We present several strengths and weaknesses to reveal during a job interview, along with some tips on how to communicate them.
Last update: July 18, 2022
Pointing out your strengths and weaknesses is one of the most anticipated moments during a job interview. Many candidates are rejected because of their answers, so we should all know how to answer this question.
Success in a job interview is based on sincerity. There's no point in lying about a skill if we can't prove it later (mastering a language, for example). Avoid this unsuccessful strategy and focus on what you can prove once you get the job.
Main strengths in a job interview
According to the researchers, focusing on your strengths is extremely important during a job interview. After all, these can overshadow weaknesses, make them fit for the company, and cover a latent need within it.
We can identify some general strengths appreciated in each scenario. We present them in the following lines, remembering that it will be necessary to indicate those that really coincide with one's personality and conduct.
1. Teamwork
Knowing how to work as a team is a strength that every company appreciates in its employees. Evidence indicates that it is one of the most sought after skills by employers, especially in contexts where participation in a group is required.
It is an indication of many other aspects that are appreciable in the workplace: communication skills, the ability to share knowledge, to help others, to manage ideas and colleagues. Do not forget, therefore, to indicate teamwork among the strengths during a job interview.
2. Creativity
Creativity is the ability of a person to have new original ideas. Ideas that facilitate the management of the company, increase its development or guide it towards success. Given the evolving context of today's society, creativity is undoubtedly one of the greatest strengths in the workplace.
Experts point out that creativity is closely associated with teamwork. List it among your strengths, therefore, allows you to connect it with the previous one. This avoids mentioning unnecessary elements of little or no interest to the recruiter.
3. Specialty or skill
Having a specific competence, practical or theoretical, is an added value for a company. While it is true that workers with more general skills or capable of covering different fields are currently favored, the specialty can make a significant difference.
This comes from the studies undertaken, but above all from experience. But beware: avoid bragging about extensive experience if you think it will make you overqualified candidates.
4. Organization
Organization is a skill that every employer values. Whether it's working with the public or remotely, being organized can work in your favor.
Organization translates into greater efficiency and positive results. Along with these strengths, empathy, self-criticism, dedication, positive attitude, flexibility and punctuality in carrying out commitments can also be mentioned during an interview. It is not necessary to list them all, it is enough to choose three or four that reflect us.
Main weaknesses in a job interview
We all have weaknesses and many times these affect our performance in a given task. During a job interview, you may want to choose which ones they do not put you in a compromising situation with the employer.
1. Excess of perfection
Excess of perfection can be described as great attention to detail to the point that a task is considered completed as long as it meets certain personal criteria.
It is a disadvantage to the extent that this can delay delivery times, as it disagrees with the group's concept of "quality" and even misses the general idea to focus on the specific.
2. Great extraversion or introversion
Being very introverted or extroverted can be considered a disadvantage in certain contexts. Both personalities are not conducive to teamwork. Specifically, they are counterproductive in terms of creative suggestions to the company, enhancing the opinion of others and a friendly and pleasant atmosphere at work.
If it is the fall, it is better to focus on the ability to balance and stability. Don't go into too much detail about it, but be clear so as to do not give the idea of ​​not knowing how to control your emotions.
3. Difficulty delegating work
Many people find it difficult to delegate work. Their perfectionism or distrust of others' performance can lead them to want to complete all the tasks on their own.
In general, whoever takes this position is very efficient, responsible, proactive and competent; but there are times when delegating responsibility is a necessity.
4. Impatience
Impatience is another weakness during a job interview. However, we can use it in our favor. For example, saying that you are impatient to finish a project because you enter into such a harmony with it that you cannot wait for it to see the light.
Other weaknesses: being too direct, disorganized, indecisive or overly critical. Honesty of one's weaknesses is very important. The employer will appreciate a candidate who can assess the spectrum of strengths and weaknesses.
How to communicate strengths and weaknesses in a job interview?
In addition to listing your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview, it's equally important to manage how you point them out. Here are some tips on this:
- To be honest: regardless of the strengths and weaknesses that are indicated in a job interview, if they do not reflect reality they will be of little use. Be honest to avoid early termination.
- Be concise: a job interview cannot last hours, so it is better to focus on the quality of the answers rather than the quantity. The synthesis of the communication will be a further strength.
- Give examples: for each strength and weakness, an example must be given that indicates how it has benefited or disadvantaged you in the past. Use real examples to follow the line of honesty.
- Be relaxed: the evidence indicates that the first impression determines the final decision, so it is better to keep a relaxed attitude from the first second.
Conclusions
Experts recommend testing before applying for a face-to-face or virtual job interview. This gives you the opportunity to prepare answers, control gestures, instill confidence and avoid improvising halfway through.
By keeping in mind when outlined in this article, you will be able to give your best in an interview for a job you are passionate about or need.
