Job interview tips: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Discussing your interview strengths and weaknesses is one of the most common interview questions, yet it can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or preparing for your first job interview, this question offers a chance to showcase your self-awareness and professional growth.

Learn how to craft thoughtful answers with our tailored advice, templates and examples.

Why do hiring managers ask this question?

When a hiring manager asks about your strengths and weaknesses, they’re looking for more than just a list of skills. They want to gain a better understanding of the following criteria:

Self-awareness: Are you able to reflect and identify areas for growth?
Personal growth: Are you committed to developing new skills?
Cultural fit: Do your strengths align with the job description and the team?

Your answer helps employers see if you’re a team player who can handle various tasks, stay motivated, and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.

How to identify your strengths

To identify your greatest strengths, start by reflecting on your own work and success stories. Use these steps to pinpoint your strengths.

1. Review your accomplishments

What tasks or new projects do people consistently trust you with?
When have you exceeded expectations or delivered quality work?
What specific examples of positive feedback have you received?

2. Consider key categories

Hard skills: Are you detail-oriented, skilled in data analysis, or great at problem-solving?
Leadership skills: Do you excel at delegating tasks, motivating teams, or seeing the bigger picture?
Human skills: Are you a team player who builds strong relationships or mentors others?

3. Use the STAR method

The STAR method helps you structure your answer with specific examples:

Situation: Describe the context or challenge.
Task: Explain what needed to be done.
Action: Detail the steps you took.
Result: Share the measurable outcome.

Example:

"One of my greatest strengths is my ability to foster collaboration across teams. In my previous role, I organised cross-departmental workshops to align marketing and sales strategies. This initiative improved communication, reduced project delays by 30%, and resulted in a 15% increase in lead conversion rates."

How to discuss your weaknesses

Talking about your greatest weakness can feel uncomfortable, but it’s an opportunity to show self-awareness and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

1. Choose a genuine weakness

Pick a real area for improvement that isn’t critical to the job. Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” or weaknesses that could raise red flags.

2. Show growth and improvement

Frame your weaknesses as opportunities for self-reflection and continuous improvement.

Strong examples:

“I used to struggle with prioritising tasks when managing multiple projects simultaneously. To address this, I adopted project management tools like Trello and began setting clear expectations with my team. This has helped me stay organised and ensure deadlines are consistently met.”
“Networking events used to make me feel overwhelmed, as I found it challenging to initiate conversations. To improve, I started attending smaller industry meetups and preparing key talking points in advance. Over time, I’ve become more confident and now actively build meaningful professional connections."
“I sometimes found it difficult to adapt quickly to last-minute changes in project requirements. To improve, I’ve focused on building flexibility into my planning process and regularly communicating with stakeholders to anticipate potential shifts. This has helped me stay calm and deliver quality work under pressure.”

How to structure your answer

A well-structured response incorporates both your strengths and weaknesses equally. Follow this format to strike the right balance:

Opening: “I’d be happy to discuss both my strengths and areas I’m actively working to improve.”
Strengths: Use the STAR method to provide a specific example that aligns with the job description.
Transition: “As for areas I’m working on…”
Weaknesses: Share a genuine weakness, explain your awareness of it, and describe how you’re improving.
Closing: Tie your answer back to why you’re a strong fit for the company and team.

Tailoring your answer to your career stage

Answer every type of interview question in a way that reflects your level of experience:

New graduates

Focus on academic achievements, internships, or volunteer work.

“My strength is research and analysis, which I honed during my marketing internship. While I have limited experience, I’m a quick learner and excited to apply my skills to new challenges.”

Mid-career professionals

Highlight your career progression and adaptability.

“One of my greatest strengths is my ability to mentor and develop junior team members. Early in my career, I struggled with balancing my own workload while supporting others. Over time, I’ve learned to delegate effectively and create structured development plans, which has helped my team thrive.”

Senior professionals

Emphasise strategic thinking and leadership.

“I bring a proven track record of driving strategic growth initiatives. For example, I spearheaded a market expansion strategy that increased revenue by 25% over two years. While I’ve always focused on the bigger picture, I’ve also made it a priority to stay updated on emerging technologies to ensure my strategies remain relevant.”

Common mistakes to avoid

Even well-prepared candidates can stumble when answering this question. Avoid these pitfalls:

Being too vague: Generic answers like “I’m hardworking” don’t stand out. Be specific.
Negative self-talk: Frame weaknesses as opportunities for growth, not flaws.
Irrelevant examples: Focus on professional, role-related examples, not your personal life.
Lack of growth: Always explain how you’re addressing your weaknesses.
Over-rehearsed answers: Authenticity is key. Avoid sounding robotic.

Stand out in your next job interview

Talking about your strengths and weaknesses isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing that you’re self-aware, adaptable, and committed to professional growth. With preparation and a positive attitude, you’ll leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

For more tips on acing your next job interview, explore our Hays Interview Guide. Ready to take the next step in your career? Send your CV to our Hays recruiters today.