Preparing for the Interview: Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
What are your strengths and weaknesses? This question is almost certain to come up in any job interview. To be well-prepared, it helps to update your personal strengths profile. A personal SWOT analysis can be a useful tool for this. Find out how it works here.
What is a SWOT Analysis?
Organisations, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs in the start-up phase use this tool to make the potential of their own ideas tangible: Where does the idea stand out from others through uniqueness? Where are others stronger? What opportunities does the idea hold, and where could it lead? What possible pitfalls should be considered, and where do dangers lurk? However, we are now going to apply this method to a different area:
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You can use this tool wonderfully to prepare for future applications. The SWOT analysis has one very significant advantage: it creates clarity and transparency for the present moment.
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Relying solely on the thought that "everything will surely be fine" when thinking about a job interview ignores reality just as much as a purely sceptical attitude that is convinced from the start: "I won't get the job anyway." Being lost in thoughts of the distant future or the past is just as hindering as merely living from day to day. Job interviews are about providing as clear a picture as possible of your current personality, including your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and special skills. To avoid getting stuck in old narratives, a transparent snapshot of the here and now can support you.
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The true power comes from taking a holistic view of yourself.
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To do this, answer the following questions in a grid like the one below:
Updating Strengths and Weaknesses Before the Interview
1. Collect everything that comes to mind
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You have likely thought about your strengths and weaknesses several times throughout your life. This is about an update. What is your current status? To provide this update, we will use the SWOT analysis tool:
Divide a piece of paper into four sections to write down your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. How? Collect answers to the following questions and write down everything that spontaneously comes to mind. Without judging, without filtering. Everything.
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S – Strengths
What comes easily to me? How do I support others? What makes me unique?
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No false modesty here! Many of us were conditioned to react to compliments with a dismissive "Oh, it was nothing!" instead of simply being happy that someone sees something positive in us. Try something different: "Thank you! I’m glad you see it that way!" Who appreciates your strengths?
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W – Weaknesses
What can others do better? Where do I not pay enough attention to the needs of others? What am I afraid of?
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We don’t have to be able to do everything. Things that others are better at can either be left to them, or we can choose to improve ourselves in those areas. It all starts with observation: once the answers are on paper, you can still decide what to do with them in the second step. So: get it all out! The paper is a patient listener. :-)
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O – Opportunities
Where is there a demand? How is my environment evolving? Who could benefit from my strengths and competencies? Who could I collaborate with?
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There are plenty of opportunities to be found in these answers. Looking beyond the horizon ("Blick über den Tellerrand") gives us the chance to look into the future with optimism and good energy. So much is already there; you already bring so much to the table: Where can you "plug in"? Where can something completely new emerge through your individual experiences and those of others? This is where you find the fertile ground to fully unfold your potential.
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T – Threats
What do I need to watch out for to maintain my energy? What do I need to recharge my batteries?
What hasn't worked in the past? How might current demands change in the future?
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None of us has a crystal ball. What we do have, however, is the opportunity to observe ourselves and get to know ourselves even better: What do I need? What is important to me, and what will I still need in the future? We can also mindfully perceive our environment and make informed assumptions: How has our world changed in the last ten years, and how might it evolve in the years to come?
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In summary: What do I need tomorrow and what will others need tomorrow?
Surveying Your Environment
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2. Ask others for their opinion
Now you have focused on your own perception. Do you like what you see? Have you already gained new insights? Make sure to regularly set aside time for self-reflection in the future as well.
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Now we come to part two: external perception. Where do those around you see your strongest personal qualities, your core skills, your uniqueness, possible weaknesses and threats, as well as potential opportunities? No, this isn't always easy – fear of criticism often likes to get in the way.
That’s why my tip is to consider:
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Who you want to ask: Whose perception is important to you?
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Which format (written or verbal) helps you best to accept and embrace the results?
Dare to ask. You will be surprised by all the helpful feedback you receive!
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Your Results
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3. Decide what you want to do with the results
So, is your page full yet? It is best to keep your SWOT sheet somewhere visible so you don’t lose sight of the results. This allows you to add new ideas as they come to mind, incorporate feedback from others, and constantly reflect:
What do I want to do with these results?
It is up to you how you use these insights to actively shape your future.
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Are you ready to revise your CV, incorporate your new findings?
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Do you want to write your next cover letter, now with an updated reflection of your personality?
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Do you wish to have a further analysis with a professional strengths update?
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If you are still unsure which professional direction you can or should take, you can find support for your realignment process here.
It's not too late,
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