10 tips: Strengths and weaknesses in the job interview
The question of strengths and weaknesses in the job interview causes many applicants to break out in a sweat. We’ll tell you how to answer it skillfully.
“What are the characteristics of a good manager?”
“What are you criticized for by colleagues?”
Behind these interview questions is a real classic: asking about your strengths and weaknesses. It is still popular and is asked either very directly or more indirectly. Anyone who goes to the job interview unprepared can then start to stutter. We will tell you how to skillfully answer the question about your strengths and weaknesses.
How to present your strengths in an interview
HR managers ask about strengths and weaknesses for various reasons. Not only do they get an answer to their question, but they also see how you present yourself, how you deal with stressful situations, and your self-assessment.
Of course, most applicants find it easier to present their own strengths – after all, you want to make a good impression in the interview. But even here there are a few things to keep in mind.
Tip 1: Keep your balance
You want to present yourself in the best light during an interview, but the line between confidence and arrogance can quickly blur when you emphasize your strengths. So you should strike a good balance: both modesty and hubris can make a bad impression in an interview.
Tip 2: Be authentic
Don’t brag about strengths you don’t have in an interview. It’s unlikely that you have all the skills and qualities that your potential employer is looking for – your counterpart is aware of that, too. If you present yourself as an all-round package, this will very likely be viewed negatively.
So focus on what you are really good at. This way you appear self-confident, convincing and there are no nasty surprises later if you cannot meet the high demands of your employer after all.
Tip 3: Inform yourself
Under no circumstances should you simply list all your strengths, because they will certainly not all be relevant for the job. For this reason, you should take a close look at the desired position and the company in advance.
Tip 4: Avoid repetition
Make sure you don’t just repeat the strengths you’ve already mentioned in your cover letter and resume. Are there any additional skills that qualify you for the position? If this is not the case, can you clarify or expand on the strengths you have already mentioned with examples: Have you confirmed in your cover letter that you are a team player? In the interview, address your strengths in conflict resolution .
Tip 5: Use examples
As in your cover letter, it is also important in the interview to provide examples of your strengths and weaknesses. With the statement “I am very teamable” you are only making an assertion. Explain how you were able to demonstrate this ability in your professional life or in your private life . Private examples are a good solution, especially for young professionals with little professional experience.
Examples of strengths in a job interview
When preparing for the question about your strengths and weaknesses in the interview, you can of course use examples as a guide – but you should never just memorize them. Write down your strengths, think about arguments and present them freely in the interview. Nevertheless, we want to give you a few examples at this point so that you can see how you could present your strengths in an interview.
This is how you describe your weaknesses in a job interview
“What skills do you appreciate in colleagues that you lack?”
Asking about your own weaknesses in an interview is pure stress for many applicants. It can even be an opportunity – if you prepare an appropriate answer. We have five tips for you on how best to present your weaknesses in a job interview.
Tip 1: Be honest
Admitting your weaknesses isn’t easy, but naming them in an interview is even harder. However, the way you deal with your weakness says more about you than this avoidable flaw:
- An authentic answer is personable and you will not be classified as arrogant.
- You show that you can keep calm even in stressful situations.
- You prove your ability for self-reflection.
- It shows how you deal with problems and that you are willing to work on yourself.
Tip 2: More strengths than weaknesses
It is also a strength to admit that you are not good at something. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should peddle all your shortcomings at the interview.
If you are asked about your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview, always make sure that you name more strengths than weaknesses. In most cases, it is sufficient if you can authentically present a weakness.
Tip 3: No “positive weaknesses” or humor
Applicants used to be advised to name weaknesses that actually aren’t. The classic: “I’m a perfectionist.” In the meantime, these beautifully packaged lies are probably known to every HR manager and do not leave a good impression. Such phrases are not only inauthentic, they say nothing about you as a person.
The same goes for humour. When asked about their weaknesses in an interview, some applicants react with humor. The recruiter expects a serious self-assessment from you and not a flippant comment like “My weakness is sweets”. It sounds like you’re not taking the interview seriously.
Tip 4: Choose the right weakness
Never list skills or qualities as weaknesses that are explicitly mentioned in the job posting or that are necessary for the job. If you are applying to be a tax accountant, you should not necessarily mention your weakness in mental arithmetic in the interview. At the same time, the weakness must not be mentioned either are completely outside of the professional world: If you say, for example, that you can’t ski, that will hardly be a relevant weakness for your job as a banker.
Tip 5: Present your weakness correctly
Even if you admit a weakness in the interview, you can put it in a positive light . First, by your choice of words – phrases like “sometimes” and “sometimes” can weaken your message. The most important point, however, is that you not only state your weakness, but also explain how you deal with it and what measures you are taking to iron out it.
Examples of weaknesses in the job interview
In the interview, you should always refer to your individual strengths and weaknesses in order to leave a sympathetic and, above all, authentic impression. So that you can also implement our tips, we have some examples for you here.
Recognize your own strengths and weaknesses
Many applicants find it difficult to name their own strengths and weaknesses. The best way to recognize these is through self-reflection. Take the time to analyze your personality and, above all, your way of working.
You can try to answer the following questions for yourself:
- Colleagues or friends often ask you for advice or ask for help?
- What is your role in team tasks?
- Do you manage to meet appointments and deadlines?
- Are you more organized or chaotic?
- In which situations do you keep a cool head and in which not?
- Do you need a quiet environment to work?
- How do you deal with stressful situations?
- What do you get recognition/criticism for?
- What do others envy you for? What do you envy others for?
- What brings you great joy? What task do you avoid?
- In which situations can you prove your knowledge?
- What tasks do you feel safe/unsafe with?
- What was your biggest success/failure and why?
- With which people do you get along well and with which not?
If you have trouble answering these questions, you can seek help from your family, friends, and co-workers.
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Finding a Job, Changing Jobs, Communication and Networking, JOB HUNTING, Job Interview Tips, Salary Negotiation and Job Offer, SUCCEEDING AT WORK / OFFICE
