How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?” (Freshers Ireland)

Interviewers love to ask “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” because it reveals how self-aware and honest you are.

For freshers, this can be a tough question. You may not have much work experience yet, but you still have qualities and habits that employers value — and areas you’re working on improving.

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

Employers use this question to see:

• If you understand your own abilities.
• Whether your strengths match what the job requires.
• How you approach challenges or areas of growth.

How to Talk About Strengths

1. Pick one or two strengths that are relevant to the role.
2. Support them with a short example from school, volunteering, or activities.
3. Show how those strengths will help you succeed in the job.

Examples of strengths for freshers:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Reliability
• Problem-solving
• Quick learner

How to Talk About Weaknesses

1. Choose a genuine weakness — but not one that makes you unfit for the role.
2. Keep it short and professional.
3. Explain what you’re doing to improve.

Examples of weaknesses (with improvements):

• Public speaking — improving by practicing in class presentations.
• Time management — using planners and reminders to stay organised.
• Nervous in new situations — pushing myself to join clubs and try new things.

Example Answers

Example 1
One of my strengths is teamwork. I enjoy working with others and in group projects I often helped organise tasks so everything got done on time. A weakness is that I can be a bit nervous speaking up in front of large groups, but I’ve been practicing in tutorials and I’m getting more confident.

Example 2
I’d say one of my strengths is reliability. I’m always on time and make sure my work is completed to a good standard. For a weakness, sometimes I take on too much at once, but I’m learning to set priorities and manage my workload better.

Example 3
A strength I bring is problem-solving. I like figuring things out, whether in assignments or everyday challenges. A weakness is that I sometimes hesitate to ask for help, but I’m working on being more comfortable reaching out when I need guidance.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Saying “I don’t have any weaknesses.”
• Choosing a weakness that’s essential for the job.
• Giving cliché answers like “I’m a perfectionist” without context.
• Talking for too long — keep it simple.

Quick Tips for Freshers

• Be honest but strategic — choose weaknesses that are manageable.
• Always show how you’re improving.
• Focus on strengths that employers value in entry-level roles.

Related Resources

• See our full Interview Tips Ireland guide.
• Browse Part-Time Jobs in Ireland to start building experience.