Getting a job depends on lots of things: your work history, your personality, your education, and more. But one of the biggest things employers look for is skills. You either have them or you don’t, and it’s the interviewer’s job to find out. They’ll ask you questions like, “What skills or qualities can you bring to this position?”
You can’t just say, “I have the right skills,” and hope they’ll believe you. We’re here to help you show the interviewer that you have what it takes to do the job you want.
Why interviewers ask about your skills and qualities
Interviewers ask about your skills and qualities because they want to see if you can do the job well. They check if you have the right abilities to handle the tasks and if you can bring something extra to the team. They’re making sure you meet the basic requirements, but they’re also looking for special skills or experiences that could help the company even more.
They also want to know how you can add value to their organization. This might mean helping to meet goals, boosting sales, or making customers happy. By talking about your skills, you show them how you can help the company succeed.
But it’s not just about listing skills. Interviewers are also seeing how confident you are and how well you know yourself. They listen to how you talk about your strengths and even your weaknesses. Your answer shows them how prepared you are for the interview and the job itself.
Overall, they want to understand who you are and if you’re the right fit for their team. So when they ask about your skills, it’s your chance to show them what you can do and how you can make a difference.
How to answer “What skills or qualities can you bring to this position?”
When an interviewer asks you about the skills and qualities you can bring to the job, it’s your chance to shine. Here’s how to give the best answer:
Focus on the most important skills they want
First, talk about the skills that matter most to the employer. You can find these in the job posting—they’re usually listed at the top. Make sure you mention at least the top two or three skills they’re looking for. This shows you’ve read the job description carefully and know what’s important for the role.
Give specific examples to show your skills
Don’t just say, “I’m good at communicating.” Instead, share a real-life story that shows how you’ve used that skill. For example, you might talk about a time when you helped your team work better by explaining things clearly. Maybe you convinced your class to try a new project idea that turned out great. Sharing stories helps the interviewer see how you use your skills in real situations.
Use examples that match the job you’re applying for
Try to pick examples that are similar to what you’ll be doing in the new job. This helps the interviewer picture you doing the work. It also shows you understand what the job is about. If the job involves helping customers, share a time when you made a customer happy. If it’s about teamwork, talk about a group project where you worked well with others.
Show your excitement and passion for the job
Let the interviewer see that you’re really interested in the position. Show your excitement when you talk about your skills and experiences. Smile, sit up straight, and make eye contact. Your words are important, but so is how you say them. When you’re enthusiastic, it shows you care about the work and are eager to be part of the team.
How not to answer
Never pretend to have skills you don’t have
Always be truthful about what you can do. If you say you have a skill that you really don’t, it can lead to big problems later on. For example, if you’re asked to use that skill on the job and can’t, your employer will notice. This might mean you won’t be able to keep the job, and it could hurt your reputation.
Instead of making up skills, focus on the things you are good at. If there’s something you’re not experienced with, it’s okay to admit it. You can mention that you’re eager to learn and improve in that area. Employers appreciate honesty and a willingness to grow. Being truthful shows that you’re trustworthy and confident in your real abilities.
Sample answers to “What skills or qualities can you bring to this position?”
Example #1
“I know teamwork is really important for this job. During my college group project, I helped my team stay organized. Some members were unsure about their tasks, so I suggested we make a checklist and meet regularly. This way, everyone knew what to do, and we finished our project on time with a great grade.”
Why this works:
This answer shows you value teamwork and can take the lead to keep things on track. By giving a clear example from your experience, you demonstrate your ability to organize and support a team, which is something many employers look for.
Example #2
“I’m good at helping customers feel happy. At my part-time job in a coffee shop, a customer once had a complicated order and seemed frustrated. I listened carefully, helped them choose the right drink, and made sure it was just how they liked it. They left with a smile and became a regular customer.”
Why this works:
Here, you highlight your customer service skills and your ability to handle tricky situations with care. By making the customer happy, you show that you can create positive experiences, which is valuable in any role that involves interacting with people.
Example #3
“I learn new technology quickly. In my internship, our team started using a new software program that others found confusing. I spent time exploring it and then helped my coworkers understand how to use it. This made our work faster and less stressful.”
Why this works:
This answer demonstrates your adaptability and willingness to help others. Employers appreciate someone who can pick up new tools easily and assist the team. It shows you’re proactive and can contribute to improving the workplace.
When answering a question about your relevant skills and qualities in a job interview, be clear, specific, and enthusiastic about your abilities. Doing so will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the right fit for the job and the company.