March 20, 2025

Best Prompt to Answer ‘What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?’

When an interviewer asks, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” it’s like they’re handing you a golden ticket to show off—but for freshers, it’s tough to know what to say without sounding fake or clueless.

Most of us either blurt out overused lines like “I’m a perfectionist” or freeze up, unsure how to sound confident without much experience.

This blog walks you through a slick prompt that turns this tricky question into a job-ready answer.

Steps to use the Prompt to Generate Answer for “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? ”

Below are the steps to the prompt to generate answer for “what are your strengths and weaknesses? ” in an interview:

Step 1: Copy-Paste the Prompt into an AI Tool

*”I need help answering the interview question: ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ Since I’m a fresher, I may not fully know my strengths and weaknesses, but I want my answer to sound confident, structured, and relevant to my job role.
Please ask me one question at a time to collect key details before generating my answer. After I provide my job role, first generate a generic response with two strengths and one weakness. Then, ask if I want to personalize it further. Explain that personalization makes my response more engaging and convincing, increasing my chances of impressing the interviewer. If I choose to personalize, guide me step by step.
Make the process fast and efficient by providing numbered options for selection instead of requiring me to type responses. At the end, present the final output under separate Strengths and Weaknesses headings to ensure clarity. Once the full answer is generated, ask if I prefer a shorter, concise version.”*

✅ Rules for My Answer:
✔ Step 1: Generic Response First – Immediately after collecting the job role, generate a basic strength & weakness response.
✔ Step 2: Ask for Personalization – Explain why refining the response is beneficial and optional.
✔ Step 3: Efficient Selection Process – Strengths & weaknesses have numbered options for quick selection.
✔ Step 4: Justification for Strengths – Each selected strength must have an example-based justification.
✔ Step 5: Weakness Framing – Weaknesses are growth areas, followed by an improvement plan.
✔ Step 6: Clear Answer Structure – Separate “Strengths” and “Weaknesses” in the final response.
✔ Step 7: Shortened Version Option – Ask users if they want a crisp, shorter version at the end.
✔ Step 8: At the beginning of every question, show progress status in this format:

“Question X of Y (Z% Complete)”

(Example: “Question 3 of 6 (50% Complete)”)

This helps the user know how far along they are and stay motivated to complete the flow.

❌ Avoid:
🚫 Cliché answers like “I’m a perfectionist.”
🚫 Weaknesses that are deal-breakers for the job.
🚫 Listing strengths without context or examples.
🚫 Rambling – Keep responses structured and relevant.

🤖 Chatbot Flow (Step-by-Step Questions – Optimized for Quick & Personalized Responses)

1️⃣ “What is the job role you are applying for?”
(User must manually input their details.)

📌 Example Format:

Job Role: Software Engineer

Job Role: Digital Marketer

👉 Now, AI generates a generic response based on the job role.

🟢 “Here’s a quick, general answer based on your job role:”“One of my key strengths is [Strength 1], as it allows me to excel in [relevant task]. Additionally, I have strong [Strength 2], which helps me [relevant impact]. However, I am actively working on improving my [Weakness], and I have been taking steps such as [Improvement Action] to develop this skill.”

2️⃣ “Would you like to personalize this answer further to make it more engaging and impactful? It will take just 30 seconds, but personalization increases your chances of impressing the interviewer.”

✅ Yes → Continue with personalization.
❌ No → Skip to final response.

(Personalization Steps for Those Who Opt-In)

3️⃣ “What are your key strengths? Pick up to 2 strengths from the list below.”

📌 For Software Engineers:
1️⃣ Problem-solving skills
2️⃣ Logical thinking and analytical ability
3️⃣ Attention to detail and accuracy
4️⃣ Adaptability and eagerness to learn
5️⃣ Creativity in developing solutions
6️⃣ Collaboration & teamwork
7️⃣ Strong work ethic and reliability
8️⃣ Resilience in handling challenges
9️⃣ Time management & ability to prioritize tasks
🔟 Strategic thinking and decision-making
1️⃣1️⃣ Other (Specify)

📌 For Digital Marketers:
1️⃣ Analytical thinking & data-driven decision-making
2️⃣ Strong communication and storytelling skills
3️⃣ Creativity in campaign ideation
4️⃣ Adaptability to market trends
5️⃣ Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
6️⃣ Time management & handling multiple projects
7️⃣ Problem-solving and quick decision-making
8️⃣ Attention to detail in campaign execution
9️⃣ Strategic thinking for long-term brand growth
🔟 Resilience and ability to work under pressure
1️⃣1️⃣ Other (Specify)

4️⃣ “For each strength you selected, pick one justification that best supports it.”

📌 For Strength 2.1 (First Selected Strength)
2.1.1 I have successfully applied this skill in a college project.
2.1.2 I naturally excel in this due to my analytical mindset.
2.1.3 I have been consistently improving this skill through self-learning.
2.1.4 My mentors and professors have praised this strength.
2.1.5 This strength has helped me solve complex problems efficiently.
2.1.6 Other (Specify)

📌 For Strength 2.2 (Second Selected Strength)
2.2.1 I enjoy using this skill to optimize processes.
2.2.2 This strength has helped me in group projects and collaborations.
2.2.3 I have demonstrated this skill through personal projects.
2.2.4 I have used this skill to contribute to online communities or open-source projects.
2.2.5 My ability in this area makes me stand out from my peers.
2.2.6 Other (Specify)

5️⃣ “What’s one skill or habit you know you’re not great at, but you’re actively trying to improve?”

📌 For All Roles (Select One)
1️⃣ Public speaking & communication skills
2️⃣ Managing time efficiently under tight deadlines
3️⃣ Handling constructive criticism positively
4️⃣ Confidence in presenting ideas to large audiences
5️⃣ Asking for help instead of struggling alone
6️⃣ Other (Specify)

6️⃣ “How are you actively working to improve this weakness? Pick one approach.”

📌 For All Roles (Select One)
1️⃣ Taking an online course to improve the skill
2️⃣ Practicing daily with small projects or exercises
3️⃣ Seeking mentorship and feedback from experts
4️⃣ Using time management techniques like Pomodoro
5️⃣ Participating in workshops or hackathons
6️⃣ Other (Specify)

🟠 Auto-Enhancement Step

7️⃣ “Now that I have your answers, I will refine your response to sound well-structured and engaging. Here’s your improved version:”

💪 Strengths:

Strength 1: [Selected Strength 2.1] – [Chosen Justification]
Strength 2: [Selected Strength 2.2] – [Chosen Justification]

⚡ Weaknesses:

Weakness: [Selected Weakness] – [Chosen Improvement Strategy]

(Final Step: User Choice for Detailed or Concise Version)

8️⃣ “Would you like a more concise version of your answer for quick recall?”

✅ Yes → Generate a shorter version with only the key points.
❌ No → Keep the detailed version as is.

First up, copy the full prompt from this blog and paste it into an AI large language model.

You can use tools like Grok (from xAI), ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude (by Anthropic), or Microsoft Copilot—plenty of options to get you started!

The prompt kicks off by asking for the job role you’re aiming for—it’s the anchor that keeps your answer relevant. Just type it in, and you’re good to go.

Purpose: To tailor your strengths and weaknesses to what the job needs.

How to Answer?

Job Role: Software Engineer

What to Do:

Name the exact role, like “Software Engineer” or “Digital Marketer.”
Keep it short—no extra details yet.
Think about what skills this job might value as you answer.

What Not to Do:

Don’t be vague, like “something in tech”—be specific.
Avoid unrelated roles, like “chef” if you’re not applying there.
Don’t skip this—it’s the foundation.

Step 3: Get Your Generic Answer

Once you give your job role, the prompt spits out a basic answer with two strengths and one weakness—perfect if you’re in a pinch. It’s simple but sounds confident and job-focused.

Purpose: To give you a ready-to-use response right away.

Example:

‘One of my key strengths is problem-solving, as it allows me to excel in tackling coding challenges. Additionally, I have strong adaptability, which helps me learn new tools fast. However, I’m actively working on improving my time management, and I’ve been taking steps like setting daily goals to develop this skill.’

What to Do:

Take this as your safety net—it’s good to go.
Read it aloud once to get comfy with it.
Use it if you’re cool with basic but solid.

What Not to Do:

Don’t toss in clichés like “I’m a perfectionist”—the prompt avoids that.
Avoid deal-breakers, like “I can’t code” for a coding job.
Don’t overthink it—this is just the starting point.

Step 4: Decide to Personalize

Now the prompt checks if you want to level up your answer with personal flair—it’s optional but takes just 30 seconds to make you stand out.

Personalizing it shows you’re not just another fresher, and the interviewer will notice.

Purpose: To let you choose between safe and stellar.

How to Answer?

✅ Yes

What to Do:

Pick “Yes” if you want to shine brighter than the generic version.
Trust it’s quick—the prompt’s got your back.
Move to Step 5 if “Yes”; skip to Step 9 if “No.”

What Not to Do:

Don’t say “No” out of nerves—it’s worth the extra step.
Avoid stalling; it’s a fast yes-or-no call.
Don’t think generic is always enough—it’s fine, not great.

Step 5: Pick Your Strengths

If you’re personalizing, this step asks you to choose up to two strengths from a list— just pick numbers, no typing.

It’s built for freshers, so the options fit your job and feel real.

Purpose: To spotlight what you’re good at, job-ready style.

How to Answer?:

For Software Engineers: 1 (Problem-solving skills), 4 (Adaptability and eagerness to learn)

What to Do:

Grab 1-2 numbers that match your vibe and the job.
Use option 11 if your strength’s unique, then add a quick note.
Keep it honest—the next step backs it up.

What Not to Do:

Don’t pick random stuff you can’t explain later.
Avoid overkill—two strengths max, not five.
Don’t skip; it’s your chance to flex.

Step 6: Justify Your Strengths

For each strength you picked, choose a justification from the list—it’s how you prove it, not just say it.

Pick one number per strength to keep it quick.

Purpose: To give your strengths weight with real examples.

How to Answer?

For Strength 1 (Problem-solving): 2.1.1 (I have successfully applied this skill in a college project)
For Strength 4 (Adaptability): 2.2.3 (I have demonstrated this skill through personal projects)

What to Do:

Match each strength to a justification that’s true for you.
Use option 6 if your proof’s different, like “I aced a hackathon.”
Keep it tied to your job role’s needs.

What Not to Do:

Don’t leave it blank—context is a must.
Avoid vague picks, like “I’m just good at it”—prove it.
Don’t reuse the same justification twice—it’s lazy.

Step 7: Choose Your Weakness

Now pick one weakness you’re working on—just one number from the list. The prompt frames it as a growth area, not a red flag, so you sound proactive.

Purpose: To show self-awareness without tanking your chances.

How to Answer?

2 (Managing time efficiently under tight deadlines)

What to Do:

Pick one you’re genuinely improving, not a fake flaw.
Go with option 6 if it’s unique, like “overthinking decisions.”
Make sure it’s not a job-killer, like “I hate coding” for a coder role.

What Not to Do:

Don’t use deal-breakers, like “I’m bad at teamwork” for a team job.
Avoid clichés like “I work too hard”—the prompt bans that.
Don’t pick nothing—it’s not believable.

Step 8: Show Your Improvement Plan

For your weakness, pick how you’re fixing it—one number keeps it simple. This turns a flaw into a strength-in-progress.

Purpose: To prove you’re tackling your weakness head-on.

How to Answer?

4 (Using time management techniques like Pomodoro)

What to Do:

Choose one action you’re actually doing or could start.
Use option 6 for something specific, like “I set phone reminders.”
Keep it positive—show you’re growing.

What Not to Do:

Don’t say “I’ll figure it out”—give a real plan.
Avoid vague fixes, like “I’m trying harder.”
Don’t skip this—it’s what saves your weakness.

Step 9: See Your Polished Answer

The prompt blends your picks into a clean, confident answer, split into Strengths and Weaknesses headings.

Purpose: To deliver a professional-level response that flows naturally.

Example:

💪 Strengths:

Strength 1: Problem-solving skills – I’ve successfully applied this in a college project, like debugging a team app that kept crashing.

Strength 2: Adaptability and eagerness to learn – I’ve shown this through personal projects, picking up new tools like Git on my own.

⚡ Weaknesses:

Weakness: Managing time efficiently under tight deadlines – I’m working on this by using techniques like Pomodoro to stay on track.

What to Do:

Check it fits your job role and feels like you.
Practice saying it aloud a few times.
Use it as-is—it’s already polished.

What Not to Do:

Don’t ramble when you say it—stick to the script.
Avoid adding unproven strengths—keep the examples.
Don’t skip the headings; they keep it clear.

Step 10: Pick Your Length

Last up, the prompt asks if you want a shorter version for quick recall—just say “Yes” or “No.” It trims it down if you need speed.

Purpose: To fit your answer to the interview’s pace.

How to Answer?

✅ Yes

Concise Version:

💪 Strengths: Problem-solving from college projects; adaptability from learning new tools.

⚡ Weakness: Time management—I’m using Pomodoro to improve.

What to Do:

Say “Yes” for a tight, 20-second pitch.
Pick “No” if you like the full version’s depth.
Match it to your comfort level—short or detailed.

What Not to Do:

Don’t skip this—decide what works for you.
Avoid blending both; pick one vibe.
Don’t tweak it after—it’s ready to roll.

Final Words

Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses as a fresher doesn’t have to be a guessing game—with this prompt, you’ve got a clear, confident answer that’s all you.

Copy-paste it, run through the steps, and watch this question go from scary to your secret weapon.

Thirumoorthy

Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education