my strong and weak points essay

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

• Joel Schwartzberg

Advice and examples to help you craft an authentic answer to this common interview question.

Don’t take common interview questions lightly just because they’re predictable. Underpreparing for them can make the difference between moving ahead and moving on. One question that often comes up: What are your strengths and weaknesses? In this article, the author outlines clear steps for how to describe your strengths and weaknesses along with sample language to use as a guide.

Some questions come up again and again in job interviews . At the top of the list: “ Tell me about yourself ,” “ Why do you want to work here? ” and “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”

• JS Joel Schwartzberg oversees executive communications for a major national nonprofit, is a professional presentation coach, and is the author of Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter and The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team . You can find him on LinkedIn and X. TheJoelTruth

Partner Center

What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? 40+ Examples for Job Interviews

There’s a whole lot of talking about yourself that goes on in an interview . It’s a barrage of “I”s and “me”s that would be inappropriate in so many other contexts. One of the most stressful spotlights on you might come when a recruiter or prospective boss asks you to tell them about your strengths and weaknesses.

You’re bound to hear, “What would you say is one of your weaknesses?” or “What’s your greatest strength?” or both in virtually every hiring process you’ll ever go through. While that might be frustrating—really, every time?!—it also means that you can anticipate the questions and craft thoughtful answers that will impress the interviewer.

With just a little bit of preparation, you can master the art of selling your strengths without sounding conceited and talking about your weaknesses without undermining your candidacy.

The more interviews you get, the better your chances of getting hired—apply now to these amazing open jobs on The Muse »

Why do interviewers ask about your strengths and weaknesses?

Interviews are fundamentally about getting to know you, says Muse career coach Angela Smith , founder of Angela Smith Consulting . “I know some people feel like the interviewer is trying to trip them up or put them in an awkward position, but it’s about getting to know the person to make the best decision that you can,” she adds. “When I ask those questions, that’s where I’m coming from.”

The actual strengths and weaknesses you bring up probably matter less than how you talk about them. “I’ve done a ton of interviews over the years and when pressed for it, I can’t really remember the answers,” Smith says. That doesn’t mean the questions aren’t important at all, but what an interviewer is evaluating likely goes deeper. They’re trying to understand what kind of employee you’d be and how you’d carry yourself in the role.

“For me it’s: Are they honest? Do they have self-awareness? Can they own their stuff in a professional and mature way? Is this someone that we can have growth and development conversations with? Are they going to hit a wall when it comes to giving them feedback?” Smith says. “How they answer that question really tells me the answer to all of those other things—and those are the things that matter.”

5 tips for talking about strengths and weaknesses in an interview

OK, that’s all great in theory, but what do you actually need to do to discuss your strengths and weaknesses successfully? Here's everything you need to know:

1. Be honest

It might sound trite, but it’s also true. An answer that sounds genuine and authentic will impress, while one that sounds generic, calculated, exaggerated, or humblebrag will do the opposite. A boss doesn’t want to hire someone who can’t recognize and own what they bring to the table and what they need to work on.

You’ll be a better employee if you can understand and leverage your strengths and acknowledge and learn from your weaknesses. So you want to show in the interview that you’re capable of that kind of self-reflection.

2. Tell a story

Here’s another cliché you shouldn’t discount: “Show, don’t tell.” Anyone who’s ever taken a writing class—whether in seventh grade or graduate school—has heard it. You should keep it in mind when answering just about any interview question, and it’s certainly helpful here.

“Anytime you can have a real-life example or a concrete example, it’s a good idea. It just helps to contextualize the response a little bit,” Smith says. “We just understand concepts and situations better with a story. So if you can tell a story that supports your thesis, then it’s always helpful.”

Talk about a time your strength helped you achieve something in a professional setting or when your weakness impeded you. For example, if you’re talking about how you’re calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment, you might tell the interviewer about that time you delivered a revamped client proposal after a last-minute change of plans.

If you’re admitting that your weakness is presenting in front of high-level executives, you might start by briefly describing the time you got so nervous presenting your plan for a new marketing strategy that you weren’t able to effectively convey your (thorough and pretty brilliant) approach and your boss had to step in and help get the plan approved.

Not only will sharing a real example make your answer stand out, but it’ll also make it sound thoughtful and honest and highlight all those other characteristics interviewers are actually looking for.

This might help: STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview

3. Remember to get to the insight

An answer that’s genuine and includes an illustrative anecdote is a great start, but it’s not complete until you address the “so what?” When you’re talking about a strength, the last beat of your answer should tie whatever skill or trait you’ve been discussing to the role and company you’re applying for.

Tell the interviewer how that strength would be useful in this job at this company. Going back to the revamped client proposal example, you might add, “Since things move quickly at [Company], this would allow me to come in and earn a new team’s confidence and foster a trusting team culture while also ensuring we’re all hitting our goals and delivering high-quality work.”

In the case of a weakness, “Really showcase your growth trajectory, your learning curve, what you’ve done as a result of the awareness of that weakness,” Smith says. It’ll help the interviewer understand how you’d approach problem-solving and professional growth in this new job.

So if you were the candidate with the presentation snafu, you might talk about how you sat down with your boss to make a plan to improve your public speaking skills, and how the next time you had to present to the execs you knocked it out of the park.

4. Keep it short

You don’t have to devote half the interview to these answers. You can keep your response relatively brief and focused on one or two strengths and/or weaknesses, depending on how the question was phrased.

To add to our list of overused-but-handy phrases: Think quality, not quantity. Don’t dive in and rattle off a litany of things you think you’re good or bad at without explaining anything. Instead, narrow it down and go into detail.

5. Don’t sweat it so much

While you definitely want to prepare and do your best to nail your answers, try not to stress too much. “I have never known an employment decision to come down to how someone answers those questions,” Smith says. “It’s just one data point connected with a whole bunch of other ones. So don’t give it too much weight.”

Example of strengths and weaknesses to use in an interview

Here's a list of strengths and weaknesses you can use as the basis of your answers for these questions in your next job interview:

Example strengths for job interviews

• Attention to detail
• Being adaptable
• Being proactive
• Building relationships
• Being willing to go above and beyond to help others
• Coming up with innovative solutions
• Communicating in writing
• Displaying emotional intelligence
• Having experience with a problem that the company is currently facing
• Figuring out how to effectively use a piece of software
• Giving or receiving constructive feedback
• Good time management skills
• Great leadership skills
• Handling conflicts
• Interpreting data and/or results
• Managing projects
• Motivating employees
• Noticing small details
• Prioritizing
• Public speaking
• Recognizing patterns
• Setting deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Switching between different tasks quickly
• Self-motivating
• Thinking critically
• Working well under pressure

Example weaknesses for job interviews

• Being a perfectionist
• Being too hard on yourself
• Getting too caught up in small details
• Getting nervous about speaking to groups or on the phone
• Ignoring or rationalizing away constructive feedback
• Locking in on a certain idea or way of doing things
• Losing track of deadlines, tasks, or work products
• Making basic math errors or not being able to do math in your head
• Making frequent grammar errors when writing
• Maintaining work-life balance

Not being able to say no to extra work

• Not being comfortable with vague instructions
• Not being confident
• Not being willing to change your mind

Not knowing when to ask for clarification

• Not picking up on nonverbal cues
• Missing deadlines
• Overlooking small details
• Procrastinating
• Struggling with time management
• Taking on too much work rather than delegating or saying no
• Writing unclearly

How to answer “What are your strengths?” in an interview

Use this opportunity to emphasize the most important qualities you’d bring to the role, team, and company. Smith recommends reading carefully through the job description and learning as much as you can about what the company is up to and what the culture is like. Read various pages on the organization’s website, take a look at its social media accounts, and catch up on some recent announcements and news coverage if applicable.

Use what you’ve learned to identify which of your strengths is most relevant and how it will allow you to contribute. Then make the connection inescapable. “Every answer should position you to help them see how you can solve a problem” and help the company achieve its goals, Smith says.

At the same time, you don’t want to go overboard. “It’s such a fine line. I always tell people not to worry about bragging, but you also don’t want to come across as cocky or too full of yourself,” Smith says. Give a confident and honest assessment that does your skills justice, but don’t let yourself veer into hyperbole.

Read this next: How to Answer “What’s Your Greatest Strength?” (Plus Examples!)

Organization

Let's say you’re applying for an operations role at a startup and you pick organization as one of your strengths. Connect this characteristic with that type of work environment and illustrate how it has already or could potentially enhance your performance in a future role.

Example answer:

“I’d say one of my greatest strengths is bringing organization to hectic environments and implementing processes to make everyone’s lives easier. In my current role as an executive assistant to a CEO, I created new processes for pretty much everything, from scheduling meetings to planning monthly all hands agendas to selecting and preparing for event appearances.

Everyone in the company knew how things worked and how long they would take, and the structures helped alleviate stress and set expectations on all sides. I’d be excited to bring that same approach to an operations manager role at a startup, where everything is new and constantly growing and could use just the right amount of structure to keep things running smoothly.”

Adaptability

Picture a teacher whose standout strength is being adaptable to new environments and situations. It's a key asset in education, where teachers often face new students each year and need to find creative ways to connect them with the curriculum.

“I think that as a teacher, one of the top goals is keeping students engaged. That’s why I think it’s important that some of my greatest strengths are being adaptable, gauging a classroom’s excitement and energy, and coming up with creative and varied lesson plans. I’ve come up with a system where I have a complete lesson plan for each day but build in some flexibility to go in any order.

I also make sure that for each day I have activities that help students relax, get them moving around, encourage them to participate, and allow them to work independently. The variety and flexibility together let me be responsive and match the students’ energy levels and moods—for example, if they’re hyped up after lunch, exhausted after gym class, or getting antsy after a long period at their desks.”

Time management

Imagine a recent grad applying for an entry-level position. Without work experience, you'd likely draw from your school experience for your answer. In this scenario, you'd have to tell an anecdote that illustrates how this particular strength can transfer to your working style.

“One of my greatest strengths is my time management. As a Division I athlete who also maintained a 3.7 GPA and worked part-time, I really honed my ability to prioritize and schedule my time to account for classes, practices, games, homework, and shifts. I gave every activity, assignment, or study session a priority rating and estimated plenty of extra time for all of them before plotting them out on my calendar and setting phone alarms.

I didn’t usually need so many reminders, but it helped give me peace of mind. I talked with my boss—who was luckily super understanding—to figure out which shifts were best for each semester. Sure, I was mocked for the giant wall calendar in my bedroom, but it was worth it for the results. As an HR assistant, I know I’ll be getting a lot of different assignments from the team, so I plan to hone and evolve my existing systems to make sure everything gets done on time and to a high standard.”

A graphic designer applying for a job at an agency might say his greatest strength is creativity. Besides being a key trait for the role, graphic designers often face unexpected challenges and must think quickly to find creative solutions. So, it makes perfect sense.

“I think that my greatest strength is changing up design styles and aesthetics to match different campaigns or brands—or in the case of this job, clients. I love the challenge of being creative within different rules, such as brand guidelines or just a mood that a client is going for.

I love to expose myself to a lot of different artists and art styles so that I always have new ideas and don’t get stuck in one groove. At my current job, I’ve designed campaign graphics and templates for medications being explained to doctors and pharmacists, exercise equipment being advertised to teenagers and young adults, and more—all with great results.”

How to answer “What is your greatest weakness?” in an interview

While you’ll definitely want to tie your strengths to the role and company you’re applying for, you should avoid that approach when talking about your weaknesses. “You don’t necessarily want them associating a weakness with their company or with what they’re looking for,” Smith says.

For example, if the job description for a sales role lists excellent verbal communication skills, you shouldn’t say one of your weaknesses is thinking on your feet during phone calls, even if you’ve worked hard to improve and feel more than competent now.

Instead, talk about a weakness that doesn’t obviously impair your ability to perform the core functions of the role. Make sure you admit the weakness, pivot to the insight, and end on a strong note. “If someone can be honest and have the self-awareness to answer that question, I think that says a lot about their emotional intelligence and their professional maturity,” Smith says.

Her last piece of advice is don’t pick a “weakness” like, “I’m such a hard worker,” or, “I’m too much of a perfectionist.” Answering this question with these clichés will backfire, because it comes off as disingenuous, oblivious, or immature. Also, none of those are qualities that’ll get you the job.

Read this next: How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” (Plus Examples!)

If you’re applying for an engineering job, not knowing when to ask for clarification is a “safe” weakness to mention in job interviews, as trying to figure out problems on your own isn't a negative trait. The key is to emphasize that you're actively working to improve by becoming better at seeking guidance when needed.

“My greatest weakness would probably be waiting too long to ask questions to clarify the goals of a project and to make sure I’m on the right path. I noticed in one of my first coding jobs out of college that I would get an assignment and, because I assumed I should be able to work independently, I’d waste time going down a particular road that didn’t 100% align with the ultimate goal and then would have to spend additional time making changes.

After it happened once or twice, I started asking my manager more questions about why we were adding a particular feature, who it was intended for, what about the previous functionality had made for a poor experience, etc. And especially for bigger projects, I would reach out when I needed a gut check to ask follow-up questions as well as to share the work I’d done so far and what I was planning to do next. In the long run, it meant I could finish projects faster and do better work.”

If your greatest weakness is overloading yourself with work, instead of saying something like “I work too hard,” it's better to explain that you struggle to decline extra work. Simply being a hard worker doesn't necessarily align with the job if it means not knowing how to set healthy boundaries and prioritize tasks effectively. So, be sure to mention the measures you're taking to develop a more balanced relationship with work.

“My greatest weakness is probably knowing when to say no to extra tasks. As an entry-level IT employee, I was sure that the best way to impress was to make the people I worked with think I could literally do it all. If someone wanted something fixed by tomorrow, I’d promise to do it by tomorrow, even if I already had four high-priority tickets on my plate for the day. I found myself working long hours, and my supervisor talked to me about how I was doing extra tasks but my main work was getting sloppier and slower.

I realized that I needed to get better at saying ‘no’ and ‘yes, but not right now.’ With my supervisor’s guidance, I started asking a few standard questions whenever I was given a new task, such as what an issue was blocking or impeding, when it needed to be addressed by, what kind of flexibility there was in that timeline, and whether the employee had tried some simple fixes they could do themselves.

I also started scheduling an hour each morning or afternoon for things that popped up, but outside of those times, unless something was on fire, I was working on my core job of strengthening our internal network security. Over time, I’ve become way better at prioritizing, communicating and setting expectations, and making sure extra tasks didn’t prevent me from getting my work done—and done well.”

Struggling with written communication

Expressing thoughts through written words can be a real struggle for many. Even if your job doesn't require a lot of writing, most companies use emails and platforms like Slack. Acknowledging the need to improve your writing skills can show self-awareness and leave a positive impression on hiring managers.

Example answer

“Before I started working, I always bought into the idea that people who were good with computers and numbers didn’t necessarily need to be good with words, and that in some cases, they just ‘couldn’t’ be. So I just sort of did the bare minimum to get by in required writing and English classes. But as soon as I started my first job, I realized that my written communication skills were probably my greatest weakness, and they were holding me back.

I kept finding myself misunderstood when I sent emails or Slack messages, or it would take me half an hour to write a paragraph because I didn’t know how to translate my thoughts and ideas into words. I decided to take a basic writing course in my free time, but I also started to read the written communication I was getting from others at work with an eye toward understanding what worked well and what didn’t.

Over time, my messages have needed less and less clarification and I’ve found myself getting the words on the page much faster. My boss even mentioned she’s noticed a significant improvement and tasked me with sending out monthly team updates.”

Lack of confidence

Lack of confidence in your work or ideas is a sentiment that many employees can empathize with. If you are not applying for a leadership or management role—where self-assurance and productivity are crucial—it's OK to mention this as your greatest weakness. Just be careful to not turn your answer into a pity party. Instead, paint a picture of the situation that helped you identify the issue and explain the steps you're currently taking to address it.

“My greatest weakness is having less confidence than I should in my ideas. I used to be terrified to bring up my ideas during meetings—I was so afraid they were bad or even that I’d get laughed at. But as a result, I watched others at my level get noticed and move up faster. So I went to someone on my team who had a few more years experience than me and who I was friendly with.

I asked her if I could start running my ideas by her before meetings. That way, I could tell myself that if she didn’t think they were hilariously stupid, that at least I wouldn’t be laughed out of the office. And I’d have practice saying them out loud in front of one person I really trusted first. It turned out she really liked most of my ideas and I started mentioning things I’d rehearsed with her.

Eventually, I felt like I could gauge my ideas better for myself, and I no longer needed that confidence boost. I’ve also presented a few bad ideas—and realized it wasn’t the end of the world or even the end of the conversation. Now I’m way more confident sharing ideas in group settings or to higher ups and it’s been really rewarding to see those ideas generate excitement and come to fruition.”

Key takeaways

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?” is one of the most common interview questions, so you should be prepared to answer it confidently. Contrary to popular belief, recruiters ask this question not to make you uncomfortable, but to gauge your self-awareness and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.

Be sincere; avoid cliches such as “workaholic” or ”perfectionist”. Ideally, your strengths should align with qualities valuable for the role you're applying for, while your greatest weakness should be unrelated to the specific job responsibilities.

To craft a perfect response, employ the “show, don't tell” strategy. Share anecdotes about situations where your strength proved valuable to former employers or team members, and describe a specific instance that helped you recognize your weakness and the steps you've taken to improve upon it.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

Every other Tuesday, you’ll get actionable tips to land your dream job.  Subscribe

• Interview Questions & Answers

What Are Your Strengths (and Weaknesses): Example Answers + Bonus Tips

Confession time.

Years ago, I landed an interview at a company I really wanted to work for. But I blew it.

The worst part came when they asked me “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” I started rambling and didn’t really answer the question at all.

Luckily, I learned from my mistakes. And so can you — so that you won’t have to make your own ones.

To best answer “What are your strengths:”

• Choose strengths relevant to the job (e.g. quantifiable accomplishments, formal education)
• Talk about unique hard skills that make you a good fit (e.g. platform knowledge)
• Don’t shy away from soft skills (e.g. communication, problem-solving, attention to detail)
• Provide examples of specific situations when you displayed your strengths

In this article, you’ll discover:

• Why interviewers ask “what are your strengths” and “what are your strengths and weaknesses”
• How to answer “what are your strengths” and “what are your strengths and weaknesses”
• Examples of typical strengths and weaknesses you can mention

Want to get an offer after every interview? Our interview prep tool will guide you through all the questions you can expect, let you record and analyze your answers, and provide instant AI feedback. You’ll know exactly what to improve to turn your next interview into a job.

ACE YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

Our users land jobs 8 to 9 weeks faster than the national average. Get ready for your interview now .

Why Interviewers Ask “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses”

Interviewers ask “What are your strengths” in order to:

Assess whether you have the necessary skills for the job

It’s an indicator of how much time you’ll spend on onboarding and how quickly you can start contributing to the company.

Evaluate whether you’ll fit in with the team

Your strengths could make you a perfect fit with your team and help the entire team level up.

Identify if there’s space for development and growth

This way, they can set development plans for you and see if your affinities fit in with their plan for this role.

On the other hand, they ask “What are your weaknesses” so that they can:

Assess your level of self-awareness

Recruiters want to check the extent to which you know yourself, and if you’re trying to improve.

Evaluate how you handle challenges and failures

If you can admit your weaknesses and if you’re working on overcoming them, it’ll show recruiters you’re open to continuous learning.

Identify areas in which you might need support and training

They might ask you this question in order to create a plan for your onboarding, training, and career development.

Finally, recruiters may combine these two questions and ask you, “what are your strengths and weaknesses?”

They want to give you more space for putting your strong and weak sides into context. It’ll give them a realistic picture of your experience and skills.

The question will allow you to explain why a certain strength is particularly important and why a specific weakness is not a dealbreaker.

See our dedicated guides on how to tackle other common job interview questions:

• Why should we hire you?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Tell me about yourself
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What’s your greatest weakness?

“Typical” Strengths Examples to Mention in an Interview

Here are some common (and good) strengths you can mention next time they ask you “What is your biggest strength” or “What are your strengths”?

• Problem-solving 
• Communication 
• Critical thinking
• Time and task management
• Interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
• Analytical thinking
• Reliability
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Determination
• Working well under pressure
• Open to feedback
• Emotional intelligence

Experience-related strengths

Everyone has their own path. Let this play in your favor. You probably have a unique experience (life + work) that helped you hone certain skills.

For example, if you don’t have any work experience yet, but you used to spend entire summers at your grandparents’ countryside farm, you probably learned a thing or two. You helped out with the work, got up early in the morning, and developed strong discipline and time and task management. These are lovely transferable skills you can use in every aspect of life — and you can mention them to gain an advantage over other people during the interview (plus, it would be a great story to break the ice and display your personality).

Here are additional examples:

• The work ethic you developed in your boring first job ages ago
• The empathy you gained when you had to navigate a major layoff
• Organizational skills you developed when you volunteered to help with organizing a team-building event
• Self-startedness you mastered when you built your mom’s hand-made accessories Instagram store from scratch

Skills learned on-the-job

Skills learned in your previous positions are probably your strongest assets. These are often hard skills closely related to the industry you are in and what the company you applied for is hoping to achieve.

These skills can be:

• Knowledge of an app/platform (WordPress, Ahrefs, Salesforce, Adobe, Klaviyo, etc.)
• Knowledge of programming languages (Javascript, CSS, etc.)
• Payment processing
• Workflow development (sequential, state machine, rules-driven, etc.)
• Project management (Agile, Scrum, Lean, Kanban, etc.)
• Writing long-form or short-form content (email sequences, articles, blogs, case studies, SMS marketing, landing pages, etc.) SEO knowledge
• Google ads/LinkedIn ads

Formal education

You can highlight a degree or even experience related to your formal education such as:

• Relevant coursework
• Relevant practical exams
• Debate club
• Volunteering
• Extracurricular activities

Soft skills relevant to the position

There’s plenty to choose from, but make sure the soft skills are actually relevant to the position you’re applying for.

You can identify these by asking yourself: what are some traits and skills that complement the key hard skills that make me a good fit for this job? And will they make my life at work easier?

If you’re applying for an HR position, you’ll need to have outstanding interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

Cashier? You’ll need to be a communicative and quick thinker.

Nurse? Emphatic and quick on your feet.

Most common soft skills are:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Stress management
• Attention to detail
• Work ethics
• Goal setting and prioritizing

How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths?”

Here’s how to craft your answer to this question.

1. Choose strengths relevant to the job

Choose and mention only the skills that are relevant to the position.

For this, you’ll need to study the job description, find out more about the company, and potentially speak to someone from the company who works in the same or similar position.

Applying for a project manager position? You’ll need to mention your superb time and task management, people skills, conflict resolution, critical thinking, thinking several steps ahead, and similar.

Content writer? Superb writing and solid SEO skills, friendly and open to feedback, and great attention to detail.

Sales representative? Communication skills, persuasive speaking and writing, friendly, quick thinking, helpful.

Cashier? Friendly, efficient, interpersonal skills, good with money, patient.

Nurse? Experience with ICU/ER (whatever hard skill), people skills, compassion, patience, quick thinking, and nurturing.

You get the drill.

What are your strengths: Sample answer

2. talk about unique hard skills that make you a good fit.

There must be a key hard skill needed for that position you applied for. If you possess it, you need to emphasize it during the interview.

Talk about the background, how and when you acquired the skill, what it helped you achieve, maybe single out the biggest accomplishment, etc.

Pro tip: pair one or two key hard skills with several soft skills that complement them. It’ll put them into context and give recruiters more insight into your experience and personality.

3. Don’t shy away from soft skills

Some candidates don’t want to mention soft skills because they think everyone has them, or they’re too general.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Soft skills say a lot about your personality and as we already said, complement hard skills wonderfully.

For example, you can be a superb medical worker with tons of knowledge and experience. But if you’re not emphatic and if you don’t know how to communicate with sick people’s families and your own coworkers, it can all go to waste. You’ll be remembered as a rude person, difficult to work with.

Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills.

4. Provide examples

In order to make your strengths impactful and memorable, provide examples for each.

It can be a short story about how you acquired a certain skill, how you behaved in a certain situation, or how you achieved certain goals and results.

Anything that will put the skills into context and show how they make you a valuable asset will do! (If you look at the samples above, you’ll see they contain examples and details to prove their point.)

To get more details about learning how to talk about your strengths, click here .

Examples of Typical Weaknesses to Mention

First of all, avoid listing weaknesses such as perfectionism and the tendency to take on too much work. They’re overused, not honest, and (debatably) not actual weaknesses.

Mention your real weaknesses, and make sure you say what you’re currently doing to improve in those areas (it shows awareness and action).

It might happen that the weakness you mention can actually harm your chances of being successful in that job. If you successfully cover it up (which is not likely), you’ll end up burned out, underperforming, and hating your day-to-day. This is why it’s important to be genuine and transparent when talking about weaknesses, both for your own sake and for the employer.

Some of the typical weaknesses you can mention are:

• Getting overwhelmed easily
• Being prone to insecurity or self-doubt
• Lacking presentation skills
• Lacking numbers/analytical skills
• Lacking knowledge of a particular platform
• Lacking industry-related knowledge (SEO, email deliverability, etc.)
• Being introverted
• Being extroverted

Not  entirely  happy with how many interviews you’re scoring?  Maybe it’s time to revamp your resume. These guides will be a good starting point:

• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Formatting Basics  
• Resume Summary Examples
• Resume Objective Examples
• Resume Profile: What It Is & How to Write It
• How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume
• How to Create an Education Section on a Resume
• The Best Skills for a Resume
• How to Describe Hobbies and Interests on a Resume

How to Answer Questions About Weaknesses

And here’s how to tackle the weaknesses too, in case the recruiters ask you “What are your strengths and weaknesses”.

(FYI, we have a separate guide on answering the stand-alone question “ What is your greatest weakness ”).

As we already mentioned, don’t try to present strengths (or what looks like strengths) disguised as weaknesses.

“Oh, I work too much.”

“I’m so dedicated that I often lose a sense of time and ignore my personal life.”

“I’m a huge perfectionist.”

All bad answers. You’re purposefully trying to look good. (Plus, if a company actually considers these “strengths”, they probably have a toxic work environment and you should run for the hills.)

Mention things you really consider yourself less-than-perfect at. Try not to sabotage your reasonable chances of getting that job (“I hate people and have a tendency to drink at work”), but don’t try to disguise actual strengths as weaknesses, you’ll come across as pretentious.

Talk about improvement plans

For every weakness you list, it’s best to talk about what you’re doing to improve them.

It will show you’re self-aware and actionable, as you’re actively taking steps to improve yourself.

Let’s revisit the typical weaknesses we mentioned a few chapters earlier and see what you can add to each.

• Getting overwhelmed easily ( but you’re learning breathing and meditation exercises you apply every time you get overwhelmed at work)
• Being prone to insecurity or self-doubt ( but you’re working on accepting your good and bad sides equally; nobody’s perfect)
• Lacking presentation skills ( but you’re throwing yourself into the fire and you volunteer to give a presentation every time you can)
• Lacking numbers/analytical skills ( but you’re regularly making time to go into Google Analytics and dig around)
• Lacking knowledge of a particular platform ( but you took the course on Udemy/asked an expert to help you out)
• Lacking SEO knowledge ( but you’re currently devouring Ahref’s blog posts and speaking to an expert from your company)
• Being introverted ( but you’re making yourself step up and voice your opinions on meetings)
• Being extroverted ( but you’re making a conscious effort to tone it down, let others speak more, ask for others’ options, etc.)

Pro tip: If applicable, explain how a particular strength of yours can outweigh a weakness. You can also try to place it within the framework of your team and show how you complement your coworkers and make up for things you lack.

For example, if you’re not a natural-born public speaker, you won’t run workshops for junior teammates. It’s your weakness. But your strength is writing, so you can participate in the onboarding process by creating documentation and detailed manuals.

For a bunch of additional tips on how to talk about your strengths, sell yourself in an interview, negotiate, and land your dream job, get our free course here !

Remember my disastrous interview experience from the intro? Well, it was all because of the lack of practice. If I had taken the time to at least draft ideas for answering interview questions on paper, I would have done a lot better.

At the time, I thought preparing for interviews was a waste of time. After all, I know how to talk about myself, right? Well, I was wrong.

It was when I started using Big Interview that I realized just how important preparing in advance is.

I remember that I started by watching the “What are your strengths” video to try and figure out the reasons why I failed to answer it.

Then I record myself answering questions and did a self-assessment (but there’s also the option to send the recording to a friend to ask for their opinion). The Mock Practice tool provides awesome feedback too, so I didn’t have to bother people around me.

Whatever you choose, it’s good, as long as you’re preparing beforehand.

Additional Sample Answers to “What Are Your Strengths?”

Below are a few videos for common job positions. Each of them answers the question “What Are Your Strengths?” We hope they’ll get you inspired and craft your own answer to the question.

Sample answer for a Technology Team Lead

Sample answer for a Data Analyst

Sample answer for a Head of Marketing

Sample answer for a Medical Doctor

These were examples for answering “What are your strengths” — but if you want to discover additional common questions recruiters ask during interviews (and how to answer them), check out Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them . 

Summary of the Main Points

• “What are your strengths” is a question you’re likely to hear in every job interview. But recruiters also want to know about the combination of your strengths and weaknesses, so they may ask “What are your strengths and weaknesses”
• Recruiters want to know if you know yourself, if you’re a culture fit, if there are things you can improve, and how you handle challenges
• Mention strengths you gained through experience, on your current job, during formal education, or soft skills which are a part of your personality
• Be honest when speaking about your strengths and weaknesses
• Choose skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for
• Provide examples and stories for each strength
• For each weakness, say what you’re doing to improve it

____________________

Need a hand? There are 3 ways we can help you:

• Don’t know how to talk about yourself? Learn how to succinctly answer the “Tell me about yourself” question.
• Tired of interviewing and not landing the job? Discover actionable lessons and interview practice here (Rated with 4.9/5 by 1,000,000 users).
• Use our new Resume AI tool to instantly improve your resume and start landing more offers.

What are some typical examples of strengths employers want to hear about?

Here are some common strengths employers like to hear:

• Strong communication skills: demonstrating your ability to effectively listen, communicate ideas, and work well with others.
• Problem-solving: highlight your ability to analyze different situations and come up with workable solutions.
• Adaptability: emphasize your capacity to adapt and adjust to changing landscapes and priorities.
• Leadership: showcase your ability to motivate, guide, and support others to fulfill their potential.
• Teamwork: exhibit your ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
• Time management: indicate your aptitude for organizing responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks.

What 3 strengths are the most important in the workplace?

The top three strengths that are crucial in the workplace include:

• Communication skills: As they foster collaboration, idea-sharing, and efficient work processes.
• Problem-solving: Because it helps tackle challenges and find innovative solutions.
• Adaptability: As it enables you to adjust to new situations and contribute effectively.

Should I focus on my traits, skills, or achievements?

Focus on your skills and achievements, as they provide tangible evidence of your capabilities. Highlight transferable skills that are relevant to the position, and back them up with specific accomplishments to showcase their real-world impact.

What if I don’t have any unique strengths, just do my job well, in general?

Even if your strengths seem generic, they can still be beneficial. Focus on how you’ve consistently demonstrated your strengths in job-related scenarios, and provide examples of your reliability and commitment to producing high-quality work.

When asked about strengths, should I also talk about weaknesses?

Don’t discuss weaknesses when asked about strengths. It may divert attention from your positive attributes. Listen to the question carefully, and focus on highlighting your strengths with specific examples. You can address weaknesses later if explicitly asked by the interviewer.

What strengths should fresh graduates or people with no experience mention?

Fresh graduates or those with no experience should mention strengths such as:

• Quick learning ability: demonstrate your ability to learn and integrate new information quickly from coursework, projects, or internships.
• Initiative: show examples of taking initiative in group projects or extracurricular activities to emphasize your self-starting capabilities.
• Teamwork: showcase your experience working in groups or teams in coursework or volunteer work to demonstrate collaborative skills.

How should you talk about strengths without sounding too arrogant?

To discuss strengths without sounding arrogant:

• Be genuine: speak honestly about your strengths and provide concrete examples instead of exaggerating or sounding self-aggrandizing.
• Stay relevant: focus on strengths that specifically relate to the role you’re applying for, showing that you know which skills are critical for success.
• Balance confidence and humility: express confidence in your capabilities, but also convey openness to learning and improving in your new position.

Maja Stojanovic

Turn interviews into offers

Share this article

• Big Interview
• Plans & Pricing
• Higher Education
• Editorial Process
• Resume Templates
• Interview Preparation
• Interview Q&A
• Career Advice
• Create an Account
• Knowledge Base

©️ 2024 Skillful Communications, Inc. | Big Interview is a trademark of Skillful Communications, Inc.

Terms | Privacy Policy

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

A Plus Topper

Improve your Grades

Strength And Weakness Essays | Essay on My Strength and Weakness for Students and Children

June 8, 2021 by Prasanna

Strength And Weakness Essays: Everyone has their own qualities and shortcomings. As far as I might be concerned, life is a learning experience, so distinguishing and knowing our qualities and shortcomings can help us learn, improve and develop. It doesn’t make any difference on the off chance that they are positive or negative capacities. Realizing our positive capacities can help us in achieving our objectives, and realizing our negative capacities can help us improve. It is critical to know yourself and your capacities since it can help you express and utilize your qualities, and assist you with conquering your shortcomings.

My Strength and Weakness Essay Sample

No individual on Earth is great. On the off chance that this was valid, the world would be an exhausting spot. Everybody has their qualities and shortcomings. Few people know how to deal with their weaknesses in the correct manner and get benefitted from it. But some people hide their weak points. I am such a person, who has been keeping my weak points inside and concealing constantly. I understood that I need to change by finding support and that I should defeat my dread of doing so in light of the fact that my shortcomings have been irritating me and are getting me far from progress.

Qualities are frequently the abilities and side interests that individuals appreciate to do and never get exhausted of. A few groups utilize their gifts to help other people with their shortcomings. I have been concealing my shortcomings and qualities from others since I am humiliated to tell individuals what they are. To be effective, I need to defeat my dread of sharing this data and offer my ability to everybody.

My Weaknesses

I have found a few shortcomings of mine which chiefly include instruction. I understand that my works are as bad or amazing as others. Each time I attempt to compose an exposition, I need to re-read and re-compose a few times, however, I actually get terrible evaluations on my tasks. English is my subsequent language; along these lines, I am genuinely reluctant to compose or peruse because of a paranoid fear of getting an awful evaluation. I attempt to abstain from composing however much I can in light of the fact that language and sentence structures are the flimsy spots of my composition. I have taken a few classes to improve my composition yet so far I don’t perceive any improvement. Now and again I feel that posing an inquiry in regards to my paper is off-kilter and humiliating. I keep silent and turn my job in with no guarantees.

Correspondence with others is another shortcoming that I never appear to acquire any enhancements in. At whatever point I address an outsider or to a senior, I typically get apprehensive and falter. Once in a while I even shudder as though I am cold. I recall one time when the CFO of my organization was requesting my assistance with utilizing the PC and I was feeling frightened and anxious. I could feel my heart vacillating in my chest and musings hustling through my brain. Numerous individuals have thought I was a bashful individual however truly I am reluctant to address anybody due to my apprehension.

My Strengths

Nonetheless, one of my qualities incorporates my adoration for dealing with kids. I have been working at a preschool for quite a long while at this point, assisting with the children. I assist with keeping the study hall coordinated and ensuring that the room and the children are perfect. At the point when the children see me in class, they are truly cheerful. This is the thing that rouses me to turn into a preschool instructor since I realize it will fulfill me to realize that I was the person who assisted those children with getting a decent beginning in their schooling. I need to fill in as a decent good example for them and be an individual that they can turn upward to.

Association is another of my qualities, in numerous angles.I usually know where my things are. In the event that something or a spot is coordinated, like my room, it makes it so much simpler for me to discover where I put something. This is one of my greatest strengths that has kept me strong and willpower. At the point when my school supplies are coordinated and I have all I require to learn and tackle a job, it shows that I am spurred to learn and prompts higher evaluations. This quality is profoundly searched out in a vocation since it shows one’s ability to work and work really hard.

The quality to merge with people is another strength of mine. In the event that one of my companions is having a terrible day or simply needs a shoulder to incline toward, I am there for the person in question. In spite of the fact that I can’t generally make their issues disappear, just by me being there for them assists them with feeling more good and elevated.

My strengths and weaknesses are a piece of who I am and will lead me down the way to achievement in future. In spite of the fact that my shortcomings lie in the perusing and composing part of schooling and in the correspondence with others, my qualities have more effect on who I am and how I introduce myself. My qualities incorporate the affection for dealing with children and association, two vital character characteristics that go connected at the hip. In the event that I didn’t adore children and dealing with them, I wouldn’t have discovered a vocation that I needed to go into, a preschool instructor. To turn into a magnificent instructor, one should be coordinated and ready to tune in to other people and help them with issues, which are significant characteristics that I have.

FAQ’s on Strength And Weakness Essays

Question 1. What are examples of strengths and weaknesses?

Answer: Basic strengths incorporate administration, correspondence, leadership, quick learner, or composing abilities. The weaknesses usually incorporate a dread of public talking, absence of involvement in programming or a program, or trouble with taking analysis.

Question 2. How to talk about our strengths?

Answer: Here are a few ways to discuss your strengths in an essay.

• Show the big initiative you’ve taken.
• Give instances of qualities and abilities.
• Offer applicable, convincing subtleties at whatever point conceivable.
• Recount a story that uncovers your qualities.

Question 3. How to write about the weaknesses in an essay?

Answer: Below are the points to write about your weaknesses:

• Be straightforward.
• Remain by and by centered and assume liability.
• Expound on attributes that are pertinent to the executives.
• At long last, examine how you’ve tended to your shortcomings.
• Attempt to pick a shortcoming from a couple of years prior and from a field of your life not examined in different expositions.
• Picture Dictionary
• English Speech
• English Slogans
• English Letter Writing
• English Essay Writing
• English Textbook Answers
• Types of Certificates
• ICSE Solutions
• Selina ICSE Solutions
• ML Aggarwal Solutions
• HSSLive Plus One
• HSSLive Plus Two
• Kerala SSLC
• Distance Education

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? [Best Answers 2024]

One of the most common questions you’ll come across in any job interview is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” 

At a glance, this interview question may seem like a trap. 

How are you supposed to talk about your strengths without bragging, or admit your weaknesses without harming your chances of getting hired? 

Well, here’s a news flash – you’re not the only job candidate who struggles here. And we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

How to answer “what are your strengths and weaknesses”.

• 79 Sample Answers for Different Professions and Levels of Experience 

Let’s dive in!

The first step to acing this tricky interview question is understanding why interviewers ask it in the first place. 

There are a few reasons why “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” is such a popular interview question. It helps the interviewer:

• Assess your self-awareness. Being able to identify your strengths and weaknesses is a sign of self-awareness, which is a valuable trait in the workplace. Self-aware employees can make the most of their strengths and work to improve their weaknesses. 
• See whether you can improve. Everyone has weaknesses, but not everyone works on them. So, when asking this question, the interviewer wants to see whether you are the type of person who actively works on improving your skills and yourself. 
• Learn about your work style. The way you answer this question can reveal a lot about your personality and work style, like how you cope with stress or whether you’re a team player.
• Evaluate if you’re the right fit for the job. At the end of the day, the interviewer wants to know whether you have the necessary skills and work experience to succeed in the role. Here, your strengths can be what proves you’re a right fit, while your weaknesses can show they won’t harm your work performance. 
• See how you handle a tough question. Talking about your weaknesses can be stressful, and interviewers may use this as an opportunity to see how you handle thinking under pressure. 

In a nutshell, how you talk about your strengths and weaknesses can make or break your whole job interview.

But this question also gives you a valuable opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. If you have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, you can demonstrate your self-awareness, your ability to improve, and what a good fit you are for the position.

Looking for a guide to other job interview questions? Read our article for 35 of the most common interview questions and how to answer them!

How to Never Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

As we mentioned, talking about your strengths and weaknesses might make or break your interview.

So let’s briefly cover what you should never do when answering this question.

• Brag about your strengths. You should be humble when talking about your strengths. You don’t want to come off as arrogant.
• Describe a strength as a weakness. Saying you’re “too ambitious” or that you “work too hard” isn’t a real weakness, and the interviewer won’t be impressed. You’re only going to come across as disingenuous, so you’re better off not trying this tactic.
• Claim to have no weaknesses. Everybody has weaknesses, and claiming you don’t is going to tell the interviewer you’re not very self-aware.
• Talk about obvious strengths everyone should have. Being a “hard worker,” or “punctual” aren’t unique or insightful strengths - they’re merely responsibilities. They’re the bare minimum.
• Mention dealbreaker weaknesses. If your weakness is something crucially important for the role, you’re probably not getting hired.
• Be too vague. Interviewers want insight into who you are, so give specific examples. Trying to be vague isn’t going to help you ace this question.
• Ramble during the interview. Have a clear idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are before the job interview. You don’t want to think out loud when it’s time to give a concrete answer.

Want to know what else to avoid during your job interview? Check out this article to learn what the biggest interview mistakes are.

We’ve covered the basics, so now it’s time to learn how to answer this interview question effectively.

To make things easy, we’ve split the process into seven easy steps you can follow, starting with:

#1. Tailor Your Answer to the Job

Your answer to this question should always be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.

So, before the interview, carefully review the job ad and the job description. 

At this stage, you need to identify the relevant keywords for the role, such as the required qualities and experiences.

When you discuss your strengths, make sure to emphasize traits that directly align with the requirements you read in the job ad.

As for weaknesses, avoid mentioning anything that might undermine what a good match you are for the job. If you do have a weakness that’s directly relevant to the role, you can acknowledge it but follow up by explaining how you're working on it and actively improving.

You want to use this question to position yourself as an ideal candidate for the role, so you need to understand what the job is. Don't waste time discussing strengths or weaknesses that aren’t related to the role or what the employer is interested in knowing about you.

• "I'm really enthusiastic, and I can't wait to start engaging with clients and helping them find the best marketing strategies for their needs. I saw that this marketing internship has a focus on social media, which is my strong suit. During my time in school, I actually led a project where we increased follower engagement by 25% through targeted social media campaigns. As for weaknesses, one area I'm working on improving is my time management skills, particularly when I have to balance multiple projects. I ended up getting overwhelmed a lot during university, but I've been using task management tools and I’ve started to improve and become more productive.”

#2. Emphasize Your Strengths

When answering this question, focus more on highlighting your strengths than discussing your weaknesses.

The interviewer wants to see why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. So, talk about the skills, qualities, and experiences that make you a great fit.

Describe strengths that are relevant to the job. For example, if the role needs excellent customer service abilities , discuss your strong communication skills and give an example of how you went above and beyond for a customer.

On the other hand, when it comes to weaknesses, focus on how you’re working on improving them. Don’t just say you’re bad at time management - explain to the interviewer what you’re doing to get better, and how far you’ve already come.

#3. Be Honest Without Oversharing

While it's important to put your best foot forward, you should also be honest when discussing your strengths and weaknesses. Don't exaggerate or outright lie, as that can come back to bite you later.

The interviewer is trying to gauge if you're really a good fit for the role. But if they hire you and you turn out to be a poor choice, things can get messy. They’ll know you lied, your professional reputation will suffer, and you might even lose your job.

For your strengths, provide accurate examples that represent your most important skills and experiences, but don’t oversell them. A grounded, realistic sales pitch is the most effective.

As for your weaknesses, you don't need to air every flaw you have, especially if it isn’t at all related to the role - the interviewer doesn’t need to know how bad you are at parallel parking.

Just pick an honest weakness that's not directly related to the role and won't mess up your chances of getting hired. For example, poor organizational skills can be a deal-breaker weakness for a project manager, but having anxiety over deadlines is something the employer can look past.

Then, talk about how you’ve acknowledged your weakness and how you’re working on improving. The interviewer will want to know you’re self-aware enough to admit to a weakness but also capable of handling the job because you’re ready to work on it.

#4. Practice Your Response

Don't try to completely wing your answer to "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" during the actual interview. Like for most interview questions, you’ll need to prepare ahead of time to ace it.

Before the interview, make a list of your major strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on specific examples from past jobs, schoolwork, or other experiences that show those strengths and weaknesses in action.

Then, practice delivering your response out loud. Consider asking a friend or family member for help, or practice in front of a mirror. You want to make sure your answer is clear and compelling for your job interview.

If you practice, you’ll be more comfortable and confident by the time your interview rolls around.

However, don’t try to memorize a specific response.

If the interviewer asks a follow-up question, they can catch you off guard, and you’ll end up stumbling over your words. It’s better to practice talking about yourself and have a few strengths and weaknesses you’re comfortable sharing on the spot.

Want a sure-fire way to ace any interview? Learn the STAR method and land that dream job!

#5. Stay On Topic

Keep the focus on how your strengths and weaknesses relate to the job and what you can offer the company. Don't go into overly personal details about your life outside of work.

For strengths, discuss how they can help you excel at the job. For example, if you’re a motivated self-starter, focus on how that relates to the role you’re applying for and how you believe this strength can benefit the company.

For weaknesses, avoid anything that doesn’t directly impact your professional performance. The interviewer doesn't need to know how much your independent spirit affects your personal life.

Talk about weaknesses that provide you with learning experiences to grow as an employee, like how you struggled with delegating tasks before you improved your leadership skills .

#6. Back-Up Your Claims

The key to answering this interview question right isn’t to just state your strengths and weaknesses - you need to be ready to provide specific examples that back up what you're saying.

Be prepared with stories that showcase your strengths in action. Think about a few impressive achievements from your previous job or your relevant coursework . Be ready to quantify any successes to make your claims more credible.

For example, maybe you increased sales by 25% through a new marketing campaign you led. Or you streamlined an inefficient process that saved your team 10 hours per week.

For weaknesses, you should also avoid vague statements. Saying you "struggle working with others" isn’t a great answer. Instead, explain the situation, what you learned, and how you've improved.

For example, maybe early in your career, you had trouble working as part of a team because you’re more introverted. Explain what you did to address your weakness and how your teamwork skills have improved since then.

#7. Keep Things Brief

You don’t want to bore the interviewer with your answer, nor do they need to hear your life story.

Make sure your examples are short and to the point, just enough for them to understand why you’re a great candidate.

Give a clear one or two-sentence overview of any strength you mention, and provide a specific example that demonstrates it. For example:

• “One of my greatest strengths is attention to detail. For the past two years, I've earned perfect audit scores by meticulously cross-checking my work."

Then, for weaknesses , briefly explain the area you struggle with and give a concrete example of how it’s impacted your work. Then move on to how you've actively addressed it.

• "Early on, public speaking made me uncomfortable. Last year, when my presentation skills impacted a client pitch, I knew I had to take action. So, since then, I've joined an amateur standup comedy club to improve. I’m a lot less anxious now and I’m better at thinking on my feet."

FAQs on Strengths and Weaknesses

Have some questions left about strengths and weaknesses? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

#1. What Are Some Strengths and Weaknesses for a Student?

Some common student strengths include curiosity and eagerness to learn new things, the ability to adapt and adjust to changing situations, good time-management skills, strong work ethic and determination to succeed, creativity and innovative thinking, good communication skills, and the ability to work in teams

Meanwhile, weaknesses include procrastination and lack of motivation , or time-management skills, difficulty with concentration and focus, limited organization skills, difficulty with critical thinking and problem-solving , and a lack of self-discipline and self-motivation.

#2. How Can I Assess My Strengths and Weaknesses?

To assess your strengths, think about the skills that you really have and that you can prove that you possess with specific examples and achievements. Then, pick the strengths that have helped you the most in your career so far or that can come in handy for the role you’re applying for. 

When it comes to identifying your weaknesses, here are some strategies that can help you:

First, seek feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors on areas where they think that you can improve. This can help you identify blind spots you may not be aware of.

Then spend some time reflecting on your professional performance. Think about situations where you faced challenges and try to pinpoint the underlying reasons. 

Use objective assessment tools, such as personality traits or skills assessments, to identify where you need to improve. 

Finally, set goals to address all the weaknesses you’ve identified so you can address them.

#3. What Are Some Good Strengths and Weaknesses to Mention in a Job Interview?

There is no one-fits-all answer to this question, as each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses in their personal and professional life.

Generally, you should mention a strength that highlights skills that are relevant to the role or industry you’re applying for and that you can prove with achievements and concrete data.

Your weaknesses shouldn’t be deal breakers, like lacking a crucial skill for the job, but they should be relevant enough to mention. Just make sure the interviewer knows how you’ve improved on that weakness.

#4. What Is the Most Common Weakness?

Some of the most common weaknesses are:

Public speaking, meeting deadlines, delegation, lack of patience , lack of attention to detail, lack of experience with certain software, difficulty giving constructive criticism, trouble saying "no" to extra work, and struggling with confidence.

#5. Is Overthinking a Weakness?

Overthinking can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on how you frame it.

On one hand, overthinking can make you thorough, detail-oriented , and more dedicated to your work than others.

On the other hand, it might lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and perfectionism that never let you finish your work completely.

It’s important to find a balance between being “detail-oriented” and “overthinking” so you can achieve a healthy work-life balance and excel in your career.

#6. What Are Some Other Common Interview Questions?

Some of the other most common interview questions include “ Tell me about yourself ” and “ Why should we hire you? ”

As with any interview question, we recommend taking the time to prepare your answers in advance so you can shine during your job interview.

“What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?” Sample Answers

Need inspiration to talk about your strengths and weaknesses? Don’t sweat it.

We have a curated list of over 79 sample answers for different professions and levels of experience that you can use to formulate your own answer.

Sales and Customer Service Sample Answers

#1. sales associate sample answer.

"One of my strengths is my ability to connect with customers quickly and build rapport. In my previous role at XYZ Retail, I consistently exceeded my sales targets by 20% each quarter because I took the time to understand customer needs and recommend the best products. I also have strong problem-solving skills, which helped me resolve customer issues effectively and maintain high customer satisfaction ratings. As for weaknesses, something I've been working on is my tendency to be too detail-oriented, which sometimes slows me down. But I've really been improving by setting time limits for tasks and prioritizing my workload better! It helps me maintain my attention to detail while becoming more efficient at my daily tasks."

Read a full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Account Manager Sample Answer

"My biggest strength is my ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. In my previous role at ABC Agency, I increased client retention rates by 15% by regularly checking in with clients and proactively addressing their needs. I also excel at strategic planning, which allowed me to develop successful account strategies that boosted revenue by 25% over the past year. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with delegation because I like to ensure everything is perfect. However, I've been working on this by training team members more thoroughly and trusting them with more responsibilities. This approach has helped me focus on higher-level tasks and improved team efficiency."

#3. Software Support Specialist Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently. In my previous role at Tech Solutions Inc., I consistently maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rate by providing clear, step-by-step solutions to different software problems. I also have strong communication skills, which helped me explain complex technical concepts in an easy-to-understand way for non-technical users. My weakness is that I sometimes find it challenging to ask for help because I like to solve problems independently. However, I've been working on this by actively seeking feedback from my coworkers and participating in team discussions. This definitely improved my collaborative skills and led to more effective problem-solving in the long run."

#4. Customer Service Representative Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my ability to stay calm and helpful when dealing with upset customers. In my last job at Customer Care Co., I helped increase our customer satisfaction score by 15% by listening carefully and solving problems quickly. I'm also good at multitasking, which helped me handle high call volumes without compromising service quality. As for weaknesses, I sometimes find it hard to say no, which can lead to overcommitting. But I've been working on this by setting clear boundaries and learning to prioritize tasks better. This has helped me manage my workload more effectively."

Read a full customer service resume example here.

#5. Cashier Sample Answer

"I’d say my attention to detail is one of my strengths. It helps me handle money accurately. In my last job at Grocery Mart, I reduced cash mistakes by 20% by being careful with transactions. I'm also friendly, which has always helped me get along well with regular customers. As for weaknesses, I sometimes get nervous when it's really busy. But I've been working on staying calm by using stress-relief techniques and staying organized, which helps me work better during busy times."

Read a full cashier resume example here.

#6. Retail Manager Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my leadership ability, which helps me motivate my team to achieve high performance. In my last job at Fashion Hub, I increased sales by 30% by setting clear goals and providing support to my team. I'm also good at organizing tasks, which helped our store run smoothly and efficiently. As for weaknesses, I sometimes find it hard to delegate tasks because I like to be in control. But I've been working on this by trusting my team more and assigning tasks based on their strengths, which has made us more effective as a whole."

Read a full retail manager resume example here.

#7. Barista Sample Answer

"My strengths include my ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers. At my previous job at Café Bliss, I helped increase customer satisfaction by 25% through friendly service and remembering regulars' orders. I'm also good at multitasking, which helped me handle busy rush hours efficiently. As for weaknesses, I sometimes focus too much on perfecting each drink, which can slow me down. But I've been working on balancing speed with quality, which has helped me serve customers faster while still making great drinks."

Read a full barista resume example here.

#8. Server Sample Answer

"Definitely my excellent customer service skills! They help me create a positive dining experience for guests. In my last job at The Bistro, I constantly got positive reviews for being attentive and friendly. I'm also good at multitasking, which helped me handle multiple tables efficiently. As for weaknesses, I sometimes find it challenging to ask for help when the restaurant gets really busy. But I've been working on this by communicating better with my team and learning to delegate tasks, which has made our service smoother."

Read a full server resume example here.

#9. Waiter Sample Answer

"Well, my quick memory is a strength since it helps me remember orders accurately without writing them down. At my last job at Dine Fine, this helped me speed up service and reduce order mistakes. I'm also very friendly, which made customers feel welcome and increased repeat visits. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with staying calm during really busy times. But I've been working on staying focused and taking deep breaths, which helps me keep my cool and work better under pressure."

Read a full waiter resume example here.

#10. Front Desk Agent Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my friendly and welcoming attitude, which helps guests feel comfortable and valued. At my last job at City Hotel, this helped improve guest satisfaction scores by 20%. I'm also good at problem-solving, which allows me to handle guest issues quickly and efficiently. When it comes to weaknesses… I sometimes struggle with being too detail-oriented, which can slow me down. But I've been working on balancing attention to detail with efficiency, which has helped me serve guests faster while still providing great service."

#11. Housekeeper Sample Answer

"I take pride in my attention to detail, making sure every room I clean is spotless. At my last job at CleanStay Hotel, guests often complimented the cleanliness of their rooms, which boosted our ratings. I'm also pretty quick and can clean rooms thoroughly without missing a spot. On the downside, I sometimes hesitate to ask for help when my workload gets heavy. But I've been getting better at talking with my team and sharing tasks, which makes everything run smoother."

#12. Line Cook Sample Answer

"I have a knack for working quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. In my last job at Bistro 24, I helped speed up service times during busy hours without compromising on quality. I'm also great at following recipes and maintaining consistency in every dish. On the flip side, I sometimes struggle with handling stress during peak times. However, I've been practicing deep-breathing techniques and staying organized, which helps me stay calm and focused during rush hour."

#13. Restaurant Manager Sample Answer

"I'm great at leading a team and ensuring smooth operations. At my last job at The Diner Spot, I helped increase sales by 20% through better staff training and customer service. I'm also good at problem-solving and handling customer complaints efficiently. One weakness I've noticed is that I can be too hands-on, which sometimes prevents my team from taking initiative. But I've been working on stepping back and empowering my staff, which has led to a more motivated and independent team."

#14. Bar Manager Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere, which keeps customers coming back. At my last job at The Night Owl, I introduced themed nights that boosted sales by 25%. I'm also great at managing inventory and ensuring we never run out of popular items. One weakness I've faced is sometimes taking on too many responsibilities myself instead of delegating. However, I've been focusing on trusting my team more and assigning tasks based on their strengths, which improved our overall efficiency."

Read a full bar manager resume example here.

Administrative and HR Sample Answers

#15. receptionist sample answer.

"I'm very good at making a positive first impression and helping visitors feel welcome. At my last job at Greenfield Office Suites, my friendly attitude helped improve our client satisfaction scores. I'm also organized, which helps me manage appointments and calls efficiently. One weakness I have is sometimes taking on too many tasks at once, which can be overwhelming. But I've been working on prioritizing my tasks better and asking for help when needed, which has made me more effective in my role."

Read a full receptionist resume example here.

#16. Recruiter Sample Answer

"I'm great at identifying talent and matching candidates to the right roles. At my last job at TalentFinders, I improved the hiring process, reducing time-to-hire by 30%. I'm also strong at building relationships with both candidates and hiring managers. One weakness I've been working on is balancing multiple job requisitions at once, but I've improved by using better organizational tools and setting clearer priorities."

Read a full recruiter resume example here.

#17. Human Resources Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at handling employee relations and ensuring a positive workplace culture. At my last job at TechCorp, I helped resolve conflicts and improve employee satisfaction. I'm also good at managing benefits and compliance issues. However, I sometimes find it challenging to stay updated with all the latest HR regulations. To address this, I've started dedicating regular time to professional development and staying current with HR news."

Read a full human resources resume example here.

#18. Office Manager Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at keeping an office running smoothly and efficiently. At my previous job at Creative Solutions, I implemented a new filing system that saved time and increased productivity. I'm also good at managing budgets and supplies. My weakness is that I sometimes take on too many tasks myself instead of delegating. But I've been working on trusting my team more and assigning tasks effectively."

Read a full office manager resume example here.

#19. Secretary Sample Answer

"I'm highly organized and can manage schedules and correspondence efficiently. In my last job at Law Offices of Smith & Brown, I improved our scheduling system, which helped reduce appointment conflicts. I'm also good at multitasking and handling various administrative duties. My weakness is that I sometimes struggle with saying no, which can lead to taking on too much. However, I've been working on setting clear boundaries and prioritizing my tasks better."

#20. Executive Assistant Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at providing high-level support and managing complex schedules. At my previous job at Global Enterprises, I streamlined the executive's calendar, which improved their productivity. I'm also good at handling confidential information discreetly. One area I'm working on is balancing multiple high-priority tasks at once. To improve, I've been using better time-management techniques and setting clearer priorities."

Read a full executive assistant resume example here.

#21. Administrative Assistant Sample Answer

"I'm great at supporting office operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly. At my last job at Bright Futures Inc., I helped organize events and manage schedules efficiently. I'm also good at handling customer inquiries and administrative tasks. My weakness is sometimes being too detail-oriented, which can slow me down. But I've been working on balancing attention to detail with efficiency by setting time limits for tasks."

Read a full administrative assistant resume example here.

#22. Data Entry Clerk Sample Answer

"I'm very accurate and fast at entering data, which helps maintain error-free records. At my previous job at DataSync, I increased data entry speed by 20% while maintaining high accuracy. I'm also good at organizing and managing large amounts of information. One weakness I've noticed is that I can sometimes get too focused on the details and lose track of time. However, I've been working on improving my time management by setting timers and taking regular breaks."

Read a full data entry resume example here.

Finance Sample Answers

#23. accountant sample answer.

"I'm very detail-oriented and excel at managing financial records accurately. At my last job at FinanceCorp, I reduced errors in our financial reports by 25% through meticulous review and process improvements. I'm also good at analyzing data to help make informed financial decisions. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time on small details, but I've been working on prioritizing tasks better and focusing on the bigger picture."

Read a full accountant resume example here.

#24. Financial Analyst Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at analyzing financial data and providing actionable insights. At my previous job at InvestWell, I helped increase our portfolio performance by 15% through detailed market analysis. I'm also proficient in using financial software and tools. A weakness I've faced is sometimes overanalyzing data, which can delay decisions. However, I've been improving by setting clear deadlines and focusing on the most impactful metrics."

Read a full financial analyst resume example here.

#25. Bank Teller Sample Answer

"I'm very good at handling cash transactions accurately and efficiently. In my last job at First National Bank, I consistently balanced my drawer with no discrepancies. I'm also friendly and customer-focused, which helped build good relationships with regular clients. My weakness is sometimes feeling overwhelmed during busy periods, but I've been working on staying calm under pressure by using stress-management techniques."

Read a full bank teller resume example here.

#26. Banker Sample Answer

"I'm strong at building relationships with clients and understanding their financial needs. At my previous job at CityBank, I helped increase our client base by 20% through personalized service and financial advice. I'm also knowledgeable about a wide range of banking products. One area I’m working on is handling multiple client requests simultaneously. To improve, I've been using better organizational tools and setting clear priorities."

Read a full banker resume example here.

Business Sample Answers

#27. business analyst sample answer.

"I'm skilled at analyzing business processes and recommending improvements. At my last job at Tech Solutions, I helped streamline operations, which increased efficiency by 30%. I'm also good at gathering and interpreting data to support decision-making. My weakness is sometimes taking too long to gather all the data, but I've been working on making quicker decisions by focusing on the most critical information first."

Read a full business analyst resume example here.

#28. Business Development Manager Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at identifying new business opportunities and building strong client relationships. At my previous job at GrowthTech, I increased revenue by 25% through strategic partnerships and market expansion. I'm also good at developing and implementing growth strategies. My weakness is sometimes being overly optimistic about potential deals, but I've been working on maintaining a more balanced perspective by doing thorough risk assessments."

Read a full business development manager resume example here.

#29. Project Manager Sample Answer

"I'm great at planning and executing projects on time and within budget. In my last job at BuildRight, I successfully managed a large construction project that finished two weeks ahead of schedule. I'm also skilled at leading teams and ensuring everyone is on track. One weakness I have is sometimes being too detail-focused, but I've been working on delegating more and trusting my team to handle specifics, which has improved our overall efficiency."

Read a full project manager resume example here.

Marketing and Advertising Sample Answers

#30. marketing executive sample answer.

"I'm great at creating and executing marketing campaigns that drive results. At my last job at MarketMinds, I launched a campaign that increased leads by 40%. I'm also skilled at analyzing market trends to identify opportunities. A weakness I've been working on is managing multiple campaigns at once, but I've improved by using better project management tools and prioritizing tasks effectively."

Read a full marketing executive resume example here.

#31. Marketing Manager Sample Answer

"I excel at developing comprehensive marketing strategies that align with business goals. In my previous role at BrandBoost, I led a rebranding effort that increased our market share by 20%. I'm also good at leading teams and managing budgets. One area I'm improving on is balancing creativity with data-driven decisions. I've been working on this by incorporating more analytics into our strategy development."

Read a full marketing manager resume example here.

#32. Social Media Marketing Manager Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at creating engaging content and growing social media followings. At my last job at SocialBuzz, I increased our Instagram followers by 50% in six months. I'm also adept at using analytics to optimize campaigns. My weakness is sometimes getting too caught up in trends, but I've been working on balancing trendiness with our brand's voice by setting clearer guidelines."

#33. Content Marketer Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at producing high-quality content that resonates with audiences. At my previous job at ContentCreators, I helped increase website traffic by 30% through compelling blog posts and articles. I'm also skilled at SEO and keyword research. One weakness I have is occasionally spending too much time perfecting content, but I've been improving by setting strict deadlines and focusing on what's most important."

#34. SEO Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm great at optimizing websites to improve search engine rankings. At my last job at WebRank, I boosted organic traffic by 35% through effective SEO strategies. I'm also proficient in using various SEO tools and techniques. My weakness is sometimes getting too focused on technical details, but I've been working on maintaining a broader view by regularly reviewing overall performance metrics."

Read a full digital marketing resume here.

#35. PPC Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at managing pay-per-click campaigns that maximize ROI. In my previous role at AdPros, I increased our PPC conversion rate by 25% through careful analysis and optimization. I'm also good at budget management and bid strategy. One area I'm working on is staying updated with the latest PPC trends, but I've been dedicating regular time to learning and applying new strategies, which has helped keep our campaigns competitive."

IT and Software Development Sample Answers

#36. it specialist sample answer.

"I’m good at troubleshooting and solving technical issues quickly. At my last job at TechSolutions, I reduced system downtime by 40% through proactive maintenance. I’m also skilled at providing clear support to non-technical users. A weakness I’ve been working on is managing my time effectively when dealing with multiple support requests. To improve, I’ve started prioritizing tasks better and using time management tools."

Read a full IT resume example here.

#37. Software Engineer Sample Answer

"I excel at writing clean and efficient code. At my previous job at CodeMasters, I helped launch a new feature that improved user engagement by 30%. I’m also good at collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop robust software solutions. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time on code perfection, but I’ve been improving by setting strict deadlines and focusing on functional code first."

Read a full software engineer resume example here.

#38. Cyber Security Sample Answer

"I’m strong at identifying and mitigating security risks. In my last role at SecureNet, I implemented security protocols that reduced breaches by 50%. I’m also skilled at conducting thorough security audits. One area I’m working on is keeping up with the constantly evolving threat landscape. I’ve been dedicating more time to ongoing education and industry certifications to stay current."

#39. Web Developer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at building responsive and user-friendly websites. At my last job at WebWorks, I redesigned our homepage, which increased user retention by 20%. I’m also good at troubleshooting and optimizing web performance. A weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time on minor design details. To address this, I’ve been focusing on balancing aesthetics with functionality."

Read a full web developer resume example here.

#40. Computer Scientist Sample Answer

"I’m proficient in developing algorithms and solving complex problems. At my last job at InnovateTech, I created an algorithm that improved data processing speed by 25%. I’m also skilled in multiple programming languages. A weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes overcomplicating solutions. I’ve been working on simplifying my approaches by focusing on the most efficient solutions first."

Read a full computer scientist resume example here.

#41. Data Scientist Sample Answer

"I’m excellent at analyzing data and creating actionable insights. At my previous job at DataInsights, I developed a model that increased predictive accuracy by 15%. I’m also skilled at using machine learning techniques. One weakness I have is sometimes getting too deep into the data. I’ve been improving by setting clearer goals for analysis and regularly reviewing my progress."

Read a full data scientist resume example here.

#42. Data Analyst Sample Answer

"I’m good at interpreting data and providing valuable insights. At my last job at MarketAnalytics, I created reports that helped increase sales by 20%. I’m also skilled at using various data analysis tools. A weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time perfecting my reports. I’ve been improving by focusing on the most critical data and delivering insights promptly."

Read a full data analyst resume example here.

#43. DevOps Engineer Sample Answer

"I excel at automating processes and improving deployment efficiency. At my last job at CloudSolutions, I reduced deployment times by 50% through automation. I’m also good at collaborating with development and operations teams. One weakness I’ve faced is managing the balance between speed and stability. I’ve been working on this by implementing better testing procedures and monitoring systems."

Read a full DevOps engineer resume example here.

#44. AI Engineer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at developing AI models and implementing machine learning algorithms. At my previous job at AI Innovations, I created an AI system that improved recommendation accuracy by 30%. I’m also good at staying current with the latest AI research. A weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes overfocusing on complex models. I’ve been improving by considering simpler, more effective solutions and validating them thoroughly."

Read a full AI engineer resume example here.

#45. Java Developer Sample Answer

"I’m proficient in writing robust and efficient Java code. At my last job at CodeFactory, I developed a backend system that improved application performance by 25%. I’m also skilled in debugging and optimizing code. One weakness I’ve noticed is that I sometimes get too absorbed in coding details. I’ve been working on maintaining a broader perspective by regularly reviewing the overall architecture and design."

Read a full Java developer resume example here.

Health and Medicine Sample Answers

#46. nurse sample answer.

"I’m great at providing compassionate patient care and staying calm under pressure. At my last job at City Hospital, I helped improve patient satisfaction scores by 20% through attentive care. I’m also skilled at multitasking and managing time efficiently in a fast-paced environment. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes taking on too many tasks at once. To address this, I’ve been focusing on better prioritization and delegation."

Read a full nurse resume example here.

#47. Medical Assistant Sample Answer

"I’m good at assisting doctors and ensuring smooth patient visits. At my last job at Health Clinic, I helped streamline patient flow, reducing wait times by 15%. I’m also skilled at performing clinical tasks like drawing blood and taking vitals. One weakness I’ve faced is occasionally feeling overwhelmed during busy periods. I’ve been improving by staying organized and practicing better time management."

Read a full medical assistant resume example here.

#48. Dental Assistant Sample Answer

"I’m excellent at making patients feel comfortable and assisting the dentist efficiently. At my previous job at Smile Dental, I helped increase patient satisfaction by 25% through my friendly demeanor. I’m also skilled at sterilizing equipment and preparing exam rooms. A weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes getting nervous with complex procedures. I’ve been working on this by gaining more experience and asking for guidance when needed."

#49. Dentist Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at diagnosing and treating dental issues while making patients feel at ease. In my last practice, I increased patient retention by 30% through excellent care and communication. I’m also good at performing various dental procedures with precision. One weakness I’ve been working on is managing my time effectively during busy days. To improve, I’ve been focusing on better scheduling and delegation to my team."

Read a full dentist resume example here.

#50. Pharmacist Sample Answer

"I'm good at accurately dispensing medication and helping patients understand their prescriptions. At my last job at HealthMart Pharmacy, I reduced medication errors by double-checking every order. I'm also skilled at keeping track of inventory. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time with each patient, which can slow things down. But I've been working on balancing thoroughness with efficiency to serve everyone faster."

Read a full pharmacist resume example here.

Creative Sample Answers

#51. graphic designer sample answer.

"I’m great at creating visually appealing designs that meet client needs. At my last job at DesignWorks, I improved client satisfaction by 30% through innovative design solutions. I’m also skilled at using design software like Adobe Creative Suite. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time perfecting details. To improve, I’ve been focusing on managing my time better and meeting deadlines."

Read a full graphic designer resume example here.

#52. UI/UX Designer Sample Answer

"I excel at designing user-friendly interfaces that enhance the user experience. At my previous job at WebFlow, I helped increase user engagement by 25% through intuitive design. I’m also good at conducting user research and testing. A weakness I’ve been addressing is sometimes overanalyzing feedback, but I’ve improved by setting clear priorities and focusing on the most impactful changes."

#53. Product Designer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at designing products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At my last job at CreateTech, I helped launch a product that boosted sales by 20%. I’m also good at collaborating with cross-functional teams. One weakness I’ve been working on is managing tight deadlines, but I’ve been improving by using better planning and time management techniques."

#54. Creative Director Sample Answer

"I excel at leading creative projects and inspiring my team. At my last job at AdVision, I led a campaign that increased brand awareness by 35%. I’m also good at developing and executing creative strategies. One weakness I’ve faced is sometimes taking on too much myself, but I’ve been working on delegating tasks more effectively and trusting my team."

#55. Game Designer Sample Answer

"I’m great at creating engaging and innovative game concepts. At my previous job at PlayWorld, I helped design a game that won a major industry award. I’m also skilled at using game development tools and software. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes getting too focused on details, but I’ve been improving by keeping the overall vision in mind and meeting deadlines."

Read a full game designer resume example here.

#56. Animator Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at bringing characters and scenes to life through animation. At my last job at Animatrix, I worked on a project that received high praise for its animation quality. I’m also proficient in using animation software like After Effects and Maya. A weakness I’ve been addressing is sometimes spending too much time on small details. To improve, I’ve been focusing on balancing detail with overall progress."

Read a full animator resume example here.

#57. Illustrator Sample Answer

"I excel at creating detailed and visually appealing illustrations. At my previous job at ArtStudio, my work helped attract new clients and increase sales by 15%. I’m also good at working with various illustration tools and software. One weakness I’ve noticed is occasionally getting too perfectionistic. I’ve been working on setting clear deadlines and focusing on completing projects on time."

Read a full illustrator resume example here.

#58. Photographer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at capturing high-quality images that tell a story. At my last job at PhotoPros, my work was featured in several major publications. I’m also proficient in using editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes taking too long to edit photos. I’ve been improving by streamlining my editing process and focusing on efficiency."

Read a full photographer resume example here.

#59. Actor Sample Answer

"I’m good at bringing characters to life and engaging audiences. At my last gig with StageStars, I received rave reviews for my performance. I’m also skilled at memorizing lines and adapting to different roles. One weakness I’ve faced is getting nervous during auditions. To improve, I’ve been practicing relaxation techniques and doing more audition prep to boost my confidence."

Read a full actor resume example here.

#60. Writer Sample Answer

"I excel at crafting compelling stories and content. At my previous job at WriteWell, my articles helped boost website traffic by 20%. I’m also skilled at researching and editing my work. One weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes spending too much time on revisions. I’ve been working on setting stricter deadlines for myself to ensure timely completion of my projects."

Read a full writer resume here.

#61. Editor Sample Answer

"I’m great at refining and improving written content. At my last job at EditPro, I helped enhance the quality of our publications, which increased readership by 25%. I’m also skilled at managing editorial projects and meeting deadlines. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes being too detail-oriented, which can slow me down. I’ve been focusing on balancing thorough editing with efficiency."

Read a full editor resume example here.

Education Sample Answers

#62. professor sample answer.

"I excel at conveying complex concepts in an understandable way. At my last position at State University, my innovative teaching methods increased student engagement and class enrollment by 25%. I’m also skilled at conducting research and publishing in academic journals. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time on research, but I’ve improved by balancing my teaching and research duties more effectively."

Read a full academic CV example here.

#63. Teacher Sample Answer

"I’m great at creating engaging lesson plans that make learning fun. At my last job at Maple Elementary, I helped improve student test scores by 20% through interactive teaching methods. I’m also good at building strong relationships with my students. One weakness I’ve faced is occasionally getting too focused on individual students. I’ve been working on managing my time better to ensure all students get the attention they need."

Read a full teacher resume example here.

#64. Tutor Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at breaking down complex subjects into simple, understandable parts. At my last tutoring job, I helped students improve their grades by an average of one letter grade. I’m also good at being patient and encouraging with my students. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes getting too detailed in explanations, but I’ve been improving by focusing on the most important points first."

#65. Recent Graduate Sample Answer

"I’m good at applying what I’ve learned in real-world settings. During my internship at Tech Innovators, I contributed to a project that improved efficiency by 15%. I’m also eager to learn and adapt quickly. One weakness I’ve faced is lacking some practical experience, but I’ve been working on this by taking additional online courses and seeking out hands-on opportunities."

Read a full recent graduate resume example here.

#66. College Student Sample Answer

"I’m hardworking and good at managing my time. At my part-time job at Campus Café, I learned to balance work and studies, which helped me improve my organizational skills. I’m also good at customer service and handling multiple tasks. One weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes feeling overwhelmed with my workload, but I’ve been working on improving my time management and prioritizing tasks better."

Read a full college freshman resume example here.

#67. High School Student Sample Answer

"I'm a fast learner and very organized. In high school, I balanced my classes with being on the soccer team and in the school band, which helped me manage my time well. I'm also good at working with others, which I've shown in group projects and team activities. I don't have job experience yet, but I'm working on it by volunteering at school events and taking on roles in clubs like the School Yearbook Committee."

Read a full high school resume example here.

Other Sample Answers

#68. architect sample answer.

"I'm great at designing functional and beautiful buildings. At my last job at DesignWorks, I led a project that won an award for sustainability. I'm also skilled at using design software to create detailed plans. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time perfecting designs, but I've been working on balancing creativity with deadlines."

Read a full architect resume example here.

#69. Electrical Engineer Resume Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at designing and troubleshooting electrical systems. At my last job at TechCorp, I helped improve system efficiency by 20% through better design solutions. I'm also good at working with a team to solve complex problems. One weakness I have is occasionally getting too focused on details, but I've been improving by setting clear priorities and deadlines."

Read a full electrical engineer resume example here.

#70. Interior Designer Sample Answer

"I'm good at creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At my last job at HomeStyle, I redesigned a client's living room, which they loved and led to more referrals. I'm also skilled at using design software to present ideas to clients. One weakness I have is sometimes being too focused on minor details, but I've been working on balancing my attention to detail with overall project timelines."

Read a full interior designer resume example here.

#71. Construction Project Manager Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at managing construction projects from start to finish. At my last job at BuildRight, I successfully completed a major project two weeks ahead of schedule. I'm also good at coordinating with different teams to ensure everything runs smoothly. One weakness I have is sometimes taking on too much myself, but I've been working on delegating tasks more effectively to my team."

Read a full construction project manager resume example here.

#72. Operations Manager Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at improving business operations to increase efficiency. At my previous job at Streamline Inc., I implemented new processes that cut costs by 15%. I'm also good at managing teams and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. One weakness I have is sometimes being too detail-oriented, but I've been working on focusing more on the big picture and strategic planning."

Read a full operations manager resume example here.

#73. Event Planner Sample Answer

"I'm great at organizing and executing successful events. At my last job at Party Perfect, I planned a charity event that raised 30% more funds than expected. I'm also good at handling multiple tasks and staying calm under pressure. One weakness I have is sometimes overcommitting to too many details, but I've been working on setting clearer priorities and delegating tasks."

Read a full event planner resume example here.

#74. Warehouse Worker Sample Answer

"I'm strong and reliable, with a good eye for detail. At my last job at Storage Solutions, I helped improve inventory accuracy by 20% through careful organization. I'm also good at working quickly and safely. One weakness I have is sometimes getting tired during long shifts, but I've been working on improving my stamina and taking regular breaks to stay effective."

Read a full warehouse worker resume example here.

#75. Welder Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at welding with precision and safety. At my last job at MetalWorks, I consistently produced high-quality welds that met strict industry standards. I'm also good at reading blueprints and following detailed instructions. One weakness I have is sometimes working too slowly to ensure perfection, but I've been working on balancing speed with accuracy to meet deadlines."

Read a full welder resume example here.

#76. Real Estate Agent Sample Answer

"I'm great at connecting with clients and helping them find their perfect home. At my last job at HomeFinders, I increased sales by 25% through excellent customer service. I'm also good at negotiating deals to benefit my clients. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time on less promising leads, but I've been working on qualifying leads better."

Read a full real estate agent resume example here.

#77. Flight Attendant Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at providing friendly and efficient service to passengers. At my last job with SkyHigh Airlines, I received positive feedback for my calm and helpful attitude. I'm also good at handling emergency situations calmly and effectively. One weakness I have is sometimes getting tired during long flights, but I've been working on maintaining my energy levels through better sleep and nutrition."

Read a full flight attendant resume example here.

#78. Paralegal Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at conducting legal research and preparing documents. At my last job at Law Associates, I helped reduce case preparation time by 15% through efficient research and organization. I'm also good at paying attention to detail to ensure accuracy. One weakness I have is sometimes taking on too many tasks, but I've been working on prioritizing my workload better."

Read a full paralegal resume example here.

#79. Social Worker Sample Answer

"I'm great at connecting with clients and providing support. At my last job at Community Care, I helped increase client satisfaction by 20% through compassionate and effective assistance. I'm also good at handling challenging situations calmly. One weakness I have is sometimes feeling overwhelmed by emotional cases, but I've been working on setting boundaries and practicing self-care to stay balanced."

Read a full social worker resume example here.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on this popular job interview question! 

We’re confident that our tips and sample answers will help and inspire you to effectively talk about your strengths and weaknesses to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job. 

Before we go, let’s do a quick recap of what we talked about:

• Remember to always show confidence, honesty, and self-awareness when answering this question. The interviewer will notice!
• When it comes to weaknesses, be honest but not too honest. You don’t want to tell the interviewer you’re terrible at a crucial skill or ramble about weaknesses that don’t directly relate to the job.
• Be ready to give examples when discussing your strengths or weaknesses. The interviewer will want to know what your strengths helped you achieve, as well as how your weaknesses have affected your work before.
• Focus on the positives. Instead of fixating on how bad you are at something, take the time to show the interviewer how you’ve addressed your flaws and how you’ve worked on improving.
• Don’t give too many details. You need to be brief when answering this interview question and only give enough information to get your point across. You don’t need to give the interviewer a ton of personal details that aren’t related to work.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Strengths — A Narrative of My Strengths and Weaknesses

A Narrative of My Strengths and Weaknesses

• Categories: Personal Strengths Self Identity Weakness

About this sample

Words: 903 |

Updated: 30 November, 2023

Words: 903 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited

• Alleyne, P., & Cohen, D. (2013). Identifying strengths and weaknesses in students' learning. In P. Alleyne & D. Cohen (Eds.), Psychology for Cambridge International AS & A Level (pp. 26-27). Oxford University Press.
• Buckingham, M., & Clifton, D. O. (2001). Now, discover your strengths. Free Press.
• Clifton, D. O., & Harter, J. K. (2003). Investing in strengths. In K. S. Cameron, J. E. Dutton, & R. E. Quinn (Eds.), Positive organizational scholarship: Foundations of a new discipline (pp. 111-121). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
• Gallagher, M. W., & Lopez, S. J. (2009). Positive psychology and personality assessment: A model for understanding strengths and virtues. Oxford University Press.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam.
• Johnson, A. (2019). Building strengths and eliminating weaknesses: A constructive approach to talent development. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology.
• Linley, P. A., Willars, J., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). The strengths book: Be confident, be successful, and enjoy better relationships by realising the best of you. CAPP Press.
• Lopez, S. J., & Louis, M. C. (2009). The principles of strengths-based education. Journal of College and Character, 10(4), 1-10.
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford University Press.
• Rapp, A. L., & Gosling, S. D. (2013). Strengths and weaknesses of personality tests and their implications for contemporary personality psychology. In J. A. Hall & M. S. Scher (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of personality and individual differences (pp. 8-26). SAGE Publications.

Video Version

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 796 words

2 pages / 865 words

2 pages / 730 words

1 pages / 630 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Personal Strengths

Clifton Strengths is a popular assessment tool used to identify an individual's unique talents and strengths. The assessment, developed by Gallup, helps individuals and organizations understand their top strengths and how to [...]

Self-reflection is an ongoing process that allows us to understand ourselves more deeply. By identifying strengths and acknowledging weaknesses, we create a foundation for personal growth and improvement. My journey of [...]

A personal evaluation of strengths is a tool that must be understood to effectively lead people. An effective leader must know how to reach goals by motivating the team. There are many strengths that translate to leadership [...]

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my weakness is overthinking, a trait that has at times hindered my progress and clouded my decisions. Overthinking, characterized by incessant rumination and an unrelenting quest for [...]

For the duration of my life, I’ve always been taught to focus on my weaknesses rather than my own strengths. As a child, while I get expressed admiration for all the A’s I have gotten on my many subjects, the low grades such as [...]

Throughout my life, I’ve always been taught to focus on my weakness rather than strength. As a child, while I do get praises for all the A’s I have gotten on many subjects, the B on math was what my parents focused on as they [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free