“What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses”

Why Interviewer asks “What are your Strengths and Weaknesses” in an Interview?

You need to understand when an interviewer asks a question about your strengths and weaknesses in the interview – he actually wants to assess your personality, particularly with respect to the company and the job role for which you’re applying. In general, the interviewer wants to identify if you are a right fit for the job opportunity or not, if you would be able to handle your job responsibilities or not, and what are those personality traits of yours that will be really helpful in that particular job role, etc. by knowing your actual strengths and weaknesses. Hence, you need to consider this question equally important as others....

Addressing Your Strengths

So, firstly we will talk about the strengths and how you should mention the same in your interview with the help of basic examples related to your previous companies or job role that you played. This makes you more clear about your achievements and helps in answering precisely....

Addressing Your Weaknesses

When the interviewer asks “What are your strength and weakness?” it is important that you think carefully before speaking, and never relate your weakness with the core skills that you are about to perform in the company. Always watch before you say anything and things will be fine....

Sample Answer

“To start with my strengths, let me tell you that I’m a disciplined, team player, creative, and adaptable person. Also, I can say that I’m a quick learner.” *You can mention those strengths of yours that you think will add value in the particular job role* There were many instances in the past that made me feel that these are some of my core strengths. Just for an example – *here you can opt to narrate one or two such incidents where you’ve actually used or applied the said strengths whether it be during your previous job or internships, college life, or somewhere else.*  Also, I do guess that these strengths of mine are perfectly suitable for this job role such as *here you can opt to describe how your strengths would be an added advantage in that job position* Moreover, talking about my weakness – *here mention a general and genuine weakness of yours that wouldn’t impact much on the particular job position* However, let me tell you this as well *describe what you’ve done or are doing to improve the said weakness*”...

Key Points to Remember While Answering – “What are your Strengths and Weaknesses”

Try to avoid the use of weak words like “probably”, “maybe”, etc. while telling your strengths and weaknesses – they depict the lack of self-awareness in the candidate. Always take a pause and be thoughtful while giving the answer. It should sound genuine and shouldn’t look like something memorized.   Try not to appear overconfident or too modest while giving the answer.   Customize your answer as per the job role and company’s requirements from the candidate....

Summary

Now, after knowing the utmost significance, importance, and correct approach to answering these strengths and weaknesses-based questions in the interview – no one can stop to get ideally prepared for this question and to excel in your upcoming interviews. And honestly, it will really help you to stand out among other candidates and increase your chance of securing that job opportunity!!...

“What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses” – FAQ’s

Q1. How to answer “What are your weaknesses”?...