An interview is a meeting between people where one person is an interviewer, and the other person is an interviewee. The interviewer asks the interviewee some questions to find out if he/she is suitable for the job, course, study, to name a few. This process can be hard at times. The interviewer may go into detail to find out if the candidate is the right person for the post. The interviewers usually ask the interviewees to give a brief introduction about themselves, their qualifications, their interest in the position, previous experiences and one of the most important questions which are frequently asked by the interviewers is to tell about your strengths and weaknesses.
Preparing ahead of time and providing the appropriate context for these valuable questions could help you get the job you want. This question is something that describes what you think about yourself and how you perceive it. Do not try to be witty about answering this question but rather answer this with utmost honesty and integrity. With these points in mind, you will be able to answer many other common interview questions confidently. The way you answer such questions matters a lot as it allows the interviewer to analyze your character.
This article will focus on the question- what should you answer when an employer asks about your strengths and weaknesses. Below are some samples, tricks, and key points to keep in mind while answering this question.
Samples for Strengths
Always assess yourself before mentioning your skills. Assess your knowledge-based, qualification-based, and personal traits. Examples for answering about your strengths are -
• I am dedicated to the assigned work. I spend more than necessary time on the task provided, and I always give my full efforts to complete it.
This answer shows that you are honest, confident, hardworking, and self-aware and that you prioritize the work given to you.
• I have effective communication and writing skills. I am fluent in English and can provide with excellent content. I can shape my writing style to make it for the task and the audience.
This answer gives the interviewer a pathway to imagine you in the position for which your interview is.
Mentioning your skills and talents make a powerful impression on the interviewer because you seem confident and the interviewer becomes liable to trust you and consider you fit for the position.
• I am flexible, respectful, trustworthy, and enthusiastic towards the given tasks.
This answer shows your seriousness towards your work. These qualities display your personal traits and show what kind of person you are, keeping the professional front aside.
Samples for Weaknesses
Weaknesses are usually the hardest part of this question. Although everybody has flaws, the best approach to answer this issue is by emphasizing on the positive. Always focus on mentioning your professional weaknesses first. Some samples for answering about your weaknesses are -
• I can be too critical of myself, and others, and I want everything to be perfect.
Perfectionism and criticism can be a boon and a bane. If you are deeply engrossed in perfectionism, it becomes a weakness. This type of answer shows that you are self-aware and truthful about your traits.
• I am naturally shy but can adapt to public speaking.
In the field which requires solid communication skills and outspoken behavior, shyness and lack of public speaking skills could be a big bane. You can also add that you are willing to change this with the help of their institution.
• I have limited experience in this profession, and I am a little disorganised too.
We all have weaknesses, so it is better to accept them and answer truthfully.
Key Points to keep in Mind while Answering -
• Be critical about yourself. Assess your strengths and weaknesses always before answering.
• Respond with confidence but, not overconfidence.
• Keep on a strong side. It can be nerve-racking but keep a strong presence.
• Control your voice tone and attitude.
• If it is a telephonic interview, make sure your voice sounds convincing and not fearful.
• If it is a face to face interview, emphasis on your body language. Monitor your hand movements, eye contact, leg position. Make sure it is all in control.
This question is the favorite part of an interviewer. It is so because they witness the interviewee struggling to give the right answer. Make sure to practice even if you don’t know what the interviewer is going to ask.
Written by - Nitya Kapoor
Edited by - Shelton Prabhakar
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