How to Answer What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses with examples

How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?” with examples

ByDailyTech

Some questions come up again and again in job interviews. At the top of the list: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” In this article, you will learn how to answer the question, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” in a job interview.

It’s quite common for interviewers to inquire about your strong points and areas where you might need improvement during a job interview. Just like any other question, your response to this holds significant importance. An interview serves as a platform to assess your capability to excel in the role. Consider it as an opportunity to showcase your positive attributes and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.

We all possess our unique set of strengths and areas where we can improve. When you tackle this question, it’s your chance to offer a real-life example of how you leverage your strengths to stand out and how you actively strive to enhance any weaknesses that are pertinent to the position.

How to Describe Your Strengths

When you discuss your personal strengths during an interview, remember that the conversation isn’t solely about showcasing your abilities; it’s also about demonstrating their relevance, uniqueness, and practicality. To ensure your skills leave a lasting impression, consider these guidelines:

  1. Align with the Job Description: Instead of guessing what exceptional qualities the employer is seeking, refer to the job description. Look specifically at the attributes outlined in the “preferred qualifications” or “required skills” sections.
  2. Precision in Skill Description: Transform your response to be as precise as possible. Here are a few examples of broad strengths and their more detailed counterparts:
    • “Communication skills” can become “Public speaking and presentation skills.”
    • “People skills” can be reframed as “Team management skills.”
    • “Video skills” may be better expressed as “Video production and editing skills.”
  3. Comprehensive Strength Presentation: When you’ve selected your strength, structure your response into four parts:
    • Describe the strength itself.
    • Provide a real-life example showcasing that strength.
    • Highlight the impact of your strength. Express your enjoyment in applying that strength.
    • Incorporate these elements into your response to make a meaningful and engaging point, rather than just uttering a single word.

Here is a list of strengths to consider: 

  • Entrepreneurial
  • Detail-oriented
  • Collaborative
  • Creative
  • Empathetic
  • Passionate
  • Problem solver
  • Flexible
  • Patient
  • Honest
  • Dedicated
  • Positive
  • Leadership skills
  • Team player
  • Writing skills
  • Expert in a particular skill or software

5 Examples of Strengths for Your Job Interview

Example 1: Collaborative

I thrive in collaborative environments. My strength in teamwork has been a consistent asset throughout my career. In my previous role as a marketing research analyst, I led a project that involved diverse stakeholders, focus groups, and extensive field research. This experience showcased my ability to inspire and coordinate others effectively, even in high-pressure situations. The client utilized our insights to develop a sustainable product, both environmentally and financially.

Example 2: Technical Expertise

I possess a deep passion for staying abreast of the ever-evolving tech industry. In my current position, I have developed an intimate knowledge of SAP, allowing me to proactively address potential issues before they escalate. My enthusiasm for experimenting with gadgets in my personal life has proven invaluable in my professional endeavors, enabling me to master software and programs quickly and thoroughly.

Example 3: Attention to Detail

As a content creator, my penchant for brainstorming innovative approaches to engage our consumers is well-recognized. However, my hallmark strength lies in my meticulous attention to detail. I place great importance on word choice, firmly believing that precise language has the power to elevate content from good to exceptional. My blogs and articles consistently perform exceptionally well, often ranking at the top of Google searches. I am also unwavering in meeting deadlines.

Example 4: Positive Attitude

My unwavering positive attitude is a cornerstone of my character. Over the past decade, I have held diverse roles, including restaurant server, tutor, and health aide. These positions demanded considerable energy and endurance. I possess the ability to view situations from multiple perspectives and empathize with customers, students, and patients, enabling me to cater to their needs effectively.

Example 5: Problem-Solving

I have a natural inclination toward solving problems and a rapid learning capability. My tenure as an electrical engineer honed my ability to perform optimally under pressure, particularly during equipment design, where meeting tight deadlines and resource constraints were the norm. I’m never hesitant to ask pertinent questions when faced with challenges, and I conduct thorough research for every client to ensure comprehensive preparation.

How to Describe Your Weaknesses

When it comes to openly discussing your weaknesses during an interview, it’s essential to strike a balance between being genuine and not inadvertently undermining your candidacy. Interviewers may remember your areas for improvement and, whether consciously or subconsciously, it could affect their perception of you.

Therefore, it’s crucial to present your weaknesses in a way that minimizes any potential negative impact. Here are some valuable pointers to help you respond thoughtfully and safeguard your professional image:

  1. Reframe “Weakness” as a “Challenge”: Consider using the term “challenge” instead of “weakness” in your response. This subtle shift removes some of the negative connotations associated with “weakness” and implies that shortcomings are opportunities for improvement rather than inherent flaws.
  2. Select Skills that Can Be Enhanced: Opt for weaknesses that can be rectified through training or a personal commitment to growth. Technical skills such as data analysis, presentation abilities, or software proficiency are often seen as trainable, and interviewers recognize this. On the other hand, behavioral challenges like impatience, disorganization, or insecurity may come across as more entrenched personality traits.
  3. Avoid Commonplace Responses: Steer clear of clichéd answers such as “perfectionism” or “being a workaholic.” Likewise, refrain from presenting strengths in disguise as weaknesses, like saying, “I sometimes work too hard” or “I over-research things.”
  4. Ensure Weaknesses Aren’t Core to the Job: Your chosen challenges should ideally be unrelated to the core responsibilities of the job you’re interviewing for. In simple terms, you shouldn’t appear weak in areas crucial to the position’s requirements.
  5. Structure Your Response: Once you’ve identified a challenge, structure your response into three parts:
    • The weakness itself.
    • The minor repercussions or consequences of this weakness.
    • Your commitment and enthusiasm to address and overcome this challenge.

When delivering your response, aim to incorporate all these elements. However, keep the discussion of consequences concise and straightforward, placing greater emphasis on your determination to surmount the challenge rather than dwelling on the challenge itself.

Here are some weaknesses that you might select from for your response: 

  • Self-critical
  • Insecure
  • Disorganized
  • Prone to procrastination 
  • Uncomfortable with public speaking
  • Uncomfortable with delegating tasks
  • Risk-averse
  • Competitive 
  • Sensitive/emotional
  • Extreme introversion or extroversion
  • Limited experience in a particular skill or software

5 Examples of Weaknesses for Your Job Interview

Example 1: Self-criticism

I tend to be quite hard on myself, which can result in negative self-talk and, eventually, burnout. I’ve discovered a way to steer clear of this trap by documenting my goals, targets, and key achievements. I also make a point of setting aside time to celebrate both major and minor milestones. This practice not only keeps me focused on how I contribute to the team but also sharpens my ability to prioritize tasks that have the most impact.

Example 2: Fear of public speaking

I’ve always been naturally reserved, even from my early years. Presenting in front of a class made me nervous, and that anxiety carried over into my professional life. A few years back, I found myself leading a major project and having to present it to board members. Despite my nervousness, I understood the need to conquer this fear. So, I decided to join Toastmasters to improve my public speaking skills. This move not only got me through that challenging initial presentation but also boosted my self-confidence as a leader. Now, I’m actively helping my team enhance their presentation abilities.

Example 3: Procrastination

Procrastination has been a persistent challenge for me, and, honestly, I think it’s tied to a fear of failure. In my previous role as a real estate agent, staying on top of appointments and essential paperwork was vital for success. To overcome my procrastination tendencies, I adopted tools like Google Calendar and apps like Trello to better manage my time. Checking items off my to-do list gives me a sense of accomplishment, and I’ve learned to tackle more demanding tasks early in the day when I’m most alert and less likely to put them off.

Example 4: Issues with delegating tasks

I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, which has led me to struggle with delegation at times, often resulting in an excessive workload. As a manager, I’ve made a conscious effort to recognize the strengths of my team members and delegate tasks that align with their abilities. While it was a challenge initially, I’ve observed that by setting clear expectations and placing trust in my team, they consistently rise to the occasion. This approach has allowed me to manage projects more efficiently.

Example 5: Lack of experience with a skill or software

I haven’t had as much exposure to Python as I would have liked. When I decided to transition into data analytics, I knew I needed proficiency in a statistical programming language to conduct effective analyses. To address this gap, I enrolled in a Python for Everybody course and have discovered a genuine passion for it. I’m eagerly looking forward to applying the techniques I’m acquiring to enhance my workflow efficiency.