What is your Greatest Strength? (Tips and Sample Answers - Free Downloadable E-Book)

The interview question, "what is your greatest strength?" could appear as one of the simplest. However, it can be challenging for many applicants since they either respond modestly or fail to emphasize the skills that best meet the position's needs.

Dr.Job is here to help you Answer, "What is your Greatest Strength?" with Tips and Answers.

What the Interviewer Is Looking For:

The company wants to know if you'd be a good fit for the position you're interviewing for. Interviewers mostly use that question to see whether your strengths match the firm's requirements and the job's duties. The interviewer's objective is to check your qualifications and abilities required for the work.

Your response will aid the company in determining whether you are the most qualified candidate for the job.

Tips to Answer: What is Your Greatest Strength?

1. Pick a strength.

If you choose one strength, it will be much simpler to provide a clear, concise interview response (which is usually a good thing!).

Decide on one thing, keep your response brief, and concentrate on making that one point and outlining that one major asset you have.

2. Prepare Your Answers Ahead of Time.

Preparing a response will be preferable to making one up as you go.

That will give you a significant advantage right away. Therefore, be sure to decide in advance what strength you'll discuss.

3. Pick a skill that relates to their line of work.

What is your greatest strength? The most effective option is to select a skill to help you succeed professionally. That increases the likelihood of you being given the job during the interview.

Consider, therefore, which of your skills will serve you best in the position you have applied for.

Look at the job description and determine what is necessary for the position or what the organization values most.

Consider whether the position requires a lot of technical knowledge. Will there be leadership, or will you be working alone? Do you intend to speak with customers? Does the task require more creativity or more logic?

Deciding which qualities to discuss, you should look at the job description and ask yourself those questions.

Since the goal is to make a point that will convince the company that you are a great candidate and someone they should consider employing for the position.

4. Describe how your weakness will help you succeed in your job.

After describing your area of strength, specify how it will assist you to succeed in your current position. For illustration, you might say:

"My attention to detail is my strongest suit. I've always been meticulous in my job and enjoy it. I applied because your job description shows that this position requires attention to detail.

5. Provide concrete proof.

How? Using stories or examples of how you have previously helped a company by showcasing your competence in this field. Try to include some supporting facts after outlining your strongest suit and why it will help you in your work.

Giving a specific example is 10–20 times more persuasive than merely asserting your expertise. So, describe how you applied this power to arrive at a particular outcome.

What you Shouldn't say:

When answering: "what is your greatest strength?" you shouldn't overstate your advantages; you should feel at ease describing what makes you the perfect choice. On the other side, you shouldn't give a long list of hazy benefits in response to this question. You also don't want to come out as arrogant.

It's best to keep your answers brief and concise, just like in any interview response.

Here are some examples of incorrect responses:

I believe I am the most talented applicant you have ever encountered. Everyone compliments my intelligence, work ethic, and communication skills.

My top priorities are writing, project management, quantitative research, arranging events, developing budgets, and using social media. I have a fantastic sense of humor, am the party's life, and am a gifted musician. I'm flexible and don't take failure too seriously.

"What is your Greatest Strength?" Sample Answers

Example 1:

I've got a good work ethic. I want to complete a project, not merely fulfill deadlines. I would instead finish the project much earlier than expected. I received a bonus the previous year for finishing my last three reports a week early.

Why It Works: Giving an example of how your talents help you succeed at work is a smart move. It demonstrates to the recruiting manager your qualifications.

Example 2:

My ability to write is excellent. I have strong attention to detail in my writing because I spent five years working as a copy editor. As a marketing assistant, I can efficiently draught and edit press releases and quickly and accurately update online content. Additionally, I have written for several media, so I am skilled at adapting my writing style to the subject and target audience.

Why It Works: This response demonstrates how the candidate's adaptability, assets, and successes can be applied in various contexts.

Example 3:

I have been a successful salesperson for over ten years. Since working for my current job, I have consistently surpassed my sales targets by at least 20% and received yearly bonuses.

If you can support your expertise with quantitative numbers, the interviewer will better grasp how much you have to offer and the kind of value you can contribute.