What are your greatest strengths is believed to be one of those queries that you can hope to be inquired in almost any interview. However the answer to this query might seem easy enough, it pays to be prepared when answering any interview query. This brings me to the significance of practice prior to interviewing for an internship or job. It is primary to remember that you only have about sixty seconds to make a positive first impression, so it is highly important to start and end your interview on a strong note with a smile, direct eye contact, strong handshake, and a statement like, “it is so nice to meet you and thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss this exciting opportunity”.
When inquired by students how they can best prepare for an interview, I always say practice, practice, practice. Practicing with a friend or relative that you trust can be very helpful, but if no one is around, be certain you take the time to practice out loud to get your thoughts out there prior to being face-to-face with the employer and making errors that could have been neglected.
Since this query of greatest strengths is often paired with the greatest weakness question, you’ll need to be fully prepared to answer both questions. These are two key questions that are consistently asked and that open the door for you to give valuable information to the interviewer about your knowledge and skills that make you an excellent candidate for the internship.
Suggestions for Answering the What Are Your Greatest Strengths Query
- Read over the whole job description to get a thorough understanding of the position and the qualifications for the job.
- Check out the company website to provide you a great understanding of the company, its mission, products and services it offers, and the clientele it serves.
- What the company is searching to decipher when asking this query is are you a good applicant for this position and are you the right person that will be the best fit for the organization?
- It is your job to convince the employer that you have what it takes to be victorious and that you are the best person for the job and someone that will fit in with the people and the mission of the organization.
- Prepare a list of your strengths and your accomplishments demonstrating how you utilize those strengths.
- Inquire others what they consider your strengths are and you may then want to add some of them to your own list.
- Understand the Top Skills Employers Need.
- Check out the list of what employers’ value, and add those values that you’ve to the list.
- Concentrate merely on those strengths that are relevant to the job. For internships with vague job descriptions, try to recognize core skills that you’ve that will fit in to the type of organization and then identify those skills and values that employers look for and add those that you’ve as well.
- Answer the query by recognizing “key words” that employers will link with you once the interview is over; like, reliable, trustworthy, strong leadership skills, quick learner, and detail oriented, etc. Your aim is to set yourself apart from other candidates, so be prepared to do so when answering any interview question.
Top List of Greatest Strengths Valued by Interviewers
- Honesty/trustworthiness
- Creative
- Amazing communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Intelligent
- Reliable
- Likeable
- Positive
- Independent
- Problem-solver
- Detail-oriented
- Hard-working
- Team player
- Quick learner
- Flexible
- Passionate about doing a good job
- Organized
- Strong work ethic
Offering the employer with a list of your strengths that are not relevant to the job is mere taking away the short period of time you’ve to sell yourself and describe what you do have to offer the employer. Even if you are an outstanding photographer or are certified to teach sailing, if these skills are not relevant to the job, it is better to stick to relevant qualities that employers will remember.