What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Many job seekers are afraid of this question…. It is difficult to speak about our weaknesses, and for some of us, it is even difficult to recognize them. But the question is easier than it seems. Let me show you how to answer it (you will find sample answers below the explanation).
Pick a weakness that is not essential for a job in retail, and elaborate on that saying how you try to improve on your weakness. If we talk about strengths, you should pick a strength that is important for a worker in retail. For example:
- responsibility
- attention to detail
- good communication skills
- patience
- good observation skills
- sales skills
- … (it depends on the particular job title)
Correspondence in an interview
If you told the interviewers that you had good communication skills, but struggled to talk with them, it would not end up well. The same applies if you told them that you are patient, but struggled to wait for your time, and were nervous before the interview….
The interviewers are not stupid (at least most of them are not), and they watch your behavior, and your gestures. Instead of blindly listening to your words, they create the picture based on everything that happens during the meeting with you.
Sample answers
I have a tendency to be over friendly with customers. It sometimes takes my attention away, which isn’t good. However, I try to improve on my weakness and stay focused in work. I always remind myself the duties I have to take care of, and what I am supposed to do during my shift. From the strengths, my communication skills stand out. I am able to talk to all kinds of customers with ease, even if they are in a bad mood.
I am very responsible. I have been working in retail store for the past six years, and I did not come late to work a single time. From my weaknesses, I would say I can not work well with the computers. However, I attend evening classes, and I try to improve on my computer skills.
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