Strengths and weaknesses to say in a job interview

One of the most important moments when looking for a job is when the candidate exposes his or her strengths and weaknesses in a job interview. Many prospects are discarded because of the answersso everyone must be prepared to face these issues.

The basis of a successful interview is based on sincerity. It doesn’t matter if you lie about a skill or skill, if you can’t sustain it later. Therefore, put this practice aside and focus on what you can demonstrate if you get the job.

Main strengths in a job interview

Making an effort to highlight your strengths is the most important thing in a job interview. After all, these can overshadow your weaknesses, make you quotable for the company and cover a latent need within it.

Although we all have personal skills, there are certain general strengths that every employer values. We leave you with some ideas, reminding you that you should choose or present those that fit your way of acting, personality and attitude.

The most important aspect in a job interview is honesty.

1. Teamwork

Teamwork is a strength that any company values ​​in its employees. What’s more, it is one of the skills most sought after by employers, especially in those contexts in which the participation of a group is required.

It is an indicator of many other aspects that are appreciable when considering a hire: communication skills, ability to share knowledge, willingness to help others, idea management, and so on. Therefore, be sure to include the teamwork among the strengths that you should state in a job interview.

2. Creativity

Creativity is synthesized in a person’s ability to generate new original ideas. Ideas that, in the case of a company, facilitate its management, enhance its development or direct it towards success. Given the changing context of today’s society, creativity is, without a doubt, one of the greatest strengths to manifest in a job interview.

Experts point out that creativity and business performance are positively related. Listing it among your strengths will allow you to increase your value as a future employee.

3. Specialty or skill

Having a specific skill, whether practical or theoretical, continues to be a valuable asset for a company. Although it is true that, currently, workers with the ability to cover different areas are preferred,

Specialty can make a notable difference in a company’s ecosystem. This is born from the skill and possible studies that have been acquired. However, it is experience that has the greatest weight, so the more you accumulate, the more attractive you will be to the employer. But attention: Avoid boasting a lot of experience if you think this will make you an overqualified candidate..

4. Organization

In any job, organization is highly appreciated. Whether in face-to-face or remote jobs, Having an organized collaborator is favorable. Order translates into being more efficient, systematic and attached to processes that guarantee success.

In the company of all these strengths, you can also mention empathy, the capacity for self-criticism, dedication, positive attitude, flexibility and punctuality in delivering tasks.

You don’t need to list them all, choose just three or four that describe you and prepare them for when the interviewer asks you the question.

Main weaknesses in a job interview

The other side of the coin are the weaknesses that can manifest themselves in a job interview. We all have weaknesses to improve, and many times those affect our performance when carrying out a certain task. It is then advisable to choose those weak points that, despite being said sincerely, do not leave you in a compromising situation with the employer. Let’s look at some examples.

1. Excess of perfection

Excess perfection is a weakness that in turn maintains traits of strength. You can relate it to attention to detail. You focus so much on polishing the small parts that you don’t settle for something until it meets certain standards.

This is a disadvantage, to the extent that it makes you late in deliveries, makes you disagree with the group’s concept of “quality” and can even make you lose the general notion to focus on the specific. Of course, let the interviewer deduce all thisalthough keep them up your sleeve, in case you want to investigate their consequences.

2. Very extroverted or very introverted

Being very introverted or very extroverted can also be considered a disadvantage in certain contexts. Both personalities can play against each other when working as a team, making creative suggestions to the company, valuing the opinions of others and maintaining a cordial and pleasant atmosphere at work.

Be that as it may, the important thing is that you explain that you have improved at it and that you are now on the path to greater balance and stability. Don’t go into too much detail about it, but do make it clear to avoid giving the image that you are someone who is not capable of controlling their emotions.

3. Problems delegating work

Many people have problems delegating work. Their perfectionism, or distrust of the performance of others, may lead them to want to complete all tasks on their own. In general, those who take this position are very efficient, responsible, proactive and competent; But there are times when delegating responsibilities is a necessity.

4. Impatience

Impatience is another weakness that you can say in a job interview. It is true that it is not the least harmful weakness for your profile, but it is one that you can use to your advantage. For example, saying that you are impatient to finish a project, since you connect with it so much that you can’t wait for it to come to light.

Other weaknesses that you can communicate are being too direct, being a little indecisive or being excessively critical. Honesty about your weaknesses is very important. The employer will value that you are someone who knows how to consider your own positive and negative spectrums in a job interview.

How to communicate your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview?

Knowing your strong and weak points allows the recruiter to better appreciate you and know if your qualities fit with what the company is looking for. If you are asked for information about your strengths and weaknesses in a single question, talk about your weaknesses first. This way, you can close with your most positive side.

By talking about your strengths you have the opportunity to highlight the talents and abilities that make you the best option for the position. When you mention them, provide examples that reflect how you have used them and how they have impacted your work performance in the past.

On the other hand, although it may be uncomfortable to talk about your weaknesses, you should do so in a way that shows that you are committed to improving them. Therefore, Try to make it clear to the interviewer that you are working on them.

Just as important as preparing your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview is managing how you should say them. We leave you other ideas that will help you guide yourself:

Be honest: No matter what aspects you choose to communicate in a job interview, if these arguments are not honest they will be of little use to you. Be honest, this way you avoid early dismissal when you don’t fulfill what you have promised.Be brief: A job interview is not a soap opera, so you cannot elaborate on this answer. Think about the quality of the answers, not the quantity. The synthesis of communication will be an extra strength that the interviewer will value.Focus on the skills necessary for the position: mention those strengths that are important for the position. Therefore, it is important that you know the functions you will perform in that job, so you can highlight the skills that will allow you to meet your objectives.Transform weaknesses into strengths: Make it clear how you have used your weaknesses to grow professionally. For example, if your weakness is a lack of leadership, talk about how you have been working on it and how that has been reflected in your ability to work.Use an example: For each strength and weakness you must give an example, one that translates how it has favored you or played against you in the past. Use real situations to follow the line of honesty.Stay relaxed: Finally, your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview will be enhanced if you stay relaxed. The evidence indicates that the first impression determines the general evaluation; this cognitive bias is known as the halo effect.

Harvard Business Review experts recommend rehearsing before applying for an in-person or virtual job interview. This is how you prepare your responses, modulate your gestures, instill confidence and avoid improvising halfway through.

Along with the above, it complements the strengths and weaknesses in a job interview. If you take this and the reflections given into account, rest assured that you will tip the balance in your favor, when applying for a job that you are passionate about or need.

Conclusion

In a job interview, personal strengths are key to impressing the employer. Teamwork, creativity, specialty or skill, and organization are some of the most valued skills in organizational environments.

On the other hand, although we have weaknessesit is important that you express those that do not harm you too much and that have their positive side also, like perfectionism, attention to detail or impatience.

When communicating your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview, it is necessary to be honest, brief, and use concrete examples that illustrate what you said. Rehearsing before the interview and staying calm during the interview also make a good impression.

With a good communication and exposure strategy, you can increase your chances of getting the job you have applied for. Therefore, we invite you to define very precisely what your strengths and weaknesses are.

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