Today we're going to talk about the job interview question, "What are your strengths?" This is a very common job interview question and you'll usually get it at the beginning of your job interview, so you'll want to make sure that you have something to tell them.
Now it may be really tempting to answer with a fun talent you have but you won't be telling the employer what they're really looking for. What employers want to know is if you have the strengths and skills that go with this position.
For example, if the job has you working with customers, focus on your people skills and problem solving skills.
Example:
"One of my biggest strengths is my people skills. Introducing myself and starting conversations is no problem for me at all. Also, my experience has given me the time management skills that are required for this position. I understand that deadlines need to be met and I will go above and beyond to make that happen."
If the job has you working in the back of the house, say for a stocking or inventory position, talk about your organization skills and your attention to detail.
Example:
"Organization is my thing. I'm one of those people who can't stand to see a mess all over the place and will find ways to keep everything organized. This requires an attention to detail. I like to keep a close eye on things to make sure that everything is in its place and that nothing slips through the cracks."
If you want to go above and beyond in your answers, you can always give the interviewer an example of how you have used your strengths in a job or task.
If you feel like you don't really have any strengths to offer or don’t know what they are, think about things that you do outside of work that can be used in the position. For example, if you're an athlete, you can say that you're very dedicated and disciplined. If you like to build things, you can say that you're very good at working with your hands.
So while this question may seem a little scary, if you prepare, it can really help you in your job interview. Just pick two strengths that you have that will make you a good fit for the position and tell your interviewer about them. You got this!
About Kim Costa
This video was very helpful in knowing how to give a proper response.
awesome tip! Thanks!!
I though all of this information given on Jobs and answers to Job question are informative, however I already knew… but it doesnt hurt to stay informed about anything new. I really learned a lot more on the WEAKNESS topic! Thanks for sharing looking forward to more!!!!!
Really thought this was very helpful. Please continue doing what you do. Thank you!!!
thanks
I absolutely love these helpful tips. I look forward to each one every week. I really appreciate you guys’ work. Great Job!!! And thanks again for all you do!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Michelle! I’m so glad you’ve found these helpful. Let me know if you have any videos you would like to see!
Hi Kim,
Funny video. Totally agree that some people miss the boat on a proper answer and end up either with something too wacky, or something too boring and generic.
Really digging into the job description to pull out the competencies and skillsets needed will give you a great prompt for building some good “strengths” stories.
And of course, make sure you don’t sound too canned when you’re delivering your answer. You can write out your answer, but make sure your practice and internalize it to the point that it sounds like its coming off-the-cuff.
Another article with some additional sample answers to play with:
http://biginterview.com/blog/2013/03/what-are-your-strengths.html
Overall, there’s a fine line between too much or too little. Most people lean toward too little, so don’t be scared to toot your own horn
Cheers,
Alex