For Job Seekers / Behavioral interview tips

How to Answer
questions about your
Strengths and Weaknesses

Discussing Strengths:

Align with Job Requirements:

Choose strengths that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. Review the job description to identify the key skills and competencies required, and match your strengths to these requirements.

Provide Concrete Examples:

Support your claims with specific examples of how you've demonstrated these strengths in a professional context. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your examples for clarity.

Be Authentic:

Select strengths that genuinely represent your abilities. Authenticity resonates with interviewers and helps avoid coming across as rehearsed or insincere.

Highlight Growth:

If applicable, mention how you've developed a particular strength over time. This can illustrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Balance Confidence with Humility:

Present your strengths confidently, but avoid coming across as arrogant. Acknowledge that while you excel in certain areas, you always seek opportunities for further improvement and learning.

Discussing Weaknesses:

Choose Wisely:

Select a weakness that is genuine but not a critical requirement for the job. Avoid clichés like "I work too hard," which can come across as insincere.

Focus on Improvement:

Discuss steps you've taken to address or mitigate your weakness. This can include courses, training, or practical strategies you've implemented in your work.

Frame Positively:

Present your weakness in a way that demonstrates your awareness and proactive approach to self-improvement. Show how acknowledging this weakness has spurred personal or professional development.

Keep it Professional:

Discuss weaknesses related to professional skills or attributes rather than personal qualities. This keeps the conversation relevant to the job and avoids oversharing.

Avoid Deal-Breakers:

Steer clear of weaknesses that would be red flags for the role. For example, mentioning a difficulty with deadlines may be detrimental if applying for a project management position.

Provide Context:

If appropriate, explain the context in which you've noticed this weakness and how it has impacted your work. This can help the interviewer understand the scope and relevance of the weakness.

End on a Positive Note:

Conclude your response by emphasizing your commitment to overcoming or managing your weakness. Highlight any progress you've made to show that you're capable of self-improvement.

By thoughtfully preparing your responses to questions about strengths and weaknesses, you can demonstrate your self-awareness, honesty, and commitment to personal growth, all of which are qualities valued by employers.