How do I answer "What is your biggest strength?" in an interview?
Answering the question "What is your biggest strength?" offers a great chance to really show off what we can bring to a job and how we have demonstrated the attribute before. It is an exceptionally common interview question and one that we need to have prepared in advance. Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating an effective response:
1. Identify:
Opt for a strength that is genuinely one of our strongest qualities and suited to the job we're applying for – we must be able to back it up with examples.
2. Examples:
Use concrete examples to demonstrate how we have used this strength in a professional setting. This shows the interviewer that this is a genuine strength that we can bring to their workplace, creating a very positive impression, particularly if job-relevant.
3. Impact:
Explain the positive impact our strength had on the team or organisation. This shows the interviewer the value we can potentially contribute.
4. Link:
Connect our strength to the requirements or responsibilities of the job we're applying for, demonstrating that we are a good fit for the role.
Sample Response
Example: Communication Skills
Strength: "My biggest strength is my communication skills."
Example and Impact: "I have always considered my interpersonal & communications skills as my biggest strength. In my previous role as a HR manager, effective communication was crucial. During a project last year, I was responsible for coordinating between different departments and the HR team, ensuring everyone was on the same page and tasks were completed. I fulfilled this by holding regular meetings, providing detailed updates, and asking the HR team about any concerns they held. I was able to foster a collaborative environment, and this allowed us to complete the project ahead of schedule and greatly improved team morale and productivity."
Link to the Job: "I understand that in this role, strong communication is essential for managing stakeholders and coordinating with internal teams. I’m sure that my ability to build relationships and communicate clearly will contribute to the success of your projects."
Remember we need to be concise; while essential to be detailed & specific, we will lose interviewer interest if we talk in circles. It is also really beneficial to tailor the strength to the job we’re applying for, demonstrating that we are a good fit for this specific position. But make sure it is still authentic to us or an interviewer may catch us out with follow-up questions.
Lastly, make sure to rehearse the answer prior. It is very likely to come up, so practicing ensures we can deliver it smoothly and naturally. Following these steps will allow us to create an effective response that showcases our strengths and links them with the job we’re applying for.
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