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What to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

  • Amruta Bhaskar
  • Jun 4, 2021
  • 0 comentario (s)
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In most job interviews, candidates will be asked to describe their strengths and weaknesses. In preparation for an interview, candidates should consider how best to answer this question so that the information is useful to employers while not damaging your chances of being hired.

In some point during the interview process, you may be asked to describe your personal strengths and weaknesses. Many job candidates are unsure how to approach this question. However, by establishing the appropriate context, you can give hiring managers an honest, thoughtful answer that highlights both your self-awareness and professionalism.

Preparing ahead of time for this question is a valuable use of your time before the interview. Even if you aren’t asked about your strengths and weaknesses specifically, scripting out your response to this common question will give you a candid yet compelling description of what you bring to the table and how you wish to grow in the future. With these talking points at the ready, you’ll be able to confidently answer many common interview questions.

You may be asked about your strengths and weaknesses in one question or you may be asked about them in two separate questions. In the event that you are asked about strengths and weaknesses at the same time, discuss your weaknesses first so that you can end on a positive note.

If you’re in a job interview, it’s because the employer sees some potential in you, and this question is a great opportunity for you to convince them that they’re right.

Bragging too much or listing 1001 strengths in a row are two huge no-nos: you’ll just sound unrealistic and full of yourself. Let’s try to avoid that. What you want to do instead is pick one or two strengths, and explain how you’ve been able to use them in the past in the workplace.  This will demonstrate that you understand and are able to exercise your strength, by pointing to a prior experience. Remember to be specific and draft a statement beforehand that you can review.

Below given are some of the sample answers for ‘What are your weaknesses?’

When addressing your weaknesses, draw upon examples relating to either skills/habits or personality traits. You may want to choose which to focus on depending on the type of job you’re interviewing for. For example, discussing a skill/habit may be highly relevant for a technical position. For a sales or customer service role, your interviewer may be more interested in hearing about your personality traits. Neither choice is strictly wrong or right. Reread the job description for clues on what may matter most for this specific role.

The formula for your answer is easy to follow. First, state your weakness. Second, add additional context and a specific example or story of how this trait has emerged in your professional life. That context will give potential employers insight into your level of self-awareness and commitment to professional growth.

Personality Traits

Example 1: I can be too critical of myself. A pattern I’ve noticed throughout my career is that I often feel I could have done more even if, objectively, I’ve done well. Earlier in my career, this led to burnout and negative self-talk. One solution I’ve implemented over the last three years is to actively pause and celebrate my achievements. Not only has this helped my own self-esteem, it has helped me genuinely appreciate and recognize my team and other support systems.

Example 2: I’m naturally shy. From high school and into my early professional interactions, it prevented me from speaking up. After being a part of a work group that didn’t meet our strategic goals two quarters in a row, I knew I owed it to my team and myself to confidently share my ideas. I joined an improv acting class. It’s fun and has really helped me overcome my shyness. I learned practical skills around leading discussions and sharing diverse perspectives. Now, in group settings, I always start conversations with the quieter folks. I know exactly how they feel and people can be amazing once they start talking.

Skills and Habits

Example 1: I’m not familiar with the latest version of [insert name of non-critical software]. Instead, I’ve focused on [insert name of preferred software] because user-centric design has become a strong passion of mine. In my last few jobs that’s where I’ve spent time learning and growing.

Example 2: I’ve always been a procrastinator. I used to think it wasn’t such a bad habit because I was only creating stress for myself. But when I was working for XYZ Company several years ago, I was on a group project where I could see how my putting things off to the last minute created stress for everyone else. It was a wake-up call. I started creating daily schedules that held me accountable to my team and I broke the habit. It was hard at first but using the Agile process was a real breakthrough in my workflow and mindset.

Because we all have weaknesses but rarely want to admit to them, it’s best to begin with a truthful answer and build your script from there. Select an answer that a hiring manager would not consider to be essential qualities or skills for the position as well as qualities that you are actively improving.

Some examples of weaknesses include:

  • Disorganized
  • Self-critical/Sensitive
  • Perfectionism (Note: this can be a strength in many roles so be sure you have an example of how perfectionism can be a problem to demonstrate that you’ve thought deeply about this trait)
  • Shy/Not adept at public speaking
  • Competitive (Note: Just like perfectionism, this can be a strength)
  • Limited experience in a non-essential skill (especially if obvious on your resume)
  • Not skilled at delegating tasks
  • Take on too much responsibility
  • Not detail-oriented/Too detail-oriented
  • Not comfortable taking risks
  • Too focused/Lack of focus

Below given are some of the sample answers for ‘What are your Strengths?’

It’s surprisingly difficult for many people to talk about their strengths during an interview. It’s challenging to balance your humility with the need to project confidence. As with weaknesses, you can generally choose between skills/habits and personality traits. Use the job description as your guide as you select your strengths. Follow the same formula of strength + context and story. When providing context for your strengths, address the specific qualities that qualify you for the job and distinguish you as a candidate.

Personality Traits

Example 1: I’ve always been a natural leader. With over ten years of experience in finance and sales, I’ve exceeded my KPIs every quarter and have been promoted twice in the past five years. I look back at those successes and know that I wouldn’t have reached them if I hadn’t built and led teams composed of highly skilled and diverse individuals. I’m proud of my ability to get cross-functional groups on the same page. I’ve regularly honed my management skills through 360 reviews and candid sessions with my team and I know continuing to build my leadership skills is something I want from my next role.

Example 2: I’m very collaborative and have always preferred to work in groups. In the project teams I’ve directed, members work with a variety of people and are motivated by diverse creative tasks. Since I began managing my current team, I’ve increased productivity by 15 percent and retention by 25 percent over three years.

Skills and Habits

Example 1: I’m obsessed with the newest version of [insert name of new software]. I started pushing the boundaries of what it could do as soon as it was released. I’m excited about applying my passion and abilities to this position and pushing the envelope of this program for your company.

Example 2: I’m thorough and tenacious. When I’m on a project, I keep track of the details. Because I have a comprehensive understanding of the components, I can spot the essentials and rigorously advocate for them to meet deadlines. I regularly see this reflected in my peer and management feedback.

As with the weaknesses examples, you’ll need to adjust your strength choices and responses according to your experience and skills. When you write your script, keep in mind a few additional tips:

  • Don’t list multiple, vague strengths. Stay focused on one or two key qualities that relate directly to the role and support them with specific, relevant examples
  • Don’t make jokes
  • Don’t be arrogant, inflate your strengths or lie about your abilities
  • Also, don’t be too humble or underestimate yourself

Some examples of strengths include:

  • Creative
  • Patient
  • Empathetic
  • Determined
  • Flexible/Versatile
  • Honest
  • Enthusiastic/Passionate/Driven
  • Collaborative
  • Disciplined/Focused
  • Committed/Dedicated
  • Respectful
  • Innovative
  • Attentive/Detail-oriented
  • Action-oriented/entrepreneurial
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