What makes you unique?

GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTION

By Christophe Paka | April 15, 2025 | 4 min read

   

What Makes You Unique? Mastering the Interview Question That Can Set You Apart 🚀

Have you ever faced that nerve-wracking moment when an interviewer asks, "What makes you unique?" This seemingly simple question carries tremendous potential. It’s not just a query—it’s your chance to shine and showcase the traits that set you apart from the competition.

In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into this interview question, explore real-life examples, and provide valuable interview tips for job seekers. Whether you're gearing up for a job interview or looking for standout interview answers, this guide is designed to arm you with the knowledge and confidence to ace your next interview. 💡

Introduction

Imagine walking into an interview, prepared to answer technical questions and discuss your experience in detail. Then comes a question that might catch you off guard: "What makes you unique?"
This is your moment to stand out with your distinctive skills, experiences, and personality.

Why This Question Matters

Interviewers ask "What makes you unique?" because:

  • They want to understand your value proposition and how you differentiate from other candidates.
  • They are curious about your self-awareness and how well you know your strengths.
  • They want to see if you can align your unique qualities with the company’s needs.

Variations of the Question

You might hear several variations of this question during interviews, including:

  • "What sets you apart from other candidates?"
  • "Why should we hire you over others?"
  • "What makes you special?"
  • "Tell us about your unique strengths."

Regardless of the phrasing, each version is an opportunity to emphasize how your individual qualities will benefit the organization.

The Purpose Behind the Question

At its core, the question aims to reveal:

  • Specific skills and experiences that you bring to the role.
  • Examples of past achievements that highlight your capabilities.
  • Personal traits or characteristics that make you an asset to the team.

Your answer should pave the way for a discussion on how your background and abilities align with the role’s requirements.

Key Components of Your Answer

To craft a compelling response, consider using the STAR method. This technique helps structure your answer so it’s clear, concise, and impactful:

  • Situation: Set the context for your story.
  • Task: Define what needed to be done.
  • Action: Explain the steps you took.
  • Result: Showcase the outcome of your efforts.

Utilizing the STAR method will ensure that your answer is not only memorable but also demonstrative of your unique approach and problem-solving skills.

Crafting Your Response: Do’s and Don’ts

When preparing your answer to "What makes you unique?", focus on being specific and relevant. Let’s break down the essentials:

Do’s

  • Highlight Specific Skills:
    Focus on abilities that are directly applicable to the position.

  • Discuss Your Experiences:
    Share concrete examples from your past roles that demonstrate your unique value.

  • Showcase Your Traits:
    Mention personal characteristics like creativity, problem-solving, or leadership skills.

  • Use the STAR Method:
    Structure your answer to be clear and effective.
    Example:

    • Situation: “In my previous role as a software engineer…”
    • Task: “I was tasked with improving the system’s performance…”
    • Action: “I implemented innovative coding techniques…”
    • Result: “Which led to a 30% increase in efficiency.”

  • Tailor Your Response:
    Adapt your answer to align with the specific needs and culture of the company.

  • Practice:
    Rehearse your response until you can deliver it naturally and confidently.

Don’ts

  • Be Vague:
    Avoid generic responses like, “I’m a hard worker.” Instead, provide specifics that truly set you apart.

  • Overlook Relevance:
    Don’t mention skills or experiences that aren’t applicable to the job on hand.

  • Use ClichĂ©s:
    Phrases such as “I’m just a really nice person” don’t convey the depth of your unique qualities.

  • Miss the Opportunity:
    Don’t shy away from this question. Embrace it as a platform to showcase what makes you an invaluable asset.

Examples of a Good and a Bad Response

A Good Response Example

Imagine you're interviewing for a technical role. A stellar response might be:

“I have a unique blend of strong technical skills and the ability to build lasting customer relationships. In my previous role as a software engineer, I not only debugged software but also played a crucial part in client communications. This taught me the importance of clear communication and teamwork. By merging these two skill sets, I was able to streamline project processes and increase customer satisfaction by 25%.”

Why This Works:

  • Specificity: Clearly outlines specific skills and experiences.
  • Relevance: Connects directly to the role's requirements.
  • STAR Method: Implicitly structured, covering situation, task, action, and result.
  • Impact: Demonstrates how your unique qualities brought tangible benefits.

A Bad Response Example

Now, consider this less effective response:

“I think I’m a hard worker and I really love my job.”

What’s Missing:

  • Details: It lacks specifics that differentiate you from other candidates.
  • Examples: No concrete evidence or examples of achievements are provided.
  • Connection: It does not explain how these traits are relevant to the job.

By comparing these examples, it’s clear that your answer should be both tailored and specific. This is a prime example of effective job interview preparation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Answering "What Makes You Unique?" 🎯

Step 1: Identify Your Unique Qualities

Begin by reflecting on what truly makes you stand out. Ask yourself:

  • What skills or experiences do I possess that others might not?
  • Which of my achievements am I particularly proud of?
  • What personal traits set me apart in a professional environment?

Step 2: Use the STAR Method to Develop Your Story

Frame your answer using the STAR method for clarity:

  • Situation: Describe a relevant context or challenge you faced.
  • Task: Explain the goal or expectation that was set.
  • Action: Detail the specific steps you took.
  • Result: Share the tangible outcomes or improvements that resulted.

Step 3: Match Your Qualities to the Job Requirements

Ensure that the qualities you highlight are directly relevant to the role you are applying for. For example:

  • For a customer service role, emphasize your interpersonal skills and problem-solving ability.
  • For a technical position, showcase your technical expertise paired with innovative solutions.

Step 4: Practice Your Answer

Practice makes perfect. Here are some tips to get you ready:

  • Rehearse out loud: Practice your answer multiple times to ensure fluidity.
  • Record yourself: This can help you identify areas for improvement.
  • Seek feedback: Ask trusted mentors or friends to provide constructive feedback.

Step 5: Stay Authentic

While it’s important to impress, authenticity matters. Be honest in your response and do not exaggerate your achievements. Employers value transparency and self-awareness.

Integrating Career Advice for Interviews

Alongside mastering this question, here are some additional career advice points for interviews:

  • Research the Company: Understand their mission, challenges, and culture to tailor your answers effectively.
  • Dress Appropriately: Your appearance contributes to the overall impression.
  • Be Punctual: Arriving on time shows respect for the interviewer’s schedule.
  • Prepare Questions: Have insightful questions ready for your interviewer. This shows engagement and a genuine interest in the role.
  • Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email to reinforce your interest and professionalism.

Incorporating these job interview preparation strategies will not only help you answer "What makes you unique?" effectively but also elevate your overall interview skills for job seekers.

Common Interview Questions and How to Address Them

While "What makes you unique?" is a popular interview question, it’s just one of many. Here are some general interview questions along with interview strategies to craft your standout interview answers:

  • Tell me about yourself:
    Use a succinct narrative that highlights key career milestones and achievements.

  • Why do you want to work here?
    Showcase your knowledge about the company and how your values align with their mission.

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    Be honest yet strategic. Present strengths with examples and discuss weaknesses in the context of how you’re working to improve them.

  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
    Demonstrate ambition and plan for career growth without sounding overconfident.

  • Describe a challenge you faced and how you handled it:
    Use another opportunity to apply the STAR method to illustrate your problem-solving skills

Keep Learning

Christophe Paka