What to do When Asked About Strengths and Weaknesses in an Interview

Apr 4, 2023 | Podcast

World at Work Podcast Episode 26 What to do When Asked About Strengths and Weaknesses in an Interview “The willingness to learn, grow, and drive to become better personally and professionally is an appeal to business leaders.”

Feeling anxious about job interviews? We’ve all been there. Tim was too, until he found an unexpected way to own both his strengths and weaknesses. It not only helped him ace the interview and get the job, but it also changed the way he saw himself as a professional.

In this episode, Tim and Cassie discuss the what to do when asked about strengths and weaknesses in an interview. As job seekers aim to ace their interviews, it is crucial to confidently showcase strengths while actively addressing weaknesses.

After this episode, you will learn how to:

expertly tackle discussions about your strengths and weaknesses
showcase your dedication to self-improvement with concrete steps
impress potential employers with your eagerness to broaden your skills
highlight your personal strengths to enhance company growth
build confidence by consciously accepting your own weaknesses and learning from them

Approaching strengths questions is essential for job applicants to effectively discuss their strengths during an interview. While it can be uncomfortable to talk about one’s own skills and accomplishments, doing so is a necessary part of the process. A successful approach to this question can help demonstrate an individual’s value to the organization and how their strengths can contribute to its success. Self-awareness and honesty should be key traits during the conversation.

Have more questions about what to do when asked about strengths and weaknesses in an interview? Make sure to connect with Tim and his. team at Best Culture Solutions.

Episode Highlights

00:04:20 – Answer strengths questions by using feedback received from others, such as the three biggest strengths mentioned in the last performance review or what a boss or peers have appreciated about working with you.

00:10:55 – People often fear that admitting their weaknesses will disqualify them from the job. He advises owning it and using feedback received from supervisors or peers to answer the question. Language such as “areas to improve” or “areas to tweak” can be used instead of the word “weakness.”

00:12:37 – Do not wait for the interviewer to ask if you have taken action to fix them. Tangible actions are more important than thoughts or intentions.

00:15:13 – The willingness to learn, grow, and drive to become better personally and professionally is an appeal to business leaders. Candidates should showcase their weaknesses and show how they are taking steps to improve to highlight this aspect.

00:17:28 – Candidates should remember that they belong at the table and were called there for a reason. They should not question themselves and let anyone tell them otherwise.