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In this article, we will explain in detail how to answer questions about strengths, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as provide example sentences .
Please read to the end as we will introduce some tips on how to answer in a way that will make a good impression, as well as some example sentences that you can use right away.
One of the questions you’ll definitely be asked in an interview is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Even Japanese people have a hard time answering this question, but if you watch this video, remember the key points, and prepare your answers beforehand, you’ll be fine.
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Why are you asked about your strengths, advantages, and disadvantages?
In the first place, in interviews at Japanese companies, “self-understanding,” “contribution to the team,” and “willingness to improve” are considered important.
Reasons for being asked about advantages and disadvantages:
To check whether you are able to analyze yourself
→ People who understand themselves objectively are likely to be able to calmly tackle work challenges.
To find out how I can contribute to the team
→ Japanese companies place a high value on teamwork. Strengths such as “cooperativeness” and “sense of responsibility” are highly valued.
To see their attitude towards improving their weaknesses
→ No one is perfect. You will be asked how you accept your shortcomings and how you are working hard to improve them.
There are actually basic rules for answering questions about strengths and weaknesses.
1. Choose strengths and advantages that are relevant to your work.
It is important to explain how you will be useful to the company.
Saying that my strength is that I am fast is completely meaningless and counterproductive.
2. Be honest about your weaknesses, but communicate them in a positive way.
There’s no need to hide your weaknesses, but be sure to show that you’re trying to improve.
3. Don’t talk about extreme pros and cons, but be mindful of balance.
Strengths → Describe skills and personal qualities that will be useful in the workplace
. Weaknesses → Describe weaknesses that are not major drawbacks but are human.
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Examples of strengths and advantages
Here are some examples of strengths and advantages. First, try creating an advantage using these topics.
Language skills (Japanese + English + native language)
Intercultural understanding, international perspective
communication skills
A strong sense of responsibility
High desire to learn
I can persevere and work hard
Able to value teamwork
Examples of disadvantages
Too much pursuit of perfection
I don’t like relying on others
It’s too careful and takes too long
I get nervous easily
Avoid fatal weaknesses that directly affect your work, such as poor Japanese, being often late, or lack of concentration.
Now, let’s talk about how to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses.
First, let me start with the conclusion.
(My strength is ____.)
Next, add an anecdote
(a specific experience or example).
Finally, show how you can benefit the company.
And when you talk about your weaknesses, talk about how you can improve them.
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Example of a model answer for strengths and weaknesses
I’m sure you still don’t have a clear idea of how to create pros and cons, so from here on I’ll introduce some actual sentences.
You will be asked questions like this in the interview.
① If you want to be an IT engineer
長所
私の強みは学習意欲の高さです。来日してから日本語を独学で勉強し、2年間でJLPT N2に合格しました。同じように技術の分野でも、新しいプログラミング言語を自分で習得してきました。御社での業務でも、常に新しい知識を吸収しながら成長できると考えています。
strengths
My strength is my strong desire to learn. Since coming to Japan, I have been studying Japanese on my own and passed the JLPT N2 in two years. Similarly, in the field of technology, I have been learning new programming languages on my own. I believe that working at your company will allow me to grow and constantly absorb new knowledge.
短所
一方で、新しいことに挑戦するときに慎重になりすぎてしまうことがあります。そのため最近は、まず小さなステップから始め、行動を起こす習慣を意識しています。
weaknesses
On the other hand, I sometimes tend to be too cautious when trying new things, so recently I’ve been trying to make it a habit to start with small steps and take action.
② If you are looking for a sales or customer service position
長所
私の長所は、異文化の人とコミュニケーションをとる力です。アルバイトで外国人観光客のお客様を接客した際、英語と日本語を使い分けながら安心していただけるように対応しました。御社のお客様にも同じように安心感を提供できると考えています。
strengths
My strength is my ability to communicate with people from different cultures. When I was working part-time and serving foreign tourists, I was able to communicate in both English and Japanese, making them feel at ease. I believe I can provide the same sense of security to your customers.
短所
短所は、人に頼るのが苦手なところです。すべて自分で解決しようとする傾向がありますが、最近はチームで協力することの大切さを学び、先輩や同僚に相談するように心がけています。
weaknesses
My weakness is that I’m not good at relying on others. I tend to try to solve everything on my own, but recently I’ve learned the importance of working together as a team, so I try to consult with my seniors and colleagues.
③ If you are looking for an office position
長所
私の強みは、責任感と正確さです。大学時代のゼミ活動では会計係を担当し、予算や支出を正確に管理しました。御社でも事務作業を正確に行い、チームの円滑な運営を支えたいと考えています。
strengths
My strengths are my sense of responsibility and accuracy. During my university days, I was in charge of accounting for my seminar activities and managed budgets and expenses accurately. I would like to carry out administrative tasks accurately at your company and support the smooth running of the team.
短所
一方で、完璧を求めすぎる傾向があります。細かい部分まで確認しすぎて時間がかかることがあるため、優先順位を意識しながら効率的に作業を進めるよう努力しています。
weaknesses
On the other hand, I tend to be too perfect, and sometimes I end up spending too much time checking every little detail, so I try to work efficiently while being mindful of priorities.
④ If you work for a manufacturer or factory
長所
私の長所は、集中力と粘り強さです。単調な作業でも最後まで丁寧に取り組むことができます。母国でアルバイトをしていたときも、長時間の作業を集中して行い、品質を守ることに貢献しました。
strengths
My strengths are my concentration and perseverance. I can work carefully through even monotonous tasks. When I was working part-time in my home country, I was able to concentrate on my work for long hours and contribute to maintaining quality.
短所
短所は、人前で話すと少し緊張してしまうことです。改善のために、日本語学校で発表の機会を増やし、少しずつ自信をつけています。
weaknesses
My weakness is that I get a little nervous when speaking in front of people, but to improve this, I’m increasing the number of opportunities to give presentations at my Japanese language school and gradually gaining confidence.
⑤ New graduate international students
長所
私の強みは、挑戦する意欲です。来日後、文化や言語の違いに戸惑うこともありましたが、積極的に日本人の友人や教授と交流し、環境に早く適応することができました。御社での新しい業務にも柔軟に挑戦できると考えています。
strengths
My strength is my willingness to take on challenges. After coming to Japan, I was sometimes confused by the differences in culture and language, but I actively interacted with Japanese friends and professors, which allowed me to quickly adapt to the new environment. I believe I will be able to flexibly take on new challenges at your company.
短所
短所は、経験不足から仕事の進め方に自信が持てないところです。しかし、先輩から学ぶ姿勢を大切にし、早く戦力になれるよう努力していきたいと考えています。
weaknesses
My weakness is that I lack confidence in my work methods due to my lack of experience, but I value the attitude of learning from my seniors and will do my best to quickly become a valuable asset.
Here are some examples of bad ways to answer the pros and cons questions. Be careful not to say any of these.
Strengths: “None in particular”
Everyone has strengths. This answer is meant to show humility, but it comes across as unprepared. Always answer with at least one thing.
Weaknesses: “There are no Weaknesses“
Unfortunately, there are always weaknesses. Interviewers will judge you as “not understanding yourself.”
Weaknesses of being too honest: “I’m not punctual” and “I get bored easily”
Avoid major negatives that directly affect your work.
Tips for making a good impression at an interview
Communicate your weaknesses in a positive way,
saying that you are “making efforts to improve.” Everyone has weaknesses. What’s important is that you understand them, how you are trying to improve them, and how you are dealing with them.
Communicate in simple Japanese without using difficult expressions or words.
Rather than using difficult honorific language, focus on accurate and easy-to-understand expressions.
The goal is not to answer using JLPT Level 1 vocabulary, but to communicate properly with the other person, so the difficulty of the words is completely irrelevant.
Smiling and
making eye contact can make a big difference in the impression you make.
summary
The “strengths, advantages, and disadvantages” questions asked in an interview are an important way to see whether you understand yourself and how you can contribute to the company.
Choose strengths that are related to your work
Answer weaknesses together with ways to improve them
Utilizing the strengths unique to foreigners, such as language skills and cross-cultural experience
If you keep these points in mind, you can give a positive impression even if you have no experience. Please use the example sentences in this video as a reference and prepare your answers in your own words.
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