Ace the "What's your greatest strength" question in your next interview.
Tags: interview, career, careerdevelopment
Published: 2023-05-11 05:30:00

As you sit in the interview chair, a question you know is coming up swirls around your mind: _"What's your greatest strength?"_ It's a common interview question that can trip up even the most confident job applicant. In this article, I'll dive into how to answer this question with confidence, charisma, and a bit of humour.

First, let's break down the question. When the interviewer asks about your greatest strength, they are essentially asking what you bring to the table that sets you apart from other candidates. This question gives you a prime opportunity to sell yourself, highlighting your most impressive qualities and accomplishments.

But how do you answer this question without coming off as arrogant or boastful? One strategy is to use the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Essentially, you'll be telling a story that showcases your strength, using specific examples to demonstrate how you've used this strength to achieve success in the past.

For example, let's say your greatest strength is your ability to work well under pressure. You could answer the question by saying something like, "In my last job, we were tasked with completing a major project in a tight deadline. The pressure was intense, but I thrive under those conditions. I broke down the project into smaller tasks, delegated responsibilities, and kept everyone motivated to ensure we met the deadline. As a result, we completed the project on time and under budget."
See what we did there? We used the STAR method to showcase how your strength helped you achieve success in a specific situation. This strategy allows you to provide concrete examples of your skills in action rather than just listing off a bunch of adjectives.

Another approach is to use humour. When the interviewer asks about your greatest strength, you could respond with something like, "My greatest strength? Well, I make a mean cup of coffee, but I don't think that's what you're looking for.", and then follow up with a very strong example of what you bring to the table. This approach can be a bit risky, but it can help break the ice and show that you have a sense of humor while still allowing you to showcase your actual strengths.
Of course, it's important to be honest when answering this question. Don't try to come up with a strength that you don't actually possess or one that isn't relevant to the job. If you're not sure what your greatest strength is, take some time to reflect on your previous work experiences and accomplishments. Talk to colleagues or friends who know you well and ask for their input.

In summary, answering the question "What's your greatest strength?" in an interview can be nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, it can also be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Use the STAR method to tell a story that demonstrates your strength in action or inject a bit of humour to break the ice. And above all, be honest and authentic in your response. Good luck out there!


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