Figuring out how to answer “What is your biggest strength?” might seem easy, but it’s surprisingly complex. It’s more than just a chance to highlight your skills; it’s a key opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates. So, it’s a good idea to spend time planning out how you might respond to this common interview question ahead of time.
Why do interviewers ask about your strengths?
Interviewers ask this to see if your top skills align with what’s essential for success in the role. For instance, if teamwork is vital for the job but you focus on your independent work skills, it might hint that you’re not the best fit for their team dynamics.
They’re also checking if you have a good grasp of your strengths. Claiming leadership as your main strength when you’re applying for your first real job might not ring true.
What hiring managers want to hear
Rather than listing every positive trait you possess, focus on one or two strengths that define you as an employee. Be ready to back up these strengths with specific examples that show how you’ve applied them in real situations.
If you’re stumped, think about consistent feedback you’ve received in school or previous jobs. What strengths have you demonstrated across different activities? These are the best options to zero in on.
Here are some strengths that are good choices to mention for most positions:
- Critical thinking: Being able to analyze issues and come up with clear, logical solutions.
- Problem-solving: Not just noticing issues but actively finding ways to solve them.
- Strong work ethic: Going above and beyond to meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
- Communication: Whether it’s writing, speaking, or listening, being able to clearly convey ideas is huge.
- Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and bring new ideas to the table.
- Leadership: Guiding others effectively, even if you’re not in a management position.
- Adaptability: Being able to adjust to new challenges and environments quickly.
- Teamwork: Working well with others toward a common goal.
How to answer “What is your biggest strength?”
Select relevant strengths
Match your strengths with the job description. If the job emphasizes innovation, discuss your creativity or problem-solving skills. It’s also important to be honest, you don’t want to say you’re a master organizer if you’re notorious for your disaster of a desk.
Provide specific examples
Choose a key strength and think of a time when you successfully applied it. For example, if you select problem-solving, describe a situation where your solution led to a successful outcome. The best examples show a measurable outcome—financial gain, the successful completion of a project, and so on.
Connect it to the job
Once you’ve given the real-world example of your strength, explain why it will benefit the company. For instance, “My adaptability allows me to thrive in environments that are fast-paced and ever-changing, making me a perfect fit for your startup.
How not to answer
- Avoid bragging: Keep your tone humble and focus on the facts. Avoid answers that come across as boastful, like “If it weren’t for me, the whole project would have been a flop.”
- Don’t choose unrelated strengths: If you’re applying to be a digital marketer, your woodworking expertise, while impressive, isn’t relevant. Prepare answers that speak to the top qualifications called for in the job posting.
- Keep it concise: Don’t ramble about your strengths. One or two with solid examples are enough.
Sample answers to “What is your biggest strength?”
Example #1
“My biggest strength is thriving under pressure. During college, I balanced a demanding academic schedule with a part-time job as a server. This experience honed my ability to maintain focus and efficiency during busy periods. Now, in professional settings, I can manage tight deadlines without sacrificing the quality of my work, which I believe will be particularly valuable in your fast-paced office environment.”
Example #2
“I consider my adaptability to be a key strength. For example, during a group project in college, we had to pivot our strategy after receiving unexpected feedback. I spearheaded the change, ensuring our project aligned with the new requirements. Our presentation was well-received, highlighting my capacity to adapt quickly and effectively. This skill is crucial for the dynamic nature of the marketing field, especially in an agency setting like yours.”
By choosing a strength that’s aligned with the job and that you can support with a strong example, you’ll show your interviewer that you’re competent in the areas that matter most to them.