What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? How to Answer in a UK Interview

Strengths and weaknesses is a classic UK interview question. It tests how well you know yourself and whether you are honest. Done well, it is a chance to show you are self-aware and keen to improve.

How to answer the strengths part

Pick two or three strengths that match the job advert. For each, give a short example. Instead of saying "I am a good communicator", say "I explain things clearly. In my last job I trained eight new starters and three of them became team leaders."

Strengths that employers like

• Reliability and time management.

• Problem solving and staying calm under pressure.

• Teamwork and willingness to help others.

• Attention to detail.

• Learning quickly.

How to answer the weaknesses part

Choose a real weakness that is not essential to the job. Explain what you have done to improve it. The formula is: the weakness, the impact, the action you are taking, the progress.

Example weakness answers

"I used to find public speaking nerve-wracking. I volunteered to lead our weekly team briefing, and after a few months it became much easier."

"I can get absorbed in detail and take too long on a task. I now set time limits for each piece of work and ask myself what is good enough."

Weaknesses to avoid

• Fake weaknesses such as "I work too hard" or "I am a perfectionist" with no context.

• Weaknesses that would stop you doing the job, such as "I am always late".

• Saying you have none.

Quick answers

How many strengths should I mention? Two or three, each with an example.

Can I mention a skill I am still learning? Yes, as long as you explain what you are doing about it.

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