Talking about your strengths. - My English Lesson Online

Today’s lesson: Talking about your strengths without sounding arrogant in a Interview

Lesson Title

Talking about your strengths without sounding arrogant.

Duration: 60 minutes
Level: Upper intermediate or Advancede

In this lesson, you will learn.

Interviews are a chance for employers to learn about your strengths. Talking about your strengths in an interview, it’s important to focus on the things that make you unique and valuable as a candidate.

Think about your skills, experience, and personal qualities, and how they would benefit the company.

Asking relevant questions.

Discussing your strengths, especially during an interview, can be a tricky balance to strike. On the one hand, you want to present yourself in the best light, demonstrating that you’re a strong fit for the role.
On the other, you don’t want to come off as arrogant or overly self-assured. So, how do you navigate this fine line?

Tips and advice about talking about your strengths.

Be Genuine

It’s essential to be honest about your strengths. Fabricating or exaggerating can lead to awkward situations, especially if you’re quizzed further or if your future job relies on this ‘strength

Be real

Instead of merely stating you’re “good at teamwork”, share a specific instance when your collaborative efforts led to a successful project outcome.

Stay Humble

Acknowledge that while you have particular strengths, you’re always looking to learn and grow.

Genuine, Real and Humble

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.

I’m also a team player and I’m always willing to go the extra mile.

For example, in my previous job, I was responsible for developing a new training program for new employees.

I was able to learn the material quickly and develop a comprehensive program that was well-received by new employees and managers alike.”

This answer is effective because it is specific, relevant to the job, and demonstrates the candidate’s ability to learn and adapt.

Here is what you should avoid in your interview.

Generalisations

Avoid vague statements like “I’m a hard worker”. Instead, be specific about what you bring to the table.

Never talk badly about others

Avoid putting others down to elevate yourself.
For instance, saying “I was the only one who ever met deadlines” not only sounds arrogant but also shows disrespect to colleagues.

Overconfidence

There’s a thin line between confidence and overconfidence.
Remember, every strength can be a potential area of growth.

Talking about your strengths:
A Checklist – Do’s

Do’s:

Prepare in advance: Reflect on your strengths and have real-world examples ready.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Be honest: Talk about genuine strengths, not what you think the interviewer wants to hear.
Acknowledge room for growth: Every strength can be further developed.
Listen actively to the question: Ensure your response is relevant and succinct.

Talking about your strengths:
A Checklist – Don’ts

Avoid generalisations: Be specific about your strengths.
Don’t sound rehearsed: While it’s good to prepare, your responses should sound natural.
Avoid arrogance: Remember, there’s always something new to learn.
Don’t compare negatively with others: Focus on your journey and growth.
Don’t rush: Take a moment to structure your response mentally before answering.

Closing questions

What haven’t I asked that you think is essential?
Is there any further information I can offer you?
Would you like any clarification about my qualifications or experiences?
Can you detail the subsequent steps in the recruitment process?
Are there any immediate concerns about my application?
When can I expect feedback or updates on this interview?
How do you foresee the successful candidate transitioning into this role?

To conclude, talking about your strengths doesn’t mean merely listing them.

It’s about showcasing your value, backing it up with evidence, and demonstrating a continuous desire for growth. By maintaining a humble attitude and being genuine, you can discuss your strengths in a way that is both compelling and modest.