I was asked a fantastic question by a client this week, he is in a middle management position, loves his role but he has been there for two years and feels the time is right for a change.
In the last week, he decided he wanted to apply for a senior position within his company; however, he has been speaking to previous applicants, and one question they mentioned is making him anxious.
Interviews for senior positions are both exciting and nerve-wracking at the best of times, as they signify a potentially huge step up in your career journey. One of the most frequent questions asked during these interviews he has been told is, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
This straightforward question involves the applicant employing self-awareness, growth, and reflection. As a middle manager aspiring for a senior role, this question provides a unique opportunity to highlight your abilities and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development.
Though he knows he is ready for the position, this type of self- reflection and being self-critical worries him in case he mentions something that could influence the interviewers to deem him not suitable for the role.
As part of the work, we have been completing together he had already answered some similar type of questions that I had put to him, though the magnitude of dealing with these senior partners made the questions seem daunting.
In this blog, I will delve into strategies for effectively addressing this question while still being a confident and authentic presence.
Firstly, you really need to understand the question and why it is being asked enabling you to give a full and clear answer.
Before we dive into devising your response, let us break down the question itself:
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
On the surface, this question seeks to uncover your self-perception and your ability to critically evaluate yourself, which for most people, is a challenging task to undertake. The interviewer is looking to understand not only what you are great at but also how well you are aware of the areas you need to improve on. Managers transitioning to senior roles are expected to possess a balanced blend of leadership, technical, and interpersonal skills, making this question even more pertinent.
Highlighting Your Strengths:
When evaluating your strengths, it is essential to balance modesty and confidence. Highlight the skills and attributes that have worked for you to date as a manager, emphasising their relevance to the role you are applying for.
Here is an approach to enable you to identify and present your strengths:
Reflect on Your Achievements: Look back on your career as a manager. What projects or teams have you successfully led? Have you consistently met or exceeded your KPIs? Have you introduced fresh solutions that positively impacted the team's performance? These accomplishments can really shed light on your strengths.
Identify Core Competencies: Consider your skills that have consistently contributed to your success. These may include being a great communicator, strategic thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to mentor and guide your team.
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your strengths. For example, you could mention that your effective communication skills resulted in a 20% increase in your team's performance which led to a more efficient project completion.
Tailor your examples: Align your strengths with the requirements of this particular senior position. If the role demands strong negotiation skills, discuss how you have effectively negotiated complicated contracts or resolved conflicts within your team.
Be Authentic: Be genuine in your response; this is so important, and where many applicants fall as they try to, how shall we say, exaggerate their experience or examples, which is never a wonderful thing to do. Select your strengths that truly resonate with your experiences and align with your personal brand (who you are).
Acknowledging Your Weaknesses:
Admitting your weaknesses is not a failing it requires vulnerability, but it also demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow. A quote I love is by Richard Branson who said, ‘Don’t be embarrassed about your failures, learn from them and start again'. As a manager aiming for a senior role, addressing your weaknesses thoughtfully can set you apart from other applicants.
Here is an approach to help you address your weaknesses:
Focus on Growth: Frame your weaknesses in the context of growth opportunities. Share how you have recognised these areas and explain your steps to overcome them.
Select Relevant Weaknesses: Choose your weaknesses that are not critical to the core requirements of the senior position. It is best to avoid mentioning any weaknesses that could undermine your application.
Demonstrate Action: Discuss what you have employed or plan to implement to address your weaknesses. This could involve seeking mentorship, enrolling in relevant training, or other learning that you may be undertaking in your own time.
Highlight Progress: If you have already made any progress in mitigating any of your weaknesses, shout it from the rooftops, figuratively only, but share your journey and the positive outcomes you have achieved. This illustrates your commitment to improvement and continual learning.
Embrace Authenticity: Just like with strengths, you need to be genuine about your weaknesses. Remember to be selective to the ones relative to the position you are applying for. Authenticity portrays your self-awareness, ability to reflect and willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities to improve.
Now how do you compile your response:
Now if you have taken in everything to this point, you have a solid understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and especially the ones which will be relevant to use in your answer. it is now time to write your compelling response that will leave the interviewers with a lasting impression.
Try something like these:
Strengths: In my role as a manager, I've honed my strategic thinking and communication skills, consistently driving towards and excelling in my KPIs. One of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to navigate complex projects, ensuring that they align with the company’s goals. For example, I led a team that successfully implemented a streamlined workflow, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency. This experience has equipped me with the leadership skills I will need to steer projects in a senior role.
Weaknesses: "While I have achieved success in team management, though, in project management, I recognise that my technical proficiency in certain technologies could do with further development. I have actively taken steps to address this by enrolling in an advanced technical course to deepen my understanding and increase my knowledge. In addition, I have sought guidance from my mentor within the company who excels in this area. Continuous learning is essential, and I am committed to bridging this gap to ensure I am well-equipped for the challenges of a senior position.
In conclusion
Navigating the question of strengths and weaknesses in an interview for a senior position requires introspection, honesty, and a growth mindset. As a manager, you have a wealth of experiences to draw upon, both in terms of your achievements and areas for improvement. Furthermore, by carefully selecting and articulating your strengths and weaknesses, you can demonstrate your readiness to step into a more senior and impactful role while highlighting your commitment to personal and professional growth. Remember, the journey from middle management to a senior position is a step up for you; however, it is a testament to your development as a leader, and addressing this question is just one step in that journey.
These situations do not need to invoke the type of apprehension my client has put himself through. If you feel this is something you need help with, do not wait. Contact me and let us get you ready to take the next steps towards attaining the position you seek.
Tony Gordon
Mindset Consultant and Workshop Facilitator
https://www.changingyourmindltd.com
tonygordon@changingyourmindltd.com
https://linktr.ee/acdg1
I am a certified wellbeing practitioner and coach, helping my clients achieve their personal and professional goals. The essence of my work is to facilitate self-growth by helping you identify the core challenges and obstacles in your life, so that you can overcome them with confidence. I specialise in creating personalised plans and providing tools to guide you forward to achieve your desired goals.
