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Strengths and Weakness interview Question Help!!!!!!!!
I do not know how to Answer my strengths and weakness?
I guess I really don't know it. Since it's the reason why I don't get a callback.
How can I find my strengths and weakness? where do I start?
#interviews #career #career-counseling #job #job-application
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42 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
For interviews when you get asked this question, a great way to get your answer started is by using the question in your statement. For example; if someone asks, "What is one of your strengths?" You can respond with, "One of my strengths is...." How you know your strengths are what are you really good at? What do people tell/compliment you on over and over again?
This can also be applied to when they ask you about your weaknesses, however you can frame them as "areas of opportunity." We all have something we can work on, like for me communication is one my strengths, but it can also be an area to work on because sometimes I over communicate and can confuse or overwhelm people w/ all the details I give. So think about any feedback you've been given to improve on, or anything you're actively working on in personal or work life.
Just make sure to follow up your weakness/areas of opportunity w/ how you are actively trying to improve on it. It will show employers that you are aware but taking that initiative :)
Good luck!
For interviews when you get asked this question, a great way to get your answer started is by using the question in your statement. For example; if someone asks, "What is one of your strengths?" You can respond with, "One of my strengths is...." How you know your strengths are what are you really good at? What do people tell/compliment you on over and over again?
This can also be applied to when they ask you about your weaknesses, however you can frame them as "areas of opportunity." We all have something we can work on, like for me communication is one my strengths, but it can also be an area to work on because sometimes I over communicate and can confuse or overwhelm people w/ all the details I give. So think about any feedback you've been given to improve on, or anything you're actively working on in personal or work life.
Just make sure to follow up your weakness/areas of opportunity w/ how you are actively trying to improve on it. It will show employers that you are aware but taking that initiative :)
Good luck!
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Great food for thought! If they ask about a weakness, you may take a breath to then state "One of my areas of opportunities to continually grow is on the back-end of one of my strengths... and describe a trait like Michelle's great example above. She basically sandwiched that opportunity/"weakness" under the tone of one of the things she does well! It's the same technique for constructive feedback: Some new awareness or coaching provided to someone, in between 2 complimentary components for them. Being solution-oriented on those areas of opportunity shows authentic awareness of your goals to improve + the tenacity to pursue those goals :)
Megan Midkiff
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Hi, Nancy
One of the most popular interview questions is, "What is your greatest weakness?"
Which is often preceded or followed by, "What is your greatest strength?"
Many interviewers ask these though questions not to see if you know the answer, but to see how you react under pressure.
The interviewer is looking for honesty, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from mistakes. So, don’t give a cliched answer like, “I’m a perfectionist!” Hiring managers hear that one a lot, and they’ll assume that you’re either not aware of your actual failings or that you’re not willing to share them. When answering questions about your strengths and weaknesses, always keep the job description in mind. Remember that these questions are essentially the same from different angles: the employer wants to know that you have the skill set, experience, and attitude necessary to get the job done. These kinds of questions are also an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness. The best employees are the ones who tackle their deficiencies head on and keep learning throughout their career.
Remember:
Be honest and sincere in your response. Don’t pretend to be perfect or claim to have skills you don’t possess.
If the “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?" question still is freaking you out – Try saying something like:
√ That’s an interesting question, could I take some time to think it over and get back to you; or
√ That’s a great question, but I would like to consider it further and get back to you with a full answer.
Even weaknesses can be strengths if presented appropriately Nancy, Happy Hunting.
One of the most popular interview questions is, "What is your greatest weakness?"
Which is often preceded or followed by, "What is your greatest strength?"
Many interviewers ask these though questions not to see if you know the answer, but to see how you react under pressure.
The interviewer is looking for honesty, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from mistakes. So, don’t give a cliched answer like, “I’m a perfectionist!” Hiring managers hear that one a lot, and they’ll assume that you’re either not aware of your actual failings or that you’re not willing to share them. When answering questions about your strengths and weaknesses, always keep the job description in mind. Remember that these questions are essentially the same from different angles: the employer wants to know that you have the skill set, experience, and attitude necessary to get the job done. These kinds of questions are also an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness. The best employees are the ones who tackle their deficiencies head on and keep learning throughout their career.
Remember:
Be honest and sincere in your response. Don’t pretend to be perfect or claim to have skills you don’t possess.
If the “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?" question still is freaking you out – Try saying something like:
√ That’s an interesting question, could I take some time to think it over and get back to you; or
√ That’s a great question, but I would like to consider it further and get back to you with a full answer.
Even weaknesses can be strengths if presented appropriately Nancy, Happy Hunting.
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Practice interviewing with a friend before your interview. you'll find that the actual interview will go smoother Nancy.
Doc Frick
Thank You. I appreciate it.
Nancy
Thank You Fariha. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare
Doc Frick
Updated
David’s Answer
As an interviewer, normally this question is a trick question to the interviewee because we want to know what kind of answer you will come up with and identify your strength and weakness. The best way to answer this question is to identify what you need improvement for and how you will doing it is the correct way to answer this question. Example, you can say you are good work in group or team, you are a leader and you lead and take responsible for doing or getting the work done in time and etc. but on top of it you can also identify how you can improve your team and what can be share. This question is normally to identify if you are a leader to lead and teach or a boss who is demanding and control. So best way to answer this is to identify your personality and work ethnic not what you are good and not good at.
thank you so much.
I will take your advice.
Nancy
Updated
cherri’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
You may have strengths that you aren't even thinking about. I recommend you look online for a free "Personal Strengths Inventory" or "Strengths Test" site. Take your time and really think about the questions. You may be surprised by the results. Then, when interviewing you have to match your strengths to job qualifications. As for weaknesses, a strengths test will also reveal any areas of opportunity. Don't think of any quality as a "weakness". Think of it as you having the information on an area where you have the opportunity to make improvements. You can also match those to the specific job qualifications. But in an interview, don't ever use the word 'weakness'. Present the opportunity along with any thing you are doing to improve in that area.
You may have strengths that you aren't even thinking about. I recommend you look online for a free "Personal Strengths Inventory" or "Strengths Test" site. Take your time and really think about the questions. You may be surprised by the results. Then, when interviewing you have to match your strengths to job qualifications. As for weaknesses, a strengths test will also reveal any areas of opportunity. Don't think of any quality as a "weakness". Think of it as you having the information on an area where you have the opportunity to make improvements. You can also match those to the specific job qualifications. But in an interview, don't ever use the word 'weakness'. Present the opportunity along with any thing you are doing to improve in that area.
Thank you so much.
I will take your advice.
Nancy
If you are in a situation where you are about to interview, contact me! We can talk about strengths and "areas of opportunity" in relation to a specific position and we can rehearse the answers.
cherri johns
OKay, Thank you.
Nancy
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Nancy, it is obvious, one of your strengths is persistence. You don't give up. You have asked 13 questions on this website. Persistence is a good place to start.
You do know one of your weeknesses. You mentioned it in another question about seeking scholarships when you said that the essay part of the application is what you got hung up on. Is English your first language?
Remember the advise in the other answers to this question. It's the voice of experience. Keep trying! Don't give up and soon you will have valuable experience under your belt as well.
You do know one of your weeknesses. You mentioned it in another question about seeking scholarships when you said that the essay part of the application is what you got hung up on. Is English your first language?
Remember the advise in the other answers to this question. It's the voice of experience. Keep trying! Don't give up and soon you will have valuable experience under your belt as well.
Wow. I didn't notice it. Thank you.
English is my second language.
Nancy
Updated
Christy’s Answer
There is a great assessment called "Strengths Finder" which can help you pin point your strengths. I believe the full assessment will also indicate your lowest scoring categories which could give you some insight into your weaknesses, or areas of opportunity. Not only are these assessments good for identify strengths and weaknesses, they may also give you insight into good career opportunities / career paths. Best of luck!
Thank you So much.
I will look into it.
Nancy
Updated
Phoebe’s Answer
Nancy, brilliant question! When told to respond about your weakness and strengths in an interview question, the potential employer is specifically nailing it to the JD.
A tip! When it comes to a weakness, never mention a weakness that is part of the requirement in the role description. For instance, the JD states that you will need to network with stakeholders and then you say your weakness is, you never connect well with people, you are done!
Here, mention weaknesses that least affect or do not at all affect your role. For example, neutral ones like ..I am a perfectionist, I tend to please everyone. They carry a bit of strength in themselves, but remember show how you are working towards improving it.
In your strength again, wrap it around the job description. If you job requires you to handle data, say for example, you are good in data analysis. Support this with examples of how you have used that strength in other roles.
If you are looking for a sales job , say how networking as a strength helped you exceed several targets in this XY company.
Remember this question is for the potential employer to see whether you are the best fit!
A tip! When it comes to a weakness, never mention a weakness that is part of the requirement in the role description. For instance, the JD states that you will need to network with stakeholders and then you say your weakness is, you never connect well with people, you are done!
Here, mention weaknesses that least affect or do not at all affect your role. For example, neutral ones like ..I am a perfectionist, I tend to please everyone. They carry a bit of strength in themselves, but remember show how you are working towards improving it.
In your strength again, wrap it around the job description. If you job requires you to handle data, say for example, you are good in data analysis. Support this with examples of how you have used that strength in other roles.
If you are looking for a sales job , say how networking as a strength helped you exceed several targets in this XY company.
Remember this question is for the potential employer to see whether you are the best fit!
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
I couldn't agree more! The framing of the response is very important and strengths and weakness questions are really about meeting the job description and self-awareness.
Maria Morck
I totally agree Nancy!
Phoebe Ngugi
Updated
Miki’s Answer
Hi Nancy!
The key is to show that you are self-aware, and motivated to turn challenges into opportunities.
Come up with "weaknesses" that show you are a good person and valuable employee. It's best to use "weaknesses" that could be interpreted as strengths.
For example, these could include:
"Perfectionist-obsessed with getting the details right"
"Results-driven"
"Overly safety-focused"
Don't say your weaknesses include laziness, stealing, lack of caring or anything else that would raise a red flag.
The key is to show that you are self-aware, and motivated to turn challenges into opportunities.
Come up with "weaknesses" that show you are a good person and valuable employee. It's best to use "weaknesses" that could be interpreted as strengths.
For example, these could include:
"Perfectionist-obsessed with getting the details right"
"Results-driven"
"Overly safety-focused"
Don't say your weaknesses include laziness, stealing, lack of caring or anything else that would raise a red flag.
Thank You So much.
Nancy
Updated
John’s Answer
You can ask your family and friends. Write down all of their replies, then pick the answers you believe are most accurate.
Updated
Kei’s Answer
If you do not have work experience yet, you can pinpoint your strength by assessing how you handle tasks assigned to you even at home. If you are asked to do something, how do you handle them? For me, when I am asked about my strength, I always say my strength is being a team player, I always make it a point to help someone in need. My opportunity, on the other hand is, I can be a perfectionist. Being that can work to my advantage and disadvantage. Advantage because I make sure that I get the job done, disadvantage because if my team and I will not meet standards, I get disappointed which might impact my relationship with my team.
So, assess what type of person you are. Identify how you deal with simple tasks and from there I am sure that you will be able to say what your strength and opportunity are.
So, assess what type of person you are. Identify how you deal with simple tasks and from there I am sure that you will be able to say what your strength and opportunity are.
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Nancy
Updated
Tanya’s Answer
Be honest! We are all great at naming our weakness, sometimes we name more weaknesses than strengths, but this question is mostly designed to see how honest you are about yourself, don't turn weaknesses into strengths like saying " I'm super obsessive about order", that's OCD!
Relax and be yourself, answer at a professional level but be casual about it, if the interviewer allows it you can even add a little story about that time when your weakness was funny and create some empathy.
Don't overthink it but do have an answer ready and practice with a friend.
Make a list of weakness and strenghts
Ask yourself if you're over punishing yourself with weaknesses or being dishonest about strenghts
Go over it once more
share it with a friend and ask for their opinion
Relax and be yourself, answer at a professional level but be casual about it, if the interviewer allows it you can even add a little story about that time when your weakness was funny and create some empathy.
Don't overthink it but do have an answer ready and practice with a friend.
Tanya recommends the following next steps:
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
I guess it's the oldest interview question :)
Naming your strengths shouldn't be difficult, just based them on the job description. Additionally, I always recommend to conduct a research on the company and interviewers. For example, the company is very focused on charity, I would emphasize my strengths related to this field, such as empathy.
When it comes to weaknesses, I usually say that I am focused on learning lessons and seeing the best in others, so I don't see myself as a person (and my colleagues or managers) that have "weaknesses", rather "areas of improvement" etc. and for me an example of such area is learning new languages, as I think communication is very important in business. This kind of answer is usually not impacting my application as speaking in multiple languages is not required, but still doesn't leave the question unanswered.
The most important thing: don't lie and believe in yourself!
Naming your strengths shouldn't be difficult, just based them on the job description. Additionally, I always recommend to conduct a research on the company and interviewers. For example, the company is very focused on charity, I would emphasize my strengths related to this field, such as empathy.
When it comes to weaknesses, I usually say that I am focused on learning lessons and seeing the best in others, so I don't see myself as a person (and my colleagues or managers) that have "weaknesses", rather "areas of improvement" etc. and for me an example of such area is learning new languages, as I think communication is very important in business. This kind of answer is usually not impacting my application as speaking in multiple languages is not required, but still doesn't leave the question unanswered.
The most important thing: don't lie and believe in yourself!
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Jorge’s Answer
Nancy,
It looks like you have some really good advice here in regards to how to address this difficult question. Being able to identify and communicate with a potential interviewer you strengths and weaknesses is very important. I would suggest you seek out advice from your family, friends, school mates and others you often interact with and ask their opinion. Also sit down and do a self evaluation around your own personal skills set and identify what you do well and areas you may struggle with. As an example: You may have an extrovert personality and posses the ability to relate and communicate with others...( Think through how that applies to the job you are applying for and be able to speak to it) with areas of opportunity (Weaknesses) one may be your knowledge base around common work tools such as windows or technical knowledge of some software that may be used at the company you are applying for. The important piece with regards to you opportunities is that while you acknowledge these you also need to ensure you communicate what you are doing to turn these into strengths. Employers will appreciate your ability to self reflect and more importantly that you take initiative to address your areas of opportunity.
Lastly I would tell you to ensure you spend time practicing this dialogue...Write it down and make sure you get very comfortable speaking to these areas so that when you are in an interview it becomes much easier to discuss.
Best of luck to you and I hope you find this useful.
Regards
Jorge
It looks like you have some really good advice here in regards to how to address this difficult question. Being able to identify and communicate with a potential interviewer you strengths and weaknesses is very important. I would suggest you seek out advice from your family, friends, school mates and others you often interact with and ask their opinion. Also sit down and do a self evaluation around your own personal skills set and identify what you do well and areas you may struggle with. As an example: You may have an extrovert personality and posses the ability to relate and communicate with others...( Think through how that applies to the job you are applying for and be able to speak to it) with areas of opportunity (Weaknesses) one may be your knowledge base around common work tools such as windows or technical knowledge of some software that may be used at the company you are applying for. The important piece with regards to you opportunities is that while you acknowledge these you also need to ensure you communicate what you are doing to turn these into strengths. Employers will appreciate your ability to self reflect and more importantly that you take initiative to address your areas of opportunity.
Lastly I would tell you to ensure you spend time practicing this dialogue...Write it down and make sure you get very comfortable speaking to these areas so that when you are in an interview it becomes much easier to discuss.
Best of luck to you and I hope you find this useful.
Regards
Jorge
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Gina’s Answer
A strength should-- motivations, organizational skills, outgoing, quick on your feet. However, weaknesses can be harder... However, I always like to turn my "weakness" into a positive. For instance, I'm extremely OCD-- to a fault. I always feel like I need to have control of a situation and everything needs to be organized. It is technically a weakness because it becomes overwhelming, but employers tend to see that as a strength. That I'm on top of my game and like to get things done.
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated