What Makes You Unique?

When you’re interviewing for a job, one question you’ll probably hear is, “What makes you unique?” It’s a way for employers to get to know you better and see what sets you apart from other candidates. They want to understand who you are as a person and how you’ll fit into their team.

Interviewers ask this question because they want to see what special qualities you bring to the table. It’s not just about having the right skills; it’s about how your unique mix of experiences, talents, and personality can make a positive impact in the workplace. This question helps them figure out if you’ll add something valuable and different to their team.

Answering this question gives you a chance to show that you’ve thought about your strengths and what makes you stand out. It’s your moment to shine and share why you’re the best fit for the job, both as a professional and as an individual.

What interviewers are looking for when they ask about your uniqueness

When interviewers ask what makes you unique, they want something real and thoughtful. Here’s what they’re paying attention to:

• Genuine responses: Interviewers can easily spot answers that sound rehearsed or too generic. They want to hear something that feels authentic and reflects who you really are. It’s okay to take a moment to think before you answer—what they care about is getting to know the real you, not a perfect, scripted reply.
• Relevance to the job: While it’s great if you have cool hobbies or interests, interviewers are mainly interested in how your unique qualities will help you do the job well. Think about how your skills, experiences, or personality traits will bring something valuable to their team. Maybe your background gives you a fresh perspective, or you have a specific talent that makes you stand out in the role. That’s what they want to hear.
• Consistency: Your answer should line up with what you’ve said in your resume and throughout the interview. If you say one thing during this question but have shared something different earlier, that could send mixed signals. Being consistent shows that you’re honest and self-aware, which are qualities employers appreciate.

How to answer “What makes you unique?”

When you’re coming up with your answer, keep these tips in mind to make sure your response hits the mark:

Reflect on your experiences

Think about the different things you’ve done in your life—school, jobs, internships, or even personal projects. For example, maybe you’ve lived in different countries, which gave you a unique way of understanding people and solving problems. Or, maybe you’ve worked on projects that are similar to the ones this company needs help with, so you already know how to handle those challenges.

Even if it feels like a small moment, like overcoming a tough situation or finding a creative solution to a problem, these experiences show resilience, adaptability, and creativity. Use them to explain what makes you stand out.

Align your response with the job description

Before the interview, do some homework on the company and the specific job you’re applying for. Check out the skills and qualities they value. For instance, if they’re looking for someone who’s creative, and you love finding new ways to solve problems, talk about that. Or if teamwork is important to them, mention a time when you thrived in a group setting and contributed to a project’s success.

You can even weave in how your values match with the company’s mission. For example, if their focus is on sustainability and you’re passionate about environmental causes, bring that up. Showing that you’re a good fit for both the job and the company makes you a more appealing candidate.

Be concise but comprehensive

It’s important to give a clear and full answer, but you also want to avoid going off-topic or giving too much unnecessary information. Stick to two or three key points that highlight your uniqueness. For example, if you want to talk about your problem-solving skills, briefly explain a specific situation where you used those skills, what actions you took, and the results.

Structure your response so it’s easy for the interviewer to follow, like telling a mini-story. And remember, you don’t have to be the most unique person in the world—you just need to show that you’re the right kind of unique for this job. Answering this question in a well-organized way also shows that you can communicate clearly, which is a skill that employers value.

How not to answer

Answering “What makes you unique?” in a way that really stands out means knowing what not to say, too. It’s easy to slip into generic or irrelevant answers that don’t do much to set you apart. Here are some common traps to avoid:

Avoid generic phrases

Saying things like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a fast learner” might seem like good answers, but they don’t really tell the interviewer anything special about you. Lots of people say these things, and without any context or examples, they don’t help you stand out. Instead of just saying you work hard, talk about a specific time when your work ethic made a difference. For example, maybe you worked extra hours to finish a big project on time, or you took the lead on something important at school. Details like that will make your answer more memorable.

Don’t be arrogant

It’s great to be confident about what makes you unique, but be careful not to come across as arrogant. You don’t want to give the impression that you think you’re the only person who has a certain skill or quality. For example, instead of saying, “I’m the best at solving problems,” you could say, “I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, and I think my ability to stay calm and creative under pressure really helps me find solutions.” That way, you’re highlighting your strengths without making it sound like you think no one else can do the same.

Stay relevant

While it’s cool that you juggle or play a rare instrument, it’s important to make sure your answer ties back to the job. If your unique skill doesn’t really relate to what the company needs, it might just seem random. Focus on experiences or qualities that are directly connected to the role. For instance, if you’re applying for a customer service position, talk about your patience and communication skills rather than your ability to juggle.

Avoid negative comparisons

It can be tempting to compare yourself to others when talking about what makes you unique, but that can come across as unprofessional. Instead of saying, “I’m better than other candidates because…” focus on your strengths and what you bring to the table. Highlight what you’re good at without putting others down. For example, you could say, “I think my experience in leading group projects gives me an edge when it comes to teamwork and communication.”

Don’t be overly modest

While it’s important to avoid arrogance, being too modest can make you seem like you’re underselling yourself. It’s okay to talk about your accomplishments and what makes you proud. If you’ve worked hard to develop a unique skill or overcome a challenge, share that! Just remember to stay humble while recognizing your strengths. For example, you could say, “I’m proud of the way I’ve developed my time management skills while juggling school, a part-time job, and volunteering.”

Sample answers to “What makes you unique?”

Why it works:
This answer is great because it ties directly into the job by showing how the candidate used their unique blend of skills to produce real results. It also demonstrates an understanding of both creativity and analytics, which many companies look for. The candidate highlights relevant experience, even if it was from an internship, and connects it to the company’s goals of growing online engagement.

Why it works:
This answer shows the candidate’s organizational and leadership skills, which are valuable in many roles. The example gives a clear, relatable scenario (a student organization) and focuses on how the candidate solved problems and brought structure to a group. This not only demonstrates teamwork but also the ability to take initiative, both of which are key in the workplace.

Why it works:
This answer is perfect for someone just starting out because it shows a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving. The candidate highlights their ability to pick up new skills, which is highly valued, especially for entry-level roles. By mentioning both technical and business knowledge, they show how their varied interests could benefit the company. It also conveys that they are adaptable and willing to go beyond what’s required to succeed.

This is an opportunity to showcase how your qualities and experiences make you the best fit for the role. With preparation and genuine reflection, you can provide an answer that impresses the interviewer and rings true to who you are.