Common Interview Questions: Strengths & Weaknesses

During an interview, it is common to be asked to name a strength and a weakness that you have. Though these questions may seem straightforward, they can be difficult to answer well and in a way that is relevant to the job. Here is how to approach these questions with confidence.

Tell me about a strength you have 

When sharing your strength, don’t stop at just naming it! Any response to an interview question should be at least 3 sentences long. After naming the strength, talk about how you know this is a strength of yours. Where have you used this strength professionally?  

If you’re able, share about a strength that is related to the skills or situations involved in the job you’re interviewing for! 

Tell me about an area of weakness for you 

Talking about a weakness doesn’t mean sharing your deepest insecurities. It’s about showing you can reflect on your own habits and are committed to growth. The best strategy? Pick a real, non-critical weakness and talk about what you’re doing to improve it. 

This question can present an opportunity for you to share information you might want the interviewer to know but worry could be viewed in a bad light. If you have little work experience or a gap in your work history, this could be your chance to share that information and provide a little context. 

Avoid weaknesses that would directly affect your ability to do the core responsibilities of the role. If you’re interviewing to be a cashier, saying your weakness is talking to strangers will probably hurt your chance of being successful. 

Other Tips: 

Like so many interview questions, being asked to share your greatest strength and weakness can be more complicated than it seems on the surface. But with a little reflection and preparation, you can nail these common questions and be on your way to your next job!