Questions about strengths and weaknesses can provide an opportunity to show how your skills are a perfect match for the job—or they can be a trap. Give the wrong answer, and the interview might go south in a hurry.
What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know
You may hear these questions phrased in different ways, but the underlying reason employers ask remains the same. They want to know what you see as your strengths and weaknesses and also observe how you respond to a challenging question. 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.
How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”
Strengths and weaknesses are different for almost every job. What could be a strength for one job applicant may be considered a weakness for another candidate. In general, there are some strengths and weaknesses you should—and shouldn’t—mention during a job interview.
Examples of Strengths for Interviews: These include analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to collaborate and work as a team. Examples of Weaknesses for Interviews: These include hard and soft skills, plus tips on how to spin your weaknesses so that they don’t knock you out of contention for the role.
Interview Questions About Weaknesses
What is your greatest weakness? - Best Answers What part of the job will be most challenging for you? - Best Answers Tell me about something you would have done differently at work. – Best Answers What do people most often criticize about you? - Best Answers When was the last time you were angry? What happened? - Best Answers What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? - Best Answers What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss? - Best Answers
Interview Questions About Strengths
What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers How will your greatest strength help you perform? - Best Answers What strength of yours will help you most to succeed in this job? - Best Answers What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job? - Best Answers What was your biggest strength as a student? - Best Answers
Examples of the Best Answers
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. Show that you’re the best person to solve their problems and achieve their goals. These sample answers can help you make your case.
Show How You Handle Priorities
Why It Works: This answer is honest and reflects a real weakness, unlike an answer like, “I’m a perfectionist!” It shows self-awareness and the ability to learn and grow, but emphasizes that the candidate has always prioritized what is important: hitting deadlines.
Mention a Skill Required for the Job
Why It Works: Not only does this answer mention a skill that (presumably) appeared in the job description, it ties the skill directly to what would make the candidate successful in the role. The way the reply is phrased also invites the interviewer to imagine the candidate in the job.
Show Your Flexibility and Willingness to Learn
Why It Works: While not misrepresenting the candidate’s skill set, this answer shows that they’ve used similar software before—and more importantly, that they know how to learn new skills.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
Focus on strengths you have that are required for the job. For example, if a job requires a lot of work on team projects, you might say one of your strengths is that you are a clear communicator who can work with diverse groups of people. Put a positive spin on your answer. When asked to present a weakness, find a way to emphasize the upside. For instance, you might say that you’re working to improve a particular weakness or explain how a weakness might be considered a strength (if you are a bit too detail-oriented, you can explain how this actually helps you produce quality work). Be honest and sincere in your response. Don’t pretend to be perfect or claim to have skills you don’t possess.
What Not to Say
Don’t share a universally disqualifying answer. For example, you should never tell an interviewer that you’re chronically tardy. Your friends might find that endearing, but time is money to a business. Don’t give the impression that you’re going to waste their resources. Avoid weaknesses that would make you unfit for the position. For example, if the job requires a lot of technical skill, don’t say that your weakness is technology.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
How will your greatest strength help you perform? – Best Answers What strength of yours will help you most to succeed in this job? – Best Answers What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job? – Best Answers What was your biggest strength as a student? – Best Answers What strength will help you most to succeed in the job? – Best Answers
