In today’s competitive job market, standing out during an interview is crucial. One common question that often stumps candidates is “What makes you unique?” This article will guide you through answering this challenging question effectively in English, helping you showcase your strengths and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer.
Understanding the Question: Why Employers Ask It
Before we dive into how to answer, it’s essential to understand why interviewers ask this question. They’re not looking for quirky hobbies or unusual talents. Instead, they want to:
- Assess your self-awareness
- Understand what value you can bring to the role
- Determine how you differentiate yourself from other candidates
- Gauge your confidence and communication skills
Confident job applicant answering interview question
Crafting Your Answer: Key Strategies
1. Reflect on Your Strengths
Start by identifying your key strengths that are relevant to the job. Consider:
- Skills that set you apart
- Unique experiences that have shaped you
- Personal qualities that make you effective in your work
2. Align with the Job Requirements
Review the job description and company values. Your unique qualities should ideally match what the employer is looking for.
3. Use the STAR Method
Structure your answer using the STAR method:
- Situation: Set the context
- Task: Explain the challenge
- Action: Describe what you did
- Result: Share the positive outcome
4. Be Specific and Provide Examples
Generic answers won’t cut it. Use concrete examples to illustrate your unique qualities.
Sample Answers for Different Scenarios
Entry-Level Position
“What makes me unique is my ability to quickly adapt to new technologies. For instance, during my internship at XYZ Corp, I was tasked with learning a new project management software in just two days. Not only did I master it within the deadline, but I also created a quick-start guide that helped my team adopt the tool more efficiently, saving about 10 hours of collective training time.”
Mid-Level Management Role
“My unique strength lies in my cross-functional experience. Unlike many managers who specialize in one area, I’ve worked across marketing, sales, and customer service. This broad perspective allows me to bridge departmental gaps effectively. For example, in my last role, I initiated a collaborative project that increased customer retention by 15% by aligning our marketing messages with actual customer service experiences.”
Senior Executive Position
“What sets me apart is my track record of turning around struggling divisions. In my 15 years of experience, I’ve successfully revitalized three underperforming departments. Most notably, at ABC Inc., I took over a division that was consistently missing targets. By implementing a new strategic approach and fostering a culture of innovation, we not only met our goals but exceeded them by 30% within 18 months.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too modest
- Giving a generic answer
- Focusing on irrelevant personal traits
- Comparing yourself negatively to others
- Exaggerating or lying
Tips for Delivering Your Answer Confidently
- Practice your answer beforehand
- Use positive body language
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
- Show enthusiasm for the role and company
- Be prepared for follow-up questions
Handling Follow-Up Questions
Interviewers might ask follow-up questions to dig deeper into your unique qualities. Here are some potential follow-ups with suggested answers:
-
Q: “Can you give another example of how this unique quality benefited your previous employer?”
A: “Certainly! Another instance where my adaptability proved valuable was…” -
Q: “How do you think this unique quality will help you in this specific role?”
A: “In this role, I believe my cross-functional experience will be particularly useful when…” -
Q: “How have you developed or strengthened this unique quality over time?”
A: “I’ve actively worked on enhancing this skill by…” -
Q: “How do you see this unique quality evolving in your career?”
A: “Moving forward, I plan to leverage this strength to…” -
Q: “How do you ensure this unique quality doesn’t become a weakness?”
A: “I’m always mindful to balance this trait by…”
Conclusion
Answering “What makes you unique?” is your opportunity to shine in an interview. By reflecting on your strengths, aligning them with the job requirements, and providing specific examples, you can craft a compelling response that sets you apart from other candidates. Remember to practice your answer and deliver it with confidence. With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this challenging question and leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
For more tips on acing your job interview, check out our guide on how to handle difficult questions in an interview. And if you’re looking to improve your overall English skills for professional settings, don’t miss our article on advanced grammar for teaching English.
