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What are your strengths and weaknesses? [Strength and Weakness in Interviews]


Snigdha
By Snigdha | Last Updated on January 5th, 2024 11:44 am | 4-min read

One of the most common interview questions is – what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? No questions in your interview are asked without a strong reason, and this question too, carries a lot of weight.

The idea behind any interview is to evaluate the candidate and figure out whether they are a good fit for the job. So, with this question, you have the opportunity to showcase your strengths and let them know why you are the perfect candidate for them. Let the interviewer know how you use your strengths to shine brighter and how you are working to improve upon your weaknesses.

Why do interviewers ask the question – what are your strengths and weaknesses?


This commonly asked interview question can serve as a helpful tool to understand your working style and your personality. Here are the main reasons why the interviewer asks this question.

  • How do you assess yourself in your work life?
  • How aware are you of your positive traits and how you use them at your place of work?
  • How comfortable are you accepting your weaknesses and how you work to improve them?
  • In what way can you close any gaps in the existing team?

How to talk about strengths in interviews?


Instead of coming up with a templated answer for this question, it is a good idea to take a moment to understand what the hiring manager is looking for. Try and figure out what qualities they are looking for in the perfect candidate for the position. Pay attention to how you can use your strengths to contribute towards the key requirements of the job you are applying for and then highlight it.

While listing out your strengths, be confident and be comfortable bragging a little. This is a legit opportunity for you to call attention to all the reasons why you will be the perfect fit for the job. Mention a couple of relevant strengths and how you have used them at work to create the desired impact. The best way to do this is by backing your claims up with measurable results if you can.

Ask and answer these questions – why are you good at something, and how does it help you at work?

For example, I am [STRENGTH]. I learned this through [HOW YOU DEVELOPED STRENGTH], and this allowed me to [IMPACT] at my current job.

What are your strengths – examples?

As you attempt to answer this question, think about all the qualities you possess. I have compiled a list of some of the best strengths that you can quote when posed with this question.

  • Adaptability & flexibility
  • High problem-solving skills
  • Proactiveness
  • Ability to forge quality interpersonal relationships and collaborative
  • Willingness to go to great lengths to help others
  • Devising creative solutions
  • Strong written Communication
  • Timely delegation of responsibilities and strong leadership skills
  • Displaying and valuing emotional intelligence
  • Experience dealing with the specific problem that the company is currently facing
  • Giving constructive feedback
  • Receiving constructive feedback positively
  • Resolving conflicts congenially and with patience
  • Interpreting data and results and drawing meaningful insights
  • Managing projects efficiently
  • Motivating team members to raise spirits and improve overall performance
  • Strong observation skills and detail-oriented
  • Appropriate prioritization
  • Comfortable with Public speaking
  • Identifying patterns and drawing insights
  • Setting and meeting deadlines
  • Switching between multiple tasks smoothly
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Thinking critically
  • Thrive under pressure

How to talk about weaknesses in interviews?

It is human to have weaknesses, and we are all humans, after all. There is no harm in talking about your weaknesses, as it also shows how honest and aware you are. While mentioning your weaknesses, make sure that you display a sense of self-awareness along with the action and impact.

What are your weaknesses – examples?

Discussing your weaknesses can bring out deep-seated insecurities. Hence, while discussing your weaknesses, pick something that gives you an opportunity to showcase your growth and enthusiasm for growth.
I have compiled a list of some weaknesses you can quote as a response to this question.

  • Perfectionism
  • Self criticism
  • Being too hard on myself
  • Insecure
  • Getting caught up in small (sometimes insignificant) details
  • Disorganized
  • Nervous about speaking to groups or new people
  • Risk-averse
  • Trouble accepting constructive feedback
  • Competitive
  • Hyper focusing on a specific idea
  • Lose track of deadlines
  • Sensitive/emotional
  • Making basic mathematical errors
  • Making grammatical errors when writing
  • Maintaining work-life balance
  • Uncomfortable with vague instructions
  • Lacking in confidence
  • Unwilling to change your mind
  • Trouble asking for clarification
  • Trouble identifying nonverbal cues
  • Missing out on small details
  • Procrastination
  • Trouble with time management
  • Trouble delegating assignments or saying no

Snigdha

Content Head at Appy Pie

App Builder

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