Self analysis -An awkward HR term or valuable interviewing skill?

“So… Tell me, what do you believe are your greatest strengths…?” It is a question often posed by employers and recruiting agencies which can fill people with a sudden dred. It is amazing how many people either freeze, wriggle uncomfortably or trot out the same good old tried and tested lines; “I am an excellent communicator with strong time management ability.” There is a general feeling in New Zealand that to promote yourself is an unflattering characteristic and not in keeping with the true kiwi spirit. So when proceeding to that all important job interview, there can be an unnerving feeling when faced with questions on self-analysis.

In many cases people find that they are unsure of the balance between effective self promotion and arrogance. The key is effective preparation and a commitment to personal honesty.

In many cases people find that they are unsure of the balance between effective self promotion and arrogance. The key is effective preparation and a commitment to personal honesty.

Thinking about your career and the value you have added in various forms is a good place to start. Ask yourself; what have been tasks or projects that you have enjoyed, excelled at or received recognition for? The answers to these questions will help to put you on the right path to thinking proactively about your career. A good source of information could also be a previous employer, assuming that you have left on good terms! Seek an appointment with your manager and ask for constructive feedback on your performance within the company via a written reference or a one on one meeting. The benefit of this is to enable you to start looking critically at your own performance. You may not agree with everything that has been said, but it will give you an indication on how you are perceived within the company.

From this it is important to come to your own conclusions. Take the time to think objectively about your impact on the company and make a few notes on your skills, strengths, goals achieved and what you enjoyed about various roles you have had. Especially, take note of examples that can reinforce this when in the actual job interview situation itself.

The balance between giving an impression of an over inflated ego and confidence in your skills will be judged on your ability to provide effective examples to back up your claims. This is when your prior preparation becomes a distinct advantage. People that have a good grasp of their skills and qualifications will be able to provide specific examples immediately rather than searching the room for inspiration! For example, an ability to provide an employer with honest feedback on difficulties you faced and how you overcame them in a prior role is a valued self-analytical tool.

For an interviewer over exaggeration is a trait identified by a lack of evidence in relation to specific situations. Be prepared to enhance your opinions with facts that illustrate what you are saying.

Honing in on the specifics enables you to move past redundant or clichéd phrases such as; “I am a strong multitasker”, “I have excellent attention to detail” or “I am able to delegate effectively.” These phrases become redundant as they are skills that are required in most positions – you are not saying anything new or interesting about yourself. A person who has a well developed sense of self-analysis will be able to hone in on skills they have employed and provide the evidence of this from their experience.

An interview situation is an exercise in self promotion for both the Employer and the interviewee. Just as much as you are trying to impress yourself upon the employer, the employer is simultaneously promoting their own culture and values to you. In preparing yourself for this process effectively, confidence in your skills, career and personal strengths in conjunction with supporting examples will enable a professional presentation.  Although for some this may always be an uncomfortable experience, competent self analysis is a valuable ability, sharpening interviewing skills in a competitive employment market.