Usually, when you are invited to go to an interview two of the main questions that you prepare for are what are your weaknesses? and what are your strengths?
Even though candidates usually find the question what are your weaknesses a lot more challenging to answer, finding your strengths and applying them to the job position you are interviewing for can be just as tricky.
So what is the reasoning behind the question? The main reason interviewers ask this question is that they want to see if your strengths apply to the skills that they are looking for and that your skills align with the company’s needs. Also, it allows them to see if you can set yourself apart from any competition from other candidates especially if you are going to be called back for a second round interview.
Even though this may seem like an easy question failing to prepare properly can result in completely sabotaging your interview.
Assessing your strengths
It is important to sit down and identify your strengths and prepare how you will talk about them in advance.
Some examples of strengths you might include:
- Enthusiasm
- Trustworthiness
- Work Ethic
- Discipline
- Patience
- Respectfulness
- Determination
- Dedication
- Honesty
The best way to handle this answer is to align it with the skills required for the job and explain how your strengths would be relevant for each one. Don’t be too humble and avoid weak strengths. Pick something that will impress and use it as your main selling point. Try to be different and not too generic.
Example Answer
I have an extremely strong work ethic. When I am given a project to work on, I don’t want to just meet deadlines. I would much rather prefer to complete the project ahead of schedule. Last year I earned a bonus for completing 2 of my projects ahead of time, all of them were completed one week ahead of time.
