So what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Written by Sara Kurtevski, MD
Imagine you are being interviewed for your dream job. Your interview is going fantastic, the interviewer is in awe of your application and achievements, and you’ve answered every question smoothly.
But just when you thought nothing can go wrong, you are asked to explicitly talk about yourself. Your heart begins pounding, and the confidence in your voice starts to fade. You are wondering, “why is it so hard to express who I am?”. Answering questions such as, “Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses” is something most people find uncomfortable to answer. It is also one of the most commonly asked questions during interviews.
Through my own experience, as well as listening to others, I have learned that this question is best approached by doing some self-exploring and preparation beforehand. In general, people tend to feel uncomfortable talking about their strengths as there is an assumption that we will be perceived as self-centered. On the flip side of this, people also tend to feel uncomfortable sharing their weakness as it comes with a sense of vulnerability and fear of rejection. Those feelings are completely normal, but with just a few tips and some practice, you will be ready to share your strengths and weaknesses.
Where to start:
The first step to answer this question is to be honest with yourself. We all possess different qualities and there is variation in what we are good at and what we could improve on.
First, make a list just of some qualities you like about yourself and other skills you could work on. You can also ask your family to list a few of your strengths and weaknesses. You will likely find some consistency in your answers and the list you get from others.
Strengths:
Now that you have formulated the list of your strengths, think about which three best describe you. Afterward, think about some examples of how you reacted to situations that display those characteristics. Using actual examples to support what you describe will make it feel less like you are bragging about yourself. In addition to making you feel better about discussing your strengths, the interviewer will likely also find it much more convincing and memorable versus a list of qualities.
Weaknesses:
When talking about your weaknesses, there are worries that they will be seen as a red flag. Due to this, candidates will often come up with answers that include a weakness which can be seen as a “strength”. One example is saying something like, “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist”. This approach may give the impression that you are not sincere.
Remember, all of us are human and have imperfections so no one should expect perfection. The biggest trick to answering this question, is not the weakness, but how you express it. The weaknesses you share should display that you have insight into your imperfections and have taken time to focus on self-improvement. Whichever weakness you share, follow-up the answer by stating how you noticed it and what you have done about it. Use specific examples to describe how you are working on improving and evolving. This approach will allow the interviewer to see that despite your weaknesses, you are an individual who takes the time to recognize them and continues to improve.
Practice!
After you have come up with your list of strengths and weaknesses and thought about specific examples to follow up on your answers with, put it to the test. Do a quick mock interview answering this question with someone who can provide you with feedback. They can help you tweak answers and receive some positive reinforcement. It will also help you feel more prepared so your interview day can confidently express the amazing applicant that you are.
