How to talk about strengths and weaknesses in a job interview
Interviews are the chance to convince interviewers how you are a suitable job applicant. It is beneficial to practice your answers before the interview to focus on your individual qualities and how they make you exceptionally eligible to excel in the position. In this post, we'll outline how to identify and define your strengths and weaknesses when replying to generic interview questions.
Tips on how to identify your strengths for a job interview
There are some steps to take to get ready for an interview. One of the most crucial aspects is to evaluate your abilities, skills, and competencies as they correspond to the job role. During the interview, you have to illustrate why your skills are ideal for the job and how you are the appropriate culture match for the organization and the group. If you're unclear about your strengths, here are some thought-out strategies that will help you recognize them;
- Take some time to determine the things that you appreciate performing a lot, and that feels instinctive. Also, think about the essential attributes that make such activities exciting. Decide whether or not there are common skills or trends between them. For instance, if you like solving math problems to reduce anxiety, you may be a compelling critical thinker and problem fixer.
- Find references to instances where people said something they appreciated or respected about you, like your interpersonal skills or how successful you're coordinating and running a project. You may also evaluate every time you've got an award, raise, or other acknowledgment and what qualifications help you achieve it.
- Schools, institutions, and companies that assist with work placement also have expertise and qualifications assessments ready to support you define your strengths.
- Consider your individual and career influential role model. Assess what attributes you value and if you discover yourself exhibiting any of those characteristics. Recognizing your strengths gives you a range of suggestions to choose from during the interview session, making it simple to discuss them with the interview panelists.
When the interviewer asks about your strengths, address the qualities that ideally match you for a particular position, and distinguishes you from the other applicants.
Ways on how to evaluate your weaknesses for a job interview
Weaknesses are not easy to speak about, and you'll have to be vigilant while presenting the illustrations. The interviewer should not get the impression that you are not suitable for the role. Your response has to be truthful and as optimistic as well. When the interviewer raises a question about your shortcomings, it is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the matter. All of us have flaws, but who likes to address them, specifically in a job interview?
Instances of limitations that you may discuss entail;
- Being overcritical
- Trying to impress others
- To be unaware of the new technology and applications.
Put more emphasis on the actions you are implementing to strengthen your flaws and stop describing weaknesses in skills relevant to your work.
The best approach with this question is to mitigate the attribute and highlight the optimism. Choose quality and come up with a plan to solve your weak point. Keep away from individual characteristics and focus instead on technical aspects. For instance, I value myself to be an overall picture person. I have to confess that perhaps I forget a few specifics, but still ensure that there is someone accurate and observant on my team.
Pointers to emphasize strengths during an interview
When you have discovered your strengths, consider constructing your responses to typical interview questions. There are techniques for planning a compelling solution with the STAR interview method.
Since this response framework can apply to any open-ended query, the below examples to address the question What are your strengths?
- Choose from four to six of your unique strengths to reflect on and plan responses while you're giving an interview. Develop the knowledge that your field demands and recognize the character traits that enhance them.
Acknowledge my potential to take the lead together with my interaction and interpersonal abilities are my greatest strengths. I was able to assist in handling multiple social media platforms when finishing my traineeship last year. Check and reviewed that all the teammates understood the plan and decided on the sound and intention to convey.
- Describe anecdotes that you should relate to illustrate past events. Begin by responding to the question explicitly, instead finish up with a specific comment.
When starting with a new venture, I ask clients about their pursuits and experiences. It enables me to evaluate a genuine relationship with them while maintaining contact transparent and efficient. I realize how valuable it is for the marketing process and the business to encourage sustainable connections with consumers, and I believe that I will suit your environment well.
Examples of how to respond to standard interview questions
Although each interview is distinct, many organizations include some common questions to understand their applicants well. Planning major points to answer such queries in preparation will help you look more relaxed and secure throughout your interview. Here are a few illustrations of interview questions with answers;
- Talk about yourself
It is the standard interview question and the initial chance to present your strong points to your interviewer. Organize a response that briefly discusses your practical experience, achievements, and applicable to your career ambitions.
I have devoted the last seven years overseeing all aspects of the HR process, such as recruitment, training, and rewards. I used this opportunity to improve my leadership skills with Quest Managed Services, where I won several excellence honors and three postings. I appreciate sorting out guest complaints and guiding team members.
- What are your strong points?
The interviewers want to understand how your abilities will support their company to thrive. Carefully study the range of requirements in the job role so that you can customize your response accordingly.
I feel that my professional ethic is my main asset. When I adhere to a target, I do whatever it takes to complete. For instance, we had a report deadline last month, but we received few details back late from our Australia team. I've been working continuously to complete the project to deliver it to the customer on time.
- What are your weak points?
Interviewers often probably want to inquire about your major weakness. Be open about a genuine flaw when discussing what initiatives you're making to change those limitations.
I often race through projects to finish them fast and continue to another task on my schedule. I find a way to take time and step aside and focus primarily on attribute over volume. I've figured a way to be productive and persuasive.
- How do you deal with workplace conflict?
If such type of question how you deal with confrontation, collaboration, or management, they seek clear evidence of experience so that they can evaluate how you manage these circumstances within their corporation. Keep instances ready for occasions when you've had to interact with tension at the job. Describe the scenario and how you tackled it, including the result.
Laura cleans the refrigerator in the office cafeteria. One day, she mistakenly cast out the leftover food of Stewart. The next day, Stewart learns that his food is lost and that Laura blows up. She replies that he must have properly labeled it. They both left the conversation feeling bitter. Laura felt no one acknowledges her for the effort she's performing to organize the workplace, and Stewart felt no one bothers about his belongings. So, I made them sit together, and both of them shared their feelings regarding the situation. They shared their expectations and were able to see with a calm state of mind how they could have handled the situation differently.
- Why do we recruit you?
This question provides a chance to make a compelling and long-lasting impact on them. Apply the unique skills job specifications and include illustrations of how your main attributes would help to excel.
Depending on the analysis and our conversation today, your company is searching for an assistant with good communication skills. My social skills are beneficial in creating customer reports, speaking to clients on the telephone, and during interactive meeting sessions. Conversant in a variety of operational software packages, like excel packages and content management frameworks. I know that my background is in sync with your organization's goals and that I can contribute a range of skills to your enterprise.
Conclusion
The practice and training is the core element in an interview. If you're not thoroughly conversant in your explanations and anecdotes, you might skip it or appear dishonest. With the appropriate amount of practice, you'll nail your answer and convince the recruiter of your solution when they question your strengths and weaknesses.
Create your resume in minutes for FREE.
Use resume templates that are tested and proven to fit the rules employers are looking for.
Create resume now
