This week I received a great question.
“Taylor, my friend is about to interview for a new job, how should she answer the question about her strengths and her weaknesses?”
I decided to turn her question (and my answer) into another blog post to help you job seekers out there! Every interview that has ever been conducted, by a Manager reading off of the question sheet corporate gave him/her, includes the dreaded question:
“What do you think are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?”
Yeesh, that’s pretty much what you were hoping to avoid in this job search. If you LIKED your weaknesses, they wouldn’t BE weaknesses. Well here are three tips for providing a killer answer:
- Be Honest. Your biggest weakness is not “caring too much”.
- Frame Your Weaknesses Positively. If your weakness is “I’m not a team player” instead phrase it positively. “I am an independent and self motivated person, I’m working on my ability to work more effectively in a group setting.” Always say you are working on whatever the weakness is. They want to know you are able to take responsibility and are striving toward self development.
- Base Your Strengths Answer Off Of The Job Posting. If they asked for someone with customer service skills, say your strength is your customer service experience and abilities. They WILL ask you to talk more about these so make sure you are honest and able to give examples.
Don’t be ashamed of weaknesses, everyone has them. I personally know that I put too much on my plate, I am terrible at saying no and I love to load up on a busy schedule. This is my weakness because other projects or responsibilities may suffer if I am spread too thin. However, I also know that this makes me a go-getter, and a motivated team player, able to take on multiple projects at one time.
If you are honest and keep a positive spin on your answer, you will do just fine!
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Comment below!
Wishing you Sugar and Savings,
Taylor