There are a few more generalised abstract queries that are typically asked, while each interviewer will have a set of inquiries relating to the position being sought after. In interviews for a range of roles, one of these is "What makes you unique?"
Interviewees frequently find themselves unprepared because it's so challenging to answer to on the spot. Pay attention to the guidance we've provided below if you want to respond to it properly and effectively.
Why Do Interviewers Want to Know What Makes You Special?
Interviewers are attempting to learn more about your character and personality when they ask you to describe what makes you special.
They want to know the skills and qualities you value in yourself, as well as what you think is important in terms of the job for which you are applying.
This question is not really about what makes you truly unique because the interviewer is not very interested in your odd party antics or weird habits.
They want to know what distinguishes you from the competition in terms of the potential value you could bring to the company.
They may be evaluating a number of candidates with very similar experience and credentials, thus this question helps them go deeper into how you differentiate yourself from the competitors.
This question is also used by interviewers to gauge a candidate's level of creativity. A strong response to an abstract question like "What makes you unique?" demonstrates to the interviewer that you have creative skills, which are important in many kinds of employment.
Common Errors to Avoid
When asked what makes them unique, interviewees commonly fall into traps since it can be difficult to come up with a thoughtful response. Here are a few common errors to avoid.
Oversharing. Maintain a professional demeanour; interviewers want to learn about your relevant skills and personality attributes.
being very general. With general or example-free responses, you won't get very far. You want to draw attention to something special about yourself and explain how doing so will enable you to make a major contribution to the team.
Rambling. Instead of going on and on, focus on being brief, concise, and to the point in your response. Lying:- It can be tempting to give an answer that isn't quite truthful under the pressure of an interview in an effort to impress the interviewer. Make sure your response is sincere because you'll probably be exposed.
self-talking oneself out of a position. Take care not to offer a response that differs from what the company is looking for. Talking about your gregarious character and love of conversation, for instance, may not be the best option when applying for a career that requires a lot of independent, focused work.
You can avoid all the above problems and mistakes by thinking about the question before the interview and organising your response beforehand.
Here are some guidelines to help you formulate the best possible response.
What to Think About When Crafting Your Response
As was previously said, interviewers are looking for an explanation of how you would help their company when they ask you what makes you unique As a result, you must get ready a response informing them of this.
The best place to start is with the job description. Go over the necessary abilities and experience to get a clear understanding of what is expected of a candidate.
Next, think about what you could provide to the role that other candidates might not. You might have specific experience in this area or important extra abilities that weren't listed in the job description.
Always make sure it's relevant to the job you're going for. Because employers in different industries will have different criteria, your specific expertise should match the qualities needed for the position.
For a managerial position, for example, you might want to demonstrate exceptional leadership, a tendency for taking risks, or strong communication skills. To get a career in finance, you can highlight your discretion or your meticulous attention to detail.
How to Do It Correctly
Identify instances in your history where you were especially effective at work or received accolades from your supervisor.
Perhaps you reached a compromise with a challenging client or successfully closed a business. Consider the actions you took and the qualities you relied on to succeed in those circumstances.
You may also think of appealing personality features that your loved ones or friends have noticed about you. Perhaps you have a reputation for remaining composed under pressure or for mediating disputes. Consider how these qualities might enable you to succeed in your career.
Don't obsess on the word "unique." You are not required to provide an answer that is wholly unrelated to anything the interviewer has ever heard.
By telling them something fascinating and pertinent that might not come up at another point in the interview, put more emphasis on demonstrating why you are a particularly attractive prospect. Some interviewers may even ask you to describe what makes you interesting in this manner.
Wherever possible, give concrete examples from your professional past to demonstrate how you have successfully applied your special talents. These will support your response and strengthen its credibility.
Strong examples also increase the likelihood that when the interviewer thinks back on the candidates they have seen, they will remember your answer and, consequently, you.
Once you've chosen the special ability you want to discuss and have thought of some examples to show it in action, practise giving your response so that it comes out as fluid, sincere, and certain.
Examples of Powerful Responses
Here are a few examples of responses to the query, "What Makes You Unique?"
Just keep in mind that these are for reference only. Your own response should be based on your unique skills and expertise and should be pertinent to the position you're applying for.
For a Position Requiring Pressured Work
The thing that sets me apart is that I thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment.
I had a lot of clients in my prior position as an account manager, and I frequently worked on multiple projects at once while taking calls and juggling chores all day. Although it may be chaotic, I loved the adrenaline rush of handling all of my duties and producing results.
When the pressure was on, I didn't seem anxious; rather, it only served to push me more, as my manager frequently noted.
For a Position That Requires Close Client Collaboration
I naturally get along with people, which has given me an advantage in prior employment. I can immediately establish a solid relationship with clients by learning what they want and how to best satisfy it because I relate well to people from various backgrounds.
My previous position required recruiting new clients, frequently by making cold calls. I relished the challenge of trying to establish a rapport in only a few minutes. I frequently received the title of best salesperson of the month and had a high success rate.
For a Job That Will Require Initiative
Because I have a creative mind, I can look at things from a different angle, which is my special talent.
We used to have weekly team meetings at work, but they started to feel repetitive and unproductive because they were usually conducted in a conference room. I suggested occasionally hosting team meetings outside of the office because I am aware that my best ideas typically occur when I am in a different environment.
My manager decided to give it a try, so we began meeting in a neighbouring coffee shop or, if the weather was fine, the neighbourhood park. My boss remarked that the meetings improved and were more fruitful.
She complimented me for the idea, and it soon became a regular practise for us to leave the office once a month for our team meeting.
Observational Questions
What makes you special can be followed by further questions from the interviewer, so be prepared to elaborate.
Additional questions shouldn't be an issue if you selected a real, engaging, and pertinent talent or attribute. You might need to reconsider your planned response if you have trouble responding to any of the following follow-up questions.
Do You Possess Any Special Qualities That I Am Not Already Aware Of?
If the interviewer believes that your response merely restates knowledge or experience that have previously been established in your resume, cover letter, or responses to prior interview questions, they may ask this. Make sure your response exposes something intriguing about you that goes above and beyond the position's minimal criteria.
How would you apply that talent or quality in this position?
If your initial response seemed unimportant or if you hadn't sufficiently explained how your special gift would be useful, the interviewer might ask you this question. Make sure you can support your response with a few concrete examples from the workplace that demonstrate its applicability to the company.
What Makes You the Best Candidate for This Role, Exactly?
The interviewer may ask this question once more if they believe your response is irrelevant or if you haven't sufficiently described how the trait you've mentioned benefits the organisation. Always bear in mind the latter point.
a list of the main points
In conclusion, keep in mind the following key factors when asked in an interview what makes you special:
Concentrate on how your abilities or experience differ from those of the competition.
Keep your response pertinent. To begin understanding what the company wants and how you might bring value, use the job description as a starting point.
Give particular examples of times when you have applied your special skills in the job.
Don't let the word "unique" fool you; the interviewer is more interested in what makes you intriguing than what makes you utterly out there.
Make sure your delivery is fluid and assured by practising.