What do you perceive as your greatest strengths?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Pro Tip
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

How you perceive yourself may differ from how others perceive you. Throughout the interview process, make sure your answers remain consistent. The interviewer wants to see that you take pride in your work.

Provide the personal strengths you feel make you excellent at your job. Offer an example of a time your efforts were recognized by your team. Strengths can be skills or qualities that allow you to overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. In a work context, your strengths help you to complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and apply what you have learned in your training. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this role.

If your interviewer also asks what your coworkers or old boss would say is your greatest weakness, keep your answers varied but consistent. Your consistency in how you present yourself will indicate to the interviewer that you will be consistent in your work performance should they choose to hire you.

"I think my strengths are in my perceptiveness and ability to be observant of the needs of others. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in a client-facing role."

"I believe my greatest strengths are my communication skills- both written and oral. I use these daily in email pitching, phone call pitches or customer follow-ups, and then in-person site visits."

Anonymous Answer

"One of my biggest strengths is my ability to work well within a team. While I do also like working independently, I appreciate the benefits of having a team around you and getting input from a range of different people. I've had many group reports and presentations where points were made by members of the group, that I otherwise may not have thought of on my own. I truly believe working in a team improves the way you think and generate ideas."

Rachelle's Feedback

Thriving in a teamwork environment is very important, and you do a nice job showcasing its importance. I recommend being aware of switching from the first person to 'royal we' (ie: the second and the final sentence). As much as possible, keep your answers focused on "me," "my," and "I."

How to Answer: What do you perceive as your greatest strengths?