How to answer “What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
- The importance of the question of strengths and weaknesses in job interviews
- 9 weaknesses to mention in an interview
- Things you should avoid
- Conclusion
You are seated in front of the recruiter. Everything is going well, and you feel like you could be the perfect fit for the role. Then suddenly, the hiring manager asks you: “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” It’s time to shine! In this article, you will find all our interview techniques and best practices to handle challenging interview questions and get your dream job.
The importance of the question of strengths and weaknesses in job interviews
Everybody has both qualities and flaws. During a job interview, the recruiter needs to assess who you are to guess whether you would be a good addition to the team or not. Being able to discuss your strengths and weaknesses shows the recruiter your self-awareness and willingness to improve and learn, which are crucial for personal and professional growth. And yes, in case you were wondering, there are good weaknesses for interviews, as well as good strengths. But keep in mind that being honest is the number one rule.
9 weaknesses to mention in an interview
- 1.Shy, or uncomfortable at public speaking : taking acting or speaking classes can help with your enunciation and stress-management.
- 2.Sensitive or emotional : it tends to make you have a better understanding of people and things, which is useful in a team.
- 3.Not skilled at delegating tasks : it shows you are dedicated to your work and want to do your best.
- 4.Not comfortable asking for help : it is a sign of independence, but you need to show that you are trying to improve.
- 5.Not comfortable at taking risks : it shows the recruiter you will be more careful when making decisions.
- 6.Too self-critical or insecure : it encourages you to question yourself to make sure you deliver a quality job.
- 7.Limited experience in a skill or software : it is easy to learn a new skill, learning is a constant process.
- 8.Impatient : it can be a sign that you will be less likely to miss deadlines.
- 9.Having trouble saying “no” : it can make you seem dedicated to your employer, but make sure to say you are working on
Things you should avoid:
Don’t use the “I’m too much of a perfectionist” card. This weakness can sound like a strength, and it might look like you are trying to avoid the question.
Don’t say that you are lazy. Even if you compensate by explaining how hard you are working on this flaw, the recruiter will always prefer someone who says that they are constantly eager to learn new things and to be part of new projects.
To not be taken aback by this question, you can train at home to master the way you express yourself on this topic. Whatever the weakness that you bring up, the key is to talk about the minor consequences of your flaw and to explain how eager you are to address this issue! You can even give some concrete solutions that you have found to become a better person (and employee).
Here are some examples to inspire you:
“One of the traits on which I am working is my shyness. I tend to avoid talking to a crowd and I always feel stressed before a presentation. However, I have been working on that a lot. To reassure myself, I always train before the day itself. In my previous role, I explained to a hundred co-workers how to read the company’s Q3 results via Zoom, and it went very well.”
“In the past, I have had issues delegating tasks to my colleagues. I like to be in charge because I know that if mistakes are made, I can hold myself accountable. I can have a hard time putting trust in others. However, every day is a new chance to become a better manager. I now force myself to give my colleagues and interns a chance. If they do not understand something, I take time to help them and push them to get better at what they do.”
Conclusion
What are 5 examples of strengths and 5 examples of weaknesses to share in an interview?
Five examples of strengths to share in an interview are adaptability, problem-solving skills, teamwork, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities. Five examples of weaknesses to share in an interview are perfectionism, difficulty delegating tasks, impatience, nervousness in public speaking, and a tendency to overcommit.
What are some balanced examples of strengths and weaknesses for a banking profile?
Some balanced examples of strengths for a banking profile are analytical thinking, risk awareness, accuracy, client focus, and integrity.
Some balanced examples of weaknesses for a banking profile are being overly detail-oriented, taking more time to make decisions, or still developing expertise in certain financial tools.
What are the common weaknesses you should avoid mentioning in an interview?
The common weaknesses you should avoid mentioning in an interview are those that directly affect key job requirements, such as lack of reliability, inability to handle pressure, or issues with integrity. You should also avoid mentioning that you have no weaknesses or highlighting overly negative traits.
Is it better to focus on "Hard Skills" (technical) or "Soft Skills" (behavioral) when discussing weaknesses?
It is better to focus on soft skills rather than hard skills when discussing weaknesses because they are generally easier to improve and less critical to immediate job performance. This approach also shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
How do I choose a weakness that is honest but not a "deal-breaker" for the role?
To choose a weakness that is honest but not a deal-breaker for the role, you should select a genuine weakness that does not impact the core responsibilities of the job. You should also explain the actions you are taking to improve it in order to demonstrate a proactive mindset.
In summary
To master the "strengths and weaknesses" question, candidates should demonstrate self-awareness by linking their qualities to concrete professional examples while presenting their flaws as areas of active improvement. Ultimately, recruiters value honesty and a growth mindset over the search for artificial perfection or cliché answers like "being a perfectionist."