Know your strengths and mention ones that are relevant to the job you are being interviewed for. It is important to quote examples of when you have used the skills – it isn’t enough to just say that you have the skills.

Typical strengths employers look for are:

• Communication – the ability to get on with a wide range of people
• Team working – the ability to be an effective team leader or team member
• IT skills – most jobs these days need some IT skills
• Good attitude – hard worker, honest, polite, co-operative
• Problem solving – using your initiative to identify solutions
• Enthusiasm – employers like someone positive
• Quick learner – so you can take on new tasks
• Determination – shows you are focused on achieving goals
• Flexibility – doing a variety of tasks to achieve a common goal.

If you’re asked about weaknesses, don’t list many – only mention one! Choose a minor flaw that isn’t essential to the job. Turn it into a positive, such as how you’ve worked on the weakness or you could present it as an opportunity for development.