How to Answer the Question “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”
Among the most common interview questions are “what are your strengths and weaknesses?”. This test your communication skills and puts you on the spot. However, this question can go in a number of directions, and focusing on your strengths too much can make you appear arrogant, while focusing on your weaknesses may make you seem humble. Either way, your interviewer may overlook your application. So how do you approach this question?
Clear expectations from the start
Ensure that your answers are as professional and as enthusiastic as possible. While you are unlikely to be expected to be an expert in the field you are applying to, internship interviewers are more interested in learning about your background, working style, and why you’d like to do the internship. Be specific about your educational goals and make sure they match the organization’s mission and values. In addition, use the “why?” question as an opportunity to highlight your past experience, values, and passions.
The interviewer wants to know how much responsibility and accountability the candidate has and whether you would benefit the company. Often, interviewers look for key traits that make interns successful. A candidate with an eagerness to work and set goals is more impressive than one who is unwilling to put in the time or effort. For this reason, ask your interviewer whether they are looking for a self-starter or a dedicated professional.
The interviewer wants to know that you want to be an intern who will grow in the company. The best way to answer this question is to discuss your motivations, goals, and experiences. Highlight how the internship will help you in your future endeavors. In other words, be authentic. You don’t want to sound forced or over-prepared, and your answer should reflect your real self. When interviewers ask you why you are interested in the internship, they are looking for a candidate who is passionate and enthusiastic about the field.
Whether you’re applying for an internship or seeking employment elsewhere, a student may feel nervous on the day of the interview. However, the interviewer should be aware of any possible pressure. After all, an internship is meant to help a new worker. In your internship interview, focus on being prepared, professional, and eager to learn. You may also be asked questions about your experience and background, as well as your skills and qualifications.
Make sure that your interviewer is clear about the job duties and responsibilities of the position. According to a survey, nearly 39 percent of employees found that they did not have the expected job responsibilities. In other words, make sure your job description is thorough and consult with your team to ensure accuracy. If your expectations are different from your actual position, it might be better to find another option. This can help you in the future.
When answering questions, it is crucial that you avoid negative comments. While everyone has reasonable expectations for a supervisor, it is not advisable to complain or discuss previous supervisors. These actions may give the hiring manager a negative impression about the candidate and cause them to think the person is problematic or will create trouble. Instead, share specific examples of how you have been helpful to previous supervisors. This will help you stand out as a candidate in the next interview.
Walk Us Through a Notable Project You’ve Completed
In many internship interviews, candidates are asked to highlight their strengths in the form of a notable project or an example of outstanding behavior. When answering this question, it is important to highlight your own unique characteristics, especially those that are directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Identifying your strengths is the first step to turning your weaknesses into your strengths so that you can easily shine during the interview process.
This question is designed to give insight into your capabilities and show how you’d be able to work with the company’s objectives and goals. The best answer is to give a real example of how you took initiative. In addition, it avoids the awkward situation of the candidate telling you that they did both well. This question reveals your capabilities and highlights your pinnacle of work.
The best answers to the question “Walk Us Through a Notable Project You’d Completed” are those that showcase the internship candidate’s skills and passion for the role. Highlight skills and experiences that will benefit the company’s goals and culture. In your answers, be specific about both hard skills and soft skills, and be sure to mention your willingness to learn and a positive attitude as well.
When answering the question “Walk Us Through a Notable Project You’d Completed”, choose a project that was challenging but resulted in a positive outcome. The purpose is to show that you take initiative when the going gets tough and overcome obstacles. Your answer can be a full-time or part-time project or a role you’re currently working in.
Explain Your Interest in Growing Within the Company
When preparing to explain your interest in growing within the company during an internship interview, make sure you think about what you want to accomplish during the internship. Tell the interviewer how the internship will help you gain new skills and what you hope to learn from the experience. Make sure to mention how your internship will contribute to the company’s community or industry. Remember to be specific about company-specific information and discuss how your personality matches its values and culture. Research the company’s website and social channels. Review the company’s news sources as well.
The interviewer is looking for traits that show a willingness to work hard. If you have a passion for learning, this is a good trait to have. Those traits are what is attractive to a potential employer. The best way to demonstrate that you have them is to share a real example. For example, if you like taking initiative and tackling problems, share an example of something that you’ve completed.
This question is tricky to answer but can help you build a stronger case for yourself during the interview. Make sure to connect it to your interests and goals for the future. Highlight your strengths and emphasize your desire to grow within the company over time. You can also mention how you would like to learn and perform, and compliment the company for hiring qualified individuals. This will show the interviewer that you’re looking to stay for the long haul.
Remember that an internship interview is a sales pitch. Try to sell yourself as a candidate with the specific skills they need. Make sure to mention any skills or experience you have outside of school that can be useful for the company. Make sure you also position yourself as a cultural fit by showing that your values align with theirs. Your personal attributes will be seen as a plus when it comes to hiring someone for an internship position.
While an internship interview is a great opportunity to gain work experience, companies also want to hire people who can grow with the company. This is because the intern can easily mold into a full-time position and hone skills to support the organization’s bottom line. This is why the interviewer asks this question to prospective interns. They want to know if they are looking for an internship as more than just a stepping stone for college credit.
You can also discuss how your skill set can benefit the company’s goals. You can show the interviewer that you did your research on the company and its mission. When asked to explain your interest in growing within the company during the internship interview, mention any recent projects you’ve worked on or any awards you’ve received in the past. If you have the passion to succeed, this is a great way to show the manager that you’ve done the necessary homework.