One
of the common interview questions is: “What can you offer us that someone else
cannot?”. It is very common and since it is common, it is important that one
prepare for it in advance.
The
aim is to provide you with the best possible ways to answer the question.
There
are three main things an interviewer is trying to learn with this question.
They want to see how confident you are; they are testing your humility; and
they are gauging how much you prepared for the interview.
The
interviewer isn’t looking for a long-winded answer, because chances are many of
the candidates they’ve already interviewed have a skill set and background that
is comparable to yours. This question offers you a chance to highlight a unique
part of your background, one that sets you apart from the competition.
In
order to hit a home run with answering this question, you have to strike a
balance between confidence, humility, and preparedness to stand out.
Points to Emphasize
There
are a few things you need to keep in mind when answering the question “What can
offer us that someone else cannot?” You should highlight the skills and
experience that will help you succeed in the position and at the company;
likely, the ones you have already touched on in your resume and cover letter.
Also emphasize your strengths, and most importantly—what differentiates you
from the rest of the interviewee pack.
- Think about what pieces
of your background may be a little different from those you are interviewing
against.
0
- Do you have work
experience in a different but related industry? Or, do you have experience in
another department within this industry? When you point out these strengths,
ensure that they’re qualities that will add to the role you’re interviewing
for.
- Make sure to point out
skills and characteristics that are in line with the position you are applying
for. For example, if you are applying for a project management role, be sure to
highlight your project management expertise, and any project management
certifications you hold.
- Point out positive attributes
that will be highly valued in this role.
For
example, if you’re interviewing for a customer-facing role, and you love
interacting with the public, talk about this.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
·
You know what they’re
really asking with this question, so be careful to not fall into any traps that
lead to a bad answer.
- Don’t go negative or
obnoxious (or both). Talk about what sets you
apart, but don’t speak negatively (in a general sense) of other people in
running for the job. For example, don’t start off on a note like this: “Let me
tell you what I’ve got that no one else does . . .
- Beware of the long-winded
answer.
Since
the interviewer is likely more interested in how you answer the question and
less interested in the actual content, you don’t have to provide a five-minute
monologue. A long-winded answer may hurt you more than help you, as the
interviewer may get bored and lose attention.
- Don’t give a cookie
cutter response. Try and come up with
something unique. Highlight what it is that truly makes you special.
Practice your answer for a friend in advance so that
you feel more comfortable during the interview. Remember, people hire people they
like. Being likable and confident in an interview isn’t all about giving the
perfect, 100% memorized answer. It has a lot to do with how natural you come
across.
- ·
Don’t forget: you’re your
own salesperson.
Although
you want to be humble, you also can’t forget to be your own salesperson. Nobody else will be there to tell the interviewer how awesome, dedicated, and
hard-working you are. That’s your job! This isn’t the time to be shy. Be
honest, and simply and concisely highlight what makes you unique.
·
- Make your answer short,
positive, and one-of-a-kind, and you’ll be sure to wow the interviewer.
HOW TO PREPARE
To
prepare your “What can you offer us that someone else cannot?” answer:
1.
Print out the job description.
2.
Highlight all of the needed skills and requirements for the job that you bring
to the table.
3.
Then, think about something unique from your background that you could bring to
the job (and of course, to the answering of the question).
4.
Write your unique strength(s) down as bullet points.
5.
Then, devise an answer to the question that you can practice in front of a
friend or relative (so you can get feedback).
6.
Practice till you get it right!
Sample
Answers
Here
are a few examples of great answers for a question regarding what you can bring
to the company that others cannot.
If
you’re unsure about exactly how you stand out, focus on your general strengths.
Here’s
an example:
I’m a detail-oriented, creative thinker who is
constantly looking for ways to learn and grow to become a more beneficial
employee. I constantly set goals for myself, and I persistently try to achieve
them. I think these skills will make me a very valuable asset to the company.
If
you have experience or skills that make you unique, highlight them. When I
worked as a digital marketer, I often highlighted my own background in computer
engineering. It is not a requirement for a digital marketer to understand
computer programming, but it is unique.
Here’s
an example:
I’m a digital marketer with a focus on online customer
acquisition. But, I also have a B.S. in computer and systems engineering. I
understand the intersection of business, technology, and marketing, and I know
how to use that understanding to generate more revenue online for the business.
Best
of luck with answering this question! You now know what you need to do to hit a
home run.
by Angela Copeland
livecareer.com
