The Strengths Question: What Are You Good At?
The strengths question can come in various forms: “What are you good at?”, “If I were to ask your coworkers what you’re good at, what would they tell me?”, or “If I were to ask your supervisor what you’re good at, what would they say?”. No matter how it’s phrased, the essence is the same: the interviewer wants to know what you excel at. Here are three critical points to remember when answering this question:
- Be Relevant
- While you may be good at many things, it’s crucial to highlight strengths that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor your answer to align with the job description and the skills the employer values most. For instance, if you’re applying for a project management role, emphasize your organizational skills and ability to lead teams effectively.
- Be Confident
- Confidence is key in interviews. Rehearse your answer so you can deliver it smoothly and confidently. Avoid being overly modest; instead, present your strengths with assurance. Remember, the interviewer wants to hear about your capabilities and how they make you a great fit for the role.
- Be Specific
- Specificity breeds trust. When you state a strength, back it up with a concrete example. For instance, if you say you’re good at learning on demand, describe a situation in your previous job where you had to quickly learn a new skill or process and how you successfully applied it. This not only validates your claim but also makes your answer more memorable.
The Weaknesses Question: What Are You Not So Good At?
The weaknesses question is often more daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and growth mindset. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Understand Why It’s Asked
- Interviewers ask about weaknesses for two main reasons: to gauge your self-awareness and to see if you’re proactive about self-improvement. Everyone has weaknesses, and pretending otherwise can come off as delusional. Acknowledging your weaknesses shows maturity and honesty.
- Be Honest and Proactive
- Choose a real weakness, but one that isn’t a deal-breaker for the job. More importantly, discuss the steps you’re taking to overcome it or how you’ve turned it into a strength. For example, if you’re not great at public speaking, you might explain how you’ve joined a public speaking club or taken courses to improve.
Putting It All Together – Strengths and Weaknesses: Example Answers
Strengths Question: “I excel at learning on demand. For example, in my last role, I was assigned a new project involving a software I had never used before. I quickly took online courses and worked extra hours to master the software, which enabled me to complete the project ahead of schedule and under budget.”
Weaknesses Question: “One area I’ve been working on is public speaking. I used to get very nervous speaking in front of groups, but I’ve been taking steps to improve. I joined a local Toastmasters club, where I practice regularly, and I’ve noticed significant improvements in my confidence and delivery.”
Final Thoughts
By following these guidelines and preparing thoughtful, honest responses, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the strengths and weaknesses questions with poise and professionalism. Remember, the key is to be relevant, confident, specific, honest, and proactive, showcasing not only your abilities but also your commitment to personal and professional growth.
Check out our Thought Leadership articles to learn more, or contact us to discuss your interview needs or challenges.
