You're in a job interview and the interviewer asks, "What are your strengths?

1 Know your value proposition

Before you go to any interview, you should have a clear idea of what you can offer to the potential employer. Think about your core competencies, such as technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, teamwork, creativity, and leadership. Then, think about how they align with the specific requirements and expectations of the job you're applying for. You want to highlight the strengths that are most relevant and useful for the role and the organization.

2 Use examples and evidence

Don't just list your strengths or use vague adjectives. Instead, use concrete examples and evidence to demonstrate how you have applied your strengths in your previous or current projects, education, or extracurricular activities. For example, if you want to showcase your technical skills, you can mention the software, tools, or methods you have used to design, analyze, or test structures. If you want to showcase your problem-solving abilities, you can describe a challenging situation you faced and how you resolved it. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples and show the impact of your actions.

3 Balance confidence and humility

While you want to impress the interviewer with your strengths, you don't want to come across as arrogant or boastful. Be confident but humble, and acknowledge that you still have areas to improve and learn from. Avoid exaggerating or lying about your strengths, as that can backfire if the interviewer probes deeper or checks your references. Also, avoid comparing yourself to others or putting down other candidates. Focus on your own achievements and potential, and express your enthusiasm and interest in the job.

4 Prepare and practice

Don't wait until the last minute to think about your strengths. Prepare and practice your answer in advance, and tailor it to each job you apply for. Write down your main points and examples, and rehearse them out loud or with a friend. Try to keep your answer concise and clear, and avoid rambling or repeating yourself. Aim for about two or three strengths, and explain each one in one or two sentences. Anticipate possible follow-up questions, and be ready to provide more details or clarification if needed.

5 Be yourself

Finally, be yourself and let your personality shine through. Don't try to copy someone else's answer or style, or pretend to have strengths that you don't. Be honest and authentic, and show your passion and motivation for structural engineering. Remember that the interviewer is not only looking for your skills and qualifications, but also for your fit and compatibility with the team and the culture. Be positive, polite, and professional, and show that you are eager to contribute and grow as a structural engineer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?