Chegg
Updated: September 21, 2020
Did you know that Thomas Edison discovered 1,800 ways not to build a light bulb before finding the right way? It’s true. Even though it’s hard, everyone fails, makes mistakes, and messes up. It’s okay! And yet when the interviewer says, “Tell me your greatest weakness,” most people are annoyed, terrified, or both.
Of course, there’s another side to this coin, and it’s sharing your strengths. This, too, inspires fear in many an interviewee. After all, aren’t you supposed to stay humble? No one wants to sound like they’re bragging during an interview.
To help you prepare for these two ever-popular interview questions, this article will explore how to answer both “What are your strengths?” and “What are your weaknesses?” Let’s get the weaknesses out of the way first.
How to answer “What are your weaknesses?”
Listen: It’s hard to admit to your weaknesses. But being able to do so, carefully, is key. First of all, don’t say that you don’t have any—that’s a huge weakness in itself. Also, don’t list a strength but try to make it sound negative. “I care too much” is a cliché by now, and it’s also a terrible answer.
Instead, demonstrate that you’re self-aware by mentioning an actual (but not debilitating) weakness. This part should be brief; you can do it in a single sentence. Then, move on to how you’re working to address and correct it. This second part should make up the bulk of your response. It shows that you’re self-aware and are always looking to improve yourself and your performance.
So, how do you choose a weakness? You want to point to a weakness that:
- Doesn’t diminish you in the eyes of the interviewer.
- Isn’t a huge deal or a true personal deficiency.
- Isn’t a key part of the job at hand. (If you’re applying to be a copy editor, don’t say, “I don’t pay attention to the details when I’m in a rush.”)
- You’re actively working to address.
Above all else, be honest. If you make something up, your interviewer will know.
Example answers
You have the building blocks for a strong response. Now, let’s look at some sample answers that show how everything comes together. Here’s an example for a non-managerial role:
I struggle when it comes to giving people negative feedback. I’m not a super confrontational person, and I don’t like to hurt people’s feelings—I want to be the one cheering them on and making them feel great! But over the course of my career, I’ve learned that sometimes, you need to give constructive feedback so that you can have more honest, efficient work relationships. I spoke to my last boss about this, and we did some role-playing together so I could build my skills is this area. I still think being positive is crucial to motivating people, so I deliver feedback with compassion—but I try to be straightforward, honest, and helpful, too.
The person clearly explains a weakness and discusses how they’re actively working to overcome it. The response is succinct (this isn’t a question where you want to go on and on!). Finally, they put a positive spin on the whole situation. One more, for an event-planning role:
I occasionally have a hard time asking for help. This sometimes works out, but it can be detrimental when I do need extra support in pulling off a big event or managing challenges beyond my control. Last year, I coordinated an event for one of our top clients. There were many small details and several setbacks along the way, but I was determined to handle it all on my own. The event was a success, but afterwards I realized how easily it could have gone wrong. I took the time to reflect, and I’ve been intentional in reminding myself to ask for help when it’s needed. My top priority is client satisfaction, and sometimes that means getting support, insight, or resources from others.
A sample response for a data analyst:
My greatest weakness is that I don’t always express myself, even when I’m feeling strongly about things. I’ve recognized this, though, and it’s something that I’m working actively to change. I’ve joined my local Toastmasters Society and have been actively participating. It’s helping me to feel comfortable saying what’s on my mind and expressing myself to others.
And a sample response for someone with no work experience:
I find that I don’t know enough about current events, so I’ve subscribed to newsletters and YouTube channels that focus on these issues. I also read relevant material online daily to help keep me up to date.
You can find many more example weaknesses and sample answers here.
How to answer “What are your strengths?”
With your weaknesses out of the way, it’s time to focus on what makes you great. Sure, it sounds pretty easy, but a lot of people struggle with this question. It can be challenging to recognize your own best qualities, and it’s vital to respond with strengths that prove you’ll be a great fit for the job you’re interviewing for.
Just as you did when describing your weaknesses, focus on what you’re doing to sustain and build upon this strength. Nothing in life is static, after all.
To prepare, choose three relevant strengths (communication, creativity, enthusiasm, problem solving … the list goes on and on!) and support your claims about these strengths using the four A’s:
- Awards:Prizes you have won that emphasize your strengths.
- Accolades:Privileges or special honors you’ve gotten because of your strengths.
- Anecdotes:A story you can tell that demonstrates your strengths in action.
- Acknowledgments:Special recognition you have received thanks to your strengths.
Note: An achievement is not a strength; it’s evidence of a strength. Once the interviewer launches into any variation of the “What are your strengths?” question, outline the three strengths you’ve prepared. Then, immediately lend credibility to your response by using at least one of your four A’s. This way, you’re connecting the dots for the interviewer. Any candidate can list a few strengths that relate to the job description. By adding supporting evidence, you’ll stand out.
Choosing a strength
So, how do you choose the right strengths? You want to choose strengths that:
- Are directly related to the job for which you’re interviewing.
- Demonstrate your ability to settle into the job faster and perform better than other candidates.
- Can be directly supported with tangible evidence (see the four A’s above).
Choose strengths that you can illustrate using any (or all) of the four A’s. Take your industry into account and do your research to see what traits or skills are essential to success on the job. Base your answer around these key qualifications.
Example answers
You’ve figured out where your strengths lie and how to structure your response. The final step is reviewing some sample answers that bring everything together. Here’s a great example for a receptionist:
I’m a really good communicator. Whether it’s over the phone, in person, or over email, I can express myself clearly and concisely. In fact, I was awarded “Captain Communicator” at my most recent internship. I received several shout-outs from my manager for diffusing difficult situations with my strong communication skills, and I even got an acknowledgment in the company newsletter for being really good at talking to clients. I think this strength will help me do well on the job since being a receptionist requires interfacing with individuals from different backgrounds. I’ll be able to make each person feel welcome and that their business is valued.
And one for a graphic designer:
I have a strong work ethic. I’m committed to meeting deadlines and completing all tasks at a high standard. At my previous job, I worked with a client who was on a very tight schedule. Due to circ*mstances beyond my control, we received some of the information needed to complete the project just one day before the deadline. Instead of missing the deadline or delivering a rushed, poorly done final project, I volunteered to stay late and complete the task. I was regularly recognized for my dedication and my ability to work under pressure. Because of this positive reputation, clients began requesting to work with me specifically. I think my strong work ethic will help me manage multiple projects and keep all clients satisfied as a graphic designer at your agency.
Both of these answers provide a relevant strength, list supporting credentials, and connect the strength to the job in question. Also note the confidence of these responses. They don’t say, “I’m pretty good at …” or, “I think a strength might be …” Instead, they launch directly and confidently into an answer.
Weaknesses and strengths: In other words …
Finally, let’s look at other ways this question can be asked. In addition to, “What is your greatest weakness?” or “What is your greatest strength?” your interviewer might ask:
- Tell me about your top three strengths and weaknesses.
- Tell me about an area that you’re looking to develop.
- What would your colleagues say is their favorite thing about you?
- What’s a time when you failed? What’s a time when you succeeded?
- What would your colleagues say is your biggest area for improvement?
- Describe a challenging work situation. How did you overcome it?
- On a scale of 1–10, how would your supervisor rate you on the following …
- Why are you the best candidate for this role?
- In your last review, what did your supervisor say ‘needs improvement’? How did you handle that?
As you can see, all of these questions can be answered using the methods we’ve discussed. Be ready with clear strengths and appropriate weaknesses, and then back up your answers with examples. If you’re well prepared, you’ll be sure to awe your interviewer.
And if you need to study a bit more, you can review other common interview questions, by field, here
