When you are asked about your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview, it is important to have concrete examples to back up your claims. Below you will find examples, lists and a complete guide how to blow your interview out of the water!

Example responses to “What are your strengths?”

These examples can give you an idea of the type of structured response. They demonstrate that you are confident of this strength and that you will use it to succeed in this specific role.

  1. I am very detail-oriented and have a strong ability to spot errors. This attention to detail ensures that any work I produce is of the highest quality.
  2. I am an excellent communicator and have no trouble conveying ideas or giving presentations. My communication skills are one of my strongest assets.
  3. I work well under pressure and am able to meet deadlines even when there is a lot of work to be done. This ability to stay calm under pressure is one of my greatest strengths.
  4. I have a strong sense of organization and can quickly priorities tasks. This helps me to get the most important work done first and ensures that deadlines are always met.
  5. I am very flexible and adaptable to change. I am able to rapidly learn new skills and adapt to new situations. This makes me an ideal candidate for a role that requires frequent changes or a high degree of flexibility.
  6. I have a strong customer service focus and always put the needs of the customer first. This ensures that they are happy with the product or service they receive.
  7. I am very proactive and always take initiative to get things done. This means that I am always one step ahead, which is invaluable.
  8. I have a strong creative streak and enjoy coming up with new ideas and solutions. This creativity is one of my biggest strengths and has helped me succeed in many projects.

Example responses to “What are your weaknesses?”

When asked about your weaknesses, it is important to be honest and upfront. However, you should also focus on qualities that could be seen as strengths in the specific role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires a lot of multitasking, then a weakness such as “I sometimes have trouble focusing on more than one task at a time” could actually be seen as a strength.

  1. I sometimes have trouble speaking up in groups and can come across as shy. However, this also means that I am a good listener and I take time to understand other people’s points of view.
  2. I can be a bit of a perfectionist and tend to spend too much time on small details. However, this attention to detail ensures that any work I produce is of the highest quality.
  3. I have trouble saying no when people ask for help, even if I am already stretched thin. This can sometimes lead to me taking on too much work. However, it also means that I am always willing to help out others and pitch in when needed.
  4. I can get overwhelmed by large projects or tasks that seem impossible at first. However, I have learned how to break these down into smaller pieces so that I can better focus on each individual task.
  5. I have a tendency to procrastinate when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. However, I have developed strategies to overcome this, such as setting smaller deadlines for myself or working in short bursts.
  6. I can be competitive and sometimes need to be the best at everything I do. However, this drive to succeed has helped me achieve many of my goals.
  7. I can be stubborn and set in my ways. However, this also means that I am very determined and passionate about things that are important to me.
  8. I have a hard time delegating tasks to others, even though I know it is sometimes necessary. However, this means that I am usually the one who takes on responsibility and ensures that tasks are completed.

These strengths and weaknesses examples should give you an idea of the types of qualities you can mention in your job interview. Remember to focus on qualities that would be seen as strengths in the specific role you are applying for. And always back up your claims with concrete examples.

List of Job Interview Example Questions

Here are a few example questions for how someone in an interview may ask you about your strengths and weaknesses.

  1. Can you list a few of your strengths?
  2. What would you say are your best qualities?
  3. What do you think makes you stand out from the other candidates?
  4. Can you give me an example of a time when you used one of your strengths to succeed in a project?
  5. What are some areas you would like to improve on?
  6. Is there anything you feel you need to work on?
  7. Can you give me an example of a time when you faced a challenge and had to overcome it?
  8. Can you think of any areas where you could use some development?
  9. What do you believe your weaknesses are?
  10. Is there anything you’re not as confident in?
  11. What would you say your biggest strength is?
  12. And your biggest weakness?
  13. Do you have any blind spots?
  14. Are there any areas you need help in?
  15. Where do you feel like you could improve?
  16. What do you think you could do better?

How to talk about your strengths

When you are asked about your strengths, it is important to focus on those that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires excellent communication skills, you might want to highlight your ability to build relationships or lead teams.

Some common strengths that can be relevant in most workplaces include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Creativity
  • Time management skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Interpersonal skills

Choose strengths that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

  • Be honest
  • Focus on your positive qualities
  • Give specific examples of how you have used your strengths in the past

Some examples of strengths you could mention in a job interview include:

  • Being a good communicator
  • Being able to work well under pressure
  • Being highly organized
  • Having strong problem solving skills

How to talk about your weaknesses:

It is also important to have examples of weaknesses that will not impact your ability to do the job. For example, if you are applying for a customer service role, you might not want to highlight a weakness such as “I sometimes have trouble staying calm when dealing with difficult customers.”

Some common weaknesses that can be relevant in most workplaces include:

  • Being shy or introverted
  • Having trouble speaking up in groups
  • Being a perfectionist

Taking on too much work

Getting overwhelmed by large projects

  • Having difficulty delegating tasks to others

Choose weaknesses that will not impact your ability to do the job.

  • Be honest
  • Try to focus on qualities that could be seen as strengths in the specific role you are applying for
  • Give specific examples of how you have worked on overcoming your weaknesses in the past.

List of Strengths and Weaknesses with examples for job interview success

Strengths:

  1. I am very organized and can always keep track of multiple tasks at once. This strength has helped me excel in customer service positions.
  2. I am able to stay calm under pressure and handle difficult situations with ease. This strength has come in handy in my previous roles as a server and a retail associate.
  3. I have a great memory and can remember even the smallest details. This strength has helped me succeed in my role as an administrative assistant.
  4. I am very creative and have a knack for coming up with innovative solutions to problems. This strength has helped me in my roles as a marketing assistant and a graphic designer.
  5. I am an excellent communicator and can always find the right words to say in any situation. This strength has come in handy in my previous roles as a customer service representative and a sales associate.
  6. I have a strong work ethic and am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done. This strength has helped me succeed in previous roles as an administrative assistant and a customer service representative.
  7. I have excellent communication skills and am able to effectively communicate with people of all levels. This strength has helped me in my role as a sales associate.
  8. I am very organized and always make sure that everything is in its place. This strength has been beneficial in my previous roles as an administrative assistant and a customer service representative.
  9. I have a high level of attention to detail and always make sure that everything is done correctly the first time around.
  10. I am very persuasive and can usually convince people to see things my way. This strength has helped me succeed in my role as a sales associate.
  11. I am a people person and enjoy interacting with others on a daily basis. This strength has come in handy in my previous roles as a customer service representative and a server.
  12. I am always willing to lend a helping hand and am always eager to pitch in when needed. This strength has helped me succeed in my previous roles as an administrative assistant and a customer service representative.
  13. I have a positive attitude and always try to see the best in every situation. This strength has come in handy in my previous roles as a server and a retail associate.
  14. I am very detail-oriented and always make sure that everything is done correctly the first time around. This strength has helped me succeed in my role as an administrative assistant.

Weaknesses:

  1. I can be indecisive at times and have trouble making decisions when presented with multiple options. This weakness has been an issue for me in my role as a sales associate.
  2. I can be a bit shy when meeting new people and it takes me a while to warm up to others. This weakness has been an issue for me in my previous roles as a customer service representative and a server.
  3. I can be forgetful at times and have trouble remembering details if I am not given enough time to process them. This weakness has been an issue for me in my role as an administrative assistant.
  4. I can be stubborn at times and have trouble changing my mind once I have made up my mind about something. This weakness has been an issue for me in my previous roles as a marketing assistant and a graphic designer.
  5. I can be impatient at times and have trouble dealing with slow people or tasks. This weakness has been an issue for me in my previous roles as a customer service representative and a sales associate.
  6. I can be messy at times and have trouble keeping things organized. This weakness has been an issue for me in my previous roles as an administrative assistant and a customer service representative.
  7. I can be overly critical at times and have trouble seeing the good in people or situations. This weakness has been an issue for me in my previous roles as a marketing assistant and a graphic designer.
  8. I can be impatient at times and have trouble dealing with frustrating people or tasks. This weakness has been an issue for me in my role as a customer service representative.
  9. I sometimes have trouble saying no to people, even when I know I should. This weakness can sometimes lead to me being overwhelmed with too many tasks.
  10. I can be a bit shy when meeting new people, but I usually warm up to them after a few minutes. This weakness hasn’t been too much of hindrance in my previous roles.
  11. I tend to get nervous when giving presentations, but I have been working on conquering this fear. This weakness has not been a major issue in my previous roles.
  12. I can be a bit of a perfectionist and have trouble letting go of things that are not perfect. This weakness has occasionally caused me to miss deadlines.
  13. I sometimes have trouble dealing with criticism, but I am working on learning to take it constructively. This weakness has not been a major issue in my previous roles.

4 Color Personality Test – Strengths and Weaknesses Examples

The 4 color personality test will help you determine what personality type you are. Knowing this will help answer the what are your strengths and weaknesses job interview question.

When interviewers ask what your strengths and weaknesses are, they are really trying to determine if you are a good fit for the job. To answer this question effectively, you need to have a good understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses. The best way to do this is to take a personality test like the 4 color personality test.

Once you know your personality type, you can better understand what kinds of strengths and weaknesses you have. Here are some examples of strengths and weaknesses that might be relevant to different types of jobs:

Job Type: Sales

Strengths: Persuasive, outgoing, confident

Weaknesses: May come across as pushy, may not listen to customers’ needs

Job Type: Customer Service

Strengths: patient, good listener, helpful

Weaknesses: may get taken advantage of, may get frazzled easily

Job Type: Marketing

Strengths: creative, out-of-the-box thinker, good at pitching ideas

Weaknesses: may be too much of a perfectionist, may have trouble with criticism

Job Type: Administrative

Strengths: Organized, detail-oriented, efficient

Weaknesses: May be too rigid in their thinking, may have trouble delegating tasks

As you can see, different jobs will require different strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your own personality type will help you to identify which strengths and weaknesses are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

When interviewers ask about your strengths and weaknesses, they are not looking for a list of every single strength and weakness you have. Instead, they are looking for a few specific examples that illustrate whether or not you have the right strengths for the job. Try to identify two or three of your most relevant strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to give examples of each.

As you can see, your strengths and weaknesses will vary depending on the type of job you are applying for. Knowing your personality type will help you to better understand what kinds of strengths and weaknesses you have so that you can give the interviewer an honest and accurate answer to the question.

Once you know your personality type and your corresponding strengths and weaknesses, you can use this information to answer the what are your strengths and weaknesses job interview question in a way that will impress the interviewer.

4 color personality types

Below are the 4 color personality types: Red, Blue, Green and Yellow.

Red Personality Type

The Red personality type is a dynamic, ambitious individual. He or she has objectives in life that most people can’t even fathom. Because his or her goals are so broad, it appears to be difficult to achieve them. Reds do not give up as easily as other personalities and keep pursuing their objectives with more vigor. Their unwavering confidence in their capacity to master any difficulty if they put their efforts toward it — if they just apply themselves conscientiously.

Learn More Here about Red Personalities

Yellow Personality Type

People with a Yellow personality type are known for their cheerfulness and hope. They have an optimistic outlook on life, seeing the glass as half full. Yellows can find the silver lining in every storm and maintain a positive attitude even in gloomy situations. They enjoy being around others and are sociable creatures.

Green Personality Type

A Green personality type is a peaceful, calm person. He is usually very introspective and interested in understanding himself and others. Greens are typically very intuitive and have a strong sense of empathy. They’re generally great listeners who may be quite perceptive. Because they are good listeners, greens are frequently the ones people go to for advice.

Blue Personality Type

Someone with a blue personality is highly sensitive, always perceiving other people’s feelings. He is also typically very kind and compassionate. Another trait of blues is that they are great listeners; usually, because they do not judge others (which can make it hard for them to make decisions). Although passive, Blues know how to stand up for themselves when needed be.

Personality Websites Examples

16personalities.com – Website that provides in-depth analysis of all personality types

At 16 Personalities you will find in-depth information on all the personality types as well as a free personality test.

4colorpersonalitytest.com – A website with examples of color personality types

At 4 color personality test you will find a list of color personalities along with a compilation of other websites you can take different personality tests to help define yourself.

myersbriggs.org – Website that provides in-depth information about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a well-known and respected personality assessment. At myersbriggs.org you can find detailed information about the MBTI, take a free personality assessment, and learn more about your specific personality type.

personalityhacker.com – Website that provides articles, tests, and resources related to personality types.

humanmetrics.com – Website that provides a free personality test based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

typefinder.com – Website that allows you to take a test to find out your personality type

When interviewers ask about your strengths and weaknesses, they are not looking for a list of every single strength and weakness you have. Instead, they are looking for a few specific examples that illustrate whether or not you have the right strengths for the job. Try to identify two or three of your most relevant strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to give examples of each.As you can see, your strengths and weaknesses will vary depending on the type of job you are applying for. Knowing your personality type will help you to better understand what kinds of strengths and weaknesses you have so that you can give the interviewer an honest and accurate answer to the question

In conclusion, when interviewers ask about your strengths and weaknesses, they are not looking for a complete list of everything you have to offer. Instead, focus on two or three of your most relevant strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to give examples of each. Use the information about your personality type to help you better understand what kinds of strengths and weaknesses you have so that you can give the interviewer an honest and accurate answer to the question.