What do you do if you need to confidently address your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview?

You know you're going to be asked the "strengths and weaknesses" question in one form or another. If you walk into the interview without being able to tell stories about both areas that allow the interviewer to know who you truly are, then it would be wise to get some good coaching. A single session or two with the right coach can make an enormous difference for the rest of your life.

Be open, by the time you enter an interview you know exactly who you are and what you are not. Struggles and lack if directed correctly only make you stronger. Because you know this before you go in, you confidently talk about the things in which you shine, and you can talk about the things in which you hope to improve.

The only way I have ever felt comfortable discussing my skills and weaknesses is to learn more about myself. In doing so, you also remove any internal bias that is traditional with this type of exercise.

Understanding and articulating your strengths is paramount before any interview. Identifying your unique skills like strategic thinking, problem-solving, or teamwork sets the stage for a compelling narrative. Yet, it's not just about claiming these attributes; backing them up with tangible examples validates your prowess and leaves a lasting impression on interviewers.

"In terms of strengths, I excel in problem-solving and adapt quickly to new challenges. My strong communication skills facilitate effective collaboration. However, I continually strive to enhance my time management skills to optimize productivity. I actively seek feedback to identify areas for improvement and am dedicated to ongoing self-development."

The first time Matt Abrahams gave a speech was as a freshman in high school. He decided to do a 10-minute speech on one of his passions -- karate. He shows up in a classroom that's packed. The girl that he likes is out in front of him. He begins his speech by doing a karate kick. Unfortunately, he was dressed in tight clothes, and the kick loudly split his pants from zipper to belt buckle. Fortunately, a teacher threw him a sweater to wrap around his waist. He finished the speech, and now he teaches public speaking at Stanford University, and is the author of books with titles like: Speaking Up Without Freaking Out. That's what you call learning to frame your weak moments, and getting the most out of them.

Absolutely every person who's ever had a job has experienced moments of "doh, that wasn't my best foot forward". And sometimes those mis-steps can even lead to losing a job. But what you did AFTER that faux pas is what a new employer will want to know. Remember, they aren't perfect either and without complaining about the job or other person you can share what YOU learned. Share how you may have changed your mindset since then and most importantly share how you would handle that situation in the future. Firms and HR professionals love to see growth, self introspection and a willingness to take accountability for your actions. Share and Shine... new you, new opportunities.

The mirror doesn't lie. It's the clearest way to see yourself. But, remember, it's not there to beat you up. It's there to help you. So never get down on yourself over what you see in the mirror. Simply focus on making the next rendition better.

Set aside time to rehearse. Find a quiet space to focus without distractions. Practice in front of a mirror and with a trusted friend for varied perspectives; the mirror helps you observe body language while a friend offers valuable feedback. Pay attention to tone, pace, and overall delivery, aiming for a confident and natural demeanor. Maintain steady eye contact and avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly. Stand or sit up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting. Rehearse multiple times to further polish your delivery. Go with confidence, knowing that you've practiced and refined your communication skills.

Approaching weaknesses in interviews with a positive mindset is key. Rather than fixating on shortcomings, highlight how they've spurred your professional growth. For instance, if time management has been a hurdle, discuss the strategies you've embraced to enhance efficiency. This approach transforms weaknesses into avenues for improvement, underscoring your proactive and adaptable nature to prospective employers.

The most important moment to show your confidence is in your first sentence or so. That initial 15 seconds. Once you do that, you're like a baseball player on a hitting streak. That energy can propel you through the rest of the talk. Swing too hard and miss at the start and it might be hard to get the crowd back. Your confidence may be rattled, and it can show. Get a collective laugh and see what it does to your own smile. You're on your way.

Confidence balance is essential when addressing strengths and weaknesses in a job interview. Start by acknowledging your strengths confidently, providing specific examples to support your claims. When discussing weaknesses, demonstrate self-awareness and a proactive approach to improvement. Highlight how you've addressed or are addressing these areas, showcasing resilience and a growth mindset. Emphasize your ability to learn from challenges and adapt. Ultimately, strike a balance between self-assurance and humility, showcasing confidence in your abilities while being open to growth and development.

Anticipating potential questions about strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Tailor your responses to align with the job description, emphasizing how your attributes can benefit the company. Prepare to discuss specific examples that showcase your skills in action. This foresight enables you to deliver thoughtful, relevant answers, showcasing not just your suitability for the role but also your strategic thinking and preparedness.

When working with a candidate who may need a bit of a confidence boost, I always tell them to find 3 areas within the job description they've done incredibly well and can effortlessly speak to. Be ready with examples of results and discuss how you could have even been more successful in those areas. By focusing on the familiar and comfortable examples, it's easier to speak to your strengths and weaknesses (I like to reframe weaknesses as areas for growth and learning).

One thing that has worked for me in the job interviews is priming my mind to think positive thoughts instead of self doubt right before the interview. I do this by writing ?? on a piece of paper something like: "I'm very confident in my abilities and I'm a qualified candidate for this role" "The interview is going to be amazing and I will speak confidently" "I'm grateful to have the opportunity to interview for this amazing role that I really like" Doing the above helps me to think positively and puts me in a relaxed state of mind. Remember once you change your self talk, the talk you will have with the interviewer will significantly improve.

During an interview, I was asked "What are your three greatest weaknesses?" It did surprise me. I was able to answer for two of them as I had #1 ready, #2 I improvised. #3 was not my best. My call to action is, to have a backup.

I will speak about my strengths and also highlight that if any weaknesses are identified, it gives me a chance to grow which is a plus for improvement and more so helps to create teamwork where the team is able strengthen each other which is the backbone of a, successful project.