Before you go on a job interview, you will want to prepare answers for frequently asked interview questions. A common interview question is, what are your greatest strengths?
How to answer this question is something we will dive into below. We will make sure you are prepared to discuss your greatest strength with any interviewer.
Note: Prior to the interview, it's a good idea to include strengths in your resume. This will help the interviewer learn more about you, and can help facilitate the discussion during interviews.
What are some good strengths to mention during your job interviews?
You may have a lot of traits you consider to be strengths. When asked what your greatest strength is, it can be hard to narrow down the best answer. Below are a few suggestions and how to discuss them with your interviewer.
You always want to provide context to your answers. Don't just rattle off skills or strengths but have examples from past work experiences to back up your statements. This also helps bring your resume to life and lets the interviewer know more about your personality.
Flexibility
In today's work environment, employees are often spread thin. Hiring managers want to find a candidate that has flexibility.
It's a great characteristic to show that you are able to adapt to all types of situations. If you use flexibility as your greatest strength, have a strong example of being flexible in a previous position.
Problem Solving
Every job requires a form of problem-solving and it's a great strength to mention during a job interview. Mention a past role where you were in a difficult situation and were able to make a positive impact through problem-solving. Having the ability and determination to tackle stressful problems is a great attribute to demonstrate at your interview.
Communication Skills
The way you present yourself in your job interview is an opportunity to show you have strong communication skills without having to list it out. Responding to interview questions with confidence shows you are a good communicator.
Rather than saying your greatest strength is communication, use that skill while discussing your other strengths. For example, people skills, being a team player, and writing skills are all qualities of strong communication skills.
Collaboration
Working well with others is one of the greatest strengths a job candidate can have. There are very few jobs that don't require you to work with other people.
Make sure that if you are applying for a job that is part of a team you mention your background in teamwork. Being a good team member is a strength the hiring manager will want to know about.
Candidates should share examples of accomplishments while working with a group. If your past experience includes leading a team to great achievements, mention it during your job interview since it also shows that you have leadership skills.
Creativity
Job candidates who are proud of their creativity should bring this up as a strength. Examples of utilizing your creativity can include, designing presentations, handling difficult customers, and reworking outdated processes. Many people take their creative talents for granted.
Not all job seekers can think on their feet and come up with good ideas. If you can, speak about past projects where your creative expertise made an impact on the company.
Tips for before your interview
Practice example answers
Before your job interview, practice some examples to discuss your greatest strength. Review the job description to ensure your answer ties back to a needed function of the role. Answer this question with confidence that shows your knowledge of the industry. You want your answers to highlight your work ethic and job performance.
What is your greatest weakness?
If the interviewer asks about your greatest strength, be prepared to also discuss your weaknesses. Before your job interviews, have a few sample answers for both your weaknesses and strengths. Most interviewers will not just ask one of these interview questions, but both.
Here are a few common weaknesses to consider if asked this interview question.
- Public speaking
- Insecure
- Too detail-oriented
- Self-criticism
- Avoiding confrontation
Some more career advice when talking about your weaknesses is to always mention ways you are working to improve. Everyone has something they can improve on and acknowledging it shows your confidence.
Employers will not believe that someone is great at everything. Each person interviewing should have a couple of weaknesses to discuss if asked this job interview question.
Final thoughts on the answer to the interview question, what are your strengths?
Remember the best answer is typically one you have prepared. You may meet with more than one person and chances are that at least one of the team members will ask you a question about your strengths. Your response should highlight the qualifications and attributes that make you a star candidate.
If you put some time and effort into your interview answers, the job offers should start rolling in.
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