What is Your Greatest Strength?

Posted November 11, 2013 & filed under Interviewing, Job Search

There are certain questions that, when asked during an interview, can instill a certain level of dread within most job seekers. “What is your greatest weakness” can throw job seekers for a loop if they don’t have an answer prepared in advance but “what is your greatest strength” doesn’t give off the same foreboding vibe. The question creates a false sense of security, making job seekers think that their strengths are the least of their worries in the interview preparation process. Don’t fall for this trick.

Give it serious thought

If you were asked right now about your greatest strength, you probably would be able to generate a potent, genuine answer without too much mental strain. In fact, a good number of your hard technical skills and your soft interpersonal skills are probably strong contenders for this top spot. However, you shouldn’t pick any of those as your greatest strength without first looking at all the extenuating factors.

Tailor your response

For one thing, the selection process shouldn’t be a game of roulette; never pick one at random and assume that it’s good enough. Though all of your skills may be evenly matched, a good response about your greatest strength is one that synchronizes with the company’s values.

Evaluate the values espoused in the original job ad or the company’s website. Look at how frequently any given skill is mentioned in their promotional material and make your selection based on whichever skill seems most important to the company. Now, that doesn’t mean you should overinflate a strength that you don’t really possess. Take an objective look at the skills you already have and narrow them down to the one with the highest esteem in the company.

In advance, prepare a number of anecdotes that highlights your greatest strength in action. Then, select whichever one feels natural during the interview itself. That way, you can keep up a spontaneous air in the interview without wasting your time on a strength that won’t earn you major recognition points from the hiring manager.

If you’re worried about your greatest weakness, take a look at this article.

by James Walsh