We all have unique traits that distinguish us from other people. These characteristics can be a good or bad thing, depending on how we use them. Uniqueness can be in the form of a look that stands out, a special skill or ability, a positive attitude, or even past experiences that we’ve learned from and have made us better. People who are considered unique often think outside of the box and march to their own beat. They create interesting ways to solve problems and come up with new ideas that others might not have thought of.
Hiring managers ask this question to get a better understanding of what sets you apart from other applicants. They also want to see if your personality, work style and values match up with the company’s culture. It’s important to answer this question in a way that showcases your value and highlights the skills and qualities that align with the job requirements.
How to Answer the Question: What Makes You Unique
It’s important to remain authentic and not lie or exaggerate when answering this interview question. It can backfire in the long run, especially if the employer finds out later on that your claims were false or overblown. To provide a credible and persuasive response, highlight your most distinctive skills and qualities and back them up with specific examples of how they can benefit the company.
For example, if you say that you have excellent communication skills, show how they have helped you in previous roles or in the professional development process. If you mention your ability to motivate others, cite an example of when you used your leadership skills to overcome a challenging situation or reach a goal.
Other key factors to consider when preparing for an interview include your personal interests and hobbies, as well as any unusual background or experience that you have that might make you stand out from the crowd. You might also be unique in how you approach your career and the way that you manage a team, for example, by taking an innovative approach to problem-solving or having a strong interpersonal relationship with coworkers.
Another way to identify your unique qualities is to seek feedback from people who know you well, such as colleagues, friends or mentors. Their insights might reveal strengths that you’ve overlooked or confirm qualities that you already recognize about yourself. They might also inspire you to develop a different approach or strategy that will improve your performance in the workplace. You can then incorporate these elements into your answer to the interviewer’s question. The resulting response will help you make a great impression on the interviewer and differentiate yourself from other candidates. The interviewer will be eager to learn more about your unique attributes and how they can contribute to the organization.