“Elite Japanese Language School” -Act to achieve goal and keep your faith

For today, we would like to share with you some points to consider

When it comes to expressing some of your strengths and weaknesses when asked during your interview.

One time during a practice for interview, a student asked “I don’t know what I’m good at”

There was also a time when we get asked it it’s okay to be honest about your weaknesses.

We know how difficult it can be when it comes to talking about your personality. The main point here is to know how to convey yourself appropriately in order to make a lasting impression regardless of whether you’re talking about your strengths or weaknesses.

Here are three points to ponder about when answering:

1.)    Put your objectives on the table

2.)    When it comes to my weaknesses, I will choose from ___________

3.)    When it comes to my weaknesses, to ______ I will talk about _____

1.)    More often than not, during interviews, the interviewer doesn’t really want to know your strengths and weaknesses but rather, gaining perspective of your what your objectives are. This is the reason why you having a clear objective is necessary.

To only say things like “I’m diligent” or “I have communication skills” with no explanation can be hard to believe especially if it’s just words. However, if the situation can be explained in detail, it can be more convincing as you have a story as back up for proof.

Here are some examples:

STRENGTH: Diligence

“I always meet my homework/assignment deadlines on time.

I always try to plan out my schedule to meet all my deadlines.

All the assignments given by my school for the year were submitted within the deadline”

STRENGTH: Communication skills

“I could get along with people regardless if we just met for the first time or not. I can be able to share things like my hobbies and listen to people talk about themselves. Since I came to Japan, I have befriended 10 people”

If you have a hard time thinking about your strengths, you can always ask your friends.

There might be characteristics that you don’t notice yourself, that way, they can help you explain a side of you that might help you convey yourself more.

You can also reference your friends during interviews like “My friends would often describe me as”—it would increase your back up for your objectives by being able to share experiences that involve people around you.

We will be explaining 2.) and 3.) next time!

Please look forward to it!