How do you answer the interview questions that make you curl up inside? You know they are coming and hopefully you are prepared for them… If not take a look at some examples I have found to help you in this situation.

On of the toughest ones is to describe your greatest strength! How do you answer this without sounding over-confident or even arrogant?

Even worse describe your biggest weakness or area for development.

Hopefully, my tips below will help you prepare yourself and practice prior to your interview. So that you feel confident and empowered to answer without feeling like you wish the ground would open up and swallow you 😊

The interview question “What is your greatest strength?” It’s important to highlight your strengths without coming across as overconfident or insincere. Here are some tips on how to answer the question effectively:

1. Focus on your skills, not your personality: Instead of talking about your personality traits, focus on your skills and abilities. Discuss specific examples of times when you used these skills to achieve success in the workplace.
2. Give credit where credit is due: If you’re discussing a team project, give credit to your team members as well. This shows that you recognize the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.
3. Use specific examples: Instead of making general statements, provide specific examples that demonstrate your strengths. This helps to make your answer more tangible and believable.
4. Be humble: While it’s important to highlight your strengths, it’s equally important to be humble. Acknowledge that you still have room for growth and learning.
5. Relate your strengths to the job: When discussing your strengths, relate them to the job you’re applying for. This shows that you understand the requirements of the position and how your strengths can benefit the company.

An example of an answer to the question could be: “One of my greatest strengths is my ability to organise and prioritise tasks effectively. In my previous role, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once, and I found that my organisational skills were critical in ensuring that each project was completed on time and within budget. While I’m proud of my ability to organise, I also recognize that there is always room for improvement, and I’m constantly looking for new ways to streamline processes and improve efficiency.”

Remember, the key to answering this question is to be honest, humble, and specific in your examples. Avoid sounding arrogant or boastful, and relate your strengths to the job you’re applying for.

And then the horror… “What is your biggest weakness?”

While this question can be difficult to answer, it’s important to remember that the interviewer is not trying to trip you up or expose your flaws. Rather, they want to see how you handle a challenging question and how self-aware you are.

Here are some tips on how to answer the question about your biggest weakness:

1. Be honest but not too revealing: When answering this question, it’s important to be honest but not too revealing. Don’t give away a weakness that will directly affect the job you are applying for. Instead, talk about a skill or trait that you are currently working to improve.
2. Show self-awareness: Demonstrate self-awareness by acknowledging your weakness and what you are doing to overcome it. This shows the interviewer that you are actively working on improving yourself.
3. Highlight your strengths: After discussing your weakness, highlight your strengths and how they have helped you overcome or compensate for your weakness. This shows the interviewer that you are proactive and able to find solutions to challenges.
4. Don’t give a cliché answer: Avoid giving a cliché answer such as “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard”. These answers are overused and show a lack of creativity.
5. Be confident: Be confident in your answer and don’t apologize for your weakness. Remember that everyone has weaknesses, and it’s how you deal with them that matters.

An example of an answer to the question could be: “One area I am currently working on is my public speaking skills. While I have experience giving presentations, I still get nervous when speaking in front of large groups. To overcome this, I have been practicing my presentation skills and seeking feedback from colleagues. I have also taken courses in public speaking to improve my skills. Despite this weakness, I have strong writing and research skills that have helped me to effectively communicate my ideas in written form.”

Remember, the key to answering this question is to be honest, self-aware, and proactive in addressing your weakness.

 

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Happy job applying and Interviewing, I think 2023 will be a great year for your career.

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