What Makes You Unique in an Interview? Mastering Your Answer

When it comes to interviews, the question "What makes you unique?" is often a chance for you to shine and stand out from the crowd. To answer this question effectively, consider focusing on these key points:

Start with Your Unique Value Proposition: Begin by identifying your unique skills, experiences, or qualities. This could be a blend of your technical skills, personal attributes, or specific experiences that others might not have. For example, if you have a rare combination of skills, like data analysis and creative problem-solving, emphasize how these contribute to your potential success in the role.

Highlight Achievements and Experiences: Share specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your uniqueness. For instance, if you led a project that resulted in a significant improvement or innovation, mention it and explain how this experience sets you apart. Use concrete numbers or outcomes to make your achievements more impactful.

Connect Your Uniqueness to the Role: Tailor your uniqueness to the job you're applying for. Explain how your unique qualities align with the company's needs and how they will help you contribute to the organization. If the role requires a creative thinker and you have a background in innovative problem-solving, make that connection clear.

Show Passion and Enthusiasm: Your unique qualities should be presented with passion. Show enthusiasm for your skills and experiences, and explain why they matter to you. Passion is contagious and can make your uniqueness more compelling to interviewers.

Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to making a memorable impression. Don’t try to fabricate or exaggerate. Instead, focus on genuine aspects of your background and personality. Authentic responses feel more natural and are often more persuasive.

Prepare but Be Flexible: Practice your response, but be ready to adapt based on the flow of the interview. Listen carefully to the interviewer’s cues and be prepared to adjust your answer to better fit the conversation.

Wrap Up with a Strong Conclusion: End your response by summarizing your unique attributes and reiterating how they make you a strong candidate for the position. This reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression.

To illustrate, imagine you're applying for a project management position. You might say:

“What sets me apart is my unique combination of project management skills and my background in agile methodologies. In my previous role, I led a team through a challenging project that was delivered 20% under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule. My approach combines structured planning with flexibility to adapt to changing requirements, which has consistently resulted in successful project outcomes. I’m excited about bringing this experience to your team, where I believe my skills can drive significant improvements in project efficiency and delivery.”

By following these guidelines, you can craft an answer that not only highlights your unique qualities but also demonstrates why you’re the best fit for the role. Remember, the goal is to stand out while ensuring your uniqueness aligns with the company’s needs.