Strengths and weaknesses: how to answer at interview

Answering "What are your strengths?"

1. Pick two or three strengths the advert asks for.
2. Give a short example of each in action.
3. Link it back to the role.

Example: "I'm organised under pressure. In my current job I handle the shared inbox for a team of eight, and I set up a simple tracker so nothing gets missed during busy periods. Your advert mentions juggling competing deadlines, and that's what I do every day."

Answering "What's your biggest weakness?"

1. Choose a real weakness that isn't central to the job.
2. Say what you're doing about it.
3. Show progress.

Example: "I used to find it hard to say no when colleagues asked for help, which sometimes left my own work late. I've started agreeing timescales before I take something on and checking my own deadlines first. It's made me more reliable for everyone."

Tip: Avoid fake weaknesses such as 'I'm a perfectionist' or 'I work too hard'. Interviewers hear them constantly.

Weaknesses that are usually safe to discuss

• Public speaking or presenting, if the role doesn't centre on it.
• Delegating, for people moving into a first management role.
• A specific software skill you're learning.
• Saying yes to too much.

Keep it professional. You don't need to discuss health, personal circumstances or anything protected by law. See the STAR method guide for structuring examples.