Highlight these 12 Positive Qualities & Minimize 5 Weaknesses in Interviews

During a job interview, you may face tough questions, such as behavioral questions.
These types of questions require you to describe yourself without jeopardizing your chances of getting hired.

For instance, questions like “Tell me about your weaknesses and strengths” (or positives and negatives).
Your response is critical – It demands modesty, honesty, and constructive self-criticism from you while also showcasing your relevant behavioral skills.

Emphasizing Strengths and Minimizing Weaknesses

So, what are the good positives qualities and safe negatives to say in an interview?

In this article, we will delve into the following topics:

1. Positives – Detailed insights into strengths worth highlighting to increase your chances of getting selected.
2. Negatives – Safe weaknesses that you can disclose without negatively impacting your chances of getting hired and might even improve your presentation in front of the interviewer.
3. Weaknesses that you should avoid as they could damage your candidacy.

12 Positive Qualities That Can Get You Hired

When it comes to the interview process, it’s true that interviewers tend to hire people they like.

Here are some positive qualities that can take priority over qualifications and increase your chances of getting hired:

1. Self-Learner: Being a self-learner is a valuable trait to have in any job, as it shows that you are proactive and motivated to expand your knowledge and skills.
   It means that you take the initiative to improve yourself and are not solely relying on others to teach you.
2. Willing to Learn New Things: Employers want employees who are open to learning new things and are not afraid to take on new challenges.
   This shows that you are adaptable and can easily adjust to new situations or technologies in the workplace.
   It also demonstrates a growth mindset, which is highly valued in many industries.
3. Team Player: Being a team player is essential in any job that requires collaboration and communication with others.
   It means that you can work well with others, communicate effectively, and are willing to help your teammates when needed.
   This is an important quality that many employers look for when hiring.
4. Adapting to Changes: In today’s rapidly changing job market, the ability to adapt to changes is critical.
   Employers want employees who can quickly adjust to new processes, technologies, or procedures.
   Being adaptable also shows that you are flexible and can handle unexpected challenges in the workplace.
   This is an important quality to highlight during job interviews.
5. Confidence: When you are confident, others can see it, especially your interviewer, who will be able to put their confidence in you because you believe in yourself.
6. Positive Attitude: Just as negative energy is an instant turn-off, positive energy will draw people to you, including the interviewer, who will be able to visualize what your attitude can do for the organization.
7. Leadership: Every industry requires leaders, and leadership skills can be applied universally.
   When you demonstrate lateral leadership skills, your interviewer is likely to discuss with you more openly your role as a leader.
8. Great Manners: When you are respectful and courteous, it shows a degree of kindness that’s appealing to the interviewer because they know that this type of person gets along well with others and is a good mix with customers, other employees, managers, and owners.
9. Communication Skills: You can be the nicest person on the planet, but if you have poor communication skills, you will not be able to sound intelligent, come across as trustworthy and prepared, and show your confidence. When you can articulate well, the interviewer will see this as a big plus.
10. Sincerity: Business relationships are built on trust. So, if you are honest and sincere during the interview, this bodes well for you.
    If you are dishonest during the interview, your body language is likely to give you away, and that won’t be beneficial.
    Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in the interview and be willing to be open, even if you feel exposed or at risk by doing so.
11. Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is contagious, and it excites recruiters and interviewers because they know that it’s a positive experience for the entire staff.
    It also has a way of showing your own drive, and that impresses the interviewer.
    Bottom line – don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm during an interview.
12. Relevant Industry Knowledge: If you want to impress the interviewer, be up to date on relevant information pertaining to the industry you are applying to, as well as the company itself.
    Know trends and stats that you can discuss during the interview. You’ll impress the interviewer and move yourself that much closer to being hired.

Five Negatives You Can Tell If Asked in Job Interviews

When asked about negatives in a job interview, it’s important to be honest but also strategic in your response.

Here are a few examples of negatives that you can mention that won’t necessarily disqualify you from the job and that you can frame in a positive light:

1. Self-Critical: I tend to be self-critical, but I use that to my advantage by constantly seeking to improve myself and my work.
2. Disorganized: I can sometimes be disorganized, but I have learned to create systems and routines to help me stay on top of my tasks and responsibilities.
3. Public Speaking: I’m not always comfortable with public speaking, but I have taken courses and practiced improving my skills and become more confident in this area.
4. Delegating Tasks: I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks, but I have learned to recognize when it’s necessary and to trust my team members to handle their responsibilities.
5. Competitive: I am competitive by nature, but I understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration to achieve shared goals.

Remember that it’s important to be honest in your response and to focus on how you’ve worked to improve or overcome the negatives you mention.
And don’t forget to emphasize your strengths and qualifications for the job as well!

Negative Qualities That Can Get You Passed Over
Here are a number of negative qualities that can take you from being on the run to out the door, even if you have the necessary qualifications. These include:

1. A negative attitude.
2. Dishonesty.
3. Lack of overall interest in the interview.
4. Looking bored.
5. The inability to communicate clearly.

Even when you don’t have all the qualifications, put your positive qualities forward and see the outcome.