The hiring manager’s question, “What makes you unique?”, may seem like it’s all about them, but it’s actually an opportunity for you to distinguish yourself from other candidates. The interviewer wants to know more about you than what’s on your resume – the skills, personality traits and experiences that make you who you are. They also want to see if your values and work style will be a good fit with the company’s culture.
The answer to this question can be difficult to define, but you can start by evaluating the qualities that you believe are most important in your success at work and in life. If you’re struggling to come up with a list, ask others what they think makes you special. Friends and family are a great resource for this, as they will be able to provide honest opinions that can help you develop your list. They can even offer examples of times when you used that trait in action, which will give the interviewer concrete evidence to back up your claims.
Once you have a list of qualities that make you stand out from other applicants, it’s time to start thinking about how to articulate them in an interview. When answering this question, it’s important to use words that will convey the qualities you’re trying to highlight in a way that is both positive and engaging. You don’t want to use words that are too negative or exaggerated, as this will only hurt your chances of getting the job.
In order to craft a strong response, you should begin by reading the job description carefully. Focus on the specific skill set and requirements of the role, and then use the words from your list that best represent those qualities. For example, if you’re applying for an IT position, you might use the words “technical aptitude,” “problem-solving” and “teamwork” to describe your abilities.
When you’re ready to practice your interview, get a friend or family member to ask you to give them a short description of yourself using the qualities from your list. They will be able to evaluate whether your word choice is appropriate and engaging, and can provide feedback on the story you tell about yourself.
When it comes to preparing for interviews, there’s no such thing as being over-prepared. The more you can prepare, the better chance you have of nailing every interview and landing your dream job. To help you do just that, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to all of the most important things you need to know about how to prepare for and excel at every step of the interview process. From how to craft a perfect resume and cover letter to aceing the toughest questions in the interview, this guide has everything you need to make sure your next job is the one for you. Download the free eBook today to get started!