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In this video, we will explain in detail how to answer questions about strengths, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as provide a collection of 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.
However, if you watch this video, remember the key points, and prepare your sentences in advance, 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 self-analysis is possible
→ 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’s important to explain how it will benefit the company. Saying that my strength is that I’m 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 → Communicate skills and interpersonal qualities that will be useful at work
Weaknesses → Although they are not major negatives, talk about your human weaknesses.
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Examples of strengths and advantages
Here are some examples of actual strengths and advantages.
Let’s start by creating strengths in 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’s start with the conclusion.
(My strength is ____)
Next, add an episode
(Specific experiences and examples)
Finally, show how you can help the company.
Then, talk about your weaknesses along with ways to improve them.
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Examples that can be used in an actual interview
I’m sure you still don’t have a clear idea of how to create pros and cons, so here are some actual sentences.
You will be asked questions like this in the interview.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your strengths and areas of expertise?
What are your weaknesses and how do you improve them?
① If you want to be an IT engineer
Strengths and Advantages
“My strength is my strong desire to learn. Since coming to Japan, I have been self-studying Japanese 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.”
Cons
“On the other hand, I sometimes become 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
Strengths and Advantages
“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 with them in both English and Japanese, making them feel at ease. I believe I can provide the same sense of security to your customers.”
Cons
“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
Strengths and Advantages
“My strengths are my sense of responsibility and accuracy. In my university seminar activities, I was in charge of accounting 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.”
Cons
“On the other hand, I tend to be too perfect. Sometimes I end up checking too many small details, which takes up too much time, so I try to work efficiently while being mindful of priorities.”
④ If you work for a manufacturer or factory
Strengths and Advantages
“My strengths are my concentration and tenacity. I can work carefully through even monotonous tasks to the end. Even 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.”
Cons
“My weakness is that I get a little nervous when speaking in front of people. To improve this, I’m getting more opportunities to give presentations at my Japanese language school, and I’m gradually gaining confidence.”
⑤ New graduate international students
Strengths and Advantages
“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, and was able to adapt quickly to the new environment. I believe I will be able to flexibly take on new challenges at your company.”
Cons
“My weakness is that I lack confidence in my work methods due to my lack of experience. However, I value the attitude of learning from my seniors and will work hard to become a valuable asset as soon as possible.”
Be sure to also keep in mind some examples of bad ways to answer questions about strengths and weaknesses.
Be careful not to say any of these things.
Strengths: “None in particular”
→ Everyone has their strengths. This answer shows humility, but it comes across as unprepared. Always answer with at least one thing.
Cons: “There are no cons”
→ Unfortunately, there are always weaknesses. The interviewer 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.
As part of Japanese culture, we don’t give a clear yes or no, but rather aim for something in between. Tips for making a good impression at an interview
Communicate positively
→ Even when it comes to your weaknesses, communicate them in a positive way, saying that you are “making efforts to improve.”
Everyone has weaknesses. What’s important is knowing what they are, how you’re trying to improve them, and how you’re dealing with them.
Communicate in simple Japanese without using difficult expressions or words.
→ Use accurate and easy-to-understand expressions rather than difficult honorifics
The goal is not to answer using JLPT Level 1 vocabulary, but to communicate properly to the other person, so the difficulty of the vocabulary is completely irrelevant.
Smiling and eye contact
→ Just speaking with confidence can make a big difference in the impression you make.
\ Tips on how to get a job in Japan can be found here /
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 things in mind, you can make a positive impression even if you have no experience.
Please use the example sentences in this video as a reference and prepare your answer in your own words.
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