Top 30 Most Common What Makes Me Unique Interview Questions You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Landing a job interview is a great achievement, but the real test is how well you navigate the conversation. Among the most challenging yet crucial questions are those that ask you to articulate your unique value proposition, often framed as "what makes you unique interview question" or similar variations. These questions aren't just about your skills; they probe your self-awareness, confidence, and ability to articulate how you stand out from other qualified candidates. Preparing thoughtful, specific answers to demonstrate your unique strengths and experiences is vital for making a lasting impression. This guide covers 30 common interview questions designed to uncover what makes you unique and provides strategies and examples to help you craft winning responses that highlight your value to the potential employer. Mastering these questions will significantly boost your confidence and performance in your next interview.
What Are What Makes Me Unique Interview Questions?
"What makes me unique interview question" is a category of interview questions designed to understand what differentiates you from the pool of other candidates. These questions move beyond basic qualifications and delve into your personal attributes, experiences, skills, and perspectives that are distinctive. They aim to uncover your core strengths, values, work style, and how you perceive your own value. Examples include direct questions like "What sets you apart?" or behavioral questions that implicitly require you to showcase unique qualities through stories, such as questions about handling challenges, teamwork, or initiative. Preparing for these questions involves deep self-reflection on your professional journey, achievements, and personal qualities that contribute to your success and would benefit the potential employer.
Why Do Interviewers Ask What Makes Me Unique Questions?
Interviewers ask "what makes me unique interview question" and related queries for several key reasons. Firstly, they want to see if you understand your own strengths and can articulate them effectively. Self-awareness is a critical professional trait. Secondly, they need to assess how well your unique qualities align with the specific needs and culture of their team and company. Every role requires a particular mix of skills and personality. By asking these questions, interviewers gain insight into your potential fit and how you might contribute in ways others cannot. Finally, these questions help identify candidates who are not only qualified on paper but also possess the intangible qualities – like resilience, unique problem-solving approaches, or exceptional collaboration skills – that truly set them apart and indicate potential for high performance and growth within the organization.
Preview List
What makes you unique?
What are your greatest strengths?
Describe yourself in three words.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
Tell me about a time you showed initiative.
What is your biggest achievement?
How do you handle working under pressure?
What motivates you?
Why should we hire you?
What is your greatest weakness?
How do you prioritize your work?
Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
What role do you usually play on a team?
How do you handle conflict at work?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What do you know about our company?
Why do you want to work here?
How do you advance your career?
What would your previous coworkers say about you?
How do you learn new skills?
Describe a time you worked well under pressure.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
What is your work style?
How do you handle feedback?
What makes you a good fit for this role?
What unique skills do you bring?
Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.
How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks?
What question do you wish we asked?
1. What makes you unique?
Why you might get asked this:
This is a direct way to ask what sets you apart and how your specific blend of skills, experiences, and personality would benefit the role and team.
How to answer:
Highlight a specific combination of skills or a perspective that is distinctive and relevant to the job, backing it up with a brief example.
Example answer:
I have a unique combination of strong technical skills in data analysis and robust emotional intelligence. This allows me to not only tackle complex data problems efficiently but also communicate insights clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse, non-technical teams, ensuring everyone understands the impact.
2. What are your greatest strengths?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to hear what you believe you excel at and how these strengths relate to the requirements of the job.
How to answer:
Identify 2-3 key strengths that are relevant to the role and provide a specific example or brief story for each to illustrate them.
Example answer:
My greatest strengths are my adaptability and problem-solving skills. In my last role, I quickly mastered a new software platform crucial for projects, improving our workflow. When facing unexpected technical issues, I developed creative workarounds that kept us on track.
3. Describe yourself in three words.
Why you might get asked this:
This tests your ability to be concise and self-aware, forcing you to identify your most defining professional characteristics.
How to answer:
Choose three positive adjectives that accurately reflect your work style and personality, ideally aligning with the company culture or job needs.
Example answer:
Resilient, detail-oriented, and proactive. I tackle challenges head-on, ensure accuracy in my work, and constantly look for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
4. What sets you apart from other candidates?
Why you might get asked this:
Similar to the "what makes you unique interview question," this directly asks you to articulate your competitive advantage in the job market.
How to answer:
Focus on a specific skill, experience, or quality that you genuinely believe is less common or particularly strong in your profile compared to others applying.
Example answer:
What sets me apart is my ability to blend analytical rigor with creative strategic thinking. I can dive deep into data to find insights while also seeing the bigger picture to develop innovative strategies that others might overlook.
5. Tell me about a time you showed initiative.
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question assesses your proactivity and willingness to go above and beyond your basic duties.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific situation where you took initiative without being asked and achieved a positive outcome.
Example answer:
In my previous role, I noticed a recurring inefficiency in our data entry process that caused delays. I researched alternative methods in my spare time, proposed a solution to my manager, and then led the implementation of the new system, reducing processing time significantly.
6. What is your biggest achievement?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to hear about a significant accomplishment that demonstrates your capabilities and impact in a past role.
How to answer:
Choose an achievement that is relevant to the job, quantify the results if possible, and explain your specific contribution to the success.
Example answer:
My biggest achievement was leading a cross-functional project team to launch a new product feature. We completed it two weeks ahead of the initial schedule, and it resulted in a measurable increase in user engagement and customer satisfaction.
7. How do you handle working under pressure?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your ability to remain calm, focused, and effective when faced with tight deadlines or challenging circumstances.
How to answer:
Describe your process for managing pressure, emphasizing organization, prioritization, and maintaining quality while meeting demands.
Example answer:
When under pressure, I focus on prioritizing tasks ruthlessly based on urgency and impact. I break down large problems, stay organized, and maintain clear communication with my team to ensure everyone is aligned and objectives are met efficiently.
8. What motivates you?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to understand what drives your work ethic and enthusiasm, assessing if your motivations align with the role and company.
How to answer:
Be genuine and link your motivation to aspects of the job or industry, such as solving complex problems, continuous learning, making an impact, or teamwork.
Example answer:
I'm deeply motivated by the opportunity to solve challenging problems and continuously learn new skills. I find satisfaction in seeing the tangible results of my work and how it contributes to achieving larger team and company goals.
9. Why should we hire you?
Why you might get asked this:
This is your opportunity for a concise summary of why you are the best fit, directly linking your qualifications to the job requirements and company needs.
How to answer:
Combine your relevant skills, experience, and unique qualities, explicitly stating how they match what the company is looking for and how you will add value.
Example answer:
You should hire me because I possess the specific blend of technical skills and project management experience you require. My proven ability to deliver results, coupled with my unique perspective on process improvement, means I can quickly contribute meaningfully to your team's objectives.
10. What is your greatest weakness?
Why you might get asked this:
This tests your self-awareness and honesty, and your ability to identify areas for growth and take steps to improve.
How to answer:
Choose a genuine but non-critical weakness, ideally one that is also a strength in some contexts, and explain concrete steps you are taking to mitigate or improve it.
Example answer:
Sometimes I can get too focused on the details of a project, which can occasionally impact my pace. To counteract this, I've started using time-blocking techniques and checking in regularly with colleagues to ensure I maintain focus on the bigger picture and deadlines.
11. How do you prioritize your work?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a dynamic environment.
How to answer:
Describe your method for organizing and ranking tasks, mentioning tools or frameworks you use and how you adapt to changing priorities.
Example answer:
I prioritize my work based on urgency and impact, using a task management system. I assess what's critical for immediate deadlines, what contributes most to project goals, and I'm flexible in adjusting priorities as new tasks or information arises.
12. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to see that you are accountable, can learn from errors, and demonstrate resilience and problem-solving skills.
How to answer:
Choose a real mistake (not a trivial one), explain what happened, take responsibility, and focus primarily on what you learned and how you applied that learning going forward.
Example answer:
Early in my career, I underestimated the time needed for a complex task and missed a deadline. I immediately informed my manager, took full responsibility, and analyzed my planning process. Since then, I've improved my estimation skills and built buffer time into my schedules.
13. What role do you usually play on a team?
Why you might get asked this:
This helps interviewers understand your collaboration style and how you typically contribute to group dynamics and collective goals.
How to answer:
Describe a positive role you naturally gravitate towards, such as a facilitator, problem-solver, connector, or driver, and give a brief example.
Example answer:
I often find myself playing the role of the 'connector' or 'facilitator' on a team. I'm good at bridging communication gaps between different members or departments and keeping everyone aligned towards our shared objectives.
14. How do you handle conflict at work?
Why you might get asked this:
Conflict resolution skills are important. Interviewers want to know how you approach disagreements constructively and professionally.
How to answer:
Emphasize your commitment to open communication, listening, seeking to understand different perspectives, and finding mutually agreeable solutions focused on work objectives.
Example answer:
I approach conflict by first seeking to understand the other person's perspective through active listening. I focus on addressing the issue, not the person, and work collaboratively to find a resolution that supports our team's goals and maintains positive working relationships.
15. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your ambition, career goals, and whether your long-term aspirations align with opportunities within the company.
How to answer:
Describe realistic career goals that show growth and development, ideally within the field or industry, and connect them to potential paths within the company.
Example answer:
In five years, I aim to be in a role where I can take on more strategic responsibilities, possibly leading projects or mentoring junior colleagues. I want to continue developing my expertise and making a significant contribution to a forward-thinking company like yours.
16. What do you know about our company?
Why you might get asked this:
This tests how much research you've done, demonstrating your interest and understanding of the company's mission, products, or culture.
How to answer:
Mention specific details about the company's work, values, recent news, or projects that genuinely interest you and relate to why you want to work there.
Example answer:
I've been following your company's work in sustainable technology and was particularly impressed by your recent project in [mention specific project]. I admire your commitment to innovation and corporate responsibility, which aligns with my own values.
17. Why do you want to work here?
Why you might get asked this:
This question directly assesses your motivation for applying to this specific company and role, ensuring your goals align with their opportunities.
How to answer:
Connect your skills, interests, and career goals to the company's mission, culture, and the specific role's responsibilities, showing genuine enthusiasm.
Example answer:
I'm drawn to your company because of its reputation for fostering a collaborative culture and its leadership in developing [mention specific area]. The opportunity to apply my [mention skills] to contribute to your exciting projects is particularly appealing to me.
18. How do you advance your career?
Why you might get asked this:
This explores your approach to professional growth and continuous learning, showing your ambition and self-improvement drive.
How to answer:
Discuss specific strategies you use, such as seeking feedback, continuous learning through courses or reading, taking on challenging projects, and networking.
Example answer:
I advance my career by actively seeking challenging projects that push my boundaries, continuously learning through industry resources and professional development, and consistently seeking feedback to identify areas for improvement and growth.
19. What would your previous coworkers say about you?
Why you might get asked this:
This question provides insight into how others perceive your work ethic, collaboration skills, and personality in a professional setting.
How to answer:
Think about positive traits you demonstrated and would likely be highlighted, such as being reliable, collaborative, helpful, or skilled, and give a brief example.
Example answer:
I believe my previous coworkers would describe me as reliable, collaborative, and always willing to lend a hand. They would likely mention my commitment to meeting deadlines and my positive attitude even during challenging projects.
20. How do you learn new skills?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your adaptability and willingness to acquire new knowledge and competencies, which is crucial in a constantly evolving work environment.
How to answer:
Describe your learning process, which might include a mix of formal training, hands-on practice, seeking mentorship, and self-teaching.
Example answer:
I learn new skills through a combination of approaches. I typically start with structured resources like online courses or documentation, followed by immediate hands-on practice. I also find learning from experienced colleagues or mentors incredibly valuable.
21. Describe a time you worked well under pressure.
Why you might get asked this:
Another behavioral question to assess your performance and decision-making abilities in high-stress situations.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method to detail a specific situation where you successfully managed pressure, focusing on your actions and the positive outcome.
Example answer:
During a critical system outage at my previous company, I had to coordinate efforts across multiple departments under significant time pressure. By remaining calm, clearly communicating priorities, and empowering the team, we resolved the issue within a few hours, minimizing downtime.
22. What motivates you to do your best work?
Why you might get asked this:
Similar to "What motivates you?", this probes deeper into the factors that drive your commitment to high-quality performance.
How to answer:
Focus on internal motivators related to achieving excellence, contributing meaningfully, solving problems, or continuous improvement.
Example answer:
I'm motivated to do my best work by the desire to deliver high-quality results that make a real difference. Knowing that my efforts contribute to a project's success or help solve a user's problem is incredibly fulfilling and drives me to excel.
23. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question assesses your ability to guide or influence others towards a common goal, even if you haven't held a formal leadership title.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you took initiative, mentored others, guided a team, or influenced a decision effectively.
Example answer:
When my team was struggling with a new, complex process, I took the initiative to research best practices, developed a simplified training guide, and then led a workshop to walk everyone through it. This improved the team's efficiency by 25%.
24. What is your work style?
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to understand how you approach your daily tasks, organize yourself, and collaborate with others.
How to answer:
Describe your typical approach, highlighting traits like being organized, collaborative, analytical, proactive, or data-driven, and provide brief context.
Example answer:
My work style is highly collaborative and organized. I prefer open communication and working closely with colleagues, while also maintaining meticulous organization of my tasks and using data to inform my decisions and track progress.
25. How do you handle feedback?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your openness to constructive criticism, willingness to learn, and ability to use feedback for personal and professional growth.
How to answer:
State that you view feedback as valuable for growth, describe how you actively listen and seek clarification, and mention how you use it to improve your performance.
Example answer:
I see feedback as an essential tool for growth. I actively listen to understand it fully, ask clarifying questions, and reflect on how I can apply it to improve my skills and performance in future tasks and projects.
26. What makes you a good fit for this role?
Why you might get asked this:
A direct question requiring you to connect your skills, experience, and personality traits to the specific requirements and context of the job.
How to answer:
Summarize the key qualifications listed in the job description and match them with your strongest relevant skills and experiences, emphasizing cultural fit if possible.
Example answer:
Based on the job description, my experience in [mention key experience] and my skills in [mention 2-3 key skills] align perfectly with the requirements. Additionally, I'm drawn to your company culture of [mention cultural aspect], where I believe I would thrive and contribute positively.
27. What unique skills do you bring?
Why you might get asked this:
Similar to "what makes you unique interview question," this focuses specifically on the distinctive skills you possess beyond the basic requirements.
How to answer:
Identify a specialized technical skill, a unique combination of skills (e.g., analytical and creative), or a rare soft skill that is valuable for the role.
Example answer:
Beyond the core technical skills, I bring a unique blend of deep analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. I can dissect complex issues using data but also think outside the box to develop truly innovative solutions.
28. Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question evaluates your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and ability to navigate difficulties effectively.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method to describe a specific challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the positive outcome or lesson learned.
Example answer:
I once managed a project that hit unforeseen technical hurdles, putting us behind schedule. I reorganized tasks based on dependencies, introduced new collaboration tools to streamline communication, and rallied the team, ultimately overcoming the challenge and delivering the project successfully.
29. How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your ability to maintain focus and productivity even when the work isn't always exciting, showing commitment and discipline.
How to answer:
Describe strategies you use to stay engaged, such as focusing on the bigger picture, setting small goals, or using techniques to make the task more efficient or enjoyable.
Example answer:
For repetitive tasks, I stay motivated by focusing on how the task contributes to the larger project or goal. I also break them down into smaller, manageable chunks and sometimes challenge myself to complete them more efficiently, treating it like a personal game.
30. What question do you wish we asked?
Why you might get asked this:
This is an opportunity to highlight something important about yourself that hasn't come up, control the narrative, and show strategic thinking about the role.
How to answer:
Identify a key strength, experience, or passion that is highly relevant to the job but hasn't been discussed, frame it as a question, and provide a brief answer.
Example answer:
I wish you had asked about my experience leading cross-functional initiatives. I believe my ability to bridge communication and align diverse teams, which wasn't fully covered, is one of my strongest assets for a collaborative role like this.
Other Tips to Prepare for a What Makes Me Unique Interview Question
Preparing effectively for "what makes me unique interview question" and related queries goes beyond memorizing answers. Self-reflection is key; take time to genuinely identify your core strengths, unique experiences, and how they align with the specific job. "Know thyself, and thou shalt conquer," as the ancient wisdom goes. Practice articulating your points clearly and concisely, ideally using the STAR method for behavioral questions to provide concrete examples. Tailor your responses to the specific company and role, demonstrating that you've done your research. Consider using tools designed for interview practice. The Verve AI Interview Copilot at https://vervecopilot.com offers AI-powered mock interviews and personalized feedback, helping you refine your delivery and content for any "what makes me unique interview question." Using a tool like Verve AI Interview Copilot can help you practice articulating what makes you unique smoothly and confidently, making a strong case for why you are the ideal candidate. Don't just list skills; tell stories that illustrate your unique value. Prepare to discuss how your unique qualities translate into tangible benefits for the employer. Practice with Verve AI Interview Copilot to get comfortable discussing your strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should my answer to "What makes you unique?" be? A1: Keep it concise, ideally 1-2 minutes, focusing on one key differentiator with a brief example.
Q2: Should I mention personal hobbies in my unique answer? A2: Only if they genuinely demonstrate a relevant skill or quality directly applicable to the job or company culture.
Q3: Is it okay to mention a "weakness" that is also a strength? A3: Yes, but ensure you frame it as a genuine area for growth and explain your management strategy.
Q4: How can I tailor my answers for different jobs? A4: Research the job description and company values, then highlight the unique qualities and experiences most relevant to that specific role.
Q5: How do I avoid sounding arrogant when discussing strengths? A5: Focus on providing specific examples and results, using "we" when discussing team achievements, and maintain a confident, not boastful, tone.
Q6: What if I don't feel unique? A6: Everyone has a unique combination of experiences, skills, and perspectives. Reflect on your specific journey, projects, and how you approach challenges differently.
