How to spotlight your character traits and stand out in interviews.
Interviews are make or break for new roles or promotions. Check out our recent post on preparing for interviews.
Let’s get down to business. Here are 5 common interview questions, with a twist of character. (Download this Guide).
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
This question is an opportunity to highlight your character right from the start. Use it to integrate character traits from KANNY Insights into your career history and achievements. You will return to these traits throughout your interview, and it sets the stage for an authentic experience for both you and the interviewer.
Example: “I have built my career on a foundation of integrity and strong work ethic. My colleagues appreciate my humility and commitment to doing things the right way. This has fostered a workplace where my team has thrived.
For example, in my previous role as a project coordinator, we faced a challenging situation where a major deadline was approaching, and the team discovered a significant error in our data analysis that could potentially impact the project’s outcome. Although it was tempting to gloss over the mistake to meet the deadline, I knew it was crucial to address the issue honestly and transparently.
I immediately brought the error to my supervisor’s attention and proposed a plan to correct the data, even though it meant working overtime and potentially delaying the project. My supervisor appreciated my honesty and proactive approach. We informed the client about the situation, explaining the steps we were taking to ensure the accuracy and quality of the final deliverable.
As a result, we were able to correct the data, and although the project was slightly delayed, the client was grateful for our integrity and commitment to delivering accurate results. This experience reinforced my belief that integrity is essential in building trust and maintaining long-term professional relationships.”
2. “What is your greatest strength?”
Interviewers are looking for self-awareness, confidence, and fit for the role. Focus on a specific character trait. Provide concrete examples demonstrating how this strength has been a cornerstone in your professional life. How has it helped your previous employers achieve their goals? How did it strengthen your team? Make you a better manager?
Example: “My greatest strength is my dedication to honesty. I communicate openly but with tact, building trust and a strong team environment. I’m as honest with myself as I am with others. When I fall short I own it, just like I expect others to do. Being truthful helps me improve and it earns trust and respect from others. For example, in my current role I was responsible for missing a key deadline on a team project. As soon as I knew I was going to fall short I messaged the team and explained the situation. I shared my plan for how I was going to fix it and asked for ideas that could help. I took responsibility both for my mistake and getting it back on track.”
3. “What is your greatest weakness?”
This question tests your self-awareness, humility, and growth potential. It’s an opportunity to show that you are not only aware of your limitations but are actively working to improve them. Fight the urge to talk about a strength disguised as a weakness. Interviewers know the difference and will appreciate a genuine answer. Point out how your honest self-assessment and respect for professional growth have led to positive changes.
Example: “In the past, I have valued harmony above everything else, which made it challenging for me to address tough issues directly. I read the book “Crucial Conversations” and have been working on a better balance between team harmony and bravely and honestly hitting problems head on. For example, I realized I had been avoiding speaking with a team member about a mistake she had made that had an affect on a client project. I applied the lessons from the book as best I could and we ended up creating a stronger relationship of trust afterwards.”
4. “Why are you interested in this position?”
Employers want to ensure that your interest in the job is sincere and that you understand the role. Connect your motivations to your core values like respect and integrity, discussing how the company’s mission aligns with your ethical standards and professional ambitions.
Example: “I am drawn to this position because it aligns with character traits that I value – humility and integrity. I have always believed that true leadership involves serving others and upholding the highest ethical standards. In my last role, I actively sought feedback in one-on-ones with my team, and made sure they felt safe to share. They had no doubt as to my integrity as I was open and transparent about standards and expectations, both for them and for myself. I am eager to bring these qualities to your team.”
5. “What impact do you hope to have on our company?”
This explores your potential influence on the organization, as a team member as well as a human being. Emphasize your dedication to fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and harmony. Discuss how you aim to be a role model in promoting these values, spurring growth as well as a strong culture of achievement.
Example: “I am to foster a culture of achievement by modeling honesty and work ethic. I hope to inspire others to do the same. You can expect growth and success from me and my team, as well as an environment where individuals trust and work for each other. In my previous role, the team I led was known for its production but also as a group of people that could be trusted to do the right thing. We filled our open roles with internal applicants who knew our reputation and wanted to be part of the success we were having.
Leverage The Character Advantage
If you are actively interviewing for a new role or a growth opportunity inside your own company, start using character words today. It might feel awkward at first. Just like standing on top of the winners podium by yourself.
This is The Character Advantage.