“Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes. It enables you to keep growing”- Lawrence Bossidy. In this age and era, the internet is replete with the best list of strengths and weaknesses during interviews. It is also brimming with lists of strengths and weaknesses to avoid saying during an interview. But does this suffice in preparing you when answering the question about your strengths and weaknesses? Here we will see How to Answer “What are your Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses?”
How to Answer “What are your Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses?”
During an interview, you want to be fluid with your conversation and make it as natural as possible, but you also want to be relevant.
You can highlight your weaknesses and strengths into either hard or soft skills. Ultimately, when talking about your weaknesses, you want to state them in a way that makes you be on the winning side. Evaluate yourself from your past performance and current feedbacks.
Also, you want to present strengths that are relevant to the job and weaknesses that do not impede your performance. On the weakness side, the implicit and explicit skills mentioned in the job description should not be part of the weaknesses. Put your weaknesses on the positive side using positive words rather than negative words such as “unsuitable.” Instead, show that you are aware of your weaknesses and you are working on improving them.
Some of the strengths and weaknesses can be intertwined. Specifying how they are either a strength or a weakness is ideal. Being a perfectionist, which may be considered an everyday response to a shortcoming, can be a weakness and a strength.
Perfectionism as a weakness can lead to procrastination and laxity in performance. It can also be a strength in meticulous work. Similarly, being competitive is both a strength and a weakness if tailored to your description. However, avoid bland answered that seem inauthentic.
Employers can detect lies and always work towards a specific weakness and strength relevant to your job. Reading the list of weaknesses on the internet without taking the time to tailor them may work against you. For example, when you say that you are an introvert who is ardent about reading books, make sure it is genuine. An employer may go straight ahead and ask you about the book you are currently reading.
What are your Weaknesses?
As much as the question is common during interviews, many interviewees self-sabotage themselves when answering this question.
Part of alluding being a “working progress” is honesty with your interviewer on your weaknesses. Therefore, avoid saying that you lack weaknesses because everyone has their flaws.
Secondly, avoid stale answers that make you seem inauthentic. Answers such as working too hard or being a perfectionist are deal-breakers during interviews.
Thirdly, don’t use your strength in an area of your weaknesses.
Fourthly, remember that your employer is not your therapist. Limit your weakness to work-related weaknesses and avoid discussing personal shortcomings. Give professional weaknesses and not answers like “I am an alcoholic,” which are an easy way to eliminate yourself. Be honest while maintaining respect between you and the interviewers.
Fifthly, identify two or more weaknesses that are fixable. If the prospective employer asks about your other weaknesses, you don’t want to fumble for words about them then. Your weaknesses should be something that your employer recognizes but do not give them red flags on your competencies. Therefore, focus on how you are working towards them in ways that make them temporary.
There is always a correlation between fixable weaknesses and strengths. For example, a talkative person is often personable, and a person who overthinks may be good at making efficient strategies. Therefore, keep in mind that your weaknesses justify why your employers should hire you over other employees. Make it an opportunity for a call to action- which is to hire you.
Sixthly, relate a story about your weakness. How has your weakness been a challenge to you in the past, and how have you overcome it. Have a positive attitude by stressing your strengths more than your weaknesses in the story. For example, avoid emphasizing your weaknesses by starting your sentence with “my weaknesses are…” or “I struggle with…,” which underscore your weaknesses. Instead, start on a positive note such as “I am working on improving…” or “Areas where I can improve….” or “in the past.”
Seventhly, stress that you are working on your weaknesses and won’t hinder your job. You can improve yourself by taking classes online, attending workshops and seminars, taking training, reading tools, having mentors, having apps where necessary, being a volunteer, and joining professional groups.
Lastly, seal the deal by including testimonials from an authoritative person on how you have improved your performance. You can include complements from a manager or a college, statistics, and
Other forms in Asking the Question
- What are some of the skills that you are still developing?
- What are your weakest qualities?
- What are some of the areas your wish you could change about yourself?
- What are some of your developmental goals?
- What current assignment are you finding most challenging?
- Is there a time you disappointed your team?
- What is the main regret you have had during your current job?
- What are some of the challenges and hurdles in your current work?
- What would you struggle with the most in this position or assignment?
- What are some of the most challenging work environments you have worked in, and how did you maneuver through it?
If asked what you think your manager would say about your failings, the answer should show that you are open to constructive criticisms and flexible in relearning. It also shows your ability to morph into a better person after a setback.
What are Some of the Potential Follow-Up Questions?
- How can we help you overcome your weakness?
- How can your weakness interfere with your role?
- What is your second greatest weakness? (and 3rd and 4th).
List of Weaknesses to Use During Interviews
- Procrastination
- Perfectionism/ attention to detail/meticulous
- Self-critical
- Shy
- Being an introvert
- Inexperience
Pro Tip
When preparing, consider the companies values and job description when answering this question. A response such as being shy or stage fright during public speaking is a deal-breaker in works that require communication skills.
Preparing yourself in advance to answer this question comes in handy. Identify areas you need to improve on. This can include feedback you have gotten over the past from your employers, your colleagues, and supervisors on your weaknesses.
Due diligence on the job description is also crucial in tailoring your weakness. The job description helps you tailor your weaknesses in a way that will not self-sabotage you. Even though the job description may not state the skills explicitly, learn to read between the lines while presenting the weaknesses.
In a job description that requires a lot of interaction with clients and socialization skills, being introverted or impatient may interfere with your performance. A question to ask yourself would be, what is the employer looking for?
Poor and Good Examples of Weaknesses
Example 1: I am currently working on toning down my direct feedback to my colleagues. My colleagues and manager have often told me that I am too direct. Therefore, my comments come across as abrasive to my colleagues, who view my comments as critical rather than a well-intended feedback. This has resulted in them being defensive.
To alleviate this, I am open to feedback and being an active listener diminishes this weakness. I am working on improving myself by taking a course in leadership that helps me consider the different people in your organization and the different ways to give my feedback to each member.
My manager and some of my colleagues have commended the visible change in my mode of correcting others.
Example 2: I am working on improving on my self-criticism. In the past, I would focus on what was wrong without appreciating my personal growth or what I could do to improve the situation. To improve self-criticism, I focus on reflecting on my improvements and ways to improve myself. This has reflected on my confidence levels which I have been complimented for by my employer.
Example 3: A skill I have being working on is active listening. An impediment to active listening is being too talkative. Often times, I would highlight a problem that needs to be solved during meeting but I would be impatient in listening to the opinions of others.
My colleagues who were less talkative would be discouraged from voicing their opinions. Others thought that I was disrespectful which created conflict. Many a times, good ideas were left unsaid because my colleagues felt dominated. My manager told me to improve on this weakness in my performance appraisal.
I started reading books on active listening and emotional intelligence to change this habit. I also took a course online on communication skills, and have a certificate as proof of my completion. What I have learned is that you lead people better when you become a good listener.
Currently, my relationship with the clients and colleagues has improved because of active listening. Being an empath has also helped me to solve more problems by trying to understand things from my colleague’s perspective.
Now I am inclusive when leading my colleagues during meetings. I give each person an opportunity to be heard. I also give honest feedback. This has really improved on my leadership skills as well.
This has led to a rise in 60 percent of employee engagement. My manager recommended me for my improvement and tasked me with a role of leading 5 people.
Example 4: I am currently working on my limited experience as a fresh graduate from college. I am aware of my inexperience and I am open to learn. I am also an agile learner. In the University I was a member of the moot court and I also took a course in public speaking. I competed with 100 members in an international moot contest and won the 3rd position in the 2020 competition.
I am also a skilled writer with 2 years’ experience in article writing and copy writing. I have always being particular about the English language and how I communicate with others. One of my lectures recommended me for me well thought of researches in my essays and my writing style. He encouraged me to be an article writer in my second year in campus.
I am glad to say that through patience and having a teachable spirit I was able to learn the gimmicks of the industry. I have work experience with Amazon as a copy writer and I have my own website where I write legal articles. Ten of my articles has gained a position in the first Google page.
Answers to Avoid
- Answers that disguise a strength as a weakness. Being a perfectionist is sometimes discouraged because it may sound more positive. You can also seek alternatives to some common answers, such as being a perfectionist. For example, working on one project at a time in a fast-paced environment can stall work. This is a better alternative to “I am a perfectionist.” You want your interviewer to agree with you, making you seem honest.
- You giving a weakness that is relevant to the job.
- You give a personal weakness such as being a drunk. Avoid being too honest when it comes to your weakness. Employers interview to gauge your work competency and not to have a glimpse of your personal life. Other weaknesses you should avoid mentioning include tardiness, carelessness, and procrastination.
- You don’t answer the question.
- Weaknesses that make you look pessimistic.
- You are answering by using weaknesses that are both strengths and weaknesses, such as overthinking and being a perfectionist. They are weak answers to give during an interview unless adequately explained. Someone who overthinks is often indecisive. Overthinkers can also be meticulous. If you don’t elaborate on it in your weakness, your prospective employers can view this as an attempt to avoid the question subtly.
In a nutshell
Weaknesses need to be relevant to the job. They need to stress your positive attitude towards life, people, and work. Therefore, avoid the blame game when talking about your weaknesses. The answer should also show that you understand the role and are working towards self-improvement through solid ways you have improved. Therefore, mention rectifiable weaknesses.
Employers want to test your self-awareness and your poise. Having a sketchy answer gives the impression that you are unaware of your weaknesses or insincere.
Answer the questions accordingly. Be thoughtful with your answers. Demonstrate your ability to be a quick thinker and your good communication skills.
Answering a question about your weakness is a chance to show your strengths by giving concrete ways to personal development. Therefore, watch on your tone. It would be best not to appear arrogant when answering the question or too modest, which makes you want confidence
What Are your Strengths?
The question is often asked in interviews because most interviewees assume it is straightforward. Therefore such interviewees either come across as too modest or as arrogant. When answering the question, avoid wishy-washy responses with words such as” I think,” “I am not that bad in…”, or “I guess” to answer your strengths.
You want to reflect self-awareness and self-confidence. Be concrete and assertive when answering a question on your weakness.
Also, use the most recent strengths backed up by evidence. Researching about the skills you will be presenting is crucial. You may look at similar job descriptions for the same role or members on LinkedIn or other job sites with the same job you would like. Look at the skills they present to the company and choose from them.
Skills are grouped into 3 categories: job-related skills, adaptive skills, and transferable skills. You need job-related skills to do a job. On the other hand, any job industry can use transferable skills. Employers seek these skills in most jobs. Lastly, adaptive skills are soft skills.
Other Ways the Question may be Phrased
- What do you think your supervisor would say your greatest strength is?
- How can the company benefit from your skills?
- Justify the reason we should pick you?
List of Strengths
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork
- Technical skills (specify which area).
- Organization skills
- Interpersonal skills.
- Analytic thinking.
- Discipline.
- Adaptable and flexible.
- Creative
- Integrity
- Committed.
- Passionate
- Negotiation skills
- Enthusiastic
Things to Avoid Saying
Firstly, giving an answer that seems that you are bragging or arrogant. Bragging too much gives the impression that you are unrealistic.
Secondly, giving a lot of strengths. It makes you seem indecisive on what your strongest attributes are.
Lastly, picking a strength that does not relate to the job description.
Pro Tips
Avoid personal weaknesses such as resilience that may not be relevant to the company. Also, when picking out key strengths, pick a strength that augmented the company’s earning or strengths such as receiving an award inside or outside the company.
Use the STAR method to evaluate your primary strengths. STAR entails Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Firstly, situation involves elaborating on the details that require you to use your expertise to solve a problem. It includes mentioning the company or the project, whether the work was individual or teamwork, and the client.
Secondly, the task is the expectation of the company in that situation. What was the goal, and what was your role?
Thirdly, assignment is how you handle the task. How did you attain the goal? It should be an individual effort rather than a team’s effort.
Lastly, results are the end goal of your mission. Was the mission a success? Detail the success with numbers and evidence.
Bad and Good Examples of Strengths
Example 1: Good communication skills have always been my biggest strength. In school, I have been a leader in high school and University. I would help the students with their assignments and exams. I would also include all students in giving their opinions on various subjects. I also participated in various extra-curricular activities such as the drama club, NGO projects, and representing the campus as the campus ambassador.
Example 2: I am a lifelong learner fueled by my curiosity. As a child, I have always been an ardent reader, reading different books. I also love learning new languages. I am currently learning programming and coding. I consider my skill relevant because curiosity nudges me to be a better version of myself.
Example 3: My greatest strength is the ability to act on the unexpected. During our debate preparations, a keynote debate speaker dropped out. I boldly took on the new challenge and prepared for the role. I prepared and researched the debate with the help of my teammates on our journey to the debate session. Though the debate could have been better researched, showing up for the debate gave us a standing with other teams involved. The ability to act on the unexpected is essential in this role, where many impromptu challenges will present themselves. Being flexible and adaptable will be essential for the role.
Example 4: I am proficient in article writing and copy writing. I have 8 years’ experience as a writer working with the Forbes magazine and Vogue Magazine. Initially, I started as a graphic designer and social media marketer. Eventually, I developed skills in writing.
Starting out in graphic design and social media marketing has enabled me build more portfolio in my writing. I mostly use original pictures in my work which are well thought of. I am also an aggressive marketer on all social media platforms and credible job sites. This helps me to meet more clients on social media. It also enables me to be a versatile writer who can create content and promote it as well.
Example 5: I am good at listening to people and empathizing with them. Earlier this year, I was on a call with a customer whose contract the company had recently terminated. The customer was angry because recalling her services would increase her earnings; and she would therefore afford a car insurance for her and her family.
Since the company could not reinstate her contract I tried giving her other options she could follow for her insurance. I gave her cheaper insurance cover options. In the end, the complex situation became favorable when she went and bought a cheaper insurance policy.
She later called to give me a feedback on the insurance that it was one of the best and that she would still recommend me to other companies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Strengths and Weaknesses
1. What is the # 1 hack when answering the job question of strengths and weaknesses?
Maintain a positive attitude when answering a question on your weakness. Also, research the company to know what their needs and expectations are. You can find information about the company on the company website, local business news sites, and the employee’s profile.
2. Why is the question on strengths common during interviews?
• To check if you are competent for the role.
• To check if you understand the demands for the role.
• To test your confidence and your preparation for the role.
• To check if your skills are relevant for the job.
3. Why is the question on weaknesses common during interviews?
The Weakness Question is Asked to Test your:
• Honesty
• Self-introspection to your limitations
• Curiosity
• Competence
• Suitability
Putting it All Together
Be realistic with your competencies. The best way to answer the weakness question is to be self-aware of it and constantly work on improving your weakness. Employers can sense stashed answers in an interview and truthful responses as well.
Saying that you have no weakness or alluding to stagnation through your answers by not following up on an improvement step is one of the signs of being an average worker. Employers know that you are not perfect but want to know how you are improving yourself.
There needs to be a balance between humility and diffidence. When answering the question on your strength, being too humble to acknowledge your strength downplays your strong points. On the other hand, be humble enough to admit you have weaknesses and ways to rectify them.
While the answer to the weakness question should detail ways you have taken to mitigate them, the answer to the strength question should detail the relevance of your strength to the job.
What is in your top list of weaknesses and strengths?
