How to Describe a Strength for an Interview

Practice interview skills with a friend.

It is a safe bet that you will be asked to list your strengths and weaknesses at some point during an interview. Both questions can be equally tricky, and you will want to have solid examples of both before you set foot in the interviewer's office. Understanding the strengths you bring to the table, and knowing how to convey those strengths through concrete examples, just might be enough to land you the job.

Things You'll Need

• Job listing
• Resume

Instructions

1. Study the job listing one final time before you head in for the interview. Note the most important qualities called for in the job posting, and use those desired traits to tailor your answers to questions about your strengths.

2. Review your resume and note the strengths you list there. Incorporate specific examples of how you used those strengths as you move through the interview. Do not wait to be asked about your strengths. Volunteer information about how you have used those strengths in the past, and how you plan to use them in your new position.

3. Give a specific, quantifiable example of how you used the strength you cite in the interview. For instance, if you list leadership ability as one of your strengths, provide a solid example, like the time you led a project that saved the company half a million dollars a year by streamlining the ordering process.

4. Use other interview questions as a chance to talk about your strengths and desirable qualities listed in the job posting. If the interviewer asks you about your current job duties, use that as an opportunity to discuss your ability to multi-task, or your ability to work as part of a team.

References

• Bergen Community College: Interview Guide
• Widener University: Interviewing