5 of your unique selling points that are actually clichés

5 of your unique selling points that are actually clichés Your mum has probably always told you that you were special. And hey, Im sure shes a wonderful lady. But in the eyes of an interviewer, at least at first glance, youre definitely not. These people go through hundreds and hundreds of candidates a day all with 2:1s, similar CVs and near-identical experience. Thats all good to have but you cant rely on it. Theyll want to know what makes you better than all the other people who what the job. And thats where unique selling points (USPs) come in. USPs are that special part of your personal brand that makes you worth paying attention too. Every time you go for an interview, every time someone reads your CV or checks your portfolio, thats what jumps off the page. Basically, its your X Factor what can you do for that employer that no-one else can? Everybodys USP is different so unfortunately, we cant tell you what yours is. We can, however, tell you a few of those unique selling points that are no longer unique and hence do not sell. Points, essentially. 1. I work hard Chances are the employers already have gleaned this from your CV, so dont bother repeating it. Also, be honest. Admitting you dont work hard is a very bold, very silly strategy for an interview so whos not gonna say this? Instead  Focus on how youve shown your hard work projects youve completed, processes youve changed, things youve struggled with that youve overcome. And back it up with numbers. 2. Im a perfectionist Sometimes I care  too much, are common famous last words before you get slapped with a rejection letter for being wholly unoriginal. A unique selling point which shows self-awareness but also still paints you in a good light, the perfectionist answer was in many ways the original cliché. And interviewers will spot it from a mile away. Instead  Try talking about your attention to detail when it comes to certain areas of the role. If you pour over something until its the best that it can possibly be, explain why you spend so much time on that thing and how the skills you use can be important to the business 3.  Im well-organised Define well organised. Is showing up in a suit with no stains on well organised? Is always having a pen to hand well organised? Honestly, to be well organised to the point where its actually interesting, youd have to group the food on your dinner plate by colour, shape and consistency. Everything else really isnt major, its stuff every employer would expect from staff. Instead Talk about times you showed leadership, led on a project, gave a presentation or organised a team. Thats way more interesting that your compartmentalised pencil case. 4. Im passionate The only p word thats obscene to interviewers is passionate. Because theyve seen it already at least a thousand times and its almost always insincere. Come on, how many people in the world are really passionate about tax law or railway engineering? Those who are really passionate about something have a whole lexicon of different phrasing to talk about it because their knowledge is there. Instead Show you passion by having a strong knowledge of what the role entails and the industry at large. If you can put your skills in context with whats going on or even meet a specific business need, youre laughing. 5. Im loyal Interviewers are looking for a new employee, not a new dog. Yeah, it might seem appealing to promise that youll be with the company doing your role for a long time but its also wildly unrealistic in todays climate. Youre going to come across as disingenuous and unambitious here. Instead Be honest about your goals and ambitions for yourself, both within the context of the company and without. If youre there to learn as much as you can before embarking on your own venture, for instance, tell them. Theyll appreciate youre ambition and honesty, and they might even do their best to keep you stimulated so you stay longer. How can you find your unique selling points? So youve been racking your brains (maybe youve asked your mum) but you still cant figure out what makes you special? Thats fine, its not going to happen overnight. Finding your USP is something that requires time and reflection, but everyone has got one. Youll usually find it at the intersection of your interests, skills, personality, achievements and everything else that makes you uniquely you. And if you get stuck, weve got a complete Guide to Personal Branding that might help the light bulb to come on. Connect with Debut on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more careers insights.