How to Answer "What Sets You Apart from Other Candidates?" (2024)

We’ve all heard the common interview question “What sets you apart from other candidates?” at one point or another. How you answer will allow hiring managers to assess which candidate has the best skill set and attitude to succeed at their particular organization and on their specific team.

When talking about what is your edge among other applicants, you must do everything in your power to differentiate yourself in a way that makes you memorable for the right reasons. In this article, we will go over how to answer this question, provide some example answers, and why interviewers ask about what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Key Takeaways:

• Research the job description and make a list of your qualifications that match that description.

• Interviewers will ask about what makes you different from others to learn about the qualifications that you value the most and to identify why you think you are the best candidate.

• Have examples of your work and discuss any projects that you were successful with.

How to answer “What sets you apart from other candidates?”

When answering questions about what makes you different from other candidates, you should first research the job description and make a list of your own qualifications that relate back to the job. Below is a more detailed list of how to answer questions about what makes you stand out from other applicants:

1. Research the job requirements. Read the job description carefully to identify the job requirements and responsibilities. It can also help to use an AI resume builder to make sure you’re focusing on the right achievements from your past work experiences.

   Having a firm grasp of the minimum experience level will help shape your answer to include skills, qualifications, and personality traits that go above and beyond what’s necessary for the job or otherwise complement the job’s requirements.

2. Make a list of your own qualifications. Compare your skills and qualifications to the requirements you find in the job description. Pick a few of your strengths that relate to the job requirements, and use them as the core for your answer about what makes you stand out among other candidates.

   These can be professional skills, areas of expertise, personal qualities, or any relevant experience. Also, consider any impressive accomplishments from your past or career goals that speak to your commitment to the field.

3. Think of ways to outdo the other candidates. When gathering your information and listing your credentials, try to predict what other people might say. Think about what strengths other people see as valuable, and think of examples you can give that show how you can outdo everyone else in these areas.

   As a reminder, don’t mention the other candidates. Instead, think of them abstractly as people possessing the same basic skill set and background as the job posting calls for, but without that X factor that makes you stand out.

4. Consider what makes you unique. Think about what makes you uniquely perfect for the job. Try to pick out one or two qualities or experiences you have that are different from what other people might bring to the table, or things that are generally more difficult to find in potential employees.

5. Stay on topic. When getting ready to talk about what sets you apart from everyone else, remember to keep your answer relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.

   Think about what strengths are needed for the job and let them know how your skills and experience make you the best fit over all those other scrubs.

“What sets you apart from other candidates” sample answers

Remember to think about which of your experiences and qualifications make you a better fit than the competition. For example, maybe you have a certification that makes you more knowledgeable about various technologies than the average person.

Below are what sets you apart from other candidates sample answers to help you prepare your own answers. Remember to tailor your responses to fit your specific needs.

1. Relevant skills and experience example answer

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   “I’ve had two years of experience working on similar projects, so I know what problems are going to arise and can prevent them from happening — saving the team time and energy to work on higher-value tasks.

   Additionally, I’ve shown the ability to take control of a project and make sure the team delivers tasks on time and within budget. In fact, I created such detailed project plans in my time at XYZ Inc. that my boss asked me to create a department-wide template for all future project proposals, action plans, and other project-related documents. That ended up boosting the productivity of teams outside of my own, and it felt good to contribute to the company more broadly.”

   Why it’s a good answer: There’s nothing fancy about this answer, but it’s effective nonetheless. This interviewee has walked the walk and clearly defines what she has to offer the team.

2. Unique certification example answer

   “While there are plenty of other potential candidates who may share a similar academic background in renewable energy, I have multiple certifications from NABCEP and OSHA.

   These certifications indicate that I understand the risks and safety precautions needed while on a job site, and I have a certified understanding of renewable energy practices that are used across North America.”

   Why it’s a good answer: In their answer, this person has shown that while they have a similar academic history as many of the applicants, they’ve also shown that they are uniquely valuable because they have certifications that put them ahead of other potential employees. This is the kind of thing that tips the scales for interviewers.

3. Special skill example answer

   “After working in HR for a few years, I discovered that my real talent lay in operations management. It started by streamlining the recruitment and onboarding process, which had the effect of reducing onboarding time by 22% while increasing new employee retention and satisfaction by 14%. Policy, planning, and strategy are areas where I excel which makes sort of unique among most mid-level HR personnel.

   With my blend of talents for talent acquisition and long-term, big-picture thinking, I would bring a novel approach to the role that would leverage my skill set in a way that aligns perfectly with ABC Inc.’s broader goals.”

   Why it’s a good answer: Notice that this interviewee briefly touches on the probable aspects of similar candidates without spending too much time on the matter. This is a subtle way of hinting at the fact that the interviewee is not only more qualified but more ambitious and forward-thinking.

4. Impressive experience example answer

   “Well, I started my own business out of college and I think taking on that entrepreneurial task gives me a unique perspective. Having to handle the business side of things while also working on developing a great product wasn’t easy, but that challenge helped me grow as a professional.

   I think a lot of people applying for tech positions like this don’t have as good a sense of why management does what it does. My experience would help me act as a liaison between these two equally important branches of the company.”

   Why it’s a good answer: This answer brings in a relevant, impressive experience that shows this interviewee is genuinely one of a kind.

   I wouldn’t be surprised if the interviewer had further questions to ask about the interviewee’s business which could translate into a much more memorable conversation than your average job candidate.

Why do interviewers “What sets you apart from other candidates?”

Interviewers ask “What sets you apart from other candidates” to learn more about what qualifications you value most in yourself, hear about experiences that make you uniquely qualified for the position, and identify reasons why hiring you is better than hiring a similarly qualified candidate.

To be clear: this question is not about the other candidates — it’s about you. Your goal is to discuss what skills you’ll leverage to help the company achieve its goals in a way that makes it easy for the hiring manager to imagine you already working in the position.

In a way, this question is a blend between “Tell me about yourself” and “What is your greatest strength”, but it’s asking for a slightly different answer. The hiring manager wants to know what you can bring to the company that no one else can.

Tips to keep in mind when answering

You should use examples from your past when answering questions about what makes you unique. Below are more tips to keep in mind to help you be one step closer to a job offer:

1. Have work examples. Whenever you discuss a strength or skill, think about your work, volunteer, and/or academic history to come up with examples of how you’ve used these strengths.

   This isn’t exactly a behavioral interview question, but the best answers should still discuss past accomplishments.

   You’re trying to impress the recruiter or hiring manager, so come up with stories that show your qualifications in action.

2. Be able to describe the project. Think of a specific time when you used these traits to achieve something at work or on a project. Describe the project, what you did to address the situation, and the positive outcome that came from your work.

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   Desired Candidate Attributes

   For example, if you’re detail-oriented, think of a time when your attention to detail made your work stand out as superior to other similar projects.

3. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. You don’t want your answer to be too long and risk boring your interviewer to death.

   Just pick out one or two specific qualities from your list to emphasize how perfect you are for the position. Start by telling them what you think they’re looking for, and how you specifically can satisfy that need. Above all, remember that your story should show them why you should get the job over everyone else.

4. Focus on the employer. We know we already said this, but it bears repeating. You want to impress the interviewer with your amazing skill set…that they can use to further their goals. Never forget that last point, at any point in the interview process.

“What sets you apart from other candidates” interview question FAQ

1. What should I include in my answer to “what sets you apart from other candidates?”

   To answer what sets you apart from other candidates, make sure you include what makes you unique and provide examples from your background. Avoid giving a generic answer such as “I’m a hard worker” because managers will want you to be a hard worker. Include any key personality traits that will allow you to succeed in the future.

2. What are skills that can set you apart from other candidates?

   An important skill that can set you apart from other candidates is being intellectually curious and wanting to learn new things. Having a genuine interest in the job and wanting to learn more is something hiring managers want from their candidates. It shows that you will strive to find new ways to solve problems.

3. What should I say to get picked over other candidates?

   To stand out from other candidates, you want to list the skills and experience that you have that are listed in the job description. Hiring managers want to know that you are experienced and have the knowledge to get the job done. You can bring examples of your work to show that you are the most experienced for the position.

4. What are some examples of ways to stand out from other candidates?

   Having a unique skill set, relevant work experience, or a unique certificate can help you stand out from other candidates. When answering this question in an interview, be sure you are using examples from your past to help you back up your claims. The interviewer is looking to see what makes you special and unique for the position.

Final thoughts

Half of the interview preparation is being prepared for the most common interview questions. Remember that the “what sets you apart” question is all about what unique value you can add to the company.

Don’t be modest — this is the time to be confident about your strengths and really sell yourself to the interviewer. When you’re giving them your pitch, be positive and remember to reiterate your interest in the company and the job itself.

Expert opinion

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Employment Interviewing: Seizing the Opportunity and the Job