Interview Question: 'What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

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Written by
Updated 29 September 2025

At some point during the interview process, you may be asked to describe your
personal strengths and weaknesses. Many job candidates are unsure how to
approach this question. However, by establishing the appropriate context, you
can give hiring managers an honest, thoughtful answer that highlights both your
self-awareness and professionalism.
Preparing in advance for this question is a valuable use of your time before the
interview. Even if you aren’t asked about your strengths and weaknesses
specifically, scripting your response to this common question will give you a
candid yet compelling description of what you bring to the job and how you wish
to grow in the future. With these talking points at the ready, you’ll be able to
confidently answer many popular interview questions.
In this article, you’ll find examples of strengths and weaknesses, as well as tips
on how to answer this interview question, 'what are your strengths and
weaknesses?'.
Related: Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself
'What are your greatest weaknesses?' Examples of answers
You may be asked about your strengths and weaknesses in one question, or you
may be asked about them in two separate questions. In the event that you are
asked about strengths and weaknesses at the same time, discuss your weakness
first so that you can end on a positive note.
Related: How To Assess Yourself (With Self-Evaluation Examples)
When addressing your weaknesses, draw upon examples relating to either skills,
habits or personality traits. You may want to choose which to focus on depending
on the type of job you’re interviewing for. For example, discussing a skill or habit
may be highly relevant for a technical position. For a sales or customer service
role, your interviewer may be more interested in hearing about your personality
traits. Neither choice is strictly right or wrong. Re-read the job description for
clues on what may matter most for this specific role.
The formula for your answer is easy to follow: First, state your weakness. Second,
add additional context and a specific example or story of how this trait has
emerged in your professional life. That context will give potential employers
insight into your level of self-awareness and commitment to professional growth.
In the examples below, you’ll see the weakness followed by context:
Personality Traits
Example 1: 'I can be too critical of myself. A pattern I’ve noticed throughout my
career is that I often feel I could have done more, even if objectively, I’ve done
well. Earlier in my career, this led to burnout and negative self-talk. One solution
I’ve implemented over the last three years is to actively pause and celebrate my
achievements. Not only has this helped my own self-esteem, it’s helped me
genuinely appreciate and recognise my team and other support systems.'
Example 2: 'I’m naturally shy. From school and into my early professional
interactions, it prevented me from speaking up. After being a part of a workgroup
that didn’t meet our strategic goals two quarters in a row, I knew I owed it to my
team and myself to confidently share my ideas. I joined an improvisational acting
class—it’s fun and has really helped me overcome my shyness. I learned
practical skills around leading discussions and sharing diverse perspectives. Now,
in group settings, I always start conversations with the quieter team members. I
know exactly how they feel, and people can be amazing once they start talking.'
Example 3: “I default to believing that I can solve any problem on my own. This
works well in some situations, but in many cases, I need the help of others to
overcome factors beyond my control. In one instance last year, I was organising
a client event that had a lot of different components. It wasn’t until after the
event that I realised how narrowly I had pulled it off. I was trying to manage
everything from the strategic plan down to the tiniest details, like table settings.
I did a lot of self-reflection afterward. Since then, I’ve been training myself to
take a step back before diving into problem-solving mode and I identify people or
groups that can be resources to me.'
Related: 8 Personality Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)
Skills and Habits
Example 4: 'I’m not familiar with the latest version of [insert name of non-critical
software]. Instead, I’ve focused on [insert name of preferred software] because
the user-centric design has become a strong passion of mine. In my last few jobs,
that’s where I’ve spent time learning and growing.'
Example 5: 'I’ve always been a procrastinator. I used to think it wasn’t such a
bad habit because I was only creating stress for myself. But when I was working
for XYZ Company several years ago, I was on a group project where I could see
how my putting things off to the last minute created stress for everyone else. It
was a wake-up call. I started creating daily schedules that held me accountable
to my team, and I broke the habit. It was hard at first, but using the Agile process
was a real breakthrough in my workflow and mindset.'
Example 6: 'I tend to be a perfectionist and can linger on the details of a project
which can threaten deadlines. Early on in my career, when I worked for ABC Pte.
Ltd., that’s exactly what happened. I was labouring over the details and in turn,
caused my manager to be stressed when I almost missed the deadline on my
deliverables. I learned the hard way back then, but I did learn. Today I’m always
aware of how what I’m doing affects my team and management. I’ve learned
how to find the balance between perfect and very good and being timely.'
Example 7: 'Maths wasn’t my strongest subject in school. To be honest, as a
student, I didn’t understand how it would be applicable in my adult life. Within a
few years of being in the working world, though, I realised that I wanted to take
my career in a more analytical direction. At first, I wasn’t sure where to begin,
but I found some free online courses that refreshed the important basics for me.
In my most recent job, this new foundation has enabled me to do my own goal-
setting and tracking. Actually, getting over the maths anxiety I had when I was
younger has been incredibly empowering.'
Of course, you’ll need to personalise the above examples according to your
personal weaknesses and the ways that you’re adapting and improving yourself.
Related: What Are Key Skills? (Definition, Examples and Tips)
Examples of weaknesses
Because we all have weaknesses but rarely want to admit them, it’s best to
begin with a truthful answer and build your script from there. Select an answer
that a hiring manager would not consider to be essential qualities or skills for the
position as well as qualities that you are actively improving, such as:
Disorganised
Self-critical or sensitive
Perfectionism (Note: this can be a strength in many roles, so be sure you have an
example of how perfectionism can be a problem to demonstrate that you’ve
thought deeply about this trait)
Shy or not adept at public speaking
Competitive (Note: Similarly to perfectionism, this can be a strength)
Limited experience in a non-essential skill (especially if it is obvious on your
resume)
Not skilled at delegating tasks
Take on too much responsibility
Not detail-oriented or too detail-oriented
Not comfortable taking risks
Too focused or lack of focus

How to structure your answer to “Why we should hire you”

A good answer has a clear structure. It helps you stay focused and ensures your
response covers everything the interviewer needs to hear.

Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

1. Highlight your key strengths

Start by identifying the top two or three qualities that make you a strong fit for
the role. These could be skills, achievements, or personality traits, depending
on what the job calls for.
2. Connect your strengths to the company’s needs
Don’t just list qualities. Explain how those strengths will help you succeed in
the role. Try to show that you understand what the company is looking for and
how you can help solve their problems or improve their performance.
 3. Finish with confidence
End with a clear and positive statement about the value you bring. This shows
confidence and reinforces your interest in the role.

Here’s a basic formula:

I bring [strengths] that align with [specific job needs], and I’m confident I can [value
you’ll deliver].

Tailoring your answer

The best answers are tailored to the specific job and company. Start by studying the
job description. Look for repeated themes or priorities. Is the company focused on
growth? Are they hiring someone to take ownership of a new area? Are they looking
for a team player or someone who can work independently?

Once you know what they care about, you can match your skills to their goals. This
shows that you’re not just a strong candidate in general, but the right candidate for
this role.

Example answers to the interview question “Why should we hire you?”

Here are five detailed sample answers for different situations, with short explanations
of what each one does well.

1. Graduate or entry-level role

I recently completed a degree in Marketing, where I focused on digital campaigns

and audience engagement. During my final year, I completed a three-month
internship at a tech startup and helped increase their Instagram engagement by 80
percent through a new content strategy. I’m enthusiastic about building a career in
this space and excited to bring my creativity, strong communication, and fresh
perspective to your team.

Why it works: This answer highlights a real accomplishment and shows how the
candidate has already applied their skills in a relevant context. It ends with
enthusiasm and potential.

2. Career changer

I’m making a move from teaching to project coordination, and while the industry is
new for me, the skills I’ve developed are directly transferable. In my last role, I led
the planning of several school-wide initiatives, managed stakeholder communication,
and delivered outcomes on tight deadlines. I’ve also completed a certified course in
project management and used Asana and Trello to manage small projects. I believe
I can bring strong organisation, clarity and people skills to your team from day one.

Why it works: The candidate addresses the career change directly but reframes
their experience in a relevant way. They also show initiative and preparedness.

3. Experienced professional
Over the past six years in account management, I’ve consistently grown client
portfolios by 20 to 40 percent each year. I take a consultative approach and focus on
building long-term relationships that drive value. At my current company, I helped
secure a major renewal by identifying a product improvement that increased client
satisfaction. I’m confident that I can bring both results and strong relationship skills
to your team.

Why it works: This answer includes specific metrics, demonstrates a proactive

mindset, and clearly connects achievements to future contributions.

4. Candidate with no direct experience

Although I’m new to this field, I’m a fast learner and very motivated. In my previous
job as a barista, I worked under pressure, handled customer feedback
professionally, and consistently received positive reviews. I’ve also completed a
short online course in customer service and practised mock interviews to prepare for
this role. I believe I bring strong people skills, a solid work ethic, and a desire to
grow.

Why it works: This answer is honest but optimistic. It focuses on attitude,

transferable skills and preparation, which is exactly what entry-level hiring managers
are looking for.

5. Remote or flexible working role

I’ve worked remotely for the past four years, leading a small digital content team
across different time zones. I’ve developed strong habits around asynchronous
communication, accountability, and task management. I use tools like Slack, Notion,
and Loom to stay connected, and I’ve been praised for keeping projects on track
without micromanagement. I believe I can contribute to your remote-first culture and
help keep things moving smoothly.

Why it works: This response is tailored to a remote setup. It shows awareness of

the challenges and demonstrates that the candidate knows how to manage them.
Interview questions: Do you have
any questions for us?
SEEK content team – updated on 05 May, 2026
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Quick summary:

 Hiring managers ask whether you have questions not just out of politeness,
but to see how serious, prepared, and engaged you are. Thoughtful questions
show that you listened, did your research, and are actively judging whether
the role suits you.

 Good preparation starts before the interview. Research the company, review
the job description carefully, note anything unclear, and write down the
questions that matter most to you.

 The strongest way to answer this part of the interview is to say yes and ask
open-ended questions about the role, team, company culture, or career
growth. It also helps to listen closely, ask follow-up questions, and take notes
when needed.

 You usually only get time for two or three questions, so prioritise them. Avoid
asking about salary, benefits, holidays, basic facts you could have researched
yourself, personal questions about the interviewer, or confidential company
information in an early-stage interview.

Towards the end of a job interview, the hiring manager will likely ask if you have any
questions for them. This is a great opportunity to clarify anything you may be unclear
about to do with the role, the team or the company. It also shows you’ve given
careful consideration to the job.

Asking thoughtful interview questions can help you decide if the company and role
are a good fit for you. In this guide, we cover why interviewers ask this question and
provide some example answers to give you a starting point.

 What the interviewer wants to know

 How to prepare for the question

  How to answer ‘Do you have any questions for us?’

 Questions to ask the interviewer

 What not to ask

 FAQs

What the interviewer wants to know

Most hiring managers will expect some end-of-interview queries from you, which is
why they give you the opportunity to ask. While this may seem like they’re simply
following interview etiquette, it’s also a way to get insight into how serious a
candidate you are.

By asking questions such as, ‘How many people are in the team?’, and ‘Can you tell
me more about the team’s objectives this year?’, you’re showing you’ve listened to
them speak about the role, have done your research, and are genuinely interested in
the position. Asking relevant questions also shows your critical-thinking skills in
action.

How to prepare for the question

You can ease interview nerves by being well prepared. The more prepared you are,
the more confident you’ll feel and the more competent you’ll seem to the hiring
manager. Here are some tips to help you come up with good questions for the
interviewer.

Research the company and role beforehand

It’s good practice to learn about an organisation before heading into a job interview.
By taking a look at the company’s website and social media profiles, you get a
better understanding of their culture, their size, their competitors and their main
objectives. You may be interested to learn more about who you’ll be working with,
any company events, or their commitment to training. Write down any questions that
come to mind when you do your research.

Review the job description and make notes

Reviewing the job description is always a good idea before an interview. It allows
you to brush up on the requirements of the role and become familiar with the
essential criteria. It also gives you an opportunity to see if any important information
is missing that you’d like to ask about, such as work hours, working location (on-site,
remote, hybrid, etc.), main day-to-day duties, and how performance is measured.
Make notes of anything you’d like to know more about.

Make a list of questions and prioritise them

Based on your notes, write down a list of questions about the role and the company,
then put them in order of importance. Realistically, there’ll only be time in the
interview to ask up to three questions, depending on the seniority of the role, so
choose the ones that are most important to you. When you have three top questions,
commit them to memory and practice asking them out loud.

You can also prepare for tough interview questions and learn how to answer
them before the interview, so you feel more confident handling trickier or unexpected
responses.

How to answer ‘Do you have any

questions for us?’
The best way to answer, ‘Do you have any questions for us? is with a confident, is by
saying yes, then asking your most important question first. Here’s how to interview
your interviewer:

 When asking your end-of-interview queries, it’s best to keep them open-
ended. An open-ended question is one that can’t be answered by yes or no,
and is more likely to naturally flow into a discussion.

 Show interest in the interviewer’s responses, nodding and maintaining eye

contact, and asking follow-up questions if you have them.

 Take notes on the answer if you need to, if there’s an address, contact details
or date you need to jot down.

 If the job ad or interviewer mentioned something that piqued your interest,

refer back to it. For example: ‘You mentioned AI tools earlier, which I’m really
interested in exploring – how much would AI factor into the duties of this role?’
Questions to ask in an interview
Sometimes the hiring manager will answer your questions during the interview
without you having to ask. In this case, you can ask for elaboration on the answer,
you can have back-up questions ready, or you can improvise a new question.

Here are some examples of interview questions to ask:

About the role

 What are the main responsibilities and priorities for this position?

 What does a typical day or week look like in the role?

 What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?

 Did the previous person get promoted/leave or is it a new role?

 Who would I be working with most in the team?

 What sort of person do you see thriving in this role?

About the organisation

 What are the company’s objectives this year, in general?

 How would you describe the company or team culture?

 In terms of culture, what would you say the company does better than any
other company?

 What would you say most people enjoy about working at this organisation?

About career development

 What opportunities are there for career growth within the company?

 How does the company offer ongoing training and development?

 What would a typical path to leadership look like at the company?

 What sort of on-the-job training is provided?

 What would the next position up from this role be?

What not to ask for follow-up questions
There are some topics you should avoid when it’s your turn to ask questions in a job
interview. If you’re in the second round of interviews, you can usually ask more
probing questions, but for a first interview it’s better to steer clear of the following.

Some topics you should avoid asking interviewers about include:

 Salary, benefits or holidays

 Questions that could easily be answered through basic research, such as the
company’s main products/services

 Personal questions about the interviewer

 Confidential information, like client information or revenue.

Preparing questions to ask in an interview is a good way to show your interest in a

role and get an idea of the job and workplace culture. By preparing two or three
interview questions, you not only learn more about the job, but get to show that
you’re a serious candidate with good critical thinking and communication
skills. Prepare your questions before the interview, so you can go in confident and
make a strong impression on the hiring manager.

Find more practical job hunting advice on SEEK Career Advice to improve your
interview skills, prepare stronger answers, and approach each stage of the hiring
process with more confidence

FAQs
Is it okay to bring a prepared list of questions to the
interview?
It is okay if you really need to, but it would be unusual to bring a long list of questions
to an interview. It is better to commit your top three questions to memory without a
list, and follow up in an email after the interview. If you have forgotten your
questions, you can use your notes as a reference and avoid reading directly from
them.
What if the interviewer has already answered all my
prepared questions?
If the interview has already answered all the questions you prepared, ask them for
more information related to those topics. You can also improvise questions based on
the conversation and your prior research. If you genuinely don’t have any questions,
you can say something like, ‘I think you’ve covered everything for now; it all sounds
great. If I have questions later on, is it okay if I email you?’

How many questions should I ask?

You should ask two to three questions at your interview. Ask open-ended questions
that prompt descriptive answers that may flow into a discussion, rather than many
questions that can be answered with a yes/no response.

What if I can’t think of any questions to ask?

It’s best to prepare a variety of questions before a job interview to help feel more
confident and avoid going blank. If you get stuck, ask the interviewer about their own
experience with the company or their role.

Is it okay to ask about the next steps in the hiring

process?
Yes, it’s okay to ask about the next step in the hiring process at a job interview. This
shows you’re interested in and excited for the role. A good way to ask about the next
step in a hiring process is by asking about the timeline, when you can expect to hear
back from them, and what you can expect moving forward.
Common quantity surveyor interview questions
with sample answers
Drafting answers to common interview questions and rehearsing them with
someone is one of the best ways to prepare for a job interview. This technique
may help you boost your confidence and make a lasting impression on the
hiring manager. Here are some common quantity surveyor questions with
sample answers that you can use as inspiration when preparing:
1. What's the role of quantity surveyors in the construction
industry?
This question tests your general knowledge of the role and the industry. Asking
this question also allows the interviewer to see if you carefully read the job
description and researched the company you're interviewing with. Consider
formulating an answer to show that your experience and knowledge of the role
aligns with the organisation's goals. This way you can position yourself as a
valuable applicant who prioritises their employer's growth and
[Link]: 'I can easily say that quantity surveyors play an important and
integral role in the industry. As a quantity surveyor, I'm typically involved in almost
all stages of a construction project, including feasibility, design, construction,
extension, refurbishment, maintenance and even demolition. Through my work, I
can help clients minimise project costs without compromising on materials,
standards or quality. At the same time, I ensure that we complete projects on time
and can advise clients on a range of contractual issues.'Related: 10 High Paid
Construction Jobs and Their Responsibilities
2. What's your strategy for working with suppliers and contractors
during a project?
Interviewers may ask this question to see if you understand the specifics of the
field. It's important that you know how to demonstrate your previous
experience working with suppliers and contractors. In your answer, you may list
key skills that you use to communicate with them and how your approach helps
you meet deadlines within a [Link]: 'I think that the most important
thing about working with suppliers and contractors is communication. I make sure
that everything I share with them is clear and that both sides understand each
other's expectations. This allows me to protect the company and my clients when
someone fails to deliver their promises or causes delays in the project. If a situation
like that occurs, I make sure to remain assertive and keep contractors, suppliers and
myself accountable so we can come up with a backup plan that the client can
accept.'
3. Give me an example of when the materials weren't up to the
standard.
This is a common question that interviewers ask to see if you can take
responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them. If you hear this question
in an interview, you may consider using the STAR response technique to
formulate your answer. Using this technique allows you to clearly describe the
situation, your role in it, what actions you took to solve the problem and what
was the outcome of those [Link]: 'One time during a complex project
for one of our long-term clients, I identified that materials from one of our main
suppliers weren't up to our standards. Upon making this discovery, I quickly reached
out to my team and organised an urgent meeting to see if we can find a solution
before the deadline. Luckily, we were able to reach out to a few of our smaller
suppliers who agreed to help us at a standard price even though we asked for
express [Link] the same time, I've decided to hold the previous supplier
accountable. I analysed our contracts and reached out to them the next day. I
demanded that they return the full amount that we paid for the materials, including
what we paid for delivery. Although they hesitated at first, I was able to convince
them that paying the full amount back to us is the best option in a situation like
that.'Related: How To Use the STAR Interview Technique in Competency-
Based Interviews
4. How do you maintain a good network of subcontractors?
This question tests your networking and relationship building abilities.
Maintaining a strong network of contractors is essential to meeting project
deadlines and minimising costs in construction. In your answer, consider
sharing your strategy for building and maintaining healthy professional
relationships and explain how it helps your projects [Link]: 'I believe
that building relationships with subcontractors is one of the most important things
in this profession because they play an important role in the day-to-day progress of
a project. I always make sure to reward my subcontractors and show appreciation
for their work. It's my priority to ensure the company pays them on time and
recognises their efforts. It's also important for me to maintain an open line of
communication, as this allows me to alleviate any tensions and quickly resolve any
conflicts that arise.'

Quantity Surveyor
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland · 1 week ago · 21 people clicked apply
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About the job
Background:

Veolia is Ireland's leading environmental services company. We provide a

comprehensive range of energy, waste and water solutions and are dedicated to
carbon reduction, protecting the environment and building the circular economy. We
offer all employees a benefits package as standard which includes full VHI cover,
pension and education assistance.

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better
care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're
looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change
and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life.
We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities,
look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

Quantity Surveyor

Location: Co Kilkenny

Duration: Permanent

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm

Overview of the Role:

To help manage all commercial aspects of a project from design through to final
account final and to aid in commercial reporting and application.

Key Responsibilities:

 Provide commercial and contractual management for projects within Veolia's

ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) framework

 Assist in the preparation of detailed cost estimates, bills of quantities, and

tender documentation

 Support Senior Quantity Surveyor in the monthly production of Value for

money exercises and cost analysis

 Monitor project costs, variations, and provide assistance with both client and
sub contractor final accounts

 Manage subcontractor procurement and payment processes

 Prepare monthly cost reports and cash flow forecasts

 Work collaboratively with project teams, clients, and stakeholders

 Ensure compliance with framework agreements and contractual obligations

 Support the development of target costs

 Maintain accurate cost records and documentation

Requirements:

 Minimum 5 years' experience in commercial management

  Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts

 Experience in utilities or infrastructure projects

 Excellent analytical and negotiation skills

 Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project

An Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) framework is a collaborative procurement

strategy where the main construction contractor is engaged during the design phase,
prior to the start of main works. By integrating construction expertise early, teams
jointly optimize buildability, mitigate risks, and establish cost certainty. [1, 2, 3]
Combining ECI with framework agreements allows clients to streamline the
procurement of multiple projects. It fundamentally shifts construction from a
traditional, adversarial model to a collaborative partnership structured across two
distinct stages: [1]
The Two-Stage ECI Framework Process
Stage 1: The Pre-Construction Phase (Service Agreement)
 Contractor Appointment: The contractor is typically selected using non-cost
criteria (such as experience, expertise, and resources) during the design or
early planning stages. [1]
 Collaborative Design: The contractor works with the client and designers to
review schematics, advise on construction methodologies, sequence the
program, and provide value engineering. [1, 2]
 Target Pricing: The contractor and client work on an open-book basis to
establish a Target Cost or Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the
construction. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Stage 2: The Construction Phase
 Main Works: If the contractor’s target price is accepted by the client, a final
construction contract is awarded to build the project.
 Off-Ramp: If the parties cannot agree on a final price or the contractor fails to
perform during Stage 1, the client retains the right to use the design data and
tender the construction phase to the open market. [1, 2]
Core Benefits of ECI Frameworks
 Reduced Risk: Design errors and clashes are identified early, reducing the
likelihood of costly delays and claims during construction. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
 Cost Certainty: The open-book approach and continuous collaboration foster
budget transparency, often resulting in significant cost savings. [1, 2]
 Accelerated Timelines: Overlapping the design and procurement phases
(such as ordering materials with long lead times) enables faster project
delivery. [1, 2]
Common Applications
ECI frameworks are highly utilized in complex public sector, infrastructure, and
commercial developments. Because design and construction happen in tandem, it is
a favored delivery method for large hospitals, transportation projects, and complex
urban regeneration schemes. [1, 2, 3]
If you are considering implementing an ECI framework, I can help you with specific
resources. Would you like me to:
 Compare ECI against other procurement models (like traditional Design-
Bid-Build or Construction Management)?
 Explain the different compensation models typically used in ECI
frameworks (Target Cost vs. Fixed Lump Sum)?
 Provide resources for standard ECI contracts (such as NEC4 or
PPC2000)? [1]