20 Strengths Questions to Ask in an Interview

(and 20 great questions, to ask yourself!) 

There are a million and one ways to conduct interviews, and everyone has an opinion. While there is no right or wrong way, there is a growing philosophy that a strengths based approach is best.

What is a strength-based interview?

The name truly says it all – a strengths-based interview is one which focuses on assets strengths (including personal strengths and social and community networks) and not on their deficits.

Don’t we need to consider the negatives?

One concern about this approach, is that is fails to address the candidates weaknesses or their shortcomings. However, focusing on positives does not mean excluding the negatives. On the contrary, a strengths-based approach is just that, based in strengths, not ignoring weaknesses.

Why takes a strengths-based approach to interviews?

From a psychological point of view, a strengths-based approach puts people at ease and by default, allows the interviewee to shine. In this way, you get to see a more genuine version of the candidate, not one who is crippled by nerves and giving scripted answers. With its foundation in Positive Psychology, a strengths-based interview is more genuine, relaxed and seeks to see the best in people, not catch them out. According to Prospects and their interview expertise:

“The theory is that by identifying your strengths and matching them to the role you'll be happier in your work, perform better, learn quicker and stay with the company for longer.”

If you think this approach might well for your organisation, for your team and for your upcoming interview round, check out the 20 strengths-based questions below to select which ones you’re going to use:

1.     What 3 adjectives describe you best?

2.     What values do you bring to your work?

3.     What do you value most in a work culture?

4.     What strengths do you exhibit when you’re working at your best?

5.     What do you need in order to work at your best?

6.     What lesson has been valuable to you from a past challenge?

7.     What do you value in a manager or leader?

8.     How would your family and friends describe you?

9.     What do you consider your greatest strength?

10. What energises you?

11. When did you achieve something you're really proud of?

12. Do you think this role will play to your strengths?

13. Do you most like starting tasks or finishing them?

14. Do you prefer the big picture or the small details?

15. What do you enjoy doing the least?

16. What do you like to do in your spare time?

17.  What makes a good day for you?

18.  What activities come naturally to you?

19.  What does success mean to you?

20.  What are your greatest strengths? When do you use them at their best? Are there situations in which you overuse these strengths?