Many job seekers think that looking for employment is all about skills and experience. Yes, these things are crucial, but employers also look for other qualities in job interviews.
Discover how to describe your strengths and weaknesses
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Apart from honesty, reliability, and how well you work with others, employers also look for evidence of:
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Organization skills
- Management skills
- Technical skills
- Writing skills
- People skills
- Self awareness/Self reflection/Self Improvement
Displaying such qualities in your professional life can make you more valuable to the company than someone who has more experience but lacks these traits.
This blog post discusses some of the positive attributes employers value most in potential new hires, so you can prepare yourself for job interviews!
What are your strengths and weaknesses? This is a common interview question that employers, hiring managers and recruiters ask in almost every interview.
Every job seeker has to face questions like "Can you tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?" at some time.
How to Get a Hiring Manager to Hire You!
First, the Strengths
In a job interview, the interviewer will likely ask you to describe your talents/strengths. Many applicants wonder how to reply to such a question without appearing egotistical or boastful.
Is it enough to say you're a hard worker?
On the contrary, employers are not looking for your list of accomplishments or bragging about how great you are. They simply want to know what you are good at and how your abilities will contribute to the success of the company.
So, if asked about your strengths, keep it simple and specific.
Explain which skills, traits, talents, or other positive qualities make you an asset to any job.
Try to align them with information provide in the job description.
Some example answers:
- I'm very patient
- I'm extremely reliable
- I pay close attention to detail
- I'm naturally calm under pressure
Be ready to respond to this question, so have a response prepared.
Even if the interviewer doesn't ask you this question, knowing your strengths makes it easier to explain what you can contribute to any professional setting or a particular position.
You can also ask yourself, "How might I use this knowledge in other parts of the interview?"
If you have a story ready to tell when someone asks this, it could give you an edge over other less well-prepared applicants interviewing for the job.
Don't just state, “I'm detail-oriented and hard-working”, or merely list your talents. Create a compelling story that emphasizes what you bring to the position and how your strengths have enabled your professional growth.
When you reply, be very clear. You need to be acutely aware of your talents that employers will value. Ask a buddy or coworker to help determine what you are great at!
Include a variety of talents, such as hard skills (technical), soft skills (transferable skills), and personal qualities, to show you're versatile.
Strengths
- Continuous Learning
- Creativity
- Good Listener
- Persistence
- Dedication
- Positive Attitude / Flexibility
- Focused
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Self-control
- Taking Initiative
- Versatility
- High Standards
- Critical Thinking
Even seasoned professionals might have difficulties with how to best describe their strengths to a hiring manager. So let's look at some typical cases to help you.
Try using some elements from these strength case studies to construct a compelling reason why the interviewer or recruiter should select you.
How to Answer Questions about Your Strengths?
Creativity
Example answer:I'm creative, and always look for new opportunities to solve problems more efficiently. One example of this is my dedication to learning how to code. A few years ago, I took an HTML class on Codecademy, which gave me the basics of web design and coding. Since then, I've enjoyed exploring other forms of technology like Ruby on Rails and more recently, Python. As a result, I created my first website where I post all of my resume information along with blogging about different computer science topics on the side!
Versatility
Example answer:As far as versatility is concerned, I'm usually the person in a group setting who can figure out how to solve any problem put in front of us.
Whether it's figuring out what needs to be changed in a program or working together on a group project, no challenge is too big for me!
Good listener
Example answer:As someone who values open communication, I always listen attentively to what others have to say. I think it's important not just to hear but also to understand what they're saying to collaborate effectively with them.
Persistence
Example answer:When faced with challenging assignments, my coworkers are often surprised by my willingness to keep trying even though the task seems too daunting at first. My determination has helped me excel in situations where others have given up hope.
Positive Outlook/Adaptability
Example answer:One quality that has stood out for me is my positive attitude and flexibility about different work situations. I try not to let setbacks interfere with all of the great things happening around me.
Whether that means tackling a project one step at a time or motivating my team or co-workers to do better, I'm always optimistic about the outcome.
Integrity
Example answer:My colleagues know me for my integrity. My commitment to taking responsibility for my work inspires people around me, even when I'm the one initially responsible for a problem.
Focused
Example answer:One quality that stands out about me is my ability to focus. People are often surprised by how quickly I notice patterns that others miss. It helps me solve problems in new ways instead of just following what's always been done before.
Taking Initiative
Example answer:I don't wait for things to happen. I notice when something needs to be done, and I take care of it. Whether filing the documents that just came in or brainstorming ideas for clients, taking the initiative is the norm.
Continuous Learning
Example answer:I'm obsessive about learning new things. At school, my friends could always count on my help for any subject. So far in my career, I've taught myself 3 programming languages and built three new tools for our department at work.
There is so much more I would like to learn, and I'm looking forward to taking some online classes at home this year.
Positive Attitude
Example answer:No matter how stressful things get, I always try to put a positive spin on it. For example, when we found out the deadline for a project was going to be moved up 2 weeks, everyone started freaking out like we weren't going to make it.
But instead of focusing on how impossible this new deadline seemed, I spent my time coming up with ideas for how we could get the desired outcome quicker. I saw it as an opportunity and not a stressor. It worked! Even though we were working crazy hours leading up to the deadline.
High Standards
Example answer:When it comes to my job, I'm very picky about what gets done and how it's done. It is stressful when deadlines are looming, but it's satisfying when everything eventually goes according to plan. Working with me means having a high standard for quality - whether you're designing UI or building a website.
Critical Thinking
Example answer:People often don't realize it at first, but I'm a very thoughtful and insightful person. I don't just spout off opinions without stopping to think it through. I consider the pros and cons of any issue carefully before making a decision.
If you tell an interesting story - it will set you apart from the crowd in the eyes of the recruiter or hiring manager. Learn to explain your greatest strengths convincingly with compelling examples, and you'll be unstoppable in your job hunting!
Now, the Weaknesses
Okay, so we've looked at strengths - what about weaknesses?
Let's dive in!
In today's job market, a lot of candidates are competing for the same positions. To stand out and land your dream job, you need a strong resume and cover letter. But what if your weakness is ____? Don't worry! Employers love to hire people with weaknesses because they know that those people will be driven to improve themselves to succeed at their company.
We all have weaknesses - it's just a matter of finding one that employers value most.
So, what are some common weaknesses employers value? Well, maybe you're not as creative as other applicants, or you might lack confidence when presenting ideas in meetings. Either way, these qualities may still make you an excellent team player.
Good or Bad?
First, there are good and bad weaknesses, so let's look at some examples from an employer's point of view:
A good weakness is working too hard
A bad weakness is not focusing on something enough
Other bad weaknesses include:
Lacks follow-through
Resistance to change
Now, we want to focus on good weaknesses that can still be valuable to an employer. When talking about any weakness, you want to come across as modest but eager to improve. Avoid giving the hiring manager a reason to reject you because you have a colossal weakness you haven't figured out how to tackle yet.
Being prepared is critical for a successful outcome in any job interview. It's important to select weaknesses you're actively addressing to convert them into strengths.
Telling a compelling story detailing how you are overcoming the weakness enhances your case as a suitable applicant.
If you're having trouble recognizing where your faults or weaknesses are, reach out to someone who knows you well and get their help. Always remember, flaws are not permanent, and everyone has some. It doesn't imply you aren't a good fit for the position.
The upside of recognizing your shortcomings and being able to discuss them favorably is that you can talk about areas of development. Your ability to identify a weakness and explain how you're trying to improve it shows the recruiter you are mature and a serious applicant.
Weaknesses
A Particular Software
Extremely Extroverted
Extremely Introverted
Financial Literacy
Insecure
Presentation Skills
Self-criticism
Too detail-oriented
Too sensitive
Employers want to hear the answers to the question "What are your weaknesses?" Understanding how to reply with confidence will help you land your next job. Having trouble coming up with an answer> Check out these samples for inspiration.
How to answer questions about your weaknesses?
Punctuality
Example answer:
Although I always do my best to get projects done on time, being punctual has been somewhat of a struggle for me. Sometimes I have trouble waking up early enough and then rushing through the rest of my day trying to catch up with everyone else. I'm not always the first person at the meeting, but I always deliver great results - I just need to be reminded sometimes! I've improved since I started paying more attention to my scheduling app every day.
Time Management/Organization
Example answer:
I sometimes struggle to accurately estimate how long projects will take because I can get so excited about what I'm doing! Sometimes this leads to last-minute panics or missed deadlines, which can be frustrating. However, I've been working on prioritizing my tasks using a project and team management app, and it's kept me on track.
Talking Too Much
Example answer:
Something about my communication style makes people want to listen to what I have to say. Unfortunately, sometimes I get ahead of myself and jump into a story before letting others catch up with me. It's because I'm excited about what happened next, so I carry on talking without thinking about whether other people are still engaged or not.
Critical Thinking
Example answer:
Being so thoughtful can be a double-edged sword because sometimes I get so excited about looking at things from every angle that I get lost in my thoughts.
That's why even though I have lots of great ideas, I sometimes have trouble letting go of them when it comes time to implement a solution in reality. I'm always convinced I can develop the idea further.
Self-Criticism
Example answer:
I tend to be so hard on myself that I never appreciate all of the good things I have going for me. When someone praises something about my work, I still look at it and pick it apart, examining every little flaw - even if someone else thinks it's perfect.
Being Too Confident
Example answer:
While it takes a lot of courage and conviction to stick to your guns and do what you believe is right, sometimes I go too far and ignore opinions other than my own.
Now, when other people voice their concerns or problems with my idea, instead of telling them that they're wrong, I take time to consider their input and weigh up what they suggest.
Extremely Introverted
Example answer:
I'm a very private person and don't like talking about myself unless I know the other person extremely well. However, this gives me an amazing ability to read people, which allows me to understand them and their motivations much quicker than anyone else.
ADHD
Example answer:
ADHD has been a major challenge for me throughout my life. It changes your brain chemistry and makes you unable to control impulses, hyperactivity, and concentration as easily as other people can.
Because of this, I've had difficulty staying focused in boring situations such as lectures or meetings. However, the upside is that I've become good at meeting challenges head-on and turning negatives into positives.
Extremely Extroverted
Example answer:
Although It can be a weakness sometimes, I've learned to embrace it and use my extroverted nature to network and connect with people in socially challenging situations. And I'm not afraid of voicing my opinion or concerns about a task or project.
Poor Judgment
Example answer:
I've worked hard to improve my judgment by getting counseling and setting aside time to reflect. These two things have helped me understand that there's no better person than myself to make decisions for myself. But I also need others' input every once in a while. This has made me more humble when making judgment calls.
Lack of Motivation
I've always had trouble motivating myself for things that aren't interesting to me, like reading or doing homework at school.
However, I've learned that as long as I engage in interesting and challenging projects, I can excel. It's the humdrum stuff that I have problems getting excited about.
Insatiable Curiosity
When I was little, my parents told people that if they took their eyes off me for more than five seconds, they'd find me naked in the middle of an ant pile. I wouldn't hesitate to explore anything that caught my attention.
This has been a bonus in life as when something catches my attention - I'm compelled to find out everything I can. Harnessing this curiosity has driven my success in several different jobs. Unfortunately, sometimes I get carried away and get distracted from the main focus of a task. I've learned to curb this using time management apps.
You must always try and demonstrate how to make your weakness into something positive.
If you're having trouble figuring out where your flaws are, ask someone who knows you well for help or to give you feedback on how you performed in the past.
Once you identify your shortcomings, you can create a story that makes sense and shows them in a positive light!
Leverage Your Strengths and Weaknesses to Get Hired!
You must prepare well before an interview. You might forget an important point or come across as not authentic if you aren't comfortable and confident about your stories and examples.
When the recruiter or hiring manager asks you, "What are your strengths?" or "What are your weaknesses?" You must be ready to respond and make a positive impression.
Practice will help you develop the perfect responses to leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
What are your strengths and weaknesses examples
What are your strengths and weaknesses example answers
What is your strength example
If the interviewer asks you to talk about just one strength, try to choose what you think is the core strength directly related to the job you're interviewing for.
For example, if you're applying for a customer service role, then being able to effectively communicate with people might be the most important strength.
Examples of strengths
- Being detail-oriented
- Being an effective communicator
- Having strong organizational skills
- Being able to work well under pressure
- Being a team player
What are your weaknesses examples
What is your weakness example
The key to answering the "What is your weakness" question successfully is to focus on one real weakness that you have been actively working to improve.
Avoid sounding like you're making excuses for your weaknesses or trying to cover them up. For example, don't say that you're "bad with numbers" if you're applying for a financial analyst role.
Instead, try to be honest and give a real example of a weakness that you're currently working on.
"I tend to get overwhelmed when I have a lot of projects due at the same time. To combat this, I've been working on better time management skills and learning to prioritize my tasks."
This answer shows that you're aware of your weaknesses and are taking active steps to improve upon them.
Examples of weaknesses
- Being disorganized
- Poor time management skills
- Having a negative attitude
- Being impatient
- Being unable to handle criticism
- Lacking interpersonal skills
- Poor public speaking skills
- Negative self talk
If you have any of these weaknesses, don't despair!
Can you describe personal strengths you have that are directly relevant to the position?
Tip: some examples of personal strengths directly relevant to most jobs:
- Strong work ethic
- Punctuality
- Reliability
- Being detail-oriented
- Having a positive attitude
- Being able to work well under pressure
- Strong communication skills
- Good problem-solving skills
Example
One of my personal strengths directly relevant to the position is my strong work ethic. I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done right. Another strength of mine is being detail-oriented. I take care to pay attention to all the details in a task so that it can be completed accurately and efficiently.
What is your greatest strength?
The best way to give a thoughtful answer to this job interview question successfully is to use these 3 steps:
- First, identify your greatest strength
- Second, give an example of how you've used this strength in the past
- Third, explain how this strength will help you to be successful in the job you're applying for
Example
My greatest strength is my work ethic. I am always one of the first to arrive at work and the last to leave. I give 100% to every task that I am assigned, no matter how big or small. This dedication has helped me to achieve success in my last job.
In this job, my work ethic will continue to be an asset and help me contribute to the company's success. I am confident that I can take on any challenge that comes my way and deliver high-quality results.
This is just one example, but following these three steps will help you to identify and communicate your unique strengths to an employer. Be sure to tailor your answer to the specific job you're applying for.
FAQs
How to describe your strengths and weaknesses relevant to a specific job
Stand out against the competition by being able to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in a way that is relevant to the job. How? Research what the job entails and what skills are required to be successful in that role.
When you in an interview process, the interviewer will likely ask you to describe your strengths and weaknesses.
This can be a difficult question to answer on the fly, so be prepared with an answer and relevant examples that leaves a positive impression.
Examples of job types and relevant personal strengths:
- Sales: Persuasive and articulate
- Customer service: Patient and efficient
- Marketing: Strategic and creative
- Accounting: Methodical and detail-oriented
- IT: Analytical and problem-solving
- Human resources: Organized and personable
When talking about your weaknesses, be honest but emphasize that you are working on improving.
For example, if you tend to get anxious in high-pressure situations, you can mention that you are taking steps to manage your stress levels better. Or, if you have trouble staying organized, you can mention that you are working on developing better time management habits.
Some possible weaknesses for different types of jobs could include:
- Sales: Overly competitive or pushy
- Customer service: impatient or short-tempered
- Marketing: too risky or daring
- Accounting: too critical or nit-picky
- Human resources: too lenient or easygoing
When discussing weaknesses, focus on qualities that could be seen as strengths in the right context. For example, if you're applying for a job requiring creativity, then mentioning that you're sometimes too much of a perfectionist could be seen as a good thing.
The key is to focus on qualities that could be seen as strengths in the right context and to be honest about your weaknesses. Honesty is always the best policy!
Your goal should be to focus on your strengths that are relevant to the job and to downplay any weaknesses that are not essential for success in the role.
Examples of strengths
- Ability to work independently
- Strong time management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Being an empathetic person
- Being self aware
Examples of weaknesses
- Lack of experience in a particular area
- Difficulty working with numbers or data
- Shyness or discomfort in social situations
- Not being fluent in a second language
Remember, the key is to focus on strengths relevant to the job and downplay any weaknesses and demonstrate a clear path to overcoming them. How? Mention how you overcame any weaknesses in your personal life in the past or by using a specific example.
For example, if you're applying for a job that requires excellent written communication skills, but you haven't had much experience writing professionally, you might say something like this:
"I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively in writing, as demonstrated by the success I achieved in my previous job as a customer service representative. In that position, I frequently communicated with customers via email and live chat, and I always strived to maintain a friendly and professional tone."
With some thought and planning, you can give the perfect answer to any question about your strengths and weaknesses.
How can a shy person overcome their shyness in a job interview?
There are a few strategies that a shy person can use to overcome shyness in a job interview.
- First, take some time before the interview to get into the right mindset. This could involve taking deep breaths, practicing positive self-talk, or even listening to music that helps you feel more confident and at ease.
- Try to focus on recent achievements or experiences that have brought out your strengths and showcase them during the interview. This will not only make you feel more confident, but also help demonstrate your skills and abilities effectively.
- Remember that being shy does not mean you are not capable of excelling in a job. Instead of seeing yourself as being at a disadvantage, focus on how your shyness can actually be an asset in certain situations. For example, being a good listener and paying attention to detail are qualities that many employers value.
- It is crucial for a shy person to prepare well for the interview by researching the company and the role they are applying for.
Can you provide an example of a time recently focused on a bad habit, and how you overcame it?
A bad habit I've recently focused on is procrastination. I've found the article helpful that suggested using the Pomodoro technique. By breaking down my tasks into manageable increments, I could improve my productivity significantly.
Can you describe an appropriate context in which positive interaction contributes to the job?
An appropriate context for positive interaction could be during team meetings. Here, everyone shares their insights and learns from each other, which fuels creativity, promotes problem-solving, and ultimately leads to a more productive and harmonious work environment.