How to answer "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

This question tests self-awareness. Interviewers are not looking for a perfect person; they want evidence that you know what you are good at, know where you fall short, and do something about it.

Strengths: claim, evidence, relevance

Pick two or three strengths that matter for the role. For each:

1. Name it plainly.
2. Prove it with a short example and a result.
3. Link it to the job.

"I am good at making complicated analysis easy to follow. In my last role I rebuilt the monthly performance pack from forty slides to eight, and the leadership team started using it in their meetings. This role involves presenting to non-specialists, so I think it would help."

Weaknesses: real, managed, not fatal

Choose a real weakness that is not central to the job, then say what you do about it and what has changed.

"I used to take on too much myself instead of delegating. On a project last year that meant a late night before a deadline that the team could have shared. Since then I plan who does what at the start and check in mid-week. My last two projects finished without that last-minute crunch."

Answers to avoid

• "I am a perfectionist" or "I work too hard".
• A weakness that is a core requirement, such as attention to detail for an analyst role.
• A strength with no example.
• A list of five adjectives.

If asked for three weaknesses

Have a second and third ready that are smaller and specific: for example a tool you are still learning, or speaking up early in large meetings. Keep each to two sentences.

How to find yours

Ask two colleagues or classmates what you do well and what they would change. Their words are more convincing than your own.