Job Interview Question: What Makes You Unique?

Waiting for an upcoming interview, you may notice several other candidates hoping to land the same role.

At that moment, it becomes clear that you are not alone in applying for this job.

To reduce the number of applicants, the interviewer often asks one direct question: "What makes you unique?"

Although it sounds simple, this question carries a lot of weight, but there is no need to stress. Speak clearly, highlight something personal yet relevant, keep your response short, and you will handle it well.

In this article, we will cover:

• Why interviewers ask, "What makes you unique?"
• Ways to explain the distinct skills you bring to the role.
• Five sample ideas to help you shape your own response.

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Why Interviewers Ask the "What Makes You Unique?" Question

This question can feel confusing because many traits can set you apart from other applicants.

You might feel tempted to mention unusual talents—talking to your cat, making the best grilled cheese, or choosing a movie quickly but those details are not what the interviewer wants to hear.

Instead, the question helps reveal who you are as a professional and why you may be a good match for the role. It also tests how well you can respond without much preparation, giving a more natural and honest answer.

In some cases, hiring managers may be choosing between candidates who share the same education, experience, and work samples.

What Do You Offer as a Candidate?

It can help to think about what value you personally add.

Many applicants have similar education and work history that qualify them for the job, and interviews already give employers insight into your soft skills and technical abilities.

When answering "what makes you unique?" you can talk about strengths that may not be obvious from your resume alone.

These might come from volunteer work or side experiences. Often, the strongest responses highlight character traits, such as skills gained through community work that also apply to the role you are seeking.

Useful Tips for Shaping Your Response

Below are a few practical tips to help you adjust your answer for each interview:

• Review the job posting and point out one skill listed there that you do very well.
• Mention past achievements or goals you successfully completed in earlier roles.
• Write down your top strengths, then choose one that best shows what sets you apart.
• Avoid vague replies, and instead show personality. For instance, rather than saying "I am reliable," explain how a manager trusted you with an important task.
• Do not overstate your experience or boast. Stay honest and, if possible, share positive feedback you received from a supervisor or colleague.
• Use the STAR method to explain your answer by referring to real situations where you performed well.

Five Sample Responses to the Question "What Makes You Unique?"

Answering this question becomes easier when you prepare a few clear points that explain why you stand out as a candidate. The examples below can help you shape your own response and adjust it to match the role you are applying for:

Example Answer 1: Clear Communication

I am strong in both spoken and written communication, and this has helped me guide large teams, explain goals clearly, and present work to senior staff with confidence.

When communication breaks down, details are missed, deadlines slip, and key tasks can go wrong.

I have also learned that good communication helps me connect with my team, as I listen carefully, show understanding, and stay open to conversation beyond work. This people-first approach helps me manage tasks, assign work, and lead teams in a way that sets me apart.

Example Answer 2: Leading Projects

I offer solid experience when it comes to guiding teams through different projects.

In my previous role, I performed well as a team lead by assigning duties clearly and trusting others to deliver their part.

Along with giving trust, I make time to support coworkers when they need help. I enjoy team-based work and leadership because shared effort and cooperation help me do my best work.

Example Answer 3: Understanding Others

One strength I value is my ability to understand both clients and coworkers. I build long-term client relationships by asking thoughtful questions.

Often, a single question can show interest and respect, which helps build trust. I have learned that connecting with people on a personal level often works better in sales than pushing a product too quickly. This approach helped me exceed my targets and rank among the top performers on my team.

Example Answer 4: Practical Technical Ability

What separates me from other applicants is my strong skill with image editing tools. While reviewing the job posting, I noticed this role involves designing a monthly newsletter and social media content.

I am experienced with Adobe tools such as Illustrator and Photoshop, which helps me create clean and engaging visuals. Combined with my writing ability, this allows me to produce polished marketing materials that meet business needs.

Example Answer 5: Community and Volunteer Work

Compared to other candidates, I bring broad experience working with children and young people. Along with hands-on training from a college teaching placement, I have worked at youth centers and summer camps. During my time at a camp, I discovered that I connect easily with younger groups and enjoy building strong relationships with them.

That experience taught me the value of acting as a guide and role model, which is a lesson I carry into my professional life as well.

Key Takeaways

• Keep your response short, speak with confidence, and connect it to the role.
• Match your answer to the skills mentioned in the job posting.
• Stay honest and avoid overstating your achievements.

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