, I remain humble and am constantly looking for ways to improve my skills and techniques.”

Supply Chain Manager

“My ability to manage complex logistics and supply chain processes sets me apart in the field of supply chain management. My experience working with vendors and suppliers has enabled me to optimize processes and reduce costs.

One of my most significant accomplishments was improving inventory management, which resulted in a significant reduction in backorders. While I am proud of my accomplishments, I recognize that there is always more to learn and am constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance processes.”

Good luck with your interview process!

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How To Answer ‘What Makes You Unique?’ + 15 Powerful Examples

5 Key Takeaways from this post

Understand the Question – ‘What makes you unique’

Structure Your Response