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Strength Interview Coaching

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Strength based interview coaching

Strength based interviews are increasingly being used by organisations such as consulting firms and the civil service as part of their Success Profiles assessment. It is normally used to complement rather than replace the competency based interview approach. Often strength based interview questions are used in graduate video-on-demand interviews and at training contracts interviews with law firms as well as at apprenticeship interviews.

What are your strengths? 

what are your strenghsA true strength is different to learned skill or competency in that it will energise and motivate you, encouraging you to perform well. So a strength is something that comes naturally. It should feel authentic. In contrast, weaknesses often drain us. The philosophy behind the strength based approach is that there is more to be gained by building on a candidate’s existing strengths than depending on learned skills.

Strength based interview questions

Generally the style of a strength based interview is very different from a competency based interview. Strength based questions tend to focus on what you like and do not like and the pace will be faster with multiple follow-up questions to explore your answer. However you still need to substantiate your answer with evidence but in a more natural style than giving just one detailed example. The interviewer will put much more emphasis on assessing your enthusiasm and expression with body language and tone of voice. Questions tend to start with ‘what’ and ‘how’ rather than ‘can you tell me about a time’. Here are a few strength based interview questions:

  • What does a good day look like for you?
  • How do your friends describe you?
  • What does a high performing team look like for you?
  • Are you a half empty or half full kind of person?
  • What’s the last thing left on your to do list?
  • When are you at your best?
Practising for a strength based interview is essential 

Engaging interview CandidateStrength based interviews are easier for people who have good self-awareness, know their own strengths and are natural story-tellers.  If you can relax in an interview, be engaging and show the best of yourself then you are likely to enjoy and excel at strength based interviews. Unfortunately many people are anxious in an interview and may not be able to display the energetic and positive body language and tone of voice needed to do well in such interviews.

Mock interview coaching session

Depending on the role and your interview experience one or two coaching sessions are recommended, consisting of a preparation session and a mock interview.  You will be coached to:

  • identify the strengths that role requires from the job specification and values of the organisation; we will share insight into the likely focus of your strength based interview and whether you are good fit.
  • understand your own strengths and the difference between learnt strengths and authentic innate strengths.
  • identify the experiences you can draw on in an interview to substantiate your answers.
  • practise answering a variety of challenging strength based questions at a fast pace with probing follow-up questions.
  • use body language and voice to sound and look positive, confident and energetic.
Coaching options

One-to-one coaching is available in London or Bournemouth or online through Skype or FaceTime.

Why do organisations use strength based questions?

There are three main reasons interviewers favour strength based questions:

  1. They are more likely to find candidates with a natural fit for the job.
  2. Candidates are likely to have a higher potential for success and engagement.
  3. Candidates are less likely to be able to prepare for strength based questions and will need to rely on more spontaneous answers, therefore revealing their true self.
Proven success

Click here to read over 500 reviews added directly to the website by clients.

Coaching fees

Coaching is available in 90-minute sessions for £195. For strength based interview coaching online you could choose  a 1-hour  coaching session for £150. Click  coaching fees for more detail. The best approach is to schedule a free consultation so that we can discuss your objectives.

Free consultation

Click the Book Free Consultation button below to schedule in an appointment or Contact Interview Skills Clinic to discuss how we can help you succeed at your next strength based interview.

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Fabiula Rifiski on October 16, 2024 at 09:16 am

Elizabeth is truly amazing. She has not only helped me stand tall but also completely transformed how I approach interviews and view my skill set. As an interview coach, she goes beyond the basics of preparing for a role. She helps you tailor your skills to fit the specific roles you’re applying for, but more importantly, she opens your eyes to what you’re truly capable of. Sometimes we underestimate our natural abilities because they come easily to us, but Elizabeth shows you how to express these in a way that highlights their full value. She helps you see beyond tasks and focus on the big picture - especially on soft skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. When I first worked with Elizabeth, I received offers from three major companies immediately after our sessions, and I was able to choose the role that was the perfect fit for me. When I later went through a career change, she helped me again, and I successfully landed the job I was aiming for. I highly recommend Elizabeth. Her insights and guidance are invaluable!

Emily Stroud on September 24, 2024 at 11:06 am

Coaching with Claire Hodgson was the best decision I made to kick start my career. Warm and approachable and also punchy, she challenged me to improve much more than I believed I was capable of, and then built up my confidence to perform optimally at interview. I know I would not have got my dream job in the Civil Service without her help. She’s a great coach, so do not waste another second thinking about hiring her. Do it. If you want the job, she is the key to get you through the door.

Jon on September 04, 2024 at 11:40 am

I highly recommend Elizabeth and the interview skills clinic. Elizabeth helped me prepare for an interview for a Civil Service Grade 6 role and the three sessions gave me the confidence and skills needed to get the job. As someone who has struggled with interviews in the past I now have the skills to confidently tackle senior Civil Service interviews for the years to come. Elizabeth has a complete understanding the civil service behaviours and interview format so it felt like getting insider knowledge which proved to be essential. Thanks again to Elizabeth and the team.

Ivana on March 25, 2024 at 08:43 am

Elizabeth is an outstanding interview coach whom I highly recommend. Her sessions helped me overcome insecurities as a non-native speaker working in higher education, boosting my confidence and highlighting my skills and abilities. Elizabeth’s calm and kind attitude helped me to stay grounded, but also guided me back to my strengths when I felt lost during the interview, ultimately leading to the attainment of my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support and look forward to future collaborations.

Sonal on February 22, 2024 at 13:04 pm

Elizabeth is a very supportive coach. I was applying for a Business Analyst role and within an hour of a second interview I was called back by the company to let me know that they really liked me and offered me the job. I thought I knew how to use the STAR approach before but Elizabeth has a unique interpretation of it and I was complimented on my response. What really helped me was the way she broke the STAR up for me in a way which was relevant to the role and sector I was going for. My interview felt much more like a conversation. I learnt a lot and feel so much more confident in interviews

Aashna on February 20, 2024 at 12:50 pm

After five years abroad,I decided to re enter the London job market. Having used Elizabeth's services before, I did not hesitate to contact her again. With her guidance and support I was successful in getting offers from multiple companies. Elizabeth is sincere and cares about her clients and their job satisfaction beyond the remit of her role as an interview coach, her many years of experience give her a discerning eye and she can predict in a very short space of time what her clients need and how to get them from A to B. I would recommend her wholeheartedly. She also goes out of her way to make time for her clients and is very punctual and organised.

Alexia on February 11, 2024 at 16:38 pm

Interview coaching with Matt was exactly what I needed. My skills were rusty and I'd lost confidence. I really liked Matt's direct but supportive approach. I was out of my comfort zone during the sessions (which was good!) but through practice my confidence grew and learning took place. I now have an excellent structure to work with for future interviews. I'm very grateful for Matt's help. Thank you.

Kris on January 30, 2024 at 12:43 pm

I was feeling insecure in my communication skills when I met with Elizabeth for a mock interview. Her knowledge paired with her straightforward approach meant that in one hour we had covered a number of actionable insights that instantly boosted my confidence. I walked into the interview with a clear plan (and renewed belief in my competence) and dare I say I even enjoyed it! Thank you for doing what you do!

Yasmin on January 21, 2024 at 22:50 pm

Matthew has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my application process (on multiple occasions. With his support, I was able to land my first civil service role. He put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into every session. His techniques were incredibly helpful and I have learnt skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. Couldn’t recommend more.

Develyn on January 17, 2024 at 14:00 pm

Elizabeth is a fabulous coach. Following her coaching, I had two coaching sessions I got a senior programme manager role in the Civil Service, it was a very complex role. I offered the job and I was told my interview was excellent!! Elizabeth gave me such detailed and insghtful feedabck I was able to reshape all my Behaviour answers and went into the interview feeling much more confident. Thank you Elizabeth

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