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How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

• Joel Schwartzberg

Advice and examples to help you craft an authentic answer to this common interview question.

Don’t take common interview questions lightly just because they’re predictable. Underpreparing for them can make the difference between moving ahead and moving on. One question that often comes up: What are your strengths and weaknesses? In this article, the author outlines clear steps for how to describe your strengths and weaknesses along with sample language to use as a guide.

Some questions come up again and again in job interviews . At the top of the list: “ Tell me about yourself ,” “ Why do you want to work here? ” and “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”

• JS Joel Schwartzberg oversees executive communications for a major national nonprofit, is a professional presentation coach, and is the author of Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter and The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team . You can find him on LinkedIn and X. TheJoelTruth

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Self Reflection — Self-Reflection: Exploring Strengths and Weaknesses

Self-reflection: Exploring Strengths and Weaknesses

• Categories: Personal Strengths Self Awareness Self Reflection

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Words: 567 |

Published: Aug 24, 2023

Words: 567 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, identifying strengths, acknowledging weaknesses, utilizing strengths to address weaknesses.

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What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? (+ Example Answers)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/20/2022

When a hiring manager goes into an interview, they have one goal in mind: find the best possible candidate for the position. So how do they do this? By asking tough questions like, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

Interviewers want to see what happens when they rattle your cage and throw you off balance… which is why they love questions like this. Plus, it helps them learn more about how you view yourself and your capabilities, which is often enlightening.

Luckily, once you know how to answer “what are your strengths and weaknesses,” you can navigate the question like a pro. Here are some insights that can help, as well as some “what are your strengths” examples to get you headed in the right direction.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

At first, it might seem like a ridiculous question, but the strategy behind asking it is actually brilliant.   The interviewer is intentionally trying to get you to answer a question that is designed to trip you up. 

Do you notice how this question is essentially in two parts?

Don’t worry, we’ve got some strategies to help you turn a potential stumbling block into a launching pad of awesome!

Before we get into your strengths, let’s take a moment to talk about your weaknesses.

What is Your Greatest Weakness?

As we mentioned above, when asking about your strengths, a hiring manager will often also want to try and learn about your weaknesses. In reality, it is pretty rare for a hiring manager to ask you them together as one question, but you still need to be prepared in case this question comes up.

Generally speaking, you should prepare for these questions separately because each of them has unique characteristics and should be handled on its own.

However, these two questions will often be asked in a row as they’re obviously connected, so you need to prepare both!

MIKE'S TIP:

So in other words, focus on your weaknesses first!

Although this article focuses primarily on the way you should approach answering “what are your greatest strengths” question, we made sure to prepare a great article addressing how to answer the question “What are your weaknesses?”   Please click here to check it out .

Okay, without further ado, let’s talk about your strengths!

Preparing To Answer About Your Strengths

When you’re sitting down across from a hiring manager, you want to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best possible way.

By preparing for this question ahead of time and outlining several possible answers, you’ll be in a much better position. You’ll have responses that not only cover the question but make you appear polished, well prepared, and confident.

So, let’s dive into what it takes to showcase your personal strengths in the best possible light.

How NOT To Answer “What Are Your Strengths?”

Let’s start out with what NOT to say when you get asked this question:

THE COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT ANSWER:

“Uh, wow. Well, for starters, I have a super good grip, so my mom has me open all her jars for her. Yeah, that’s a good strength. And I have a wicked backhand in tennis.”

If this were a dating interview and not a job interview, an answer like that might earn you some points, but unless you’re interviewing for a job at a jam factory or trying to work your way into a position as a tennis pro at the local club, your answer is irrelevant, confusing, and lets the interviewer know right away that you’re not prepared.

THE OVERLY AGGRESSIVE OR COCKY ANSWER

“I’m a leader with proven results, which means it’s my way or the highway.”

Are you applying for Mercenaries-R-Us? If not, it might be a good idea to tone it down.

THE STRENGTHS THAT JUST KEEP ON COMING

“Well, I’m smart, I’m funny, I’m a great team leader, I work well with others, I’m prompt, I’m focused, I pay attention to details, I’m grounded, I really appreciate hard work, I’m never late, I can work weekends, I’m super excited to be here, I’m motivated, I’m…”

Whoa! The hiring manager isn’t asking you for thirty adjectives to describe yourself. Instead, a hiring manager wants to hear one or two… maybe three (absolute tops) qualities about you that you consider a strength.

THE ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT ME’ ANSWER

“Um, well, I’m super funny and smart, and all my friends say I’ve got a great attitude and I’m really easy to talk to.”

Although the interviewer IS interested in getting to know you better, this is not the question to answer with all-about-you information.  

THE STRENGTH THAT’S ACTUALLY A WEAKNESS ANSWER

“I’m a total workaholic. If I’m on a project, I’m going to make sure to stick with it to the bitter, bloody end.”

Although this might sound like a strength, it’s actually a weakness in disguise! By telling your employer that, you’re letting them know you lack self-reflection. It also comes across as smarmy, which is never good.

Also remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CHEAT SHEET

How To Answer “What Are Your Strengths?”

Now that you know how not to answer the “what are your strengths?” question, it’s time to talk about the correct approach. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to answer “what are your strengths?”

Do Some Research

Ideally, you want to discuss a strength that aligns with the job and the company’s needs. By reviewing the job description, digging into the company values, and taking other steps, you can find out which strengths match its priorities.

Tailor Your Answer

Once you research the company and role, it’s time to create the foundation for a tailored answer. Choose one to three strengths that you possess that match the job and company’s needs, using those as a starting point for your response.

Match It with a Story

In the world of job interviews, it’s better to show than to tell. Make sure you have practical examples and success stories from your past that support your claims. That way, your answer is more likely to impress.

“What Are Your Strengths?” Example Answers

Now that you know how to answer what you’re your strengths, it’s time to take the next step. Here are a few example answers that can serve as inspiration:

Problem-Solving

“I’m a problem solver. I love taking a problem and looking at it from every angle. I enjoy work that challenges me and pushes me to think outside the box and situations where I am allowed to work with other people to come up with creative solutions.

“At my last company, we were asked to come up with ways to increase our workflow without decreasing our accuracy. By really analyzing what every department was doing and finding ways to work together more efficiently, I was able to not only streamline the process but made it possible for us to beat our previous deadline by three days with a superior product as an end result.”

“I’ve always been known for my work ethic. I am committed to meeting deadlines and taking responsibility for the quality of my performance.

“A few months ago, I was working with a client who had us on a tight deadline. There was a mix-up in the delivery of some key paperwork, and it didn’t get to our office until closing the night before the deadline. Rather than go home and ignore the problem, I stayed late and finished the project, making sure that our deadline was not only met but that the report was accurate.”

Interpersonal Skills

“I’m a people person. As a customer service rep for the past five years, I’ve learned how to deal with a wide variety of personalities. I enjoy handling tough cases that give me a chance to problem solve, interacting with the public, and outreach.

“Two summers ago, I was lucky enough to be a part of the Black Friday crew. A lot of other employees found it stressful and didn’t enjoy it, but I really found that I loved the excitement and the rush of having so many people come through so quickly. Not only was I constantly engaged, but I was able to provide one on one shopping assistance to a few last-minute gift buyers. Not only did I have a great time, but my team had the highest receipts for the entire weekend! It felt great.”

Communication

“My greatest strength is my communication skills. During my time in tech roles, I’ve frequently had to take complex concepts and make them accessible to users and stakeholders without technology backgrounds. This allowed me to develop reliable techniques for ensuring clarity, making it easier for anyone to follow critical discussions.

“One example of that involved an upcoming presentation. We needed approval to shift to a new MDM, as our current option was getting shut down in the coming months. As I researched the proposed system, I found ways to highlight the features in accessible ways, eliminating all jargon to ensure that everyone felt fully informed.”

Emotional Intelligence

“My emotional intelligence is easily one of my greatest strengths. I have an easy time putting myself in other people’s shoes, allowing me to understand conflicts and situations from their perspectives.

“In my last role, working in a call center, this was particularly beneficial. I picked up a call where the customer was noticeably frustrated, to the point of using curse words and insults during the conversation.

“While I was taken aback, I knew there had to be a reason. I relied on my active listening skills to dive into the root of the issue and quickly determined that the customer hadn’t felt heard in their past discussions, preventing them from getting a solution to their issue, even after multiple calls. Since I took the time to really understand their perspective, I was able to find the problem and resolve their issue to their satisfaction.”

“Overall, teamwork is my biggest strength. I’m comfortable enough to adjust my approach based on the scenario at hand, allowing me to be an effective team member in a variety of situations.

“For example, in my last position, I was a member of several project teams. While I enjoy opportunities to take the reins, I understand that there are occasions when another person has more expertise, making them more suitable for that role. When that occurs, I focus on offering my support, ensuring they have access to my knowledge and skills and are able to successfully pursue collective goals.

“Ultimately, it isn’t about always being in the spotlight; it’s about doing what’s best for the team. In that regard, I genuinely shine.”

Examples of Strengths You Can Use

If you’re still struggling for good strengths for a job interview, consider trying to fit one to three of these examples of strengths into your answers. They’re valuable in many roles, making them solid starting points.

Many of the skills below are soft skills. Along with applying to most roles, employers are increasingly seeking employees with critical soft skills . As a result, they can be smart capabilities to highlight.

Just make sure you only use this list of strengths as a guide, as what you choose does have to apply to you. While an estimated 78 percent of candidates lie on their resumes, getting caught comes with serious consequences. Along with missing out on the job, you could get blackballed by the company. Plus, the hiring manager might tell their network, hurting your broader reputation.

Additionally, focus on the examples of strengths that fit the job description and company priorities, increasing the odds that the ones you share resonate with the hiring manager:

NOTE: Check out our “ list of strengths article ” for more examples!

• Solid Leadership skills
• Solid Management skills
• Willingness to take on responsibilities
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Determination
• Problem Solver
• Clear attention to details
• Quick Learner
• Strong People Skills
• Team Player
• Able to work independently
• Hard Working

No matter what skill you decide to highlight in your answer, just make sure that it’s applicable to the job and the company and that you have a truthful and solid example to back it up. 

And finally, if you’re still running into walls and can’t come up with something good, ask your co-workers what they think your strengths are.   You might be surprised what they say and not realize something you take for granted or do without thinking is actually a valuable strength!

And as always…Good luck!

FREE : "What Are Your Strengths & Weaknesses" PDF CHEAT SHEET

Get our handy cheat sheet!

In it you'll get word-for-word sample answers that cover various scenarios and positions. Use them in your next interview!

PLUS the DO'S & DON'TS so you don't fall into any of the common traps associated with this question.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write an Essay About Your Strengths & Weaknesses

While you may be asked to write an essay about your strengths and weaknesses for an English course, this type of essay is more commonly requested for scholarship and school applications. Whoever its audience may be, the essay must have a focus, be well-organized and should paint a truthful and insightful picture of you.

Your essay should have a focus from the start. This will avoid turning the paper into no more than a list of strengths and weaknesses. The main point is expressed through the thesis statement, which should be included in the introduction of the essay. For example, you can write, "It was through my biggest failure as an older brother that I discovered my greatest strength." Or you can write, "While being a perfectionist is in many ways a strength, it also can be a weakness."

Organization

Make an outline charting the course of the essay before you write it. Begin with the thesis statement, then note the points you will make in each body of the paragraph. Make certain these points support the essay's main idea and that they are distinct from one another. List the evidence you will include in the body under each paragraph's topic sentence. Once it's complete, writing the essay will be more organized and quick, and you can flesh out the notes you made in the outline.

The content of the essay can address your achievements, failures and values. Show how the strengths and weaknesses you present are related to your personality, goals, relationships and work ethic. You can write about a specific experience that has changed you or taught you something new about yourself or life in general. Be honest and provide details, analysis and evidence. In the case of a scholarship essay, the Borough of Manhattan Community College advises that it should be "about you, your ideals, and/or your opinions."

To write a strong essay, you always should write more than one draft. After the essay is complete, read through it carefully to identify spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as to verify that you have properly addressed the prompt. You also can show your essay to a peer or instructor for review to make certain there are no confusing or unclear aspects. Finally, incorporate all the feedback into a rewrite of the first draft. The revision should be more developed, organized and polished than the original.

• Borough of Manhattan Community College: Writing the Scholarship Essay/Personal Statement

Soheila Battaglia is a published and award-winning author and filmmaker. She holds an MA in literary cultures from New York University and a BA in ethnic studies from UC Berkeley. She is a college professor of literature and composition.

What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? 40+ Examples for Job Interviews

There’s a whole lot of talking about yourself that goes on in an interview . It’s a barrage of “I”s and “me”s that would be inappropriate in so many other contexts. One of the most stressful spotlights on you might come when a recruiter or prospective boss asks you to tell them about your strengths and weaknesses.

You’re bound to hear, “What would you say is one of your weaknesses?” or “What’s your greatest strength?” or both in virtually every hiring process you’ll ever go through. While that might be frustrating—really, every time?!—it also means that you can anticipate the questions and craft thoughtful answers that will impress the interviewer.

With just a little bit of preparation, you can master the art of selling your strengths without sounding conceited and talking about your weaknesses without undermining your candidacy.

The more interviews you get, the better your chances of getting hired—apply now to these amazing open jobs on The Muse »

Why do interviewers ask about your strengths and weaknesses?

Interviews are fundamentally about getting to know you, says Muse career coach Angela Smith , founder of Angela Smith Consulting . “I know some people feel like the interviewer is trying to trip them up or put them in an awkward position, but it’s about getting to know the person to make the best decision that you can,” Smith says. “When I ask those questions, that’s where I’m coming from.”

The actual strengths and weaknesses you bring up probably matter less than how you talk about them. “I’ve done a ton of interviews over the years and when pressed for it, I can’t really remember the answers,” she says. That doesn’t mean the questions aren’t important at all, but what an interviewer is evaluating likely goes deeper. They’re trying to understand what kind of employee you’d be and how you’d carry yourself in the role.

“For me it’s: Are they honest? Do they have self-awareness? Can they own their stuff in a professional and mature way? Is this someone that we can have growth and development conversations with? Are they going to hit a wall when it comes to giving them feedback?” Smith says. “How they answer that question really tells me the answer to all of those other things—and those are the things that matter.”

5 tips for talking about strengths and weaknesses in an interview

OK, that’s all great in theory, but what do you actually need to do to discuss your strengths and weaknesses successfully? Here's everything you need to know:

1. Be honest

It might sound trite, but it’s also true. An answer that sounds genuine and authentic will impress, while one that sounds generic, calculated, exaggerated, or humblebrag will do the opposite. A boss doesn’t want to hire someone who can’t recognize and own what they bring to the table and what they need to work on.

You’ll be a better employee if you can understand and leverage your strengths and acknowledge and learn from your weaknesses. So you want to show in the interview that you’re capable of that kind of self-reflection.

2. Tell a story

Here’s another cliché you shouldn’t ignore: “Show, don’t tell.” Anyone who’s ever taken a writing class—whether in seventh grade or graduate school—has heard it. You should keep it in mind when answering just about any interview question, and it’s certainly helpful here.

“Anytime you can have a real-life example or a concrete example, it’s a good idea. It helps to contextualize the response a little bit,” Smith says. “We just understand concepts and situations better with a story. So if you can tell a story that supports your thesis, then it’s always helpful.”

Talk about a time your strength helped you achieve something in a professional setting or when your weakness impeded you. For example, if you’re talking about how you’re calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment, you might tell the interviewer about that time you delivered a revamped client proposal after a last-minute change of plans.

If you’re admitting that your weakness is presenting in front of high-level executives, you might start by briefly describing the time you got so nervous presenting your plan for a new marketing strategy that you weren’t able to effectively convey your (thorough and pretty brilliant) approach and your boss had to step in and help get the plan approved.

Not only will sharing a real example make your answer stand out, but it’ll also make it sound thoughtful and honest and highlight all those other characteristics interviewers are actually looking for.

This might also help: STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview

3. Remember to get to the insight

An answer that’s genuine and includes an illustrative anecdote is a great start, but it’s not complete until you address the “so what?” When you’re talking about a strength, the last beat of your answer should tie whatever skill or trait you’ve been discussing to the role and company you’re applying for.

Tell the interviewer how that strength would be useful in this job at this company. Going back to the revamped client proposal example, you might add, “Since things move quickly at [Company], this would allow me to come in and earn a new team’s confidence and foster a trusting team culture while also ensuring we’re all hitting our goals and delivering high-quality work.”

In the case of a weakness, “Really showcase your growth trajectory, your learning curve, what you’ve done as a result of the awareness of that weakness,” Smith says. It’ll help the interviewer understand how you’d approach problem-solving and professional growth in this new job.

So if you were the candidate with the presentation snafu, you might talk about how you sat down with your boss to make a plan to improve your public speaking skills, and how the next time you had to present to the execs you knocked it out of the park.

4. Keep it short

You don’t have to devote half the interview to these answers. You can keep your response relatively brief and focused on one or two strengths and/or weaknesses, depending on how the question was phrased.

To add to our list of overused-but-handy phrases: Think quality, not quantity. Don’t dive in and rattle off a litany of things you think you’re good or bad at without explaining anything. Instead, narrow it down and go into detail.

5. Don’t sweat it so much

While you definitely want to prepare and do your best to nail your answers, try not to stress too much. “I have never known an employment decision to come down to how someone answers those questions,” Smith says. “It’s just one data point connected with a whole bunch of other ones. So don’t give it too much weight.”

Example of strengths and weaknesses to use in an interview

Here's a list of strengths and weaknesses you can use as the basis of your answers for these questions in your next job interview:

Example strengths for job interviews

• Attention to detail
• Being adaptable
• Being proactive
• Building relationships
• Being willing to go above and beyond to help others
• Coming up with innovative solutions
• Communicating in writing
• Displaying emotional intelligence
• Having experience with a problem that the company is currently facing
• Figuring out how to effectively use a piece of software
• Giving or receiving constructive feedback
• Good time management skills
• Great leadership skills
• Handling conflicts
• Interpreting data and/or results
• Managing projects
• Motivating employees
• Noticing small details
• Prioritizing
• Public speaking
• Recognizing patterns
• Setting deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Switching between different tasks quickly
• Self-motivating
• Thinking critically
• Working well under pressure

Example weaknesses for job interviews

• Being a perfectionist
• Being too hard on yourself
• Getting too caught up in small details
• Getting nervous about speaking to groups or on the phone
• Ignoring or rationalizing away constructive feedback
• Locking in on a certain idea or way of doing things
• Losing track of deadlines, tasks, or work products
• Making basic math errors or not being able to do math in your head
• Making frequent grammar errors when writing
• Maintaining work-life balance

Not being able to say no to extra work

• Not being comfortable with vague instructions
• Not being confident
• Not being willing to change your mind

Not knowing when to ask for clarification

• Not picking up on nonverbal cues
• Missing deadlines
• Overlooking small details
• Procrastinating
• Struggling with time management
• Taking on too much work rather than delegating or saying no
• Writing unclearly

How to answer “What are your strengths?” in an interview

Use this opportunity to emphasize the most important qualities you’d bring to the role, team, and company. Smith recommends reading carefully through the job description and learning as much as you can about what the company is up to and what the culture is like. Read various pages on the organization’s website, take a look at its social media accounts, and catch up on some recent announcements and news coverage if applicable.

Use what you’ve learned to identify which of your strengths is most relevant and how it will allow you to contribute. Then make the connection inescapable. “Every answer should position you to help them see how you can solve a problem” and help the company achieve its goals, Smith says.

At the same time, you don’t want to go overboard. “It’s such a fine line. I always tell people not to worry about bragging, but you also don’t want to come across as cocky or too full of yourself,” she says. Give a confident and honest assessment that does your skills justice, but don’t let yourself veer into hyperbole.

Read this next: How to Answer “What’s Your Greatest Strength?” (Plus Examples!)

Organization

Let's say you’re applying for an operations role at a startup and you pick organization as one of your strengths. Connect this characteristic with that type of work environment and illustrate how it has already or could potentially enhance your performance in a future role.

Example answer:

“I’d say one of my greatest strengths is bringing organization to hectic environments and implementing processes to make everyone’s lives easier. In my current role as an executive assistant to a CEO, I created new processes for pretty much everything, from scheduling meetings to planning monthly all hands agendas to selecting and preparing for event appearances.

Everyone in the company knew how things worked and how long they would take, and the structures helped alleviate stress and set expectations on all sides. I’d be excited to bring that same approach to an operations manager role at a startup, where everything is new and constantly growing and could use just the right amount of structure to keep things running smoothly.”

Adaptability

Picture a teacher whose standout strength is being adaptable to new environments and situations. It's a key asset in education, where teachers often face new students each year and need to find creative ways to connect them with the curriculum.

“I think that as a teacher, one of the top goals is keeping students engaged. That’s why I think it’s important that some of my greatest strengths are being adaptable, gauging a classroom’s excitement and energy, and coming up with creative and varied lesson plans. I’ve come up with a system where I have a complete lesson plan for each day but build in some flexibility to go in any order.

I also make sure that for each day I have activities that help students relax, get them moving around, encourage them to participate, and allow them to work independently. The variety and flexibility together let me be responsive and match the students’ energy levels and moods—for example, if they’re hyped up after lunch, exhausted after gym class, or getting antsy after a long period at their desks.”

Time management

Imagine a recent grad applying for an entry-level position. Without work experience, you'd likely draw from your school experience for your answer. In this scenario, you'd have to tell an anecdote that illustrates how this particular strength can transfer to your working style.

“One of my greatest strengths is my time management. As a Division I athlete who also maintained a 3.7 GPA and worked part-time, I really honed my ability to prioritize and schedule my time to account for classes, practices, games, homework, and shifts. I gave every activity, assignment, or study session a priority rating and estimated plenty of extra time for all of them before plotting them out on my calendar and setting phone alarms.

I didn’t usually need so many reminders, but it helped give me peace of mind. I talked with my boss—who was luckily super understanding—to figure out which shifts were best for each semester. Sure, I was mocked for the giant wall calendar in my bedroom, but it was worth it for the results. As an HR assistant, I know I’ll be getting a lot of different assignments from the team, so I plan to hone and evolve my existing systems to make sure everything gets done on time and to a high standard.”

A graphic designer applying for a job at an agency might say his greatest strength is creativity. Besides being a key trait for the role, graphic designers often face unexpected challenges and must think quickly to find creative solutions. So, it makes perfect sense.

“I think that my greatest strength is changing up design styles and aesthetics to match different campaigns or brands—or in the case of this job, clients. I love the challenge of being creative within different rules, such as brand guidelines or just a mood that a client is going for.

I love to expose myself to a lot of different artists and art styles so that I always have new ideas and don’t get stuck in one groove. At my current job, I’ve designed campaign graphics and templates for medications being explained to doctors and pharmacists, exercise equipment being advertised to teenagers and young adults, and more—all with great results.”

How to answer “What is your greatest weakness?” in an interview

While you’ll definitely want to tie your strengths to the role and company you’re applying for, you should avoid that approach when talking about your weaknesses. “You don’t necessarily want them associating a weakness with their company or with what they’re looking for,” Smith says.

For example, if the job description for a sales role lists excellent verbal communication skills, you shouldn’t say one of your weaknesses is thinking on your feet during phone calls, even if you’ve worked hard to improve and feel more than competent now.

Instead, talk about a weakness that doesn’t obviously impair your ability to perform the core functions of the role. Make sure you admit the weakness, pivot to the insight, and end on a strong note. “If someone can be honest and have the self-awareness to answer that question, I think that says a lot about their emotional intelligence and their professional maturity,” Smith says.

Her last piece of advice is not to pick a “weakness” like, “I’m such a hard worker,” or, “I’m too much of a perfectionist.” Answering this question with these clichés will backfire, because it comes off as disingenuous, oblivious, or immature. Also, none of those are qualities that’ll get you the job.

For an even deeper dive, read this next:  How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” (Plus Examples!)

If you’re applying for an engineering job, not knowing when to ask for clarification is a “safe” weakness to mention in job interviews, as trying to figure out problems on your own isn't a negative trait. The key is to emphasize that you're actively working to improve by becoming better at seeking guidance when needed.

“My greatest weakness would probably be waiting too long to ask questions to clarify the goals of a project and to make sure I’m on the right path. I noticed in one of my first coding jobs out of college that I would get an assignment and, because I assumed I should be able to work independently, I’d waste time going down a particular road that didn’t 100% align with the ultimate goal and then would have to spend additional time making changes.

After it happened once or twice, I started asking my manager more questions about why we were adding a particular feature, who it was intended for, what about the previous functionality had made for a poor experience, etc. And especially for bigger projects, I would reach out when I needed a gut check to ask follow-up questions as well as to share the work I’d done so far and what I was planning to do next. In the long run, it meant I could finish projects faster and do better work.”

If your greatest weakness is overloading yourself with work, instead of saying something like “I work too hard,” it's better to explain that you struggle to decline extra work. Simply being a hard worker doesn't necessarily align with the job if it means not knowing how to set healthy boundaries and prioritize tasks effectively. So, be sure to mention the measures you're taking to develop a more balanced relationship with work.

“My greatest weakness is probably knowing when to say no to extra tasks. As an entry-level IT employee, I was sure that the best way to impress was to make the people I worked with think I could literally do it all. If someone wanted something fixed by tomorrow, I’d promise to do it by tomorrow, even if I already had four high-priority tickets on my plate for the day. I found myself working long hours, and my supervisor talked to me about how I was doing extra tasks but my main work was getting sloppier and slower.

I realized that I needed to get better at saying ‘no’ and ‘yes, but not right now.’ With my supervisor’s guidance, I started asking a few standard questions whenever I was given a new task, such as what an issue was blocking or impeding, when it needed to be addressed by, what kind of flexibility there was in that timeline, and whether the employee had tried some simple fixes they could do themselves.

I also started scheduling an hour each morning or afternoon for things that popped up, but outside of those times, unless something was on fire, I was working on my core job of strengthening our internal network security. Over time, I’ve become way better at prioritizing, communicating and setting expectations, and making sure extra tasks didn’t prevent me from getting my work done—and done well.”

Struggling with written communication

Expressing thoughts through written words can be a real struggle for many. Even if your job doesn't require a lot of writing, most companies use emails and platforms like Slack. Acknowledging the need to improve your writing skills can show self-awareness and leave a positive impression on hiring managers.

Example answer

“Before I started working, I always bought into the idea that people who were good with computers and numbers didn’t necessarily need to be good with words, and that in some cases, they just couldn’t  be. So I just sort of did the bare minimum to get by in required writing and English classes. But as soon as I started my first job, I realized that my written communication skills were probably my greatest weakness, and they were holding me back.

I kept finding myself misunderstood when I sent emails or Slack messages, or it would take me half an hour to write a paragraph because I didn’t know how to translate my thoughts and ideas into words. I decided to take a basic writing course in my free time, but I also started to read the written communication I was getting from others at work with an eye toward understanding what worked well and what didn’t.

Over time, my messages have needed less and less clarification and I’ve found myself getting the words on the page much faster. My boss even mentioned she’s noticed a significant improvement and tasked me with sending out monthly team updates.”

Lack of confidence

Lack of confidence in your work or ideas is a sentiment that many employees can empathize with. If you are not applying for a leadership or management role—where self-assurance and productivity are crucial—it's OK to mention this as your greatest weakness. Just be careful to not turn your answer into a pity party. Instead, paint a picture of the situation that helped you identify the issue and explain the steps you're currently taking to address it.

“My greatest weakness is having less confidence than I should in my ideas. I used to be terrified to bring up my ideas during meetings—I was so afraid they were bad or even that I’d get laughed at. But as a result, I watched others at my level get noticed and move up faster. So I went to someone on my team who had a few more years experience than me and who I was friendly with.

I asked her if I could start running my ideas by her before meetings. That way, I could tell myself that if she didn’t think they were hilariously stupid, that at least I wouldn’t be laughed out of the office. And I’d have practice saying them out loud in front of one person I really trusted first. It turned out she really liked most of my ideas and I started mentioning things I’d rehearsed with her.

Eventually, I felt like I could gauge my ideas better for myself, and I no longer needed that confidence boost. I’ve also presented a few bad ideas—and realized it wasn’t the end of the world or even the end of the conversation. Now I’m way more confident sharing ideas in group settings or to higher ups and it’s been really rewarding to see those ideas generate excitement and come to fruition.”

Key takeaways

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?” is one of the most common interview questions, so you should be prepared to answer it confidently. Contrary to popular belief, recruiters ask this question not to make you uncomfortable, but to gauge your self-awareness and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.

Be sincere; avoid cliches such as “workaholic” or ”perfectionist.” Ideally, your strengths should align with qualities valuable for the role you're applying for, while your greatest weakness should be unrelated to the specific job responsibilities.

To craft a perfect response, employ the “show, don't tell” strategy. Share anecdotes about situations where your strength proved valuable to former employers or team members, and describe a specific instance that helped you recognize your weakness and the steps you've taken to improve upon it.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? [Best Answers 2024]

One of the most common questions you’ll come across in any job interview is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” 

At a glance, this interview question may seem like a trap. 

How are you supposed to talk about your strengths without bragging, or admit your weaknesses without harming your chances of getting hired? 

Well, here’s a news flash – you’re not the only job candidate who struggles here. And we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

How to answer “what are your strengths and weaknesses”.

• 79 Sample Answers for Different Professions and Levels of Experience 

Let’s dive in!

The first step to acing this tricky interview question is understanding why interviewers ask it in the first place. 

There are a few reasons why “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” is such a popular interview question. It helps the interviewer:

• Assess your self-awareness. Being able to identify your strengths and weaknesses is a sign of self-awareness, which is a valuable trait in the workplace. Self-aware employees can make the most of their strengths and work to improve their weaknesses. 
• See whether you can improve. Everyone has weaknesses, but not everyone works on them. So, when asking this question, the interviewer wants to see whether you are the type of person who actively works on improving your skills and yourself. 
• Learn about your work style. The way you answer this question can reveal a lot about your personality and work style, like how you cope with stress or whether you’re a team player.
• Evaluate if you’re the right fit for the job. At the end of the day, the interviewer wants to know whether you have the necessary skills and work experience to succeed in the role. Here, your strengths can be what proves you’re a right fit, while your weaknesses can show they won’t harm your work performance. 
• See how you handle a tough question. Talking about your weaknesses can be stressful, and interviewers may use this as an opportunity to see how you handle thinking under pressure. 

In a nutshell, how you talk about your strengths and weaknesses can make or break your whole job interview.

But this question also gives you a valuable opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. If you have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, you can demonstrate your self-awareness, your ability to improve, and what a good fit you are for the position.

Looking for a guide to other job interview questions? Read our article for 35 of the most common interview questions and how to answer them!

How to Never Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

As we mentioned, talking about your strengths and weaknesses might make or break your interview.

So let’s briefly cover what you should never do when answering this question.

• Brag about your strengths. You should be humble when talking about your strengths. You don’t want to come off as arrogant.
• Describe a strength as a weakness. Saying you’re “too ambitious” or that you “work too hard” isn’t a real weakness, and the interviewer won’t be impressed. You’re only going to come across as disingenuous, so you’re better off not trying this tactic.
• Claim to have no weaknesses. Everybody has weaknesses, and claiming you don’t is going to tell the interviewer you’re not very self-aware.
• Talk about obvious strengths everyone should have. Being a “hard worker,” or “punctual” aren’t unique or insightful strengths - they’re merely responsibilities. They’re the bare minimum.
• Mention dealbreaker weaknesses. If your weakness is something crucially important for the role, you’re probably not getting hired.
• Be too vague. Interviewers want insight into who you are, so give specific examples. Trying to be vague isn’t going to help you ace this question.
• Ramble during the interview. Have a clear idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are before the job interview. You don’t want to think out loud when it’s time to give a concrete answer.

Want to know what else to avoid during your job interview? Check out this article to learn what the biggest interview mistakes are.

We’ve covered the basics, so now it’s time to learn how to answer this interview question effectively.

To make things easy, we’ve split the process into seven easy steps you can follow, starting with:

#1. Tailor Your Answer to the Job

Your answer to this question should always be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.

So, before the interview, carefully review the job ad and the job description. 

At this stage, you need to identify the relevant keywords for the role, such as the required qualities and experiences.

When you discuss your strengths, make sure to emphasize traits that directly align with the requirements you read in the job ad.

As for weaknesses, avoid mentioning anything that might undermine what a good match you are for the job. If you do have a weakness that’s directly relevant to the role, you can acknowledge it but follow up by explaining how you're working on it and actively improving.

You want to use this question to position yourself as an ideal candidate for the role, so you need to understand what the job is. Don't waste time discussing strengths or weaknesses that aren’t related to the role or what the employer is interested in knowing about you.

• "I'm really enthusiastic, and I can't wait to start engaging with clients and helping them find the best marketing strategies for their needs. I saw that this marketing internship has a focus on social media, which is my strong suit. During my time in school, I actually led a project where we increased follower engagement by 25% through targeted social media campaigns. As for weaknesses, one area I'm working on improving is my time management skills, particularly when I have to balance multiple projects. I ended up getting overwhelmed a lot during university, but I've been using task management tools and I’ve started to improve and become more productive.”

#2. Emphasize Your Strengths

When answering this question, focus more on highlighting your strengths than discussing your weaknesses.

The interviewer wants to see why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. So, talk about the skills, qualities, and experiences that make you a great fit.

Describe strengths that are relevant to the job. For example, if the role needs excellent customer service abilities , discuss your strong communication skills and give an example of how you went above and beyond for a customer.

On the other hand, when it comes to weaknesses, focus on how you’re working on improving them. Don’t just say you’re bad at time management - explain to the interviewer what you’re doing to get better, and how far you’ve already come.

#3. Be Honest Without Oversharing

While it's important to put your best foot forward, you should also be honest when discussing your strengths and weaknesses. Don't exaggerate or outright lie, as that can come back to bite you later.

The interviewer is trying to gauge if you're really a good fit for the role. But if they hire you and you turn out to be a poor choice, things can get messy. They’ll know you lied, your professional reputation will suffer, and you might even lose your job.

For your strengths, provide accurate examples that represent your most important skills and experiences, but don’t oversell them. A grounded, realistic sales pitch is the most effective.

As for your weaknesses, you don't need to air every flaw you have, especially if it isn’t at all related to the role - the interviewer doesn’t need to know how bad you are at parallel parking.

Just pick an honest weakness that's not directly related to the role and won't mess up your chances of getting hired. For example, poor organizational skills can be a deal-breaker weakness for a project manager, but having anxiety over deadlines is something the employer can look past.

Then, talk about how you’ve acknowledged your weakness and how you’re working on improving. The interviewer will want to know you’re self-aware enough to admit to a weakness but also capable of handling the job because you’re ready to work on it.

#4. Practice Your Response

Don't try to completely wing your answer to "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" during the actual interview. Like for most interview questions, you’ll need to prepare ahead of time to ace it.

Before the interview, make a list of your major strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on specific examples from past jobs, schoolwork, or other experiences that show those strengths and weaknesses in action.

Then, practice delivering your response out loud. Consider asking a friend or family member for help, or practice in front of a mirror. You want to make sure your answer is clear and compelling for your job interview.

If you practice, you’ll be more comfortable and confident by the time your interview rolls around.

However, don’t try to memorize a specific response.

If the interviewer asks a follow-up question, they can catch you off guard, and you’ll end up stumbling over your words. It’s better to practice talking about yourself and have a few strengths and weaknesses you’re comfortable sharing on the spot.

Want a sure-fire way to ace any interview? Learn the STAR method and land that dream job!

#5. Stay On Topic

Keep the focus on how your strengths and weaknesses relate to the job and what you can offer the company. Don't go into overly personal details about your life outside of work.

For strengths, discuss how they can help you excel at the job. For example, if you’re a motivated self-starter, focus on how that relates to the role you’re applying for and how you believe this strength can benefit the company.

For weaknesses, avoid anything that doesn’t directly impact your professional performance. The interviewer doesn't need to know how much your independent spirit affects your personal life.

Talk about weaknesses that provide you with learning experiences to grow as an employee, like how you struggled with delegating tasks before you improved your leadership skills .

#6. Back-Up Your Claims

The key to answering this interview question right isn’t to just state your strengths and weaknesses - you need to be ready to provide specific examples that back up what you're saying.

Be prepared with stories that showcase your strengths in action. Think about a few impressive achievements from your previous job or your relevant coursework . Be ready to quantify any successes to make your claims more credible.

For example, maybe you increased sales by 25% through a new marketing campaign you led. Or you streamlined an inefficient process that saved your team 10 hours per week.

For weaknesses, you should also avoid vague statements. Saying you "struggle working with others" isn’t a great answer. Instead, explain the situation, what you learned, and how you've improved.

For example, maybe early in your career, you had trouble working as part of a team because you’re more introverted. Explain what you did to address your weakness and how your teamwork skills have improved since then.

#7. Keep Things Brief

You don’t want to bore the interviewer with your answer, nor do they need to hear your life story.

Make sure your examples are short and to the point, just enough for them to understand why you’re a great candidate.

Give a clear one or two-sentence overview of any strength you mention, and provide a specific example that demonstrates it. For example:

• “One of my greatest strengths is attention to detail. For the past two years, I've earned perfect audit scores by meticulously cross-checking my work."

Then, for weaknesses , briefly explain the area you struggle with and give a concrete example of how it’s impacted your work. Then move on to how you've actively addressed it.

• "Early on, public speaking made me uncomfortable. Last year, when my presentation skills impacted a client pitch, I knew I had to take action. So, since then, I've joined an amateur standup comedy club to improve. I’m a lot less anxious now and I’m better at thinking on my feet."

FAQs on Strengths and Weaknesses

Have some questions left about strengths and weaknesses? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

#1. What Are Some Strengths and Weaknesses for a Student?

Some common student strengths include curiosity and eagerness to learn new things, the ability to adapt and adjust to changing situations, good time-management skills, strong work ethic and determination to succeed, creativity and innovative thinking, good communication skills, and the ability to work in teams

Meanwhile, weaknesses include procrastination and lack of motivation , or time-management skills, difficulty with concentration and focus, limited organization skills, difficulty with critical thinking and problem-solving , and a lack of self-discipline and self-motivation.

#2. How Can I Assess My Strengths and Weaknesses?

To assess your strengths, think about the skills that you really have and that you can prove that you possess with specific examples and achievements. Then, pick the strengths that have helped you the most in your career so far or that can come in handy for the role you’re applying for. 

When it comes to identifying your weaknesses, here are some strategies that can help you:

First, seek feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors on areas where they think that you can improve. This can help you identify blind spots you may not be aware of.

Then spend some time reflecting on your professional performance. Think about situations where you faced challenges and try to pinpoint the underlying reasons. 

Use objective assessment tools, such as personality traits or skills assessments, to identify where you need to improve. 

Finally, set goals to address all the weaknesses you’ve identified so you can address them.

#3. What Are Some Good Strengths and Weaknesses to Mention in a Job Interview?

There is no one-fits-all answer to this question, as each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses in their personal and professional life.

Generally, you should mention a strength that highlights skills that are relevant to the role or industry you’re applying for and that you can prove with achievements and concrete data.

Your weaknesses shouldn’t be deal breakers, like lacking a crucial skill for the job, but they should be relevant enough to mention. Just make sure the interviewer knows how you’ve improved on that weakness.

#4. What Is the Most Common Weakness?

Some of the most common weaknesses are:

Public speaking, meeting deadlines, delegation, lack of patience , lack of attention to detail, lack of experience with certain software, difficulty giving constructive criticism, trouble saying "no" to extra work, and struggling with confidence.

#5. Is Overthinking a Weakness?

Overthinking can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on how you frame it.

On one hand, overthinking can make you thorough, detail-oriented , and more dedicated to your work than others.

On the other hand, it might lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and perfectionism that never let you finish your work completely.

It’s important to find a balance between being “detail-oriented” and “overthinking” so you can achieve a healthy work-life balance and excel in your career.

#6. What Are Some Other Common Interview Questions?

Some of the other most common interview questions include “ Tell me about yourself ” and “ Why should we hire you? ”

As with any interview question, we recommend taking the time to prepare your answers in advance so you can shine during your job interview.

“What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?” Sample Answers

Need inspiration to talk about your strengths and weaknesses? Don’t sweat it.

We have a curated list of over 79 sample answers for different professions and levels of experience that you can use to formulate your own answer.

Sales and Customer Service Sample Answers

#1. sales associate sample answer.

"One of my strengths is my ability to connect with customers quickly and build rapport. In my previous role at XYZ Retail, I consistently exceeded my sales targets by 20% each quarter because I took the time to understand customer needs and recommend the best products. I also have strong problem-solving skills, which helped me resolve customer issues effectively and maintain high customer satisfaction ratings. As for weaknesses, something I've been working on is my tendency to be too detail-oriented, which sometimes slows me down. But I've really been improving by setting time limits for tasks and prioritizing my workload better! It helps me maintain my attention to detail while becoming more efficient at my daily tasks."

Read a full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Account Manager Sample Answer

"My biggest strength is my ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. In my previous role at ABC Agency, I increased client retention rates by 15% by regularly checking in with clients and proactively addressing their needs. I also excel at strategic planning, which allowed me to develop successful account strategies that boosted revenue by 25% over the past year. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with delegation because I like to ensure everything is perfect. However, I've been working on this by training team members more thoroughly and trusting them with more responsibilities. This approach has helped me focus on higher-level tasks and improved team efficiency."

#3. Software Support Specialist Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently. In my previous role at Tech Solutions Inc., I consistently maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rate by providing clear, step-by-step solutions to different software problems. I also have strong communication skills, which helped me explain complex technical concepts in an easy-to-understand way for non-technical users. My weakness is that I sometimes find it challenging to ask for help because I like to solve problems independently. However, I've been working on this by actively seeking feedback from my coworkers and participating in team discussions. This definitely improved my collaborative skills and led to more effective problem-solving in the long run."

#4. Customer Service Representative Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my ability to stay calm and helpful when dealing with upset customers. In my last job at Customer Care Co., I helped increase our customer satisfaction score by 15% by listening carefully and solving problems quickly. I'm also good at multitasking, which helped me handle high call volumes without compromising service quality. As for weaknesses, I sometimes find it hard to say no, which can lead to overcommitting. But I've been working on this by setting clear boundaries and learning to prioritize tasks better. This has helped me manage my workload more effectively."

Read a full customer service resume example here.

#5. Cashier Sample Answer

"I’d say my attention to detail is one of my strengths. It helps me handle money accurately. In my last job at Grocery Mart, I reduced cash mistakes by 20% by being careful with transactions. I'm also friendly, which has always helped me get along well with regular customers. As for weaknesses, I sometimes get nervous when it's really busy. But I've been working on staying calm by using stress-relief techniques and staying organized, which helps me work better during busy times."

Read a full cashier resume example here.

#6. Retail Manager Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my leadership ability, which helps me motivate my team to achieve high performance. In my last job at Fashion Hub, I increased sales by 30% by setting clear goals and providing support to my team. I'm also good at organizing tasks, which helped our store run smoothly and efficiently. As for weaknesses, I sometimes find it hard to delegate tasks because I like to be in control. But I've been working on this by trusting my team more and assigning tasks based on their strengths, which has made us more effective as a whole."

Read a full retail manager resume example here.

#7. Barista Sample Answer

"My strengths include my ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers. At my previous job at Café Bliss, I helped increase customer satisfaction by 25% through friendly service and remembering regulars' orders. I'm also good at multitasking, which helped me handle busy rush hours efficiently. As for weaknesses, I sometimes focus too much on perfecting each drink, which can slow me down. But I've been working on balancing speed with quality, which has helped me serve customers faster while still making great drinks."

Read a full barista resume example here.

#8. Server Sample Answer

"Definitely my excellent customer service skills! They help me create a positive dining experience for guests. In my last job at The Bistro, I constantly got positive reviews for being attentive and friendly. I'm also good at multitasking, which helped me handle multiple tables efficiently. As for weaknesses, I sometimes find it challenging to ask for help when the restaurant gets really busy. But I've been working on this by communicating better with my team and learning to delegate tasks, which has made our service smoother."

Read a full server resume example here.

#9. Waiter Sample Answer

"Well, my quick memory is a strength since it helps me remember orders accurately without writing them down. At my last job at Dine Fine, this helped me speed up service and reduce order mistakes. I'm also very friendly, which made customers feel welcome and increased repeat visits. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with staying calm during really busy times. But I've been working on staying focused and taking deep breaths, which helps me keep my cool and work better under pressure."

Read a full waiter resume example here.

#10. Front Desk Agent Sample Answer

"One of my strengths is my friendly and welcoming attitude, which helps guests feel comfortable and valued. At my last job at City Hotel, this helped improve guest satisfaction scores by 20%. I'm also good at problem-solving, which allows me to handle guest issues quickly and efficiently. When it comes to weaknesses… I sometimes struggle with being too detail-oriented, which can slow me down. But I've been working on balancing attention to detail with efficiency, which has helped me serve guests faster while still providing great service."

#11. Housekeeper Sample Answer

"I take pride in my attention to detail, making sure every room I clean is spotless. At my last job at CleanStay Hotel, guests often complimented the cleanliness of their rooms, which boosted our ratings. I'm also pretty quick and can clean rooms thoroughly without missing a spot. On the downside, I sometimes hesitate to ask for help when my workload gets heavy. But I've been getting better at talking with my team and sharing tasks, which makes everything run smoother."

#12. Line Cook Sample Answer

"I have a knack for working quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. In my last job at Bistro 24, I helped speed up service times during busy hours without compromising on quality. I'm also great at following recipes and maintaining consistency in every dish. On the flip side, I sometimes struggle with handling stress during peak times. However, I've been practicing deep-breathing techniques and staying organized, which helps me stay calm and focused during rush hour."

#13. Restaurant Manager Sample Answer

"I'm great at leading a team and ensuring smooth operations. At my last job at The Diner Spot, I helped increase sales by 20% through better staff training and customer service. I'm also good at problem-solving and handling customer complaints efficiently. One weakness I've noticed is that I can be too hands-on, which sometimes prevents my team from taking initiative. But I've been working on stepping back and empowering my staff, which has led to a more motivated and independent team."

#14. Bar Manager Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere, which keeps customers coming back. At my last job at The Night Owl, I introduced themed nights that boosted sales by 25%. I'm also great at managing inventory and ensuring we never run out of popular items. One weakness I've faced is sometimes taking on too many responsibilities myself instead of delegating. However, I've been focusing on trusting my team more and assigning tasks based on their strengths, which improved our overall efficiency."

Read a full bar manager resume example here.

Administrative and HR Sample Answers

#15. receptionist sample answer.

"I'm very good at making a positive first impression and helping visitors feel welcome. At my last job at Greenfield Office Suites, my friendly attitude helped improve our client satisfaction scores. I'm also organized, which helps me manage appointments and calls efficiently. One weakness I have is sometimes taking on too many tasks at once, which can be overwhelming. But I've been working on prioritizing my tasks better and asking for help when needed, which has made me more effective in my role."

Read a full receptionist resume example here.

#16. Recruiter Sample Answer

"I'm great at identifying talent and matching candidates to the right roles. At my last job at TalentFinders, I improved the hiring process, reducing time-to-hire by 30%. I'm also strong at building relationships with both candidates and hiring managers. One weakness I've been working on is balancing multiple job requisitions at once, but I've improved by using better organizational tools and setting clearer priorities."

Read a full recruiter resume example here.

#17. Human Resources Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at handling employee relations and ensuring a positive workplace culture. At my last job at TechCorp, I helped resolve conflicts and improve employee satisfaction. I'm also good at managing benefits and compliance issues. However, I sometimes find it challenging to stay updated with all the latest HR regulations. To address this, I've started dedicating regular time to professional development and staying current with HR news."

Read a full human resources resume example here.

#18. Office Manager Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at keeping an office running smoothly and efficiently. At my previous job at Creative Solutions, I implemented a new filing system that saved time and increased productivity. I'm also good at managing budgets and supplies. My weakness is that I sometimes take on too many tasks myself instead of delegating. But I've been working on trusting my team more and assigning tasks effectively."

Read a full office manager resume example here.

#19. Secretary Sample Answer

"I'm highly organized and can manage schedules and correspondence efficiently. In my last job at Law Offices of Smith & Brown, I improved our scheduling system, which helped reduce appointment conflicts. I'm also good at multitasking and handling various administrative duties. My weakness is that I sometimes struggle with saying no, which can lead to taking on too much. However, I've been working on setting clear boundaries and prioritizing my tasks better."

#20. Executive Assistant Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at providing high-level support and managing complex schedules. At my previous job at Global Enterprises, I streamlined the executive's calendar, which improved their productivity. I'm also good at handling confidential information discreetly. One area I'm working on is balancing multiple high-priority tasks at once. To improve, I've been using better time-management techniques and setting clearer priorities."

Read a full executive assistant resume example here.

#21. Administrative Assistant Sample Answer

"I'm great at supporting office operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly. At my last job at Bright Futures Inc., I helped organize events and manage schedules efficiently. I'm also good at handling customer inquiries and administrative tasks. My weakness is sometimes being too detail-oriented, which can slow me down. But I've been working on balancing attention to detail with efficiency by setting time limits for tasks."

Read a full administrative assistant resume example here.

#22. Data Entry Clerk Sample Answer

"I'm very accurate and fast at entering data, which helps maintain error-free records. At my previous job at DataSync, I increased data entry speed by 20% while maintaining high accuracy. I'm also good at organizing and managing large amounts of information. One weakness I've noticed is that I can sometimes get too focused on the details and lose track of time. However, I've been working on improving my time management by setting timers and taking regular breaks."

Read a full data entry resume example here.

Finance Sample Answers

#23. accountant sample answer.

"I'm very detail-oriented and excel at managing financial records accurately. At my last job at FinanceCorp, I reduced errors in our financial reports by 25% through meticulous review and process improvements. I'm also good at analyzing data to help make informed financial decisions. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time on small details, but I've been working on prioritizing tasks better and focusing on the bigger picture."

Read a full accountant resume example here.

#24. Financial Analyst Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at analyzing financial data and providing actionable insights. At my previous job at InvestWell, I helped increase our portfolio performance by 15% through detailed market analysis. I'm also proficient in using financial software and tools. A weakness I've faced is sometimes overanalyzing data, which can delay decisions. However, I've been improving by setting clear deadlines and focusing on the most impactful metrics."

Read a full financial analyst resume example here.

#25. Bank Teller Sample Answer

"I'm very good at handling cash transactions accurately and efficiently. In my last job at First National Bank, I consistently balanced my drawer with no discrepancies. I'm also friendly and customer-focused, which helped build good relationships with regular clients. My weakness is sometimes feeling overwhelmed during busy periods, but I've been working on staying calm under pressure by using stress-management techniques."

Read a full bank teller resume example here.

#26. Banker Sample Answer

"I'm strong at building relationships with clients and understanding their financial needs. At my previous job at CityBank, I helped increase our client base by 20% through personalized service and financial advice. I'm also knowledgeable about a wide range of banking products. One area I’m working on is handling multiple client requests simultaneously. To improve, I've been using better organizational tools and setting clear priorities."

Read a full banker resume example here.

Business Sample Answers

#27. business analyst sample answer.

"I'm skilled at analyzing business processes and recommending improvements. At my last job at Tech Solutions, I helped streamline operations, which increased efficiency by 30%. I'm also good at gathering and interpreting data to support decision-making. My weakness is sometimes taking too long to gather all the data, but I've been working on making quicker decisions by focusing on the most critical information first."

Read a full business analyst resume example here.

#28. Business Development Manager Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at identifying new business opportunities and building strong client relationships. At my previous job at GrowthTech, I increased revenue by 25% through strategic partnerships and market expansion. I'm also good at developing and implementing growth strategies. My weakness is sometimes being overly optimistic about potential deals, but I've been working on maintaining a more balanced perspective by doing thorough risk assessments."

Read a full business development manager resume example here.

#29. Project Manager Sample Answer

"I'm great at planning and executing projects on time and within budget. In my last job at BuildRight, I successfully managed a large construction project that finished two weeks ahead of schedule. I'm also skilled at leading teams and ensuring everyone is on track. One weakness I have is sometimes being too detail-focused, but I've been working on delegating more and trusting my team to handle specifics, which has improved our overall efficiency."

Read a full project manager resume example here.

Marketing and Advertising Sample Answers

#30. marketing executive sample answer.

"I'm great at creating and executing marketing campaigns that drive results. At my last job at MarketMinds, I launched a campaign that increased leads by 40%. I'm also skilled at analyzing market trends to identify opportunities. A weakness I've been working on is managing multiple campaigns at once, but I've improved by using better project management tools and prioritizing tasks effectively."

Read a full marketing executive resume example here.

#31. Marketing Manager Sample Answer

"I excel at developing comprehensive marketing strategies that align with business goals. In my previous role at BrandBoost, I led a rebranding effort that increased our market share by 20%. I'm also good at leading teams and managing budgets. One area I'm improving on is balancing creativity with data-driven decisions. I've been working on this by incorporating more analytics into our strategy development."

Read a full marketing manager resume example here.

#32. Social Media Marketing Manager Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at creating engaging content and growing social media followings. At my last job at SocialBuzz, I increased our Instagram followers by 50% in six months. I'm also adept at using analytics to optimize campaigns. My weakness is sometimes getting too caught up in trends, but I've been working on balancing trendiness with our brand's voice by setting clearer guidelines."

#33. Content Marketer Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at producing high-quality content that resonates with audiences. At my previous job at ContentCreators, I helped increase website traffic by 30% through compelling blog posts and articles. I'm also skilled at SEO and keyword research. One weakness I have is occasionally spending too much time perfecting content, but I've been improving by setting strict deadlines and focusing on what's most important."

#34. SEO Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm great at optimizing websites to improve search engine rankings. At my last job at WebRank, I boosted organic traffic by 35% through effective SEO strategies. I'm also proficient in using various SEO tools and techniques. My weakness is sometimes getting too focused on technical details, but I've been working on maintaining a broader view by regularly reviewing overall performance metrics."

Read a full digital marketing resume here.

#35. PPC Specialist Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at managing pay-per-click campaigns that maximize ROI. In my previous role at AdPros, I increased our PPC conversion rate by 25% through careful analysis and optimization. I'm also good at budget management and bid strategy. One area I'm working on is staying updated with the latest PPC trends, but I've been dedicating regular time to learning and applying new strategies, which has helped keep our campaigns competitive."

IT and Software Development Sample Answers

#36. it specialist sample answer.

"I’m good at troubleshooting and solving technical issues quickly. At my last job at TechSolutions, I reduced system downtime by 40% through proactive maintenance. I’m also skilled at providing clear support to non-technical users. A weakness I’ve been working on is managing my time effectively when dealing with multiple support requests. To improve, I’ve started prioritizing tasks better and using time management tools."

Read a full IT resume example here.

#37. Software Engineer Sample Answer

"I excel at writing clean and efficient code. At my previous job at CodeMasters, I helped launch a new feature that improved user engagement by 30%. I’m also good at collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop robust software solutions. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time on code perfection, but I’ve been improving by setting strict deadlines and focusing on functional code first."

Read a full software engineer resume example here.

#38. Cyber Security Sample Answer

"I’m strong at identifying and mitigating security risks. In my last role at SecureNet, I implemented security protocols that reduced breaches by 50%. I’m also skilled at conducting thorough security audits. One area I’m working on is keeping up with the constantly evolving threat landscape. I’ve been dedicating more time to ongoing education and industry certifications to stay current."

#39. Web Developer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at building responsive and user-friendly websites. At my last job at WebWorks, I redesigned our homepage, which increased user retention by 20%. I’m also good at troubleshooting and optimizing web performance. A weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time on minor design details. To address this, I’ve been focusing on balancing aesthetics with functionality."

Read a full web developer resume example here.

#40. Computer Scientist Sample Answer

"I’m proficient in developing algorithms and solving complex problems. At my last job at InnovateTech, I created an algorithm that improved data processing speed by 25%. I’m also skilled in multiple programming languages. A weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes overcomplicating solutions. I’ve been working on simplifying my approaches by focusing on the most efficient solutions first."

Read a full computer scientist resume example here.

#41. Data Scientist Sample Answer

"I’m excellent at analyzing data and creating actionable insights. At my previous job at DataInsights, I developed a model that increased predictive accuracy by 15%. I’m also skilled at using machine learning techniques. One weakness I have is sometimes getting too deep into the data. I’ve been improving by setting clearer goals for analysis and regularly reviewing my progress."

Read a full data scientist resume example here.

#42. Data Analyst Sample Answer

"I’m good at interpreting data and providing valuable insights. At my last job at MarketAnalytics, I created reports that helped increase sales by 20%. I’m also skilled at using various data analysis tools. A weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time perfecting my reports. I’ve been improving by focusing on the most critical data and delivering insights promptly."

Read a full data analyst resume example here.

#43. DevOps Engineer Sample Answer

"I excel at automating processes and improving deployment efficiency. At my last job at CloudSolutions, I reduced deployment times by 50% through automation. I’m also good at collaborating with development and operations teams. One weakness I’ve faced is managing the balance between speed and stability. I’ve been working on this by implementing better testing procedures and monitoring systems."

Read a full DevOps engineer resume example here.

#44. AI Engineer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at developing AI models and implementing machine learning algorithms. At my previous job at AI Innovations, I created an AI system that improved recommendation accuracy by 30%. I’m also good at staying current with the latest AI research. A weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes overfocusing on complex models. I’ve been improving by considering simpler, more effective solutions and validating them thoroughly."

Read a full AI engineer resume example here.

#45. Java Developer Sample Answer

"I’m proficient in writing robust and efficient Java code. At my last job at CodeFactory, I developed a backend system that improved application performance by 25%. I’m also skilled in debugging and optimizing code. One weakness I’ve noticed is that I sometimes get too absorbed in coding details. I’ve been working on maintaining a broader perspective by regularly reviewing the overall architecture and design."

Read a full Java developer resume example here.

Health and Medicine Sample Answers

#46. nurse sample answer.

"I’m great at providing compassionate patient care and staying calm under pressure. At my last job at City Hospital, I helped improve patient satisfaction scores by 20% through attentive care. I’m also skilled at multitasking and managing time efficiently in a fast-paced environment. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes taking on too many tasks at once. To address this, I’ve been focusing on better prioritization and delegation."

Read a full nurse resume example here.

#47. Medical Assistant Sample Answer

"I’m good at assisting doctors and ensuring smooth patient visits. At my last job at Health Clinic, I helped streamline patient flow, reducing wait times by 15%. I’m also skilled at performing clinical tasks like drawing blood and taking vitals. One weakness I’ve faced is occasionally feeling overwhelmed during busy periods. I’ve been improving by staying organized and practicing better time management."

Read a full medical assistant resume example here.

#48. Dental Assistant Sample Answer

"I’m excellent at making patients feel comfortable and assisting the dentist efficiently. At my previous job at Smile Dental, I helped increase patient satisfaction by 25% through my friendly demeanor. I’m also skilled at sterilizing equipment and preparing exam rooms. A weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes getting nervous with complex procedures. I’ve been working on this by gaining more experience and asking for guidance when needed."

#49. Dentist Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at diagnosing and treating dental issues while making patients feel at ease. In my last practice, I increased patient retention by 30% through excellent care and communication. I’m also good at performing various dental procedures with precision. One weakness I’ve been working on is managing my time effectively during busy days. To improve, I’ve been focusing on better scheduling and delegation to my team."

Read a full dentist resume example here.

#50. Pharmacist Sample Answer

"I'm good at accurately dispensing medication and helping patients understand their prescriptions. At my last job at HealthMart Pharmacy, I reduced medication errors by double-checking every order. I'm also skilled at keeping track of inventory. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time with each patient, which can slow things down. But I've been working on balancing thoroughness with efficiency to serve everyone faster."

Read a full pharmacist resume example here.

Creative Sample Answers

#51. graphic designer sample answer.

"I’m great at creating visually appealing designs that meet client needs. At my last job at DesignWorks, I improved client satisfaction by 30% through innovative design solutions. I’m also skilled at using design software like Adobe Creative Suite. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time perfecting details. To improve, I’ve been focusing on managing my time better and meeting deadlines."

Read a full graphic designer resume example here.

#52. UI/UX Designer Sample Answer

"I excel at designing user-friendly interfaces that enhance the user experience. At my previous job at WebFlow, I helped increase user engagement by 25% through intuitive design. I’m also good at conducting user research and testing. A weakness I’ve been addressing is sometimes overanalyzing feedback, but I’ve improved by setting clear priorities and focusing on the most impactful changes."

#53. Product Designer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at designing products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At my last job at CreateTech, I helped launch a product that boosted sales by 20%. I’m also good at collaborating with cross-functional teams. One weakness I’ve been working on is managing tight deadlines, but I’ve been improving by using better planning and time management techniques."

#54. Creative Director Sample Answer

"I excel at leading creative projects and inspiring my team. At my last job at AdVision, I led a campaign that increased brand awareness by 35%. I’m also good at developing and executing creative strategies. One weakness I’ve faced is sometimes taking on too much myself, but I’ve been working on delegating tasks more effectively and trusting my team."

#55. Game Designer Sample Answer

"I’m great at creating engaging and innovative game concepts. At my previous job at PlayWorld, I helped design a game that won a major industry award. I’m also skilled at using game development tools and software. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes getting too focused on details, but I’ve been improving by keeping the overall vision in mind and meeting deadlines."

Read a full game designer resume example here.

#56. Animator Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at bringing characters and scenes to life through animation. At my last job at Animatrix, I worked on a project that received high praise for its animation quality. I’m also proficient in using animation software like After Effects and Maya. A weakness I’ve been addressing is sometimes spending too much time on small details. To improve, I’ve been focusing on balancing detail with overall progress."

Read a full animator resume example here.

#57. Illustrator Sample Answer

"I excel at creating detailed and visually appealing illustrations. At my previous job at ArtStudio, my work helped attract new clients and increase sales by 15%. I’m also good at working with various illustration tools and software. One weakness I’ve noticed is occasionally getting too perfectionistic. I’ve been working on setting clear deadlines and focusing on completing projects on time."

Read a full illustrator resume example here.

#58. Photographer Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at capturing high-quality images that tell a story. At my last job at PhotoPros, my work was featured in several major publications. I’m also proficient in using editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes taking too long to edit photos. I’ve been improving by streamlining my editing process and focusing on efficiency."

Read a full photographer resume example here.

#59. Actor Sample Answer

"I’m good at bringing characters to life and engaging audiences. At my last gig with StageStars, I received rave reviews for my performance. I’m also skilled at memorizing lines and adapting to different roles. One weakness I’ve faced is getting nervous during auditions. To improve, I’ve been practicing relaxation techniques and doing more audition prep to boost my confidence."

Read a full actor resume example here.

#60. Writer Sample Answer

"I excel at crafting compelling stories and content. At my previous job at WriteWell, my articles helped boost website traffic by 20%. I’m also skilled at researching and editing my work. One weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes spending too much time on revisions. I’ve been working on setting stricter deadlines for myself to ensure timely completion of my projects."

Read a full writer resume here.

#61. Editor Sample Answer

"I’m great at refining and improving written content. At my last job at EditPro, I helped enhance the quality of our publications, which increased readership by 25%. I’m also skilled at managing editorial projects and meeting deadlines. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes being too detail-oriented, which can slow me down. I’ve been focusing on balancing thorough editing with efficiency."

Read a full editor resume example here.

Education Sample Answers

#62. professor sample answer.

"I excel at conveying complex concepts in an understandable way. At my last position at State University, my innovative teaching methods increased student engagement and class enrollment by 25%. I’m also skilled at conducting research and publishing in academic journals. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes spending too much time on research, but I’ve improved by balancing my teaching and research duties more effectively."

Read a full academic CV example here.

#63. Teacher Sample Answer

"I’m great at creating engaging lesson plans that make learning fun. At my last job at Maple Elementary, I helped improve student test scores by 20% through interactive teaching methods. I’m also good at building strong relationships with my students. One weakness I’ve faced is occasionally getting too focused on individual students. I’ve been working on managing my time better to ensure all students get the attention they need."

Read a full teacher resume example here.

#64. Tutor Sample Answer

"I’m skilled at breaking down complex subjects into simple, understandable parts. At my last tutoring job, I helped students improve their grades by an average of one letter grade. I’m also good at being patient and encouraging with my students. One weakness I’ve been working on is sometimes getting too detailed in explanations, but I’ve been improving by focusing on the most important points first."

#65. Recent Graduate Sample Answer

"I’m good at applying what I’ve learned in real-world settings. During my internship at Tech Innovators, I contributed to a project that improved efficiency by 15%. I’m also eager to learn and adapt quickly. One weakness I’ve faced is lacking some practical experience, but I’ve been working on this by taking additional online courses and seeking out hands-on opportunities."

Read a full recent graduate resume example here.

#66. College Student Sample Answer

"I’m hardworking and good at managing my time. At my part-time job at Campus Café, I learned to balance work and studies, which helped me improve my organizational skills. I’m also good at customer service and handling multiple tasks. One weakness I’ve noticed is sometimes feeling overwhelmed with my workload, but I’ve been working on improving my time management and prioritizing tasks better."

Read a full college freshman resume example here.

#67. High School Student Sample Answer

"I'm a fast learner and very organized. In high school, I balanced my classes with being on the soccer team and in the school band, which helped me manage my time well. I'm also good at working with others, which I've shown in group projects and team activities. I don't have job experience yet, but I'm working on it by volunteering at school events and taking on roles in clubs like the School Yearbook Committee."

Read a full high school resume example here.

Other Sample Answers

#68. architect sample answer.

"I'm great at designing functional and beautiful buildings. At my last job at DesignWorks, I led a project that won an award for sustainability. I'm also skilled at using design software to create detailed plans. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time perfecting designs, but I've been working on balancing creativity with deadlines."

Read a full architect resume example here.

#69. Electrical Engineer Resume Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at designing and troubleshooting electrical systems. At my last job at TechCorp, I helped improve system efficiency by 20% through better design solutions. I'm also good at working with a team to solve complex problems. One weakness I have is occasionally getting too focused on details, but I've been improving by setting clear priorities and deadlines."

Read a full electrical engineer resume example here.

#70. Interior Designer Sample Answer

"I'm good at creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At my last job at HomeStyle, I redesigned a client's living room, which they loved and led to more referrals. I'm also skilled at using design software to present ideas to clients. One weakness I have is sometimes being too focused on minor details, but I've been working on balancing my attention to detail with overall project timelines."

Read a full interior designer resume example here.

#71. Construction Project Manager Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at managing construction projects from start to finish. At my last job at BuildRight, I successfully completed a major project two weeks ahead of schedule. I'm also good at coordinating with different teams to ensure everything runs smoothly. One weakness I have is sometimes taking on too much myself, but I've been working on delegating tasks more effectively to my team."

Read a full construction project manager resume example here.

#72. Operations Manager Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at improving business operations to increase efficiency. At my previous job at Streamline Inc., I implemented new processes that cut costs by 15%. I'm also good at managing teams and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. One weakness I have is sometimes being too detail-oriented, but I've been working on focusing more on the big picture and strategic planning."

Read a full operations manager resume example here.

#73. Event Planner Sample Answer

"I'm great at organizing and executing successful events. At my last job at Party Perfect, I planned a charity event that raised 30% more funds than expected. I'm also good at handling multiple tasks and staying calm under pressure. One weakness I have is sometimes overcommitting to too many details, but I've been working on setting clearer priorities and delegating tasks."

Read a full event planner resume example here.

#74. Warehouse Worker Sample Answer

"I'm strong and reliable, with a good eye for detail. At my last job at Storage Solutions, I helped improve inventory accuracy by 20% through careful organization. I'm also good at working quickly and safely. One weakness I have is sometimes getting tired during long shifts, but I've been working on improving my stamina and taking regular breaks to stay effective."

Read a full warehouse worker resume example here.

#75. Welder Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at welding with precision and safety. At my last job at MetalWorks, I consistently produced high-quality welds that met strict industry standards. I'm also good at reading blueprints and following detailed instructions. One weakness I have is sometimes working too slowly to ensure perfection, but I've been working on balancing speed with accuracy to meet deadlines."

Read a full welder resume example here.

#76. Real Estate Agent Sample Answer

"I'm great at connecting with clients and helping them find their perfect home. At my last job at HomeFinders, I increased sales by 25% through excellent customer service. I'm also good at negotiating deals to benefit my clients. One weakness I have is sometimes spending too much time on less promising leads, but I've been working on qualifying leads better."

Read a full real estate agent resume example here.

#77. Flight Attendant Sample Answer

"I'm excellent at providing friendly and efficient service to passengers. At my last job with SkyHigh Airlines, I received positive feedback for my calm and helpful attitude. I'm also good at handling emergency situations calmly and effectively. One weakness I have is sometimes getting tired during long flights, but I've been working on maintaining my energy levels through better sleep and nutrition."

Read a full flight attendant resume example here.

#78. Paralegal Sample Answer

"I'm skilled at conducting legal research and preparing documents. At my last job at Law Associates, I helped reduce case preparation time by 15% through efficient research and organization. I'm also good at paying attention to detail to ensure accuracy. One weakness I have is sometimes taking on too many tasks, but I've been working on prioritizing my workload better."

Read a full paralegal resume example here.

#79. Social Worker Sample Answer

"I'm great at connecting with clients and providing support. At my last job at Community Care, I helped increase client satisfaction by 20% through compassionate and effective assistance. I'm also good at handling challenging situations calmly. One weakness I have is sometimes feeling overwhelmed by emotional cases, but I've been working on setting boundaries and practicing self-care to stay balanced."

Read a full social worker resume example here.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on this popular job interview question! 

We’re confident that our tips and sample answers will help and inspire you to effectively talk about your strengths and weaknesses to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job. 

Before we go, let’s do a quick recap of what we talked about:

• Remember to always show confidence, honesty, and self-awareness when answering this question. The interviewer will notice!
• When it comes to weaknesses, be honest but not too honest. You don’t want to tell the interviewer you’re terrible at a crucial skill or ramble about weaknesses that don’t directly relate to the job.
• Be ready to give examples when discussing your strengths or weaknesses. The interviewer will want to know what your strengths helped you achieve, as well as how your weaknesses have affected your work before.
• Focus on the positives. Instead of fixating on how bad you are at something, take the time to show the interviewer how you’ve addressed your flaws and how you’ve worked on improving.
• Don’t give too many details. You need to be brief when answering this interview question and only give enough information to get your point across. You don’t need to give the interviewer a ton of personal details that aren’t related to work.

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Strength And Weakness Essays | Essay on My Strength and Weakness for Students and Children

June 8, 2021 by Prasanna

Strength And Weakness Essays: Everyone has their own qualities and shortcomings. As far as I might be concerned, life is a learning experience, so distinguishing and knowing our qualities and shortcomings can help us learn, improve and develop. It doesn’t make any difference on the off chance that they are positive or negative capacities. Realizing our positive capacities can help us in achieving our objectives, and realizing our negative capacities can help us improve. It is critical to know yourself and your capacities since it can help you express and utilize your qualities, and assist you with conquering your shortcomings.

My Strength and Weakness Essay Sample

No individual on Earth is great. On the off chance that this was valid, the world would be an exhausting spot. Everybody has their qualities and shortcomings. Few people know how to deal with their weaknesses in the correct manner and get benefitted from it. But some people hide their weak points. I am such a person, who has been keeping my weak points inside and concealing constantly. I understood that I need to change by finding support and that I should defeat my dread of doing so in light of the fact that my shortcomings have been irritating me and are getting me far from progress.

Qualities are frequently the abilities and side interests that individuals appreciate to do and never get exhausted of. A few groups utilize their gifts to help other people with their shortcomings. I have been concealing my shortcomings and qualities from others since I am humiliated to tell individuals what they are. To be effective, I need to defeat my dread of sharing this data and offer my ability to everybody.

My Weaknesses

I have found a few shortcomings of mine which chiefly include instruction. I understand that my works are as bad or amazing as others. Each time I attempt to compose an exposition, I need to re-read and re-compose a few times, however, I actually get terrible evaluations on my tasks. English is my subsequent language; along these lines, I am genuinely reluctant to compose or peruse because of a paranoid fear of getting an awful evaluation. I attempt to abstain from composing however much I can in light of the fact that language and sentence structures are the flimsy spots of my composition. I have taken a few classes to improve my composition yet so far I don’t perceive any improvement. Now and again I feel that posing an inquiry in regards to my paper is off-kilter and humiliating. I keep silent and turn my job in with no guarantees.

Correspondence with others is another shortcoming that I never appear to acquire any enhancements in. At whatever point I address an outsider or to a senior, I typically get apprehensive and falter. Once in a while I even shudder as though I am cold. I recall one time when the CFO of my organization was requesting my assistance with utilizing the PC and I was feeling frightened and anxious. I could feel my heart vacillating in my chest and musings hustling through my brain. Numerous individuals have thought I was a bashful individual however truly I am reluctant to address anybody due to my apprehension.

My Strengths

Nonetheless, one of my qualities incorporates my adoration for dealing with kids. I have been working at a preschool for quite a long while at this point, assisting with the children. I assist with keeping the study hall coordinated and ensuring that the room and the children are perfect. At the point when the children see me in class, they are truly cheerful. This is the thing that rouses me to turn into a preschool instructor since I realize it will fulfill me to realize that I was the person who assisted those children with getting a decent beginning in their schooling. I need to fill in as a decent good example for them and be an individual that they can turn upward to.

Association is another of my qualities, in numerous angles.I usually know where my things are. In the event that something or a spot is coordinated, like my room, it makes it so much simpler for me to discover where I put something. This is one of my greatest strengths that has kept me strong and willpower. At the point when my school supplies are coordinated and I have all I require to learn and tackle a job, it shows that I am spurred to learn and prompts higher evaluations. This quality is profoundly searched out in a vocation since it shows one’s ability to work and work really hard.

The quality to merge with people is another strength of mine. In the event that one of my companions is having a terrible day or simply needs a shoulder to incline toward, I am there for the person in question. In spite of the fact that I can’t generally make their issues disappear, just by me being there for them assists them with feeling more good and elevated.

My strengths and weaknesses are a piece of who I am and will lead me down the way to achievement in future. In spite of the fact that my shortcomings lie in the perusing and composing part of schooling and in the correspondence with others, my qualities have more effect on who I am and how I introduce myself. My qualities incorporate the affection for dealing with children and association, two vital character characteristics that go connected at the hip. In the event that I didn’t adore children and dealing with them, I wouldn’t have discovered a vocation that I needed to go into, a preschool instructor. To turn into a magnificent instructor, one should be coordinated and ready to tune in to other people and help them with issues, which are significant characteristics that I have.

FAQ’s on Strength And Weakness Essays

Question 1. What are examples of strengths and weaknesses?

Answer: Basic strengths incorporate administration, correspondence, leadership, quick learner, or composing abilities. The weaknesses usually incorporate a dread of public talking, absence of involvement in programming or a program, or trouble with taking analysis.

Question 2. How to talk about our strengths?

Answer: Here are a few ways to discuss your strengths in an essay.

• Show the big initiative you’ve taken.
• Give instances of qualities and abilities.
• Offer applicable, convincing subtleties at whatever point conceivable.
• Recount a story that uncovers your qualities.

Question 3. How to write about the weaknesses in an essay?

Answer: Below are the points to write about your weaknesses:

• Be straightforward.
• Remain by and by centered and assume liability.
• Expound on attributes that are pertinent to the executives.
• At long last, examine how you’ve tended to your shortcomings.
• Attempt to pick a shortcoming from a couple of years prior and from a field of your life not examined in different expositions.
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How to Write an Introduction Paragraph in 3 Steps

General Education

It’s the roadmap to your essay, it’s the forecast for your argument, it’s...your introduction paragraph, and writing one can feel pretty intimidating. The introduction paragraph is a part of just about every kind of academic writing , from persuasive essays to research papers. But that doesn’t mean writing one is easy!

If trying to write an intro paragraph makes you feel like a Muggle trying to do magic, trust us: you aren’t alone. But there are some tips and tricks that can make the process easier—and that’s where we come in.

In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info:  

• A discussion of what an introduction paragraph is and its purpose in an essay
• An overview of the most effective introduction paragraph format, with explanations of the three main parts of an intro paragraph
• An analysis of real intro paragraph examples, with a discussion of what works and what doesn’t
• A list of four top tips on how to write an introduction paragraph

Are you ready? Let’s begin!

What Is an Introduction Paragraph? 

An introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay , paper, or other type of academic writing. Argumentative essays , book reports, research papers, and even personal  essays are common types of writing that require an introduction paragraph. Whether you’re writing a research paper for a science course or an argumentative essay for English class , you’re going to have to write an intro paragraph. 

So what’s the purpose of an intro paragraph? As a reader’s first impression of your essay, the intro paragraph should introduce the topic of your paper. 

Your introduction will also state any claims, questions, or issues that your paper will focus on. This is commonly known as your paper’s thesis . This condenses the overall point of your paper into one or two short sentences that your reader can come back and reference later.

But intro paragraphs need to do a bit more than just introduce your topic. An intro paragraph is also supposed to grab your reader’s attention. The intro paragraph is your chance to provide just enough info and intrigue to make your reader say, “Hey, this topic sounds interesting. I think I’ll keep reading this essay!” That can help your essay stand out from the crowd.

In most cases, an intro paragraph will be relatively short. A good intro will be clear, brief, purposeful, and focused. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it’s common for intro paragraphs to consist of three to five sentences . 

Effectively introducing your essay’s topic, purpose, and getting your reader invested in your essay sounds like a lot to ask from one little paragraph, huh? In the next section, we’ll demystify the intro paragraph format by breaking it down into its core parts . When you learn how to approach each part of an intro, writing one won’t seem so scary!

Once you figure out the three parts of an intro paragraph, writing one will be a piece of cake!

The 3 Main Parts of an Intro Paragraph

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts: a hook, context, and a thesis statement . Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay. 

Below, we’ll explain how to start an introduction paragraph by writing an effective hook, providing context, and crafting a thesis statement. When you put these elements together, you’ll have an intro paragraph that does a great job of making a great first impression on your audience!

Intro Paragraph Part 1: The Hook

When it comes to how to start an introduction paragraph, o ne of the most common approaches is to start with something called a hook. 

What does hook mean here, though? Think of it this way: it’s like when you start a new Netflix series: you look up a few hours (and a few episodes) later and you say, “Whoa. I guess I must be hooked on this show!” 

That’s how the hook is supposed to work in an intro paragrap h: it should get your reader interested enough that they don’t want to press the proverbial “pause” button while they’re reading it . In other words, a hook is designed to grab your reader’s attention and keep them reading your essay! 

This means that the hook comes first in the intro paragraph format—it’ll be the opening sentence of your intro. 

It’s important to realize  that there are many different ways to write a good hook. But generally speaking, hooks must include these two things: what your topic is, and the angle you’re taking on that topic in your essay. 

One approach to writing a hook that works is starting with a general, but interesting, statement on your topic. In this type of hook, you’re trying to provide a broad introduction to your topic and your angle on the topic in an engaging way . 

For example, if you’re writing an essay about the role of the government in the American healthcare system, your hook might look something like this: 

There's a growing movement to require that the federal government provide affordable, effective healthcare for all Americans. 

This hook introduces the essay topic in a broad way (government and healthcare) by presenting a general statement on the topic. But the assumption presented in the hook can also be seen as controversial, which gets readers interested in learning more about what the writer—and the essay—has to say.

In other words, the statement above fulfills the goals of a good hook: it’s intriguing and provides a general introduction to the essay topic.

Intro Paragraph Part 2: Context

Once you’ve provided an attention-grabbing hook, you’ll want to give more context about your essay topic. Context refers to additional details that reveal the specific focus of your paper. So, whereas the hook provides a general introduction to your topic, context starts helping readers understand what exactly you’re going to be writing about

You can include anywhere from one to several sentences of context in your intro, depending on your teacher’s expectations, the length of your paper, and complexity of your topic. In these context-providing sentences, you want to begin narrowing the focus of your intro. You can do this by describing a specific issue or question about your topic that you’ll address in your essay. It also helps readers start to understand why the topic you’re writing about matters and why they should read about it. 

So, what counts as context for an intro paragraph? Context can be any important details or descriptions that provide background on existing perspectives, common cultural attitudes, or a specific situation or controversy relating to your essay topic. The context you include should acquaint your reader with the issues, questions, or events that motivated you to write an essay on your topic...and that your reader should know in order to understand your thesis. 

For instance, if you’re writing an essay analyzing the consequences of sexism in Hollywood, the context you include after your hook might make reference to the #metoo and #timesup movements that have generated public support for victims of sexual harassment. 

The key takeaway here is that context establishes why you’re addressing your topic and what makes it important. It also sets you up for success on the final piece of an intro paragraph: the thesis statement.

Elle Woods' statement offers a specific point of view on the topic of murder...which means it could serve as a pretty decent thesis statement!

Intro Paragraph Part 3: The Thesis

The final key part of how to write an intro paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your introduction: it conveys your argument or point of view on your topic in a clear, concise, and compelling way . The thesis is usually the last sentence of your intro paragraph. 

Whether it’s making a claim, outlining key points, or stating a hypothesis, your thesis statement will tell your reader exactly what idea(s) are going to be addressed in your essay. A good thesis statement will be clear, straightforward, and highlight the overall point you’re trying to make.

Some instructors also ask students to include an essay map as part of their thesis. An essay map is a section that outlines the major topics a paper will address. So for instance, say you’re writing a paper that argues for the importance of public transport in rural communities. Your thesis and essay map might look like this: 

Having public transport in rural communities helps people improve their economic situation by giving them reliable transportation to their job, reducing the amount of money they spend on gas, and providing new and unionized work .

The underlined section is the essay map because it touches on the three big things the writer will talk about later. It literally maps out the rest of the essay!

So let’s review: Your thesis takes the idea you’ve introduced in your hook and context and wraps it up. Think of it like a television episode: the hook sets the scene by presenting a general statement and/or interesting idea that sucks you in. The context advances the plot by describing the topic in more detail and helping readers understand why the topic is important. And finally, the thesis statement provides the climax by telling the reader what you have to say about the topic. 

The thesis statement is the most important part of the intro. Without it, your reader won’t know what the purpose of your essay is! And for a piece of writing to be effective, it needs to have a clear purpose. Your thesis statement conveys that purpose , so it’s important to put careful thought into writing a clear and compelling thesis statement. 

How To Write an Introduction Paragraph: Example and Analysis

Now that we’ve provided an intro paragraph outline and have explained the three key parts of an intro paragraph, let’s take a look at an intro paragraph in action.

To show you how an intro paragraph works, we’ve included a sample introduction paragraph below, followed by an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Example of Introduction Paragraph

While college students in the U.S. are struggling with how to pay for college, there is another surprising demographic that’s affected by the pressure to pay for college: families and parents. In the face of tuition price tags that total more than $100,000 (as a low estimate), families must make difficult decisions about how to save for their children’s college education. Charting a feasible path to saving for college is further complicated by the FAFSA’s estimates for an “Expected Family Contribution”—an amount of money that is rarely feasible for most American families. Due to these challenging financial circumstances and cultural pressure to give one’s children the best possible chance of success in adulthood, many families are going into serious debt to pay for their children’s college education. The U.S. government should move toward bearing more of the financial burden of college education. 

Example of Introduction Paragraph: Analysis

Before we dive into analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of this example intro paragraph, let’s establish the essay topic. The sample intro indicates that t he essay topic will focus on one specific issue: who should cover the cost of college education in the U.S., and why. Both the hook and the context help us identify the topic, while the thesis in the last sentence tells us why this topic matters to the writer—they think the U.S. Government needs to help finance college education. This is also the writer’s argument, which they’ll cover in the body of their essay. 

Now that we’ve identified the essay topic presented in the sample intro, let’s dig into some analysis. To pin down its strengths and weaknesses, we’re going to use the following three questions to guide our example of introduction paragraph analysis: 

• Does this intro provide an attention-grabbing opening sentence that conveys the essay topic? 
• Does this intro provide relevant, engaging context about the essay topic? 
• Does this intro provide a thesis statement that establishes the writer’s point of view on the topic and what specific aspects of the issue the essay will address? 

Now, let’s use the questions above to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this sample intro paragraph. 

Does the Intro Have a Good Hook? 

First, the intro starts out with an attention-grabbing hook . The writer starts by presenting  an assumption (that the U.S. federal government bears most of the financial burden of college education), which makes the topic relatable to a wide audience of readers. Also note that the hook relates to the general topic of the essay, which is the high cost of college education. 

The hook then takes a surprising turn by presenting a counterclaim : that American families, rather than students, feel the true burden of paying for college. Some readers will have a strong emotional reaction to this provocative counterclaim, which will make them want to keep reading! As such, this intro provides an effective opening sentence that conveys the essay topic. 

Does the Intro Give Context?

T he second, third, and fourth sentences of the intro provide contextual details that reveal the specific focus of the writer’s paper . Remember: the context helps readers start to zoom in on what the paper will focus on, and what aspect of the general topic (college costs) will be discussed later on. 

The context in this intro reveals the intent and direction of the paper by explaining why the issue of families financing college is important. In other words, the context helps readers understand why this issue matters , and what aspects of this issue will be addressed in the paper.  

To provide effective context, the writer refers to issues (the exorbitant cost of college and high levels of family debt) that have received a lot of recent scholarly and media attention. These sentences of context also elaborate on the interesting perspective included in the hook: that American families are most affected by college costs.

Does the Intro Have a Thesis? 

Finally, this intro provides a thesis statement that conveys the writer’s point of view on the issue of financing college education. This writer believes that the U.S. government should do more to pay for students’ college educations. 

However, the thesis statement doesn’t give us any details about why the writer has made this claim or why this will help American families . There isn’t an essay map that helps readers understand what points the writer will make in the essay.

To revise this thesis statement so that it establishes the specific aspects of the topic that the essay will address, the writer could add the following to the beginning of the thesis statement:

The U.S. government should take on more of the financial burden of college education because other countries have shown this can improve education rates while reducing levels of familial poverty.

Check out the new section in bold. Not only does it clarify that the writer is talking about the pressure put on families, it touches on the big topics the writer will address in the paper: improving education rates and reduction of poverty. So not only do we have a clearer argumentative statement in this thesis, we also have an essay map!  

So, let’s recap our analysis. This sample intro paragraph does an effective job of providing an engaging hook and relatable, interesting context, but the thesis statement needs some work ! As you write your own intro paragraphs, you might consider using the questions above to evaluate and revise your work. Doing this will help ensure you’ve covered all of your bases and written an intro that your readers will find interesting!

4 Tips for How To Write an Introduction Paragraph

Now that we’ve gone over an example of introduction paragraph analysis, let’s talk about how to write an introduction paragraph of your own. Keep reading for four tips for writing a successful intro paragraph for any essay. 

Tip 1: Analyze Your Essay Prompt

If you’re having trouble with how to start an introduction paragraph, analyze your essay prompt! Most teachers give you some kind of assignment sheet, formal instructions, or prompt to set the expectations for an essay they’ve assigned, right? Those instructions can help guide you as you write your intro paragraph!

Because they’ll be reading and responding to your essay, you want to make sure you meet your teacher’s expectations for an intro paragraph . For instance, if they’ve provided specific instructions about how long the intro should be or where the thesis statement should be located, be sure to follow them!

The type of paper you’re writing can give you clues as to how to approach your intro as well. If you’re writing a research paper, your professor might expect you to provide a research question or state a hypothesis in your intro. If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you’ll need to make sure your intro overviews the context surrounding your argument and your thesis statement includes a clear, defensible claim. 

Using the parameters set out by your instructor and assignment sheet can put some easy-to-follow boundaries in place for things like your intro’s length, structure, and content. Following these guidelines can free you up to focus on other aspects of your intro... like coming up with an exciting hook and conveying your point of view on your topic!

Tip 2: Narrow Your Topic

You can’t write an intro paragraph without first identifying your topic. To make your intro as effective as possible, you need to define the parameters of your topic clearly—and you need to be specific. 

For example, let’s say you want to write about college football. “NCAA football” is too broad of a topic for a paper. There is a lot to talk about in terms of college football! It would be tough to write an intro paragraph that’s focused, purposeful, and engaging on this topic. In fact, if you did try to address this whole topic, you’d probably end up writing a book!

Instead, you should narrow broad topics to  identify a specific question, claim, or issue pertaining to some aspect of NCAA football for your intro to be effective. So, for instance, you could frame your topic as, “How can college professors better support NCAA football players in academics?” This focused topic pertaining to NCAA football would give you a more manageable angle to discuss in your paper.

So before you think about writing your intro, ask yourself: Is my essay topic specific, focused, and logical? Does it convey an issue or question that I can explore over the course of several pages? Once you’ve established a good topic, you’ll have the foundation you need to write an effective intro paragraph . 

Once you've figured out your topic, it's time to hit the books!

Tip 3: Do Your Research

This tip is tightly intertwined with the one above, and it’s crucial to writing a good intro: do your research! And, guess what? This tip applies to all papers—even ones that aren’t technically research papers. 

Here’s why you need to do some research: getting the lay of the land on what others have said about your topic—whether that’s scholars and researchers or the mass media— will help you narrow your topic, write an engaging hook, and provide relatable context. 

You don't want to sit down to write your intro without a solid understanding of the different perspectives on your topic. Whether those are the perspectives of experts or the general public, these points of view will help you write your intro in a way that is intriguing and compelling for your audience of readers. 

Tip 4: Write Multiple Drafts

Some say to write your intro first; others say write it last. The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong time to write your intro—but you do need to have enough time to write multiple drafts . 

Oftentimes, your professor will ask you to write multiple drafts of your paper, which gives you a built-in way to make sure you revise your intro. Another approach you could take is to write out a rough draft of your intro before you begin writing your essay, then revise it multiple times as you draft out your paper. 

Here’s why this approach can work: as you write your paper, you’ll probably come up with new insights on your topic that you didn’t have right from the start. You can use these “light bulb” moments to reevaluate your intro and make revisions that keep it in line with your developing essay draft. 

Once you’ve written your entire essay, consider going back and revising your intro again . You can ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your intro: 

• Is my hook still relevant to the way I’ve approached the topic in my essay?
• Do I provide enough appropriate context to introduce my essay? 
• Now that my essay is written, does my thesis statement still accurately reflect the point of view that I present in my essay?

Using these questions as a guide and putting your intro through multiple revisions will help ensure that you’ve written the best intro for the final draft of your essay. Also, revising your writing is always a good thing to do—and this applies to your intro, too!

What's Next?

Your college essays also need great intro paragraphs. Here’s a guide that focuses on how to write the perfect intro for your admissions essays. 

Of course, the intro is just one part of your college essay . This article will teach you how to write a college essay that makes admissions counselors sit up and take notice.

Are you trying to write an analytical essay? Our step-by-step guide can help you knock it out of the park.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Essay on My Weakness

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Weakness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Weakness

Understanding my weakness.

Every person has strengths and weaknesses. One of my weaknesses is impatience. I often want things to happen quickly and can get frustrated when they don’t.

Impatience in Everyday Life

This impatience affects my daily life. I rush through tasks, which can lead to mistakes. It also affects my relationships, as I can be quick to react.

Working on My Weakness

Despite this, I am learning to manage my impatience. I practice mindfulness, which helps me stay calm. I am not perfect, but every day, I strive to be patient.

250 Words Essay on My Weakness

Introduction.

Everyone possesses a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, shaping their character and defining their individuality. My journey of self-awareness and growth has led me to recognize one of my significant weaknesses – procrastination.

Understanding Procrastination

Impact of procrastination.

The impact of procrastination extends beyond academics. It has hindered my personal growth and the development of essential life skills. The habit of putting off tasks has, at times, led to missed opportunities and prevented me from reaching my full potential. It has also affected my self-esteem, creating a vicious cycle of delay, guilt, and stress.

Overcoming Procrastination

Recognizing procrastination as a weakness was the first step towards overcoming it. I have started implementing strategies like time management, setting realistic goals, and breaking tasks into manageable parts. I also practice mindfulness to stay focused and avoid distractions.

In conclusion, while procrastination remains a significant weakness, acknowledging it has opened avenues for self-improvement. It has taught me that weaknesses are not permanent obstacles but challenges that can be overcome with determination and the right approach.

500 Words Essay on My Weakness

Every individual possesses a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses. They shape our character, influence our actions, and guide our decisions. Acknowledging and understanding our weaknesses is not a sign of defeat but a step towards self-improvement. In this essay, I will share my personal journey of recognizing and addressing my primary weakness: perfectionism.

Understanding Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often misinterpreted as a strength. Striving for excellence and setting high standards is commendable, but when these standards are unattainable and one’s self-worth becomes dependent on achieving them, it becomes a debilitating weakness. As a perfectionist, I have often found myself in this trap, paralyzed by the fear of failure and criticism.

The Impact of Perfectionism

Recognizing the issue.

The first step in overcoming any weakness is acknowledging its existence. I realized my perfectionism was a problem when I noticed its detrimental effects on my mental health and productivity. I was constantly stressed, my work was always late, and I was never satisfied with my achievements. This realization was a wake-up call that prompted me to seek change.

Addressing Perfectionism

Addressing perfectionism requires a shift in mindset. I had to learn to distinguish between healthy striving for excellence and unhealthy perfectionism. This involved setting realistic goals and understanding that failure and mistakes are part of the learning process. I also had to learn to separate my self-worth from my achievements.

Seeking Help

Perfectionism, my primary weakness, has been a challenging journey of self-discovery and growth. Recognizing and addressing it has not only improved my productivity and mental health but also enriched my understanding of myself. It has taught me that it’s okay not to be perfect and that our weaknesses, once recognized and addressed, can become stepping stones to personal growth and self-improvement.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Happy studying!

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How to Structure An Essay: Avoiding Six Weaknesses In Papers

TIP Sheet HOW TO STRUCTURE AN ESSAY: AVOIDING SIX MAJOR WEAKNESSES IN PAPERS

Writing a paper is a lot like painting your house: the bulk of the work is in the preparation–scraping, sanding, cleaning, applying primer. If you fail in the prep work, the finished product will be less than excellent. Similarly, it is the quality of prep work-the brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, revising-that makes some papers stand out as excellent.

It is a common mistake for students to want to start editing their papers before they have substantially revised them. Before you start to stress over individual words and punctuation marks, give your paper a critical read. Does your claim hang together in such a way that an educated reader can follow it? Elegant phrasing and multi-syllable words will not make up for weakness in the development of your argument.

Identifying six major weaknesses Six major weaknesses can doom your paper to mediocrity or worse:

A too-broad thesis statement A poorly formulated thesis Inadequate or unfocused topic sentences Writing off-subject Failing to anticipate objections An inadequate conclusion

The checklist below can help you discover whether your paper suffers from any of these errors. Ask yourself whether all of the following statements are true of your paper.

My subject is limited enough for adequate treatment for this length of paper. My thesis statement is a discussable point and is in the form of a declarative sentence. I have used specific, focused topic sentences to support my thesis statement. All my sentences directly or indirectly support my thesis statement-I have not digressed or written "off the subject." I have not contradicted my thesis statement. I have anticipated the major objections to my thesis and have tried to address and overcome them. My closing paragraph restates the thesis (if necessary) and draws conclusions based on the points I have already discussed in my paper.

If any of these statements are not true, read ahead to find explanations and suggestions that may help.

1. The too-broad thesis statement Many papers fail largely because the writer attempts to write on a subject so broad that he simply cannot adequately address it. Narrow down the topic to one that interests you, and for which source information is available, and that you can discuss adequately in the length assigned. The following sentence might have a legitimate place in a paper (as part of an introduction, perhaps), but it would fail as a thesis statement because it is too broad for a typical three- to four-page paper:

In American schools, there are many kinds of acceptable dress codes and classroom behaviors.

The phrase "American schools" includes pre-, elementary, intermediate, and high schools; public and private colleges; technical schools; adult schools; schools with and without uniform requirements; schools in conservative Midwestern towns and those in diverse urban areas; religious schools; progressive schools–too many schools, too many populations of students to discuss all at once.

Many urban-area public schools are weighing the advantages and disadvantages of requiring students to wear uniforms, and quite a few are deciding that uniforms are the way to go for several reasons.

2. The poorly formulated thesis A thesis should treat a discussable point-that is, a topic that merits discussion because more than one point of view is sane and plausible. While it is possible, for example, to support the following statements, the resulting paper would likely not be very interesting because the points are not discussable:

A dog is a four-legged domestic mammal. A friend is someone who is always there for you. Humans need oxygen to live.

Reformulated, these statements can become more discussable and interesting:

Dogs are smelly, dumb, destructive eating machines, and I couldn't live without mine. My friend Brad uses humor to encourage me to set high standards for myself. In the absence of free oxygen, very different life forms might have emerged on earth.

Even a discussable thesis can fail to make its point clear. This is frustrating to the reader, who at the very least is entitled to a clear statement of your claim (unless it is obviously implied–a technique not recommended for beginners!). Compare the following vague theses with the stronger examples given above:

What do most people think about dogs? Are they man's best friend or worst enemy? In my estimation, a sense of humor is a valuable thing. Oxygen is especially vital for animal life forms.

Try the following to help sharpen a vague thesis statement:

• Avoid questions, which are useful as attention-getting devices, but are difficult to use as a thesis statement. For example, avoid "Why should students be given more freedom to choose elective subjects?" Instead use "Students should be given more freedom to choose elective subjects," or even "Students should not be given more freedom to choose elective subjects."
• Avoid "I think," "I believe," "In my opinion," or "To me." Such expressions are overly subjective and unnecessary; remember that you are presenting evidence to support your thesis statement, even if you are writing a narrative or descriptive paper. Besides, a simple declarative statement is a much stronger way to say what you think.
• Contrary to what you might think, absolute statements do not strengthen a thesis. Avoid them unless you are certain you can support them. Few statements (other than known facts–like the nondiscussable points above) can be proven completely to everyone's satisfaction. If you overstate your case with an absolute statement, and then fail to support it, you lose credibility. Use words like "seems," "seldom," "maybe," "probably," "possibly," and "almost." Avoid "certainly," "absolutely," "always," or "never."

3. Inadequate or unfocused topic sentences Do not, out of enthusiasm, haste, or laziness, abandon the basics of paragraph structure for paragraphs subsequent to your thesis statement. From start to finish the paper should follow a consistent progression leading coherently to a reasonable, well thought out conclusion. Therefore, make sure every single paragraph in your paper contains its own clearly stated topic sentence as well as the specific details to support each, though not necessarily in that order–the following example, for instance, starts with an illustration and concludes with a topic sentence:

At George Washington Junior High School, after students had been wearing uniforms only five months, groups of students who formerly occupied separate areas of the lunch yard began sitting closer to each other and talking to each other more. School administrators concluded that the wearing of school uniforms had obscured the socioeconomic differences between students and resulted in more social mixing between the groups.

Compare the above example with the following too-general claim:

Wearing school uniforms is socially good for junior high school students.

In short, fuzziness in topic sentences suggests fuzziness in thinking. If you settle for vagueness in your topic sentences, you will be more likely to write off-topic or jump around from topic to topic. Clarifying your topic sentence–clarifying your thinking–will go a long way toward producing an organized and convincing paper.

4. Writing off-subject Your thesis statement is a promise to your reader about what you will cover in your paper. Don't write "off" this subject; don't include sentences that do not support or elaborate on this main idea. For instance, if your thesis statement for an expository "process" paper is "Making a set of bookshelves requires precise skills," don't include sentences describing your favorite author or the kinds of books you plan to place in the bookshelves. If your thesis statement for a descriptive paper is "My room is a place of refuge," don't include more than incidental references to the other parts of the house or to your neighborhood.

A narrative sometimes seems particularly difficult to contain within the confines of a thesis statement. Consider, for example, a narrative paper about the biggest fish you ever caught. "The biggest fish I ever caught at Bass Lake hit on my spare house key at the very end of a long day of fishing." A common mistake is to tell the story of the entire fishing trip: when you left home, where you stopped for gas and bait, a description of the scenery, and so on. Remember that what you have promised to tell your reader is about catching the biggest fish ever; every sentence and paragraph should relate to this.

5. Failing to anticipate objections Especially for an argumentative or persuasive paper, you must acknowledge and attempt to overcome objections to your thesis. For example, consider the following thesis statement: "Courses in Western Civilization should not be required of American college students. If they prefer Asian, African, or Native American Studies, for example, these should be acceptable alternatives to Western Studies." Here are two plausible objections to the preceding statement:

Western civilization represents the core culture of American students; to be successful in this culture, they must understand it.

The study of Western culture should be required in addition to Asian, African, or other cultures, in order to foster understanding of the modern global community.

Objections like these can be merely acknowledged-"Although some people insist that all students in American should study Western culture..."–or broken down and discussed in detail, point by point. Decide whether your topic–or the objection itself–is strong enough to warrant detailed discussion of opposing viewpoints.

6. An inadequate conclusion Usually, student writers should write a concluding paragraph that summarizes the topic sentence (in words different from those used earlier) and restates the thesis (again, in different words). The conclusion should include the most important idea from your paper, the one you most want readers to remember. (Some papers may differ; the conclusion to a narrative essay, for example, may not follow this pattern.)

My room is one of the quietest, most beautiful, and most spacious rooms I have seen. Within the confines of my room, I can work, I can think, I can rest. It is, indeed, a place of refuge in a noisy, crowded, and often ugly world.

An effective conclusion "returns" to the material in the introduction–the imagery, metaphor, or analogy found there, for instance. A satisfying conclusion may also contain one last anecdote to illustrate the thesis. Choose a technique that seems appropriate to your subject matter and the tone of your paper.

Although beginners should stick to the techniques outlined above, experienced writers often do one more thing-they draw a conclusion beyond the points already made.

I would not be where I am today if I had not been forced to view my life in an honest manner. Alcohol almost killed me many times, and I am still only one drink away from a life of hell. I have been sober for almost two years, and I have never felt happier or more serene. With God's grace, I will stay sober today. Tomorrow will take care of itself.

While not introducing new material, this kind of conclusion both summarizes and points out more far-reaching consequences, gives a warning, or offers an alternative suggested by or based on the ideas already put forth.

Minor Weaknesses In addition to the major weaknesses above, minor errors can diminish the apparent strength of your argument and result in a paper that is merely adequate. After correcting major problems, check for some of the errors below:

Weak, vague or poorly developed introduction Sentence errors including Unintentional fragmentary sentences Run-on sentences, especially the "comma splice"–using a comma to separate two sentences Short, choppy sentences or lack of sentence variety Poor or nonexistent transitions Awkward sentences due to lack of parallel structure or due to dangling or misplaced modifiers Word errors such as Use of the wrong word or phrase, for example, its or it's Nonstandard English–"they was," "he don't,"-use of double negatives, and so on Trite expressions such as "hit the hay," "gave me a turn," "acid test" Monotonous or ineffective repetition Wrong word choice for the style, tone, or content: formal language in an informal paper, for example, or informal language in a formal paper. Verb tense disagreement Wrong use of subjunctive verb forms, such as in conditional statements Subject/verb non-agreement Errors in pronoun reference "Padding"–using words simply to fill space Plagiarizing, that is, failing to cite source material

Finally, proofread adequately to correct punctuation, spelling, and typing errors

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