Answering the "What Makes You Unique" Question

Many job seekers wonder how to answer the question, “What makes you unique?” This common interview question often stumps anxious candidates who are unprepared. Understanding how to answer tricky interview questions like this one can help you stay calm and ace the interview.

Avoid a Traditional Response

Some hiring managers consider the way you answer this question to determine if you are a creative individual. When you answer an interview question concerning what makes you unique, avoid the urge to provide a traditional, boring response. Job seekers who use colorful and thoughtful language to describe themselves can make lasting impressions with employers.

Identify and Share Your Qualities

If you are unsure about what makes your personality unique, it's more difficult to answer the question. People who have a positive opinion of themselves find it easier to answer interview questions concerning their personalities, but those who have difficulty can ask a teacher, friend or colleague for help. Make a list of all the distinguishing qualities and skills you possess that make you a great candidate for the job, and memorize those chief traits to prepare for the interview.

Companies actively recruit both reserved and colorful characters, so don’t be afraid to share information and showcase your bright individuality to ace the interview. If there is a quirk in your personality that sets you apart, learn how to put a positive slant on it when describing yourself. However, don't share information about yourself that could lead to a conflict of interest with the company.

Show High Compatibility

Hiring managers especially seek job seekers whose personality is highly compatible with the position. Research the company and the position to gain an idea of what kind of candidate the hiring manager is seeking. Ask yourself what type of personality a company employee holding the position may have and what positive qualities are needed to help him thrive in that particular position. These shining qualities are likely some of the same traits employers want to hear in your response.

Provide Relevant Answers

It's important to avoid wandering in the wrong conversational direction when responding to this kind of interview question, or you may waste time talking about the wrong things. Avoid answering the question with extraneous personal facts or other irrelevant information, but instead share information about yourself that makes the interviewer want to hire you. Offering information about your background, career achievements and transferable skills has the power to convince the hiring manager that you are a valuable candidate.

Job seekers must not see interview questions as intrusive inquiries, but as opportunities to share more about themselves. No matter how you decide to answer an interview question about your unique personality, answer clearly with confidence. When you are prepared to answer all types of interview questions, you become more poised during the interview process.

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