The most common interview question that hiring managers ask, and indeed the hardest to answer, is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Providing insight into one’s strengths or weaknesses requires preparation. One should aim to offer relevant and significant information about one’s character and competence.
Your strengths and weaknesses should align with the qualities sought in the position you are applying for, and your least favorable weakness should be unrelated to the job responsibilities.
We offer great insight on answering “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” HR managers ask that question but also prepare for them to pose a different type of question. For example, they might ask, “In one word describing you, what would your coworkers and supervisors say about you?” Such questions compel you to discuss your positive qualities, even though they do not explicitly ask for your strengths and weaknesses.
What Are Your strengths and Weaknesses?
A hiring manager asks this question to gauge your level of self-awareness. They want to find out whether you know your strengths and weaknesses, how you plan to improve yourself, and what measures you have taken to overcome your weaknesses.
The hiring manager also wants to know which qualities you consider the best in yourself so that they can be utilized in the new role. With your answers, he will determine the criteria by which he will assess you and how your characteristics might impact the firm’s activities as well as the duties of its current employees.
Answering interview questions about what your strengths and weaknesses are requires a person to show self-awareness but not go into personal details. For instance, when answering this question, it would be ideal to connect the response to the job description and company values so that the hiring manager or HR representative will understand that the candidate did their homework on the company.
Start with a detailed description of your strengths. Then, as you provide context and narrate a story, further enhance your answer by describing the qualities that make you stand out from other candidates and also qualify you for the available position.
See also: How to Answer “What is the Difference Between Hard and Smart Work” Interview Question
Samples for Answering What Are Your Weaknesses Interview Questions
The following samples might help you as you formulate your response.
Sample Strength: Time management
“One of my greatest strengths is time management. While handling various duties associated with being a marketing coordinator, I introduced a project management tool that helped classify tasks based on priorities. As a result, we were able to meet some very tight deadlines and enhance team productivity.”
“Therefore, I believe this role demands excellent time management. My time management abilities will allow me to work effectively with my colleagues to achieve great results.”
Sample strength: Adaptability.
One of my most important strengths is adaptability. I am flexible and can adapt because I know that change can occur at any moment. Faced with a last-minute change, I would first consider its effect on the project time and resources.
I would then speak with the team members, for it is essential to have everyone informed and in agreement. My next priority would be to update our plan, considering each task’s priority and adjusting the resources to fit.
Sample strength: Problem-solving
“I consider problem-solving one of my stronger suits. In my last position as a customer care representative, I was often faced with complex problems that required creative solutions. For instance, I once handled a case where a big customer complained about our service quality. I took the initiative to investigate the root cause and came up with a specific solution.
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Sample weakness: Delegation
“I recognize that delegation is an area I need to improve in. I have had trouble letting go of control and trusting others to handle things, which has led to overcommunication on my part. To work on this, I have been working on building trust with my team members and practicing delegation with smaller tasks to empower them to own their work.”
I am currently working on my delegation skills, but I feel that my skills are improving, and I find the challenge very rewarding. Working on delegation has also been a great way to improve my communication skills.
Sample Weakness: Public Speaking
Public speaking has always been a big challenge for me. I normally get very nervous when talking in front of huge audiences.
To overcome this, I joined public speaking courses and availed myself of every opportunity to present in smaller team meetings. Slowly, my confidence is building, and I get very positive feedback from colleagues, which encourages me to continue developing this skill.
Strengths and Weaknesses Examples
Reflect on the major competencies and attributes that are most appropriate for the job you are applying to. Give specific examples to demonstrate these strengths in action. Ensure your strengths are in line with the job requirements.
Example of Strength
The following strengths range from how you problem-solve during challenging projects to communication and interpersonal skills. For your interview answer, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Try to describe two or three potential strengths.
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Communication skills
- Team management
See also: How To Answer “What Are Your Hobbies” Interview Questions
Examples of Weaknesses
As you read through the list of possible weaknesses, reflect on which ones have posed difficulties that you have tried to overcome.
- Poor writing skills
- Public speaking
- Delegations
- Disorganization
- Avoidance of taking risks
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Be honest but strategic: Steer clear of vulnerabilities that could make you unsuitable for the position.
- Demonstrate growth: Show how you’re proactively working on the weakness.
- Stay positive: Reframe weaknesses as areas to improve.
Conclusion
When answering interview questions about strengths and weaknesses, there needs to be a balance struck between professionalism and authenticity. In discussing strengths, one should focus on the skills and attributes that mirror the job description and show examples from real life that demonstrate one’s value to the organization.
For weaknesses, pick real areas for improvement, but highlight your self-awareness and what you are doing to improve and overcome. With the preparation of thoughtful and structured responses, you can present yourself as a confident, self-aware, and continuously improving candidate, qualities that most employers appreciate.
See also: 10+ Ways to Thank Your Boss for a Good Appraisal
FAQs on How To Answer What Are Your Weaknesses? Interview Questions
Look carefully at the job description and note which of your skills match the company’s requirements. When listing your strengths, validating them with specific experience or training is best. You should mention your weaknesses honestly; nevertheless, they should not dent your chances.
Typical strengths include leadership, communication, and writing abilities. Common weaknesses include fear of public speaking, lack of experience with particular software or programs, or difficulty taking criticism.
References
- Indeed – What Are Your Weaknesses Interview Questions
- The muse – What Are Your Weaknesses Interview Questions
