It is important to prepare in advance for the interview
question what are your strong points. If you've already listed your strengths
when preparing your CV / resume, coming up with three answers shouldn't be too
difficult.
But be careful. The interviewer is asking you to sell
yourself, but at the same time, they do not want to hear you being arrogant.
And while they may want to know about your personality (if you are over
confident they will certainly learn something about you), do remember that this
is still an interview situation, so your answers must be relevant to the job in
question. In other words, don't get too personal.
So how do you go about answering the interview question what
are your strong points? The general recommendation is to prepare at least three
answers and to relate them to the organisation and the vacancy. This means you
need to tailor your answers. Ensure there is truth in what you say, but do not
be too honest, especially it makes you sound like a less than ideal candidate.
"I am confident and outgoing"
This is a response that says something about your
personality, but if you are applying for a role where you need to relate to a
lot of people - particularly the public - it will serve your purposes. However,
if the vacancy involves consultation, it might be better to say "I have
good interpersonal skills", as this implies that you are able to listen to
people as well.
"I enjoy a challenge"
Be careful with this. It is an excellent response if the
vacancy requires problem solving, or servicing of some kind, working to tight
deadlines or project completion. It will obviously not be helpful if the job is
less dynamic and involves a larger amount of regular, less exciting duties -
the employer might be concerned that you will become bored. You could always
qualify it to offer a more balanced response: "I enjoy a challenge, but
I'm also happy completing regular tasks." Then it illustrates that you're
flexible and responsive to different work situations.
"I'm a strong team leader"
Clearly, this is appropriate if the job involves managing
people. It's a good idea to show that you know what leading a team involves
(although this will no doubt come up in other questions too). So, "I'm a
strong team leader with the ability to motivate others" and "I'm a
strong team leader who leads by example" represent stronger answers. Draw
on your own understanding of your management skills plus the job description to
decide what you'll say here.
"I am ambitious"
This is a very strong answer and you should use it with
care. In the wrong situation, it can sound hard-headed and the employer may
wonder whether you'll compete too fiercely with your colleagues, or even your
superiors. However, in a sales role it might be perfect, especially if you
focus your response a little more: "I am ambitious and aim to exceed
targets".
"I am dedicated and hardworking"
You're on safe ground here, as this can be true whatever
your individual working style. It's not the most exciting answer, but when
presented alongside two others that are more individual, it should offer
reassurance to the interviewer.
"I am a good communicator"
Again, this is a win-win answer. Be prepared to expand,
though: specify whether you have strong writing skills, are good at explaining
difficult ideas in a simple way, or perform well at important meetings.
"I work well without supervision"
A majority of employers would be pleased to hear this,
providing the vacancy is at a level where they'd normally expect you to need a
degree of supervision. But be careful not to sound as if you prefer to work
without supervision, as this may sound as if you risk coming into conflict with
your supervisor or manager. A safer option might be to state "I work well
with or without supervision".
"I enjoy learning through my work"
Again, this is a safe answer. The interviewer might then ask
how you have done this in the past, so be ready to give details of some
hands-on learning or special training you've experienced, and to say why you
enjoyed it.
These examples show that when preparing an answer to the
interview question what are your strong points, it is important to consider
whether your responses could be taken the wrong way. Put yourself in the
interviewer's shoes - you can then ensure that the potential for a negative
interpretation is removed.
Regards
Christine
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