Unit 4 Unique selling point

Activity 1: Example unique selling points (USPs)

Read the following unique selling points (USPs).

1. an enthusiastic and experienced software developer
2. a curious, creative and critical communicator
3. a fresh graduate with a 4.0 GPA ready to dedicate his career to a company
4. a bilingual computer science major with excellent leadership skills
5. an active and adventurous fresh graduate with a passion for programming
6. a diligent software developer with an eye for detail

Each of the unique selling points emphasizes just three or four strengths. The USPs are written in a way that is memorable. Where possible alliteration is used. This involves using words with the same initial letter. Although this is not essential, it will make your USP stand out.

None of the USPs are sentences. But by adding "I am" a sentence can be created.

Activity 2: Improving a USP

Read the following to see how a simple USP is improved.

1. I am good at working in teams and can solve problems. I like programming and current work part-time as a programmer.
2. An experienced programmer who is good at working in teams and can solve problems
3. An experienced programmer and team player who can solve problems.
4. An experienced programmer, problem-solver and team player

The final polished version of the USP highlights 3Ps - programmer, problem-solver and (team) player. The USP comprises only 7 words but includes three core strengths.

Activity 3: Drafting your USP

Draft you first USP. First, write the three strengths that you want an interviewer to believe. Then, select the specific words and structure that presents your USP.

It is a good idea to use a thesaurus to check for synonyms of words. For example, perhaps you want to claim to be - hardworking. However, the thesaurus will show many synonyms, including assiduous, conscientious, diligent,

Activity 4: Testing your USP

Check your draft USP against reality. Ask your family and friends to give you feedback on your USP. Your USP should be factual. It is, however, possible to write a future-focussed USP that describes what you want to be and so is more of an objective than a description of current status.

Activity 5: One-minute elevator pitch

Once you have selected an appropriate USP, you need to be able to state it and then elaborate on it for around 60 seconds. This is about the time you get to chat to someone when you travel in an elevator together.