You’re interviewing for a job you really want, and the interviewer says, “We’re almost done. Just tell me what sets you apart from our other candidates.” It’s important to remember that you don’t know what the other candidates bring to the table, and your goal shouldn’t be to cast them in a poor light anyway. Instead, emphasize your own strengths; that will allow you to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate.

Believe You Are the Best Candidate

Although the question is framed as a way for you to compare yourself to the other candidates, it’s the perfect time to explain why you’re a good fit for the position. Be confident: focus on your candidate profile and what you bring to the role, especially in terms of strengths and experience.

This isn’t the time to sell yourself short; in addition, do not dwell on the areas where you might be lacking. This is a good reminder to review the job description, company information, and any other relevant details before the interview; this will help you talk about why you’re a good fit.

Highlight Your Hard Skills

Hard skills are learned; they’re associated with education, technique, and experience. If you consider the skills and tasks listed in the job description and match your experience with it, what are the matches? These are the things you should highlight. If the job description includes starting IVs and you are skilled in this area, talk about that. If the role requires operating robotic surgical equipment and you have skills and experience with this, make sure you mention it.

When answering this question, it may be helpful to use the rule of three: provide three examples of your strengths or ways you’re unique. In this case, that would mean listing three hard skills. Again, it’s important to keep the job description in mind and tailor your response to it.

Highlight Your Soft Skills

However, hard skills don’t tell the whole story. Hiring managers also want to know a candidate’s personal qualities, habits, and attitudes; known as soft skills, these traits can be just as important as hard skills. If an employee has strong hard skills and weak soft skills, it can make it much more challenging to succeed in the healthcare field.

What soft skills should you highlight? Although each position is different, there are several soft skills that are important in almost any role. They include empathy, communication skills, teamwork, the ability to handle pressure, flexibility, and time management. Again, the job description is important, so read it carefully. If it says you’ll be working with others, you could highlight your sense of teamwork.

What Sets You Apart?

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. What sets you apart from other candidates? We’d love to hear about it. Are you searching for your next assignment? We’d love to hear about that, too. Call us at 310.436.3650.