What are your strengths?
The interviewer asks this question to determine if your strengths will complement and benefit the company if hired. Think of the personal strengths that make you excellent at your job. Advantages can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. In a work context, your strengths will help you complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and help you to 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.
"I am meticulous, efficient, and a strong communicator. I pride myself on not taking shortcuts and always producing quality results. I am honest and direct, but I also know how to speak to people thoughtfully and respectfully. I take the initiative in projects, and I am very personable."
"My greatest strengths are my attention to detail and interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. I am meticulous in my inspections and do not let the smallest details go unnoticed. I can work well with diverse people, communicating clearly and effectively. I believe the customer comes first, and maintain professionalism with everyone I encounter."
"I believe that my greatest strengths are in my blend of experience, related education, and existing relationships with large developers and project managers across the state. I would bring a strong network to your organization to help build your business."
Before the interview, review the job announcement and see what strengths the company is looking for in a building inspector. Then, focus on using those qualities to describe your strengths. For example, suppose the company is looking for an experienced building inspector with strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills who places customer service as a top priority. In that case, you can describe your strengths as those mentioned in the job description.
Most job descriptions use several keywords to describe the qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidate. Avoid using strengths that are not in the job announcement or that are not related to a building inspector's job. The interviewer wants to hear that your strength is a quality they seek in a candidate and that you will benefit the company if hired. Some great strengths to mention are:
- Communicative
- Loyal
- Collaborative
- Tech Savvy
- Flexible in Schedule/Availability
- Persistent and Determined
- Eager for Knowledge/New Skills
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My organization- everything has a place, and it should be there. My documentation and follow-through, I leave a paper trail so that anyone who looks at my work knows what I am doing and thinking. I am an extremely hard worker and give every assignment 100% of my attention. I am not embarrassed or scared to ask questions and get help so that I can learn.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are amazing strengths to highlight, and ones that will help you to succeed in your work for many years to come!
Anonymous Answer
My work history has groomed me well to be a building inspector. I am very personable, communicate well, and listen and understand what is being said. I learn new skills and tasks quickly and retain the new information well. I believe and have demonstrated working in the public sector the importance of working and professionally presenting myself.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are all critical strengths and great qualities for your industry and future employer to benefit from. Your communication skills are exceptional, indeed.
Anonymous Answer
My strength lies in my ability to handle pressure, attention to detail. I am very organized. I like to be one of the top performers.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are terrific strengths to possess, and they will serve you well as a building inspector. If you would like to review this strength-based question even further, we have a guide available here: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/How to Answer 5 of The Most Common Interview Questions/
Unlock all 30 Building Inspector questions
Unlock expert responses for municipal and private sector building inspection interviews.
Get Started