Over the years of applying to jobs, one of the most challenging questions for me to answer has been, what makes me unique as a job applicant? Often times, in job ads, it can come up like this:
In 150 characters or fewer, tell us what makes you unique. Try to be creative and say something that will catch our eye!
Has anyone else gotten this question on online resumes?
Whether it’s an application question, or you are in a job interview, it can be one of the most challenging questions you may have to answer.
How do you answer that question?
Do your research on the company culture.
Take a look around on the company page you are applying to. Do they present themselves as a fun atmosphere? Or do they remain largely professional? If it’s more of a fun atmosphere, now may be your chance to show them how not only would you be a good fit for that atmosphere, you also have something new and unique to add. If it’s professional, take a closer at the company values. This will provide some insights into what they value. You may consider addressing actionable ways you have lived up to those values, professionally or personally.
Tell them your “why.”
What I mean by that is whatever your industry is, whether it’s finances, customer service, marketing, administrative, or retail, we all have a why. Why we are doing what we do. Now, in your heart, you may think, that your why is, you want a job. Dig deeper than that.
I recently learned about a prompt about finding your “why” through a website I love called “Hope Writers.” They geared this prompt for bloggers to find their own why, but I think it can help job applicants. (By the way, if you are a writer, definitely get their newsletter. It’s filled with amazing tidbits like this).
I [action word] to _____ (help who with what?)
to _______ (what does this result in; what do you hope your helping does)
by _____ (how you help).
For example, I blog TO help job seekers find a supportive community, gain resources, and get inspired BY sharing information and providing them a platform to share their stories.
Your unique thing can also be based upon why you do what you do. There must be a specific reason you were pulled to the specific job or industry. Focus on that when you answer this question.
Focus on your personal successes at work.
When you consider how to answer that question, focus on your successes at work. Consider asking yourself this:
Were you the only one to complete a specific job task successfully?
Did you spot and fulfill a specific need at work that no one else noticed?
Were you the first to do something or try something at work?
Focusing on your unique individual successes will say a lot about you to your employer. It can also provide insights into how you will add to their company and their department.
Give specific examples.
The best way to answer this question is give specific examples. Being vague like you were always a good worker can fall flat on the person reading your application.
Read the job ad and look for qualities that they desire in a candidate. You may also want to go back and read the company values. Maybe they want a candidate that is always on time. Maybe they want someone tech-savvy. Maybe they want someone that is patient. Depending on those values, provide a specific example to them about how you stand out. Maybe you always showed up on time every day, no matter what. Maybe you taught the newest employees about the company software and job tasks. Maybe you were always given the impatient customers because you were that good at calming them down.
The best way to answer this question is to read the job ad closely and look for at least one specific way you stand out in that quality they are seeking in a job candidate. Read closely into the company values or even things they are talking about on social media. This will give you insight into what they are looking for in a job candidate and how you fit in.
”Hire me because I actually took the time to fill in this stupid field that makes no sense in determining how well I can do the job for which I applied”
I’ve had to answer questions in that format more than a few times, myself. I’m pretty sure relying on my tweets for guidance will do me more harm than good too.
It’s such a waste of time, that question and every time I’ve applied to a job that uses that question, I never get it. Maybe I’m TOO unique?
URGH I hate this question. It is like “Do a song and dance to show how desperate you are!!!” Maybe if they took the time to get to know you in an interview, they would see what is unique about you.
Exactly! “Dance, monkey, dance!” I hate that, it’s soooo belittling. And you know what? I’m so unique, I can’t fit it into 150 characters or less.
I just used that line “I’m so unique, I can’t fit it into 150 characters or less!” for my reply…fingers crossed!
If that works, do let me know!!
I came across this question on an online application just now. I decided to look for a little help in what they might be looking for and I see everyone is as perplexed and irritated as I am. How do I creatively, eye-catchingly, expertly send a 150 character or less message about who I am and why I would fit the position??? Didn’t I just attach a cover letter and resume? Are they too lazy to make a phone call and get more information from me? Maybe I’ll just write, “I wake up every day with more awesome than I can handle and need to offload it onto you!” I’ll let you know how it goes…
And you know, I think I spend more time on this question than I do preparing the cover letter! It’s like they’re saying, “DANCE MONKEY DANCE!”
Or maybe I’ll just tempt them with, “I’ll bring doughnuts, cookies and cake.” Ha.
Hahahaha if this works you have to let me know.
I used….
“You should hire me because I am a true person and I’m willing to be corrected for my faults.”
I thought it was fitting because it is not really what the question asked for but I am willing to be corrected. Maybe I thought into it too much but I am not a fan of the question at all.
I like this – simple and says it all. Let me know what happens!
I just saw this question too! Urg. How those this approach sounds, “What makes me a unique person? I’m willing to accept when need to be corrected. How often does one need it depends on the person training them!” Leaving 6 characters left. Haha.
Oh please let me know if this works! 🙂 This is such an elusive question, I would love to know what works!
I just wrote that I wanted to do data visualization (since that’s what the job was for) and that I thought it was the coolest, second only to classic Star Trek. Maybe that’s the right balance of nerdy and professional? I have no idea.
I like it, if that helps! Let me know if that works 🙂
LOL! I just stumbled upon a question like this on a job app that I was filling out. It’s a tricky one that I’m sure prevents many from continuing. My take on it was to highlight something that I pursue constantly in my life (which is quality) and give it a more informal tone saying that this includes food too, and best if this is homegrown! Not sure if it will fit the bill, but it was an honest answer.
Thanks for posting this! It definitely makes me feel a bit relieved I’m not the only one that feels uneasy with these types of questions.
Let me know if this works for you! 🙂 It’s a tough question to answer to succinctly!
no ones ever gotten back to you? it looks like their answers to the question didn’t work?
I was thinking the same thing. Would love to hear what responses or reactions, if any, the applicants got from the potential employers!
What makes me UNIQUE? How about what makes me qualified for the job? Ugh.
My thoughts exactly! While I resent that the question tests the level of desperation and willingness to grovel, I find myself desperate and willing to grovel. So, here’s my attempt at an answer: “I am not from a cookie-cutter, nor am I unique; however, I may be uniquely qualified. Let’s meet and discuss.”
I love that! I think that’s a fantastic reply