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Interview Question “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates? Great Example Answers

Interview Question “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates? Great Example Answers

July 15, 2022

It’s a question that all job seekers dread: “What sets you apart from other candidates?” Thinking of something unique and interesting on the spot can be difficult, but if you’ve anticipated this question in advance, you’ll have time to think of something unique. 

It might sound like a difficult question to answer, but ut’s actually a great opportunity to show the interviewer what makes you unique and why you’re the best fit for the job. Here are some tips for answering this question effectively.

Why is preparation key to a good interview?

If you get nervous in interviews, you’re not alone. Nerves are one of the top reasons for poor performance. And the best way to combat nerves is by being prepared. Preparing for an interview means that you are familiar with the job description, you’ve done your research on the company and you have thought about some of the most common questions you might be asked.

Preparing for common interview questions will enable you to speak confidently and ensure that you don’t leave out any vital information. paul

Why do interviewers ask this question?

When an interviewer asks you “What sets you apart from the other candidates,” they’re really giving you the opportunity to sell yourself. This is your chance to toot your own horn and let the interviewer know what makes you the best person for the job.

But, just like any other sales pitch, you need to be prepared. Before your interview, take some time to think about what sets you apart from other candidates. What are your unique skills, experiences, or qualifications? Once you have a good list of qualities, start practising how you’ll share them in an interview setting.

There are a few reasons why interviewers might ask this question. They could be trying to assess:

  • How do you compare to other candidates?
  • What makes you unique?
  • What qualities do you have that would make you a good fit for the job?
  • What is your motivation for applying?

Answering this question effectively can help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate why you’re the best person for the job.

What are they looking for in your answer?

When interviewers ask “What sets you apart from the other candidates,” they might be looking for qualities that make you a good fit for the job. For example, if they’re looking for a candidate with strong leadership skills, they might want to know how you’ve demonstrated leadership in your previous roles.

This question is also an opportunity for you to show off your unique skills and experiences. Are you bilingual? Do you have experience working in a similar role? Do you have any specialised training or certification? Whatever it is that makes you unique, make sure to highlight it in your answer.

How can you answer this question effectively?

Your answer to this question should be tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. Start by making a list of the qualities they are looking for and then match these to your own skills and experience.

You can formulate your answer in the following way:

  • What is your unique quality or qualities?
  • How does this apply to the role?
  • How have you demonstrated this quality in the past?

Example answers to the question “What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates”

Now that you know how to formulate your answer, let’s explore some potential responses.

Example answer 1

“The thing that sets me apart from the competition is my experience in customer service. I’ve been working in customer service for six years, and I have a lot of experience dealing with difficult customers. I know how to stay calm under pressure, and I always work to find a solution that satisfies the customer. In my previous role, I was recognized by my employer for being able to diffuse difficult situations.”

Example answer 2

“I think the thing that makes me stand out from the competition is that I’m bilingual. I speak fluent Spanish, and I also have some experience translating documents from Spanish to English. This will come in handy if you ever need help communicating with Spanish-speaking clients or employees. I decided I wanted to become bilingual after studying Spanish at university. I moved to Mexico for 2 years to help practice speaking Spanish every day. I believe this level of self-motivation also sets me apart from my peers.”

Example answer 3

“I set myself apart from the competition by being a creative problem solver. When I’m confronted with a difficult task, I always try to think outside the box to find a unique solution. I’m also not afraid to take risks. I know that sometimes you have to take risks in order to achieve great things. For example, in my previous role I increased sales by 20% after implementing a new marketing strategy that was considered pretty risky at the time.”

Example answer 4

“I believe what sets me apart most from other candidates is my attention to detail. Whenever I work on a project, no matter how big or small, I make sure to pay close attention to every single detail. This level of care and precision has led to some pretty positive results. In 2019, I was selected for an industry award based on my portfolio. Although I didn’t win, I was incredibly pleased to be selected for the shortlist.”

Example answer 5

“The thing that sets me apart from everyone else is my passion for fashion. I’ve been following fashion trends since I was a teenager, and I love to experiment with new styles. I’m always up-to-date on the latest fashion trends, and I know how to put together outfits that make people look their best. I think this passion would be a valuable asset in a role like this.”

Example answer 6

“I set myself apart from the competition by being an expert in social media marketing. I’ve been working in social media marketing for five years, and I know all the ins and outs of the industry. I stay up-to-date on the latest changes and developments in social media, and I’m always coming up with new and innovative campaigns. I grew my own lifestyle Instagram and TikTok accounts from zero followers to over half a million combined followers in just two years.”

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