What Makes You Unique How to Answer This Job Interview Question

What Makes You Unique How to Answer This Job Interview Question What Makes You Unique How to Answer This Job Interview Question 8“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”  Dr. Seuss knew it and so do you. Yet, how do you handle a question from a potential employer who wants you to describe what makes you unique? Here’s a sample question one company asked potential hires: “In 150 characters or fewer, tell us what makes you unique. Try to be creative and say something that will catch our eye!”   It can be challenging to list your uniqueness and avoid sounding like every other candidate or without overstating your qualifications in a way that makes you sound pompous.   As you consider  job interview questions to prepare for, what steps can you take to avoid being sidelined by questions about how you’re unique? Here are a few suggestions about how to answer the interview question: What makes you unique? 1. Do your homework. One way to answer this question would be to turn it around and transform the “what makes you unique” question into an opportunity to demonstrate what you know about your potential future employer. Said differently,  research the company before a job interview, and when they ask why you’re unique, demonstrate that it’s because you’ve thoroughly researched their brand and their products. Let your prospective employer know how they would benefit from your understanding of the company’s position in the marketplace, as well as any creative ideas you have for the future of the company or your prospective position.   2. Draw from your experience. Share with your potential employer a singular accomplishment in your background, or expand on an achievement from your resume, especially if it demonstrates qualities that are transferable to the job you’re going after. Whether it’s an anecdote that says a lot about your work ethics, a project that shows off your  leadership traits, or an undertaking that offers evidence of your ability to multitask, seize the opportunity to shine. 3. Mention what others have said about you. Another great way toot your own horn without actually having to do so  yourself, is to relay what past colleagues have said about you. This provides a window for shifting the emphasis away from your own self-assessment while also giving you the  opportunity to  bring up your best job references. 4. Share a relevant personal experience. Relevant is the key word here.  By asking what makes you unique, hiring managers are giving you a little bit of rope so you can let loose about your special qualifications. But don’t hang yourself! Stay on topic and be very specific. If discussing a travel experience, for example, capitalize on it to demonstrate how that experience helped you use or develop skills that you can bring to your prospective position. Check out more job interviewing tips. Readers, have you been asked in a job interview to describe what makes you unique? Share your tips for successfully answering this question! Read more about this topic on the Press page!