Interview Tips: How to answer “what are your strengths?”

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“What are your strengths?”

One of the interview classics.  This simple four-word question is enough to strike fear into even the most confident. While talking about your previous positions and experiences in an interview can be a cinch, this question requires a high level of introspection.

How do you provide an answer that allows you to stand out from the pack without sounding like an excessive self-promoter?

Understanding your personal brand

We live in a world that can often be described as a VUCA world (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous). In the highly turbulent and competitive workplace we need to be able to effectively articulate how we can stand out from the crowd. 

So how do you best position yourself to stand out? What are the strengths and personal attributes that you strongly identify with and can highlight to an audience? What is your “X” factor or mojo and what is the best way to convey this?

In recruitment and training, we spend a lot of time with high performers discussing the importance of differentiating oneself in the workplace and leveraging their accomplishments and achievements to attain professional success.

From these interactions, it is always surprising how few people are able to effectively get this right. Even those at the heights of their career, who seem to be really on top of their game, battle to articulate this correctly.

Defining your value proposition

In an interview, the question is often posed in a way that asks for information on you but what they are really asking is what value you will bring to the organisation. It is about you and them, and your response should refer to both. This is the perfect opportunity for you to share what you would do that directly benefits the said company, an example of when you’ve done this in the past and the result to the organization. By answering in this way you are already adding value.

Always frame your answers by referencing one or more of the below questions: 

Once you have explained your “winning ways”, if further information is required, you can unpack what key skills, competencies and attributes you utilized that led to the success. Use quantifiable examples like increases in turnover, targets achieved, leadership accomplishments or strategic planning triumphs.

Some interviewers will be quite specific and ask for an example that relates to particular critical success factors so ensure you have prepared examples for each of the below:

• Track record – what have you done in the past, what is your pattern in achieving positive results?
• Character – which aspects of your character have supported your successes?
• Capability – what are your definitive skills, abilities and competencies that you bring to the table?
• Reliability and risk – companies are always looking at mitigating risk. How are you able to assure the organisation that you are worthy of further investment? Give examples that highlight these areas.
• Potential – How do you define your potential, your drive, energy and can-do attitude? What evidence do you have of successfully adapting to new scenarios that helps you succeed? Invest regular “soul searching” exercises to surface examples and insights in this important area. It is always easy to talk about your own life’s achievements.

Once you completed this exercise, you should have great examples based on real scenarios that support your value proposition. 

What if you don’t know what your strengths are?

So many people battle to verbalise their strengths or are too modest to express them.  Surprisingly we have also found that many people are unable to identify what their strengths actually are. If you fit into this category, feedback is a very useful tool. Chances are you’ll find great examples by:

·        asking those around you;

·        look to previous performance appraisals or awards;

·        think back to times people come to you for advice.

The value in this exercise and building your personal brand goes beyond the interview table.

This approach enables you to speak about scenarios and defining moments in your career which are natural to you and show where you have positively contributed. By articulating real examples you build rapport and credibility with your potential employer right from the interview.

In life’s ongoing journey, it is imperative that you are able to talk to your strengths and abilities to make a difference. Having self-awareness, coupled with personal insights and actions, we are able to position ourselves to optimize any opportunity.

Our best advice is to embark on this “stock-taking” exercise from time to time, even if you are not preparing for an interview. By investing in quality reflection time – you will make a difference and make things happen!

Keep on sparkling!

www.peopleconnexion.com