When you’re interviewing for a job, one question you’ll probably hear is, “What makes you unique?” Interviewers ask this question to understand who you are as an individual and what sets you apart. They hope to learn how your unique combination of experiences, talents, and personality can make a positive impact on their team.
Answering this question gives you a chance to show that you’ve thought about what makes you stand out. It’s your moment to shine and present why you’re an ideal fit for the job, both professionally and personally.
What Interviewers Are Looking For When They Ask About Your Uniqueness
Interviewers want responses that are real and honest. They look for the following:
- Genuine responses: Answers that are overly rehearsed or generic stand out for the wrong reasons. A brief pause to think is fine; they would rather get a sincere answer than a forced one.
- Relevance to the job: Interesting hobbies or interests are nice, but interviewers primarily care about how your unique attributes will help you excel in the role. Is there an experience that gave you a fresh perspective or a skill that sets you apart? That’s what they want to hear.
- Consistency: Your answer should match what you’ve communicated throughout the application and interview. Consistency shows honesty and self-awareness, qualities employers value.
How to Answer “What Makes You Unique?”
Reflect on your experiences
Consider the various roles, projects, or personal challenges you’ve faced. Maybe previous work experience exposed you to diverse teams, giving you a unique approach to collaboration. Perhaps you solved complex problems under pressure, showing resilience and adaptability. Even small moments, like finding a creative solution to a tricky situation, can illustrate what makes you stand out.
Align your response with the job description
Before the interview, review the company and the job’s requirements. Identify the skills and attributes they value. If creativity is important, mention a time you found inventive solutions. If teamwork matters, talk about how you helped a group succeed. Connecting your uniqueness to what they need underscores your fit for the role.
Your answer can also be strengthened by mentioning how your values match the company’s mission. For example, if the company prioritizes sustainability, you can share your interest in environmentally conscious initiatives.
Be concise but comprehensive
Keep your answer focused. Highlight two or three key points that show your uniqueness, backing them up with specific examples. Structure your response like a mini-story: introduce the quality that sets you apart, provide a relevant example, and briefly explain how it applies to the new role. You don’t need to be the most unique person in the world—just the right kind of unique for this particular opportunity.
Communicating clearly and staying on-topic also shows the interviewer that you can present information in a way that’s easy to understand.
How Not to Answer
Avoid common mistakes when describing your uniqueness:
Avoid generic phrases
Anyone can say, “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a fast learner.” Instead, provide an example that shows how your work ethic or quick thinking made a difference in a previous situation. Details make your answer memorable and credible.
Don’t be arrogant
Confidence is good, but sounding like you think you’re unmatched in every way can be off-putting. Try something like, “I enjoy problem-solving and find that staying calm under pressure allows me to create effective solutions,” rather than, “I’m the best problem-solver out there.”
Skip irrelevant details
If your unique quality has no connection to the job, it might confuse the interviewer. Instead, focus on qualities or experiences that directly relate to what the company needs.
Avoid negative comparisons
Discuss what you bring to the table without putting others down. Explain your strengths in a positive, self-focused way rather than comparing yourself to other candidates.
Don’t be overly modest
It’s good to be humble, but don’t downplay your achievements. If you’ve developed a distinctive skill or overcome a significant challenge, share it confidently and authentically.
Sample Answers to “What Makes You Unique?”
Example #1
“During a previous position, I combined my interest in social media with my graphic design skills to create engaging content that boosted follower engagement. By tracking analytics, I learned which designs performed best and adjusted my work to improve results. Blending creativity with data-driven insights allowed me to create content that looked great and made an impact. I believe that mix of skills sets me apart and would be a valuable asset as your team grows its online presence.”
Why it works:
This answer relates directly to the job requirements. The candidate shows how their combination of creative and analytical skills led to tangible results. Connecting personal expertise to improving online engagement demonstrates relevant experience and clear value.
Example #2
“In a previous leadership role, I planned and executed events where strong organization and communication were crucial. I found that one of my strengths was ensuring everyone stayed informed and felt supported. Regular check-ins and clear task assignments made projects run smoothly. My ability to keep a group cohesive and on track is something I’m proud of, and I believe it would be a unique contribution to your team.”
Why it works:
This answer shows the candidate’s organizational and leadership abilities. By describing a situation in which they helped a team succeed through proactive communication, the candidate highlights teamwork and initiative, qualities many employers find valuable.
Example #3
“Early in my career, I looked for ways to broaden my skill set. While focusing on my primary responsibilities, I also learned basic coding techniques to understand the technology behind certain business strategies. Having both a business and technical perspective helped me assist colleagues who were less familiar with the tech side of projects. I believe my willingness to learn new skills and bridge different areas would make me a strong asset to your team.”
Why it works:
This example works well because it shows adaptability and initiative—qualities that benefit any role. By illustrating how combining business understanding with technical knowledge helped others, the candidate demonstrates a collaborative spirit and practical versatility.
Answering this question allows you to highlight how your qualities and experiences align perfectly with the position. Through careful reflection and honest examples, you can present a unique set of attributes that impress the interviewer and underscore your fit for the job.