Whether you’re a new graduate with little to no experience under your belt or a veteran moving on to a more responsible role, you have both strengths and weaknesses. Everyone does. And chances are you’ll be asked about them in your upcoming interview. The key to effectively addressing these questions – like others that you might anticipate – is to prepare as much as possible. Then, you can establish the right context to give hiring managers honest, thoughtful responses that showcase your self-awareness and professionalism.
Make lemonade out of lemons.
You may be asked about your strengths and weaknesses in one question or two separate ones. If it’s presented as one question, discuss your weaknesses first so that you can end positively. But either way, the formula for addressing both is the same: name a specific weakness or strength, then put it into context, along with a compelling story that puts you in a favorable light.
So, starting with those weaknesses:
- Begin with a truthful response and build your case from there. Focus on something that your interviewers wouldn’t consider an essential quality or skill for the job, as well as action steps you’re taking to improve. Some examples might include being disorganized, self-critical or sensitive, shy or uncomfortable speaking in public, or too focused or not focused enough.
Here’s an example:
- “I can be too critical of myself. For instance, I have often felt I could have done more, even if I was told I did well on a project. A solution I’ve developed is to actively pause and celebrate my achievements. This has not only helped my self-esteem and confidence but has also helped me to better recognize my teammates.”
Know your strengths.
If you aren’t sure about your strengths, ask a trusted friend or colleague what they consider your best qualities. You can also refer to any feedback you’ve received on past performance reviews. And use the job description as a guide, pinpointing specific qualities that align with your most impressive traits.
- Here are some examples: being action-oriented or entrepreneurial, attentive, detail-oriented, collaborative, creative, disciplined, empathetic, enthusiastic, passionate, driven, flexible, innovative, or patient.
And here’s an example of describing a strength:
- Collaboration skills: “I have always enjoyed working in groups and with a variety of different people. Since I began managing my current team, I’ve increased productivity by 20 percent over a three-year period.”
A Few More Tips
As you prepare for these questions, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Don’t be too humble or underestimate yourself.
- Support your responses with relevant examples.
- Be honest. Never lie about your abilities or overinflate your strengths.
- Ensure your answers support the job description and set you apart as a candidate.
The strength and weakness question can be a tough one. But with the right preparation and coaching, you’ll be ready to take on interviewers with poise, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Turn to PrideStaff Fresno today to learn more about how we can help you ace interviews and all the other aspects of your successful job search. And if you’re still seeking your next great opportunity, we can help with that, too. Reach out to us today to learn more.