How Best To Answer Interview Questions About Strength And Weaknesses

By Kibet Tobias

Every job interview comes with different interview questions depending on the field. There are those tricky and tough questions that will make you sweat profusely especially if you did not prepare well for the interview.

‘What are your strengths and weaknesses? is one of the most common interview questions that many candidates do not know how to appropriately answer.

Employers normally ask this question to find out the qualities you have that will help you succeed in the job if you are considered. Are you going to be problematic to the organization if hired?

So what are the best ways to answer interview questions about strengths and weaknesses?

How to Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness

You will never avoid this question however much you try to.

Remember to be honest when answering this question. The worst mistake is lying. Recruiters already know that you are not perfect. They also have their own shortcomings.

A good candidate can’t deny that they have real weaknesses. However, the weakness you discuss should not put you in bad light.

For example, “My biggest weakness is my inability to work well with others. I spend a lot of my time alone.”

This answer sounds good, right? But it indirectly explains to the employer that you don’t like working with others. In short, you don’t have team work skills yet most potential companies require them in the office environment.

Therefore, you have disqualified yourself.

The appropriate approach is to recognize the weakness and explained how you have worked to improve it in the previous job.

For example, “My greatest weakness is inability to share responsibilities. I want to be in control because I don’t trust others with projects I know I can do better. However, I have discussed this with my supervisor on ways to improve. I’ve engaged myself in several team building workshops and a volunteer group and I love the progress. I’m learning to trust others.”

In other words, it’s always important to avoid giving any weakness that would show you are a poor fit for the job opportunity. You don’t want to give the employer a reason not to hire you.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Strengths

This interview question may seem easier to many candidates but it is the most important one that will sell you the interviewer.

Probably the interviewer wants to know if your strengths match with the requirements of the job you’re interviewing for. Hence, this question helps the employer decide whether or not you are the strongest candidate for the job.

So how do you perfectly answer this question? It’s important to discuss skills that will qualify you for the said job to help differentiate you from the other candidates in the competitive job market.

You can explain the skills; achievements and experience that you have which directly corresponds with the job you are interviewing for.

For example, “I have excellent strong writing skills. Having worked as a content editor and writer for three years, I have a strong attention to detail when it comes to writing. I have also written for a variety of websites and publications, so I know how to shape my writing style to fit the target audience. As a digital marketer, I will be able to effectively write and edit articles and update web content with accuracy and ease.”

However, as much as you want to be the strongest candidate, you should never discuss vague strengths.

You can review more interview questions related to your strengths and weaknesses here.