What can you do for us that other candidates can?

Answer 1

This sounds like one of those questions that are meant to make you squirm. Of course you don't know what other candidates have to offer. You could always ask, but that's not recommended. The point might be to see how you act when someone throws you a question that makes you squirm.

So first of all, be cool. Keep your cool, be calm. It might even be okay to laugh. If I got asked this question, I would probably laugh and say "I have no idea."

But I wouldn't stop there.

It's also a great opportunity to mention anything that makes you unique. Here's a hint: look for a pair of skills or traits--a combination of two things that are special about you. Lots of people might have one ability or the other, but your combination of two might be unusual. Here are some examples:

• you're good at math AND you speak a second language
• you have nurses' training AND you're an amateur photographer
• you have an excellent memory AND you're very patient
• you are a good mechanic AND you know how to make people laugh

Of course you want to pick things that have something to do with the job, because the question is about what you offer the company and not whether you'd be interesting to know or a good friend. Think about how you can use the things you're good at even if they are not exactly like the work you would have to do. Try to pick out two that you can put together in a way that lifts you right up out of the crowd.