What do you do if you want to effectively convey your strengths and weaknesses in an interview?

When discussing strengths and weaknesses in an interview, approach it with calmness and preparation. For weaknesses, try to pick traits that, while genuine, can also be perceived as strengths under a different light. For example, admitting to impatience due to being goal-driven showcases a commitment to meeting deadlines but also highlights a potential for tension. It's an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth, suggesting that you're actively working on balancing urgency with the need for patience whilst recognising that some of the best outcomes in life require time. This strategy will not only answers the question honestly but also subtly reinforces your dedication to improvement.

If you find it difficult to identify what your strengths are: 1. think about times you were absorbed in what you were doing, 2. think about tasks and activities you have done across different roles or for a long time 3. think about the sorts of tasks you always make time for/want to do first (weaknesses might be tasks you always find yourself putting off until later!) 4. ask friends and acquaintances if there's anything they have noticed (we are often better at recognising qualities in others than giving ourselves credit) 5.There are online (free) strengths assessments that can give you a starting point

I LOVE this interview question. This is one of the best questions to be asked that allows you to lead or pivot the conversation. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Ok- here's the magic you need to apply to this answer: Your resume should have 6-12 result based metrics. These are what you talk about when asked about either strengths or weaknesses. If directly a weakness question, say, during X project at X company, I had a bit of a challenge to complete X (and say something that is a weakness of yours genuinely) but I was able to do X and X and that resulted in - X achievements overall. If they are asking about strengths, same idea- talk about a project, that you know would be relevant to what they are doing as a company and SHINE.

Know Thyself: Begin with introspection. Understand your unique value proposition: What sets you apart? Assess your skills through self-reflection and feedback from colleagues. Identify not just what you're good at, but also where you shine brightest. This self-awareness is your foundation.

When talking about your strengths in an interview, share specific examples that show how your skills match the job. For weaknesses, mention areas you're working on improving, showing you're committed to growth. Remember the STAR method for structuring your answers: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Be genuine and relaxed, showing you're self-aware and ready to learn. This approach will impress interviewers and boost your chances of landing the job.

In my experience, it is absolutely okay to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses while appearing for an interview. It displays self awareness, honesty and courage. Each and every candidate has some weakness, any anyone trying to mask it or spin it positively will be exposed eventually. You would rather be up front about it and talk about the steps that you are taking to overcome your weakness instead of it showing up in a reference check.

Para transmitir tus fortalezas y debilidades de manera efectiva en una entrevista, prepárate con ejemplos específicos que demuestren tus habilidades y reconoce la autocrítica y acciones de mejora al hablar sobre tus debilidades. Para adaptarlas al puesto, analiza detenidamente la descripción del trabajo y destaca cómo tus fortalezas son relevantes para cumplir con los requisitos del puesto, mientras que tus debilidades están siendo abordadas activamente. Siempre destaca cómo estás trabajando activamente en mejorar tus debilidades y cómo tus fortalezas pueden agregar valor al equipo y al puesto específico. Esto demuestra tu capacidad para adaptarte y crecer dentro del rol.

Tailor Your Tale: Research the company and role you're interviewing for. Align your strengths with their needs and culture. For weaknesses, choose those that are honest but also show you're a fit. It's about crafting a narrative where your journey resonates with the narrative of the company.

In conveying your strengths and weaknesses, emphasize your capacity for learning and growth. Highlight strengths that demonstrate your ability to quickly grasp new concepts and adapt to evolving circumstances. When discussing weaknesses, focus on areas where you've actively sought opportunities for improvement and have shown progress over time. This showcases your commitment to self-development and continuous learning, qualities that are highly prized in today's fast-paced work environment.

Use Examples: Concrete examples breathe life into your strengths and weaknesses. Share specific stories or accomplishments that illustrate your qualities. For weaknesses, discuss instances where you faced challenges and how you addressed them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Here's an example of how to discuss weaknesses with concrete examples: Weakness: Public Speaking Example: While I recognize the importance of effective communication, I've historically struggled with public speaking. However, I've actively sought opportunities to improve by enrolling in public speaking courses and volunteering for presentations whenever possible. Recently, I delivered a presentation to senior management where I received constructive feedback and utilized it to refine my skills. As a result, I've seen noticeable improvement in my confidence and ability to convey ideas succinctly and persuasively.

Stay Positive: Even when discussing weaknesses, frame them positively. Focus on what you've learned or how you've improved. This approach shows you're proactive and possess a growth mindset, turning potential negatives into opportunities for development.

If you are asked to talk about strengths and weaknesses in the same question I often recommend that you start with the weakness, then talk about how you are working to mitigate it and finish with the strength. It makes for a stronger final impression and will leave you feeling more confident for the next question

Be Sincere: Authenticity resonates. Don't try to mask your weaknesses or inflate your strengths. Being genuine builds trust and rapport. Your sincerity in acknowledging areas for improvement, coupled with a commitment to growth, demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.

Think about the reason the interviewer is asking about your weaknesses. Everyone has things they are less good at and they would rather hire someone who knows what their potential 'trouble areas' are and how to manage them, rather than someone who might rush headlong into a problem without noticing they're out of their depth or try and cover it up because they don't know what else to do. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your honesty, self awareness and problem solving skills (not make up something you think will be more palatable!)

To further enhance this point, you can emphasize the importance of a growth mindset and how it drives your approach to both strengths and weaknesses. Highlight specific instances where you've actively sought feedback, embraced challenges, and pursued opportunities for development. Additionally, share examples of how you've applied lessons learned from past experiences to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Demonstrating a proactive attitude towards growth not only showcases your self-awareness but also aligns with the company's goals of fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

Reflect Growth: Highlight your journey of personal and professional growth. Discuss how you've turned weaknesses into learning opportunities or how your strengths have evolved. This narrative demonstrates adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to thrive through change.

Your interviewers should not be the only ones asking questions; you are there to evaluate the role as well! You are the foremost expert on your own skills and motivations, so make it your mission to determine whether you are compatible with the position. Learn enough about the job duties... and the company... that you can determine whether it has the potential to be a good fit for you. Do not be afraid to tell the interviewer "no, thank you" if it isn't what you need.

Here’s what else to consider: Beyond the interview, consider how you communicate your value through all touchpoints (LinkedIn, resumes, etc.). Network strategically, seeking mentors and peers for feedback and advice. Continuous personal development and adaptability are key in showcasing your evolving story.