Timothy
What sets us apart for success in college and our careers
We all know remember that infamous "What sets you apart from others?" question asked during interviews every time. What actually sets us apart that potential employers or admission officers want to hear? It is indeed an extremely important question when you come to think about it because they want to know that you are not just some other mediocre talker. I personally think they look for someone who makes impact and strives to make change, no matter how small, wherever they go. They want to know what they stand to gain by accepting you. What do you think? #college #engineering #career #finance #professional #marketing #health #tech
12 answers
Lindsey Manning-Djabbari
Lindsey’s Answer
The folks who have already weighed in already touched on a few super important qualities: good communication, proven leadership ability, etc.
Here's my two cents:
1. Your value proposition to the employer or school completely depends on the position you're applying for, company you want to work at, or school you're hoping to attend. You must be thoughtful about those things when you're figuring out your value prop prior to the interview. For example, if you're interviewing for a Community Manager role at a nonprofit you have to clearly convey how your past experiences cater to this role, why you're passionate about community building, and craft a story around how community has played a significant role in your life.
2. Be able to articulate how you're a proactive problem solver. Have prepared a story or two about how you were able to creatively solve a problem (big or small) and how it impacted what you were working on and/or the people around you.
3. Never underestimate the power of story telling! Whether it's in an essay or an in person interview, your ability to tell your own story in the context of what you're applying for/speaking to will go a LONG WAY. Employers, for example, will ask super open ended things like "so tell me about yourself" (I ask it every time I interview someone!) and what they're looking for is a clear, concise and compelling story about who you are and why you're here, talking about this job at this company. You've got to be able to "start at the beginning" and come full circle in a way that holds your audience without boring them.. and the only way to do that is to practice. I recommend doing a couple exercises-- write out a timeline that includes things like where you were born, where you went to HS (and college, if applicable), what jobs you've held, volunteer opportunities you've participated in, and where you hope to end up one day. Then, answer the following questions in more detail to give these timeline events more color, personality and context.
Here are a few questions you can answer to help you get started:
-Where were you born and raised?
-Who raised you and what are they like?
-How did this^ influence you?
-What jobs have you held? What did you learn doing those jobs?
-What are your aspirations in life? What does your life look like in 10 years when you close your eyes and try to visualize it?
...and the list goes on:)
Christopher Picerni
Christopher ’s Answer
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said someone that makes an impact and drives change. When I review resumes for undergraduates, I really look for leadership positions and responsibility. I think people much prefer to see a candidate take a leadership role in some type of club or organization, no matter what it is, rather than just be a "member" of a ton of different clubs. Experienced admissions officers and hiring managers can see right through the fluff and want to see someone that has challenged themselves and really immersed in a club, project, etc.
Edward Overtree
Edward’s Answer
I can tell you why admissions people want to know: because in every new class they have to replace departing seniors that stand apart in something (sports, government, theater, music) that they need for their campus community. 'there's no way you could know about departing seniors, so don't stress about it; just be certain to communicate everything unusual you have done. And know that upwards of 90% of all applicants are qualified in every way to be admitted, as applicants self-select very well for the colleges they apply to.
Employers want someone who can perform the tasks they need; so do your best to discover what an employer needs specifically (come right out and ask!) then tailor all your communications to those tasks, yes even your resume. If you can't honestly do that, move on and don't waste your time.
Liza Sighinolfi
Liza’s Answer
I think you are right, they do want to know what they get by accepting you. It is also what unique or diverse perspective you will bring. As a hiring manager I am looking for the things you do that make you different and will add to a team's make-up. Those things are not usually about grades or jobs but leadership and life experiences that bring perspective.
This is very true as every single person should have something to offer in terms of impact wherever they go
Timothy
Gary Petito (Veteran)
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
That is a truly excellent question with possibly 100s of different answers, I will only provide one answer and I think that is ATTITUDE...a good or bad attitude can make or break a person, a career and their life. I have learned (the hard way) that my 'attitude definitely determines my Altitude' in career, education and life.
Good luck, Gary
I agree Gary, attitude does play a very big role. That is why very enthusiastic and passionate individuals make it far in their careers and usually quickly.
Timothy
Kathy Mahady (Baird)
Kathy’s Answer
What an excellent question and so many different perspectives. An employer will always want someone that will fit into their company culture so it is really important to understand what that culture is going into an interview situation. Most importantly for me would be your life experiences and how you have learned from these experiences that relate to the corporate world. This is what shapes you as a person, demonstrates your drive and enthusiasm and shows the employer your positive attitude.
Ivan Alberto Zertuche
Ivan Alberto’s Answer
Hello Timothy,
What I would like to add for the other answers is passion and perseverance for everything you set your mind, this both are very important to make you a success person in life and in any professional career, if you really like what you do, if you really have a passion for what you want, you will find the way to achieve your goals no matter what difficulties you find and people see this.
Brandi Olden
Brandi’s Answer
Along with a positive attitude, as Gary said, I would also add enthusiasm (or it's friendly neighbor passion). People really respond to someone who is enthusiastic about what they are doing.
September Elenewski
September’s Answer
Jijo Thomas
Jijo’s Answer
It is in here that the person behind the resume comes to light and the best way to stand apart is to demonstrate higher emotional quotient than your intelligence. Ability to formulate the response that addresses the essence of the question over and above posed question itself is sure enough to set you apart from the pack. Couple that with the confidence to articulate a scenario in the most simplistic manner that will enable you and the listener to take the next logical step clearing the air of ambiguity as you progress will definitely make you a potential asset. Combine all of the above with willingness to collaborate with a group of people/team to accomplish a common goal and the interviewer is sure to be making a mental note that he/she is sitting opposite to a leader in the making. Be sensitive and stay humble. All the best!
Nadine Kaplan
Nadine’s Answer
Dennis Prendergast
Dennis’s Answer
There is no doubt that ones work ethic will play a role in real time Success and Future successes.
How you apply yourself everyday looking to succeed, game planning around your Goals and initiatives - putting in the work will only benefit you more in College and a Career - The Foundation has to be put in place first starting with you!
Good Luck!