Exploring Your Strengths and Weaknesses

As you prepare to take on another interview for a new position in the utilities field, give some thought ahead of time as to how you will answer some of those standard interview questions that tend to always pop up. One of the more common ones relates to being asked what some of your strengths and/or weaknesses are. Have some great ideas on how to answer this one, and give it some thought. Strengths do not include great dexterity in video game playing, or being able to eat the most ribs and get your name on the wall at the BBQ place.

When an employer asks for your strengths, keep it job related, and be prepared to share examples of how you have previously excelled in a position. Share major achievements, advanced training, prior recognition for excellent service, you employee relation skills, job dedication and determination, and any other qualities that would appeal to a potential manager. If you are only asked to share your strengths, do not offer to reveal any of your weaknesses at this time. This is the key time to really "sell yourself" and go into detail on your positive attributes, and things that would be of the most benefit to the new position.

Now, if they do turn around and ask you for your weaknesses, then it is good to have a ready answer. This is a time where the interviewer is looking for anything that may send off a "red flag" to them that may cause them to hesitate in hiring you. This is a tougher area because you need to keep it professional, and still use this as a chance to sell yourself further; which is hard to do if you are supposed to be talking bad about yourself. Everyone has weaknesses, so do not try to totally gloss over this question, and do not try to simply convert this to a list of further strengths.

A good way to approach this is to instead discuss previous experiences you have had that you have since that time dealt with and overcome. Maybe there was a time in the recent past where you were really challenged, but you found a solution and overcame it. Try to stick with weaknesses related to things that have since been resolved and show how you have been able to identify any potential weaknesses in yourself, and how you are proactive to seek to resolve them. Never give information that would be a strike against you or inhibit the chances of getting the position, but focus on things that in the end, actually sell you further as the best candidate.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Utilities Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.