You have the skills, the experience, and the drive—but so do many other candidates. So, how do you make a lasting impression in an interview? It all comes down to how you showcase what makes you different in a way that grabs the employer’s attention.
But answering this question isn’t just about listing your strengths. It’s about sharing what truly sets you apart and how your unique qualities make you the right fit for the job.
In this guide, you’ll learn why employers ask this question, how to answer with confidence, and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, we’ll provide sample answers to help you create your own strong response. Let’s get started!
Why Do Employers Ask, “What Makes You Unique?” (And What They Really Want to Hear)
Interviewers ask, “What makes you unique?” because they want to see what sets you apart from other candidates. They’re looking beyond your resume to understand how your skills, experiences, and personality make you a strong fit for the role. Your answer helps them see if you bring a fresh perspective, a special skill, or a way of thinking that adds value to their team.
They also want to know how well you can communicate your strengths and connect them to the job. A well-thought-out response shows confidence, self-awareness, and a clear understanding of what makes you the right choice. This is your chance to highlight what makes you different and leave a lasting impression.
How to Answer “What Makes You Unique” with Confidence
Answering this question well takes preparation. You don’t want to give a generic response or just repeat skills from the job description. Instead, you need to craft a clear and engaging answer that highlights what truly makes you stand out. Here’s how to do it:
1. Understand What Sets You Apart
Think about your skills, experiences, and personality traits that make you different. Do you have a unique skill or background that could benefit the role? Maybe you’ve worked in different industries, giving you a broad perspective. Or perhaps your customer service experience helps you connect with clients in a way that others don’t. The key is to identify what makes you different and valuable.
2. Highlight Your Unique Strengths
Once you know what makes you stand out, focus on strengths that align with the job. Pick something that showcases your problem-solving abilities, creativity, or leadership. For example, if the role requires strong communication skills, you might mention how your ability to break down complex ideas into simple terms makes you a valuable asset. Choose strengths that make a real impact in the workplace.
3. Provide Real-Life Examples
Employers love hearing specific examples. Instead of just saying, “I’m a great problem solver,” share a story about a time when you solved a tough challenge at work. Maybe you streamlined a process, improved teamwork, or helped resolve a customer issue. A strong example makes your answer more convincing and memorable.
4. Keep It Concise and Relevant
Your answer should be clear and to the point. Avoid rambling or giving too much background information. Focus on a unique quality that directly applies to the role. A strong, well-structured response will be easier for the interviewer to remember.
5. Show Confidence
How you say it matters just as much as what you say. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm. Believe in your strengths, and let your personality shine through. When you sound sure of yourself, the employer is more likely to believe in your abilities too.
How to Prepare Ahead of Time and Make a Strong Impression
Being well-prepared helps you deliver a clear and confident answer. Here’s how to get ready before your interview:
- Know what the employer wants – Take a close look at the job posting and identify the key skills and qualities they’re seeking. This helps you tailor your response.
- Recognize your standout strengths – Think about your past successes and unique abilities that make you different from other candidates.
- Practice until it feels natural – Rehearse your answer out loud, whether in front of a mirror or with a friend, so you can speak with ease and confidence.
- Be real and relatable – Employers appreciate honest and authentic responses that genuinely reflect who you are.
- Prepare for follow-up questions – Be ready to share examples or short stories that support your answer and show how your strengths apply to the role.
Best Example Answers (and Why They Work Well)
Here are a few strong sample answers to help you answer “what makes you unique” effectively:
Customer Service
“I believe my ability to stay calm and think quickly under pressure makes me unique. In my previous role, I handled high-stress customer complaints with patience and efficiency. This allowed me to resolve issues quickly while maintaining a positive experience for customers.”
Why It Works: This answer highlights problem-solving skills, customer service expertise, and a valuable personal trait—remaining calm under pressure.
Marketer
“I have a unique ability to blend creativity with data analysis. I don’t just create marketing campaigns—I study consumer behavior and track trends to ensure each campaign resonates with the target audience. This combination of creativity and analytics has helped me develop successful strategies that drive engagement.”
Why It Works: It demonstrates an ability to problem solve, leverage unique skills, and contribute directly to business success.
IT Professional
“What makes me unique is my ability to simplify complex technical concepts. Whether I’m working with a team or explaining software features to non-technical clients, I can break down information in a way that’s easy to understand. This has helped bridge communication gaps in previous roles.”
Why It Works: It showcases strong communication skills, which are essential in any industry.
Retail Salesperson
“I have a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. In my previous retail position, I consistently built rapport with customers, understanding their needs and guiding them to products that suited them best. This personalized approach not only increased sales but also fostered customer loyalty.”
Why It Works: This response highlights strong interpersonal skills and a customer-centric approach, both crucial in retail environments.
Fast Food and Counter Worker
“My unique strength lies in my efficiency and attention to detail. While working at a busy fast-food outlet, I mastered the art of quick service without compromising on order accuracy or food quality. This balance ensured customer satisfaction even during peak hours.”
Why It Works: Emphasizing efficiency and precision showcases the candidate’s ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced settings.
Home Health and Personal Care Aide
“I possess a deep sense of empathy and patience. In my previous role as a personal care aide, I formed meaningful connections with clients, understanding their individual needs and providing compassionate care. This approach improved their quality of life and built trust.”
Why It Works: Demonstrating empathy and patience is essential for roles involving personal care, highlighting the candidate’s suitability for the position.
General and Operations Manager
“I excel at strategic thinking combined with team empowerment. In my last position, I implemented a new operational strategy that streamlined processes, resulting in a 15% cost reduction. Simultaneously, I fostered an environment where team members felt valued and motivated, leading to increased productivity.”
Why It Works: This answer showcases leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to inspire teams—key attributes for a managerial role.
Cashier
“My unique trait is my unwavering positivity and problem-solving skills. As a cashier, I often encountered dissatisfied customers. By maintaining a cheerful demeanor and addressing their concerns promptly, I turned many negative experiences into positive ones, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.”
Why It Works: Highlighting a positive attitude and problem-solving abilities demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to excellent customer service.
Registered Nurse
“I have a unique ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. During critical situations in the hospital, I efficiently prioritized tasks and provided clear guidance to the team, ensuring patient safety and care quality were never compromised.”
Why It Works: Emphasizing composure and leadership in high-stress situations is vital for nursing roles, reflecting the candidate’s readiness for challenging scenarios.
Common Mistakes When Answering “What Makes You Unique”
Even well-prepared candidates can slip up when answering this question. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
1. Being Too Generic
Saying something like, “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a team player” won’t help you stand out because almost everyone claims these qualities. Instead, think about what makes you different. Maybe you have a unique approach to solving problems or a special skill that makes your work more effective. Be specific and choose an example that truly reflects your strengths.
2. Giving an Irrelevant Answer
Your answer should always connect to the job you’re applying for. If you’re interviewing for a data analyst position, talking about your passion for painting won’t help—unless you can relate it to analytical thinking or creativity in problem-solving. Make sure your response highlights skills or traits that add value to the role.
3. Over-Explaining
It’s easy to ramble when you’re trying to make a strong impression, but a long-winded answer can lose the interviewer’s interest. Keep it clear and to the point. Choose one or two qualities, provide a brief example, and wrap it up. A concise, well-structured response will make a stronger impact than an overly detailed one.
4. Lacking Confidence
Even the best answer won’t be effective if you sound uncertain. If you hesitate, downplay your abilities, or seem unsure, the employer may not believe in your strengths. The key is to practice your response until it feels natural. Speak with confidence, maintain good eye contact, and believe in the value you bring to the role.
Make Your Strengths Stand Out with a Professionally Written Resume
Your personal attributes, skills and experiences, and unique qualities should not only be highlighted in your interview but also in your resume. A well-crafted resume helps you make a great first impression before you even walk into an interview.
At Resume Professional Writers, we create customized resumes that highlight your strengths and help you stand out from other candidates. Let us help you showcase what makes you unique and land the job you deserve!
