Strengths And Weaknesses Interview Questions

Interview strengths and weaknesses is a topic that seems to stress people out.

This is one of the most common questions we get asked about on the forums. Talking about your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview can be daunting.
"I'm easily bored, a bit sloppy and you wouldn't like to meet me on a morning before I've had a coffee - I'm an ogre!"

This is not the place to admit your biggest flaws - or crack jokes. It's also not the time to pretend you don't have any development areas - it would make you look either conceited or unrealistic about your own performance.

So how should you handle this type of question?

Step 1: Learn how to recognise it
Step 2: Prepare before the interview
Step 3: Learn how to answer it

Step 1: Learn how to recognise it
It might not arrive in the format you're expecting.

This is the type of question that has many guises. Rarely is it asked so directly. You need to spot it quickly, so you're not caught out.

It might sound something like:
· What would your manager miss about you? And what won't they miss?
· Tell me about a time when a project / objective went badly.
· What do you find most difficult / dislike the most about work?

Being able to identify the question is the first step to giving a compelling answer. When

So what can you do?

You don't want to open up and do a full-blown character assassination on yourself. Yet you have to answer the question.

Think about your strengths.

This will give you a solid foundation before you think about "weaknesses" and means you'll avoid the temptation to beat yourself up about not being perfect. Think about your last appraisal or what your current colleagues would say about you - or even ask your friends. What are some areas you can improve upon? Where do you excel?

As for weaknesses, it's often better to think of them as "development areas", rather than "faults".

Are there any areas where you could improve? Be honest with yourself.

The employer is looking for proof that you can identify your areas for development and then do something about them. So you'll need to admit that you're not perfect, whilst showing that you are already working on the issues and giving examples of the progress you have made.

Have you been on any training courses? Or maybe you've taken on a project at work to increase your skills?

It's usually a good idea to make the "weakness" something small.

You'll need to think laterally, to demonstrate why it won't be a problem. Or, if it's a big issue,
potentially reconsider why you're applying for the job.
Avoid major topics such as "organisational skills" or "time management"! If possible, choose a development area that doesn't affect your ability to do the job you're applying for.

Strengths And Weaknesses In Job Interviews - Step 3
Step 3: Learn how to answer it
The key to a good answer to most interview questions is to give examples that back up what you're saying. Don't expect them to take your word for it.

If possible, demonstrate how you're already improving your "weak spot". It's also a good idea to turn your "weaknesses" around, to have a positive slant:
1. Think of one of your "weaknesses".
2. What's the "positive side-effect" of that trait?
3. Are there any "negatives" that you need to address? How do you perform despite this weakness?
How can you describe it so it sounds like a benefit to the employer?

The key to a good answer to most interview questions is to give examples that back up what you're saying. Don't expect them to take your word for it.

If possible, demonstrate how you're already improving your "weak spot". It's also a good idea to turn your "weaknesses" around, to have a positive slant:
1. Think of one of your "weaknesses".
2. What's the "positive side-effect" of that trait?
3. Are there any "negatives" that you need to address? How do you perform despite this weakness?
4. How can you describe it so it sounds like a benefit to the employer?