Interview Questions #2

What are your greatest strengths?

Is this a trick question? Well keep in mind that the interviewer wants to know if you know your worth. He wants you to match your qualities and abilities to work done in the past.

Yes, you think you have no professional experience; but you have been of value back at school, in church/mosque/social club/community cause/group work/or even at home in a small scale family business. You possess qualities that you must have demonstrated in the past – pen them down and present them professionally.

For example: You sold lemonade with your mum in a small home kiosk – you cannot imagine the depth of experience you have had from this singular experience:

Communication and customer relationship skills – you communicate with customers; you convince them to purchase one or more items etc; (There are Points To Note at the bottom of the write up)

Let’s hear from the experts:

TRAPS: This question seems like a softball lob, but be prepared. You don’t want to come across as egotistical or arrogant. Neither is this a time to be humble. 

BEST ANSWER:  You know that your key strategy is to first uncover your interviewer’s greatest wants and needs before you answer questions. And from Question 1, you know how to do this. 

Prior to any interview, you should have a list mentally prepared of your greatest strengths. You should also have, a specific example or two, which illustrates each strength, an example chosen from your most recent and most impressive achievements.

You should, have this list of your greatest strengths and corresponding examples from your achievements so well committed to memory that you can recite them cold after being shaken awake at 2:30AM. 

Then, once you uncover your interviewer’s greatest wants and needs, you can choose those achievements from your list that best match up. 

As a general guideline, the 10 most desirable traits that all employers love to see in their employees are:

1. A proven track record as an achiever…especially if your achievements match up with the employer’s greatest wants and needs.
2. Intelligence…management “savvy”. 
3. Honesty…integrity…a decent human being.
4. Good fit with corporate culture…someone to feel comfortable with…a team player who meshes well with interviewer’s team.
5. Likeability…positive attitude…sense of humour.
6. Good communication skills.
7. Dedication…willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve excellence.
8. Definiteness of purpose…clear goals.
9. Enthusiasm…high level of motivation.
10. Confident…healthy…a leader.

POINTS TO NOTE & THINGS TO DO:

• Why would you hire anyone to work for you? What qualities would you look out for?
• Several candidates may have the same educational and professional qualifications even with equal grades but their strengths and weakness differentiate the candidates;
• Your abilities and qualities are the strengths you present to your interviewer;
• Learn to match your strengths to the roles and responsibilities you have presented;
• Ensure your strengths should further support your ability to fit into the position you are applying for.