How to Nail the Tricky Interview Question: “What Makes You Different From Everyone Else?”
As a job seeker, you've likely encountered some challenging interview questions. One that often throws candidates for a loop is: "What makes you different from everyone else?" Today, I'm going to break down how to tackle this question like a pro, using expert advice from our CEO and head career coach J.T. O'Donnell.
Understanding the Question Behind the Question
First things first: this isn't just a question about your unique qualities. It's an emotional intelligence test. Interviewers are gauging how you balance confidence and humility. They want to see if you can highlight your strengths without coming across as arrogant or overly self-deprecating.
The Art of Confident Humility
The key here is to strike a balance. You want to showcase your abilities while acknowledging the strengths of others. Here's a framework to help you craft the perfect response:
Start with a humble acknowledgment
Pivot to your unique value add (UVA)
Align your skills with the job requirements
Let's break this down into a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Acknowledge the Competition
Begin your answer with something like: "I'm sure you've interviewed many qualified candidates, each bringing their own strengths to the table."
This shows you're not dismissive of others and sets a tone of respect and humility.
Step 2: Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Next, pivot to how you specifically can address the company's needs. Try something like: "When I consider the core responsibilities of this role and the challenges it aims to address, there are three key skills I bring that I believe will be particularly valuable."
Step 3: Align Your Skills with Job Requirements
This is where your pre-interview research pays off. Identify three of your skills that directly correspond to the job's main objectives. For each skill, briefly explain how it will help you excel in the role and solve the company's problems.
For example: "Firstly, my experience in [relevant skill] will allow me to [specific way it solves a problem]. Secondly, my strong background in [another relevant skill] means I can [another specific benefit]. Lastly, my proven track record in [third relevant skill] will enable me to [third specific advantage]."
The Psychology Behind the Question
Understanding why interviewers ask certain questions is crucial to formulating strong responses. This particular question is what we call a behavioral question. It's designed to reveal aspects of your personality, work ethic, and problem-solving abilities.
In fact, there are 18 common behavioral questions that recruiters and HR professionals frequently use to gain deeper insights into candidates. Knowing these questions, why they're asked, and how to answer them effectively can give you a significant edge in your job search.
Prepare to Stand Out
Remember, thorough interview prep is not just helpful—it's essential. When you understand the psychology behind interview questions, you can craft responses that truly showcase your value as a candidate.
By following this approach, you'll demonstrate emotional intelligence, show respect for other candidates, and, most importantly, clearly articulate how your unique skills align with the company's needs. This is how you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.
Ready to Ace Your Next Interview?
If you found this advice helpful, I've got great news! We've created a free guide covering the 18 Most Common Interview Questions. It's an invaluable resource to help you prepare for your upcoming interviews. Download it now and take your interview skills to the next level!
Click HERE to get instant free access!
Remember, with the right preparation, you can approach any interview with confidence. Good luck out there, and don't forget to let your unique qualities shine!
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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