How to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview

The common interview questions, “What are your strengths?” and “Can you tell me about your weaknesses?” have been asked by employers for years. Still, these questions can be unsettling and difficult to navigate if you aren’t adequately prepared. Our team of hiring experts have identified some key items to consider when answering these questions in an interview.

Addressing Interview Questions About Your Strengths

While it may seem like talking about your strengths in an interview is a home run opportunity, you need to be strategic about how you answer this type of question. When identifying your strengths, you may list a wide variety of skills or abilities. However, we challenge you to go deeper into this question by looking at the job description. Do any of your skills match to what the employer is requesting? Are there areas where you excel? These are the strengths to highlight when answering this question. We also encourage you to present real-life examples for each of these skills. By preparing for this question in advance, you have the opportunity to show the hiring team why you are a good fit for the role.

Examples of Strengths:

• Leadership & Communication Skills
• Persistence & Initiative
• Creativity
• Reliability & Commitment
• Passion & Motivation
• Confidence With Public Speaking
• Focus & Work Ethic

Addressing Interview Questions About Your Weaknesses

Discussing your weaknesses is never easy, and reviewing them with a potential employer presents even more challenges. When thinking about this question, try to be honest with yourself and your shortcomings. What are some areas where you could improve? Are there skills you have yet to learn? Once you’ve thought through these opportunities, consider how you can answer this question positively. You could bring up your professional development efforts or the intentional choices you are making to improve in certain areas. By taking a realistic approach to this answer, potential employers will appreciate your honesty and recognize ways that you are working to improve any deficiencies.

Examples of Weaknesses:

• Confidence With Public Speaking
• Insecure
• Apprehensive & Hesitant
• Unimaginative
• Overcommitment
• Self-Criticism

For more interview tips, check out our article, Six Tips For a Successful Interview!