{"id":283,"date":"2022-03-16T12:03:22","date_gmt":"2022-03-16T12:03:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=283"},"modified":"2023-06-26T14:59:10","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T14:59:10","slug":"what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/","title":{"rendered":"What Makes You Stand Out from Other Candidates?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would you be thrown off balance if asked the notorious \u201cWhat makes you stand out from other candidates?\u201d question in a job interview? <strong>A lot of candidates report that they were<\/strong>, which is why we decided to give you some tips to help answer this question. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you prepare a good answer to this question ahead of time, it can actually help you present yourself in the best of lights and improve your chances of getting the job.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We keep going over job interview questions and answers in our guides prepared in consultations with international HR experts, and this article will focus on a common question you may expect to be asked in almost every interview you are invited for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/What-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"What Makes You Stand Out from Other Candidates?\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/What-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/What-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/What-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69debbf79459d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69debbf79459d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/#Whats_the_purpose_of_this_question\" >What\u2019s the purpose of this question?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/#How_to_answer_the_%E2%80%9CWhat_makes_you_stand_out_from_other_candidates%E2%80%9D_question\" >How to answer the \u201cWhat makes you stand out from other candidates?\u201d question<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/#Answer_Examples_to_%E2%80%9CWhat_makes_you_stand_out_from_other_candidates%E2%80%9D\" >Answer Examples to \u201cWhat makes you stand out from other candidates?\u201d<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/#1_Unique_skills_that_will_help_you_in_your_new_role\" >#1 Unique skills that will help you in your new role<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/#2_Experience_to_impress_the_employer\" >#2 Experience to impress the employer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-makes-you-stand-out-from-other-candidates\/#3_Rare_talent_you_can_use\" >#3 Rare talent you can use<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_purpose_of_this_question\"><\/span>What\u2019s the purpose of this question?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you set out to prepare an answer to this question, start by thinking of why the hiring manager may want to ask it in the first place. What do they want to hear from you when they ask what makes you different from other candidates?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You see, sometimes, applicants start telling long stories about their previous jobs, reciting what they have already said in their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">resumes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the interviewer may have a hard time singling out the details that would tell them whether you have the skills or experience that\u2019s required for the position. This question is meant to have you tell the potential employer about your professional strengths, the experience that\u2019s relevant to this particular job and the unique personal qualities you might have.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What they don\u2019t want to hear from you is a canned answer built on a template you found on the web or simply based on the requirements listed in the job ad. Instead, try to make your answer unique, and here are some tips that can help you do that.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"748\" height=\"582\" src=\"http:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stand-out-from-candidates-tips.png\" alt=\"What makes you stand out from the crowd - summary\" class=\"wp-image-5277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stand-out-from-candidates-tips.png 748w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stand-out-from-candidates-tips-300x233.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stand-out-from-candidates-tips-50x39.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to use resume builder<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_answer_the_%E2%80%9CWhat_makes_you_stand_out_from_other_candidates%E2%80%9D_question\"><\/span>How to answer the \u201cWhat makes you stand out from other candidates?\u201d question<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important tip we could give you is to focus on what actually makes you special and how that will help you in the new role. Follow the advice below to nail it:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review the job requirements and try to determine which of your skills and personal qualities would be most relevant. Make a list so you can refer to it when preparing your answer or when spontaneously answering this question during <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the interview<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As much as you might be tempted to list all of your skills and experience, this can be a big mistake. It is best to focus on the most relevant historic info.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Out of the relevant skills and experience you included on your list, choose the ones that are really unique and support them with examples. Were you able to solve a problem nobody else could find a solution to? Did you reach a certain goal in a fraction of the time planned for it?<\/span><\/li><li>Give your answers with confidence, but be sure to avoid downplaying the contribution of other people on your team, or worse \u2013 bad-mouthing your former colleagues or superiors. You want to prove your unique talent, but not at the cost of others. And don\u2019t talk bad of other candidates either.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer_Examples_to_%E2%80%9CWhat_makes_you_stand_out_from_other_candidates%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Answer Examples to \u201cWhat makes you stand out from other candidates?\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to see some real-life examples of how this question may be answered? Here are a few to give you inspiration:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Unique_skills_that_will_help_you_in_your_new_role\"><\/span>#1 Unique skills that will help you in your new role<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is how a candidate for a copywriter position at a software company was able to nail this question by sharing their knowledge of programming languages:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>My extensive experience as a translator and copywriter, and my near-native knowledge of English and French make me a good fit for the position, but what can make me really stand out is my training and experience in programming, which I had early in my career. Working with GUI copy and other software-related texts may be a bit hard for someone with little tech knowledge. I know how to read editable text&nbsp; and how not to mess up text strings in localization files, how to keep it short for limited interface space and a lot of other things that will help me work faster and avoid errors.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Experience_to_impress_the_employer\"><\/span>#2 Experience to impress the employer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have some experience that is not listed as a requirement, but can help you perform your duties better than other people would, you can share it with the HR like this candidate for a personal assistant position did in their response:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>Making travel arrangements is on the list of responsibilities for this job, and I believe that my experience as a travel agent can help me book the most convenient routes, hotels and airline tickets. I worked in a travel agency that sold international vacation packages and airline tickets, as well as booked business trips for corporate clients, so I am familiar with the process from the inside.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Rare_talent_you_can_use\"><\/span>#3 Rare talent you can use<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some talents can be quite rare, and the HR will see what a gem you are when you share your special talent with them. Just like this applicant for an email tech support agent position did:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><p><em>I know that your company works with customers from all over the world, and that some of them may not speak English. Learning foreign languages has been my hobby since high school. I believe that my knowledge of 4 additional languages can help me provide better service to customers who speak them. English and Portuguese are both my native languages, as I spoke both growing up. I can also speak Spanish, French and German quite fluently, and am currently learning Japanese. When a tech support agent speaks the customer\u2019s language, it helps them connect on a more personal level, and helps keep the customer happy. And I believe this can help with customer retention, reduce refund rates and help me solve the users\u2019 problems more effectively.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be able to get to the interview stage, you have to know what <\/span><span style=\"color: #e88768;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-skills-to-put-on-a-resume\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">skills to put on resume<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, how to write an effective cover letter (see <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-cover-letter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #e88768;\">this article<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with cover letter examples), and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/best-job-search-websites\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #e88768;\">best websites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to look for suitable job openings on.<\/span><\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Would you be thrown off balance if asked the notorious \u201cWhat makes you stand out from other candidates?\u201d question in a job interview? A lot [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2725,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[6,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6371,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions\/6371"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}