How to Answer 'What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?' (2026)

For strengths, name two or three that the job clearly needs and prove each with a short example. For weaknesses, choose a real but non-critical weakness, explain what you are doing to improve it, and show progress. Avoid fake weaknesses like "I work too hard".

What the panel is really asking

• Strengths: do your best qualities match what this job needs, and can you prove them?
• Weaknesses: are you self-aware, honest and able to improve?

Both questions test judgement as much as content.

How to answer "What are your strengths?"

Structure: strength + proof + relevance.

1. Pick strengths that appear in the advert or are obviously central to the role.
2. Give a short example or result for each.
3. Link it to the job in one line.

Example (fictional, accountant): One of my strengths is accuracy under deadlines. At my current company I prepare monthly VAT and PAYE returns, and we have filed on time with no penalties for three years. In a role like this, with monthly reporting deadlines, that reliability matters.

Example (fictional, sales): I build relationships that last. In my territory I opened 45 new outlets in six months, and most are still ordering every week. That matters for a role focused on growing repeat business.

Good strengths are specific: "accuracy", "calm with difficult customers", "explaining technical issues simply", "organising field logistics". Weak ones are vague: "hardworking", "passionate", "people person".

How to answer "What is your greatest weakness?"

Structure: honest weakness + action taken + progress.

Choose a weakness that is real, not central to the job, and that you are actively improving.

Example (fictional, ICT officer): I used to find public speaking difficult, which mattered when I had to train staff. I volunteered to run short monthly briefings on cyber safety, and I now prepare simple slides and practise beforehand. I am much more confident now, though I still prepare carefully for large groups.

Example (fictional, graduate): I have limited experience with advanced Excel. I have been taking an online course in pivot tables and lookups, and I used them in my attachment to summarise data for my supervisor. I plan to keep building on that.

Example (fictional, project officer): I sometimes took on too much myself rather than delegating. In my current role I started using a shared work plan with clear owners for each task, and our team now hits more deadlines with less last-minute pressure.

Weaknesses to avoid

• Core requirements of the job. An accountant should not say "I am careless with numbers".
• Fake weaknesses. "I am a perfectionist" or "I work too hard" sound rehearsed.
• Personal problems that are not relevant to work.
• Saying you have none. It suggests a lack of self-awareness.

Strengths that suit common roles

These are examples of strengths that often match common Kenyan job adverts. Use them only if they are true for you, and always add proof.

Variations you may hear

• "What would your previous manager say you need to improve?"
• "Tell us about a time you failed." Use the STAR method and end with what you learnt.
• "What are three words that describe you?" Pick three strengths and be ready with proof.

How to prepare

1. Read the advert and list the top five qualities it needs.
2. Pick your two or three strongest matches and write one proof for each.
3. Choose one weakness, write what you did about it and what has changed.
4. Check your answers against your CV so the stories agree.
5. Practise aloud until each answer is under a minute.

Your CV and your answers should tell the same story. If you are unsure which of your strengths match an advert best, KaziMatch's free fit check compares your CV to the job and highlights strong matches and gaps.

Related guides

• Tell me about yourself
• Why should we hire you?
• Interview questions and answers in Kenya