How to Answer "What Makes You Unique?" (10 Good Examples)

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“What makes you unique?”

It’s a question that gives you the opportunity to talk about why you’re the best candidate for the job, but also one that can be difficult to answer if you’re not sure how to approach it.

To help you answer this common interview question with confidence, we’ve prepared 10 sample answers that show you how to effectively highlight your unique qualities, skills, and experiences.

Why do employers ask “What makes you unique?”

Employers ask “What makes you unique?” to assess your self-awareness and find out if you know your strengths as a professional. Additionally, they want to see you’ve thought about how you’ll leverage those strengths in case you land the job.

Another reason why employers ask about your unique qualities is because they’re evaluating whether you’ll be a good cultural fit. By asking what makes you unique, they’re trying to identify if your values, work style, and personality align with the organization’s mission and the dynamics of the team.

Let’s check out why employers ask this question in interviews and how you can approach this question as a job candidate:

@resumegenius “What makes you unique?” Don’t know how to answer this interview question. Here are some tips and a sample answer to help you out ? ?More sample answers here: resumegeniusDOTme/what-makes-you-unique #interviewtips #interviewquestions #jobinterview #jobsearchtips #careeradvice ♬ original sound – Resume Genius | Career Advice

How to answer the “What makes you unique?” interview question

These three tips will help you show employers what is unique about you as a candidate:

Be specific in your response

If you respond with “I’m an effective communicator” and leave it at that, your interviewer will have a hard time trusting your answer. To make your response convincing, you need to back it up with evidence.

The more specific you are when describing what makes you uniquely qualified for the role, the better. Delve into specific experiences or accomplishments to demonstrate how you stand out from other candidates.

For instance, to highlight your communication skills, give an example of a project where your effective communication led to a positive outcome for your team or for the company.

Highlight your strengths

When employers ask what makes you unique, they’re not inviting you to perform your best party trick or talk about your odd sense of humor. They’re looking for information about what makes you an outstanding employee.

This includes skills and experience you’ve gained throughout your career, as well as any personality traits that have given you an advantage in your field.

If you’re a recent graduate, use campus leadership roles, Greek life, or student organization involvement to demonstrate leadership and preparation for a professional environment.

If you haven’t written a list of your top strengths yet, making one can be a great way to prepare for interviews.

Relate your answer to the job ad

Relating your answer to the job ad is crucial in demonstrating your fit for the position.

By referencing qualifications or attributes mentioned in the job description, you show that you’ve carefully considered the requirements of the role and identified how your skill set aligns with the employer’s expectations for the position.

You can also stand out by showcasing a deep connection to the company’s brand identity and mission. By referencing both the job description and your personal ties to the brand, you show that you’ve carefully considered how your values align with the organization’s overall identity.

“What makes you unique?” example answers

Here are ten examples of how you could answer “What makes you different from other candidates?” and similar variations of this interview question:

Example 1

The chameleon

I’m highly adaptable and thrive in fast-paced environments. In my previous role, our company underwent a major restructuring, and I took the initiative to lead my team through the transition by creating a streamlined workflow and providing support and training to ensure a smooth integration.

Example 2

The problem solver

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to problem solve. Last year, my team and I encountered a complex logistics issue where our distribution system was struggling to handle the increasing volume of orders during peak seasons. I proposed a solution that involved leveraging emerging technology, which not only resolved the problem but also improved overall efficiency.

Example 3

The people person

I have a natural talent for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients. At one of my old companies, I was assigned a challenging client who had expressed dissatisfaction with our services. They were considering terminating their contract, which would have resulted in a potential loss of revenue of $200,000 annually.

By actively listening to their concerns, taking swift action to address their issues, and maintaining open lines of communication, I was able to regain their trust which resulted in a long-term partnership.

Example 4

The leader

My strong leadership skills enable me to motivate and inspire others to achieve their best. In my role as a team leader, I implemented a mentorship program that paired junior employees with experienced staff members. This program not only fostered a sense of camaraderie but also helped develop talent within the team, as shown by the 98% positive feedback the initiative received.

Example 5

The creative analyst

I possess a unique blend of analytical and creative thinking. This enables me to approach problems systematically while also offering innovative solutions. For instance, during a recent marketing campaign I conducted extensive data analysis to identify target demographics.

During my research, I discovered that our target audience, which consisted of tech-savvy millennials, valued sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. With this in mind, I designed a campaign that showcased not only the product’s cutting-edge features but also its positive environmental impact.

Example 6

The communicator

My strong communication skills allow me to effectively convey complex ideas to diverse audiences. In my previous role, I was responsible for presenting technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. By breaking down the information into digestible chunks, using visual aids, and actively engaging with the audience, I ensured everyone understood the project’s objectives and progress.

Example 7

The perpetual learner

I have a passion for continuous learning and personal development. At my previous company, I initiated a monthly “knowledge sharing” session where employees could present on industry trends, new technologies, or personal insights gained from attending conferences. This not only fostered a culture of learning but also enhanced our team’s expertise, contributing to us staying ahead of the curve.

Example 8

The perfectionist

I’m highly detail-oriented. This allows me to consistently deliver high-quality work, earning me the company’s “Employee of the Year” award in 2022. In my previous role as a legal assistant, I was responsible for proofreading and editing documents. By meticulously reviewing every piece of content, I was able to catch errors and inconsistencies, ensuring the accuracy of the legal documentation produced by our firm.

Example 9

The team player

I have a natural ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. In a recent project, I worked closely with colleagues from different departments, leveraging their expertise while also providing support in areas where I possessed specialized knowledge. By fostering a collaborative environment, we successfully delivered a comprehensive solution that met all stakeholders’ requirements.

Example 10

The global ambassador

I bring a global perspective to my work due to international experiences like studying abroad and extensive travel. This multicultural exposure has enhanced my ability to adapt to diverse work environments, providing me with a worldly perspective and the communication skills to work well with colleagues from different backgrounds.

This proved invaluable when I was tasked with overseeing a multinational team in the implementation of a global marketing campaign for a luxury fashion brand. As a result of my ability to navigate and bridge cultural differences, the campaign successfully captured the essence of the brand while staying true to each market’s cultural context.

Common pitfalls to avoid when answering “What makes you unique?”

Make sure to avoid these mistakes that can undermine your answer:

Exaggerating or fabricating achievements: Interviewers cross-reference claims through background checks and follow-up questions. Stick to authentic accomplishments you can describe with specific details.
Being overly modest: Downplaying contributions or attributing wins to luck signals low confidence. An interview is a professional pitch. State your impact clearly and confidently while staying grounded.
Sharing irrelevant personal anecdotes: The question is professional, not personal. Tie every trait you mention directly to the job requirements or company culture. Keep the focus on why you’re the best fit for the role.

Other interview resources

Here are some additional resources to help you with your interview prep and ensure you make the best possible first impression:

Years of Experience

Articles Written

Cort is a writer on the Resume Genius team. With a focus on helping job seekers showcase their strengths with clarity and confidence, he specializes in creating practical resources, from tailored resume samples to step-by-step guides on navigating applications and interviews.

With a background in marketing and communications, Cort has spent years honing his ability to provide straightforward, actionable content designed to help readers quickly find what they need.

Cort graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Economics and International Relations.