24 April 2023

Preparing for a Strength-Based Interview

The standard interview format involves an employer finding out whether you have the skills and knowledge to do the job. These are called competency-based interviews. And although really helpful, employers are using different ways of unearthing talent.

More and more employers now include strength-based interviews and assessments in their selection process. So what the f-word are strength-based interviews? And how do you prepare for them?

Here is our guide to preparing for strength-based interviews…

What is a strength-based interview?
Companies that use strength-based interviews
How do you prepare for a strength-based interview?
What is an example of a strength-based interview answer?
How to answer strength-based questions

What is a strength-based interview?

This form of assessment concentrates on what you enjoy and think you’re good at, rather than competencies you can provide evidence of.

Taking place during a face-to-face interview or assessment centre, the process will assess you against a company’s core values.

Employers are moving towards the strength-based approach to assess your future potential instead of previous experience. And that’s good for you!

A strength-based interview is also great because…

You come across much better and feel a lot more comfortable when talking about the things you’re good at and enjoy
You’re more likely to answer a lot more honestly because you have zero clue as to what you’ll be asked
It makes the interview feel more friendly.

Companies that use strength-based interviews

Here’s a list of just some of the companies that currently include strength-based interviews as part of their selection process:

Around 56% of employers have adopted the strength-based approach for interviews and assessment centres. And that number is only growing.

This means it’s highly likely you’ll come across a strength-based assessment if you apply for a student placement, summer internship or a graduate role in the future – even if the company is not included on this list.

Want to set yourself up for success in any future work experience application? Sign up to our FREE Career Coaching Course, a four-day virtual programme in October, to upskill yourself on CVs, applications and interviews.

How do you prepare for a strength-based interview?

A strength-based interview prevents you from planning or rehearsing answers because you have zero idea what they’re going to ask.

But there are some steps you can take to prepare:

Look at the desired strengths and skills listed in the job description. Can you align your own strengths with them?
Get an objective opinion of what your strengths are. During the interview/assessment, it’s better to focus on your genuine talents instead of what you would like to think you’re good at
Strength-based questions do not require you to use examples to back up your strengths, but it doesn’t mean you can’t draw on past experiences. Be sure to use relevant examples that add value to your responses.

Here are some example questions

Do you think this role will play to your strengths?
How do you stay motivated?
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing the least?
Describe a successful day. What made it successful?
What do you learn quickly?
When did you achieve something that you were really proud of?
What gives you energy?
Do you prefer to start tasks or finish them?

For more champion advice on approaching an interview, read our guide to the STAR Interview Technique – which is really helpful for answering the most common interview questions.

If you’ve got an upcoming interview, you also might want to check out EY’s Interview Tips. These tips are applicable to interviews and assessment centres with any employer, even the milkman.

What is an example of a strength based interview answer?

Let’s put it into practice. If you’ve been asked “what are you good at?” you can respond with something like:

“I’m really a people person. The jobs that I’ve really excelled in have been roles where teamwork has been the emphasis. I thrive during idea sessions and love to hear from other team members. Helping people to develop their ideas is fulfilling for me.”

You could then go a step further and use an example of where this has worked. So if you’ve developed an idea with a team that was then implemented – it’ll impress.

How to answer strength-based questions?

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when you’re answering strength-based questions…

Be honest. That might sound obvious, but it’s incredibly tempting to exaggerate and oversell yourself in a job interview. In a strength-based interview, it’s in your interest, to be honest. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers in this format. Employers are looking for your energy and engagement; they want to discover the real you – no matter how lame that sounds. By being honest, you will come across as more authentic – and authenticity is stronger than false brilliance
Try and avoid generic or clichéd answers. For example, if they ask you something like ‘What are your weaknesses?’ don’t say you’re a perfectionist or that you’re too organised. Similar to the point above, it’s better to be honest. Give a real weakness, but explain how you are working to improve that weakness
Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. If you misheard (or think you might have misheard) a question, don’t take any chances! Ask for clarification. It’s better to hear the question again rather than guess what the interviewer was asking.

Other types of assessment

Competency-based

The most common form of assessment. It focuses on the alignment between your skills and knowledge and what’s required to perform a job.

Technical

Technical assessments are a more specific type of competency-based assessment but look for specific skills, such as competence in a programming language or statistical technique.

Values-based

Focuses on if a candidate is aligned with the organisation’s values. An interviewer will press you on your ethical approach to business-related scenarios.

This video from a former placement student offers some cracking insight into what you might experience at an interview and assessment centre for a placement year. So give it a watch.