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Exploring Personal Strengths and Weaknesses for Self-improvement

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Published: May 14, 2021

Words: 865 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

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My strengths, my weaknesses, works cited, fostering organization as a strength, the strength of observation, confronting the weakness of confidence, resisting change: a challenge to overcome, striving for academic excellence despite intelligence challenges.

  • Buckingham, M., & Clifton, D. O. (2001). Now, discover your strengths. Simon and Schuster.
  • Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
  • Grant, A. M., & Dweck, C. S. (2003). Clarifying achievement goals and their impact. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(3), 541-553.
  • Linley, P. A., Willars, J., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). The strengths book: Be confident, be successful, and enjoy better relationships by recognizing where you're strong. CAPP Press.
  • Lopez, S. J., & Snyder, C. R. (Eds.). (2009). Oxford handbook of positive psychology. Oxford University Press.
  • Marsh, H. W., & Yeung, A. S. (1997). Causal effects of academic self-concept on academic achievement : Structural equation models of longitudinal data. Journal of Educational Psychology, 89(1), 41-54.
  • Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-compassion: Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind. HarperCollins.
  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford University Press.
  • Rothwell, W. J. (2015). In mixed company: Communicating in small groups and teams (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Stajkovic, A. D., & Luthans, F. (1998). Self-efficacy and work-related performance: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 124(2), 240-261.

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Strengths and Weaknesses in Writing

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Sarah Oakley

strengths and weaknesses in writing

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5 writing strengths you need to have, 4 writing weaknesses to overcome, how prowritingaid can help you become a better writer, conclusion on writing strengths and weaknesses.

Even the best writers have strengths and weaknesses in writing. Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses is vital if you want to be a good writer.

If you develop your writing skills, you’ll be able to ensure all your writing is of high quality. This applies to creative writing, academic writing, and business writing. 

In this article, we’ll explore five strengths you need and four weaknesses to work on. You’ll also learn how ProWritingAid can help you become a better writer.

A writing strength is a characteristic of great writing and it gives your reader the impression you know exactly what you’re doing. You can learn and develop writing skills so you don’t need to worry about being naturally gifted.

You can build your writing strengths before you write so your first draft has solid foundations, or you can gain them over time as you write. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to make the first draft perfect; it’ll need editing later on.

We’ve picked five strengths we think are the most important when writing any document. These skills are imperative for those who want a writing career.

Strength 1: A Rich Vocabulary

One of the best things you can do as a writer is to develop the number of words you know. Therefore, you’ll have a diverse word choice to pick from when you’re writing.

You can achieve this strength through reading. Read everything you can get your hands on. It’s not enough to read within your chosen genre, business area, or subject area.

By learning new things and opening your mind to other writing categories, you’ll develop a vivid imagination, and you’ll have an excellent vocabulary to work with.

Learning new words and concepts can also help you reduce writer’s block, which is a bonus strength that will help you achieve your goal of finishing writing projects more often.

It’s said that only 3% of novel writers actually finish writing their novel. Arming yourself with a rich vocabulary will help you become one of those 3%.

If you don’t have time for reading as widely, or you’re not sure you’ll be able to remember so many words, some writing apps have built-in thesaurus features you can use. 

Strength 2: Use of Literary Devices

There are many literary devices writers can use to keep their readers engaged. You might be familiar with a few of them, but if you develop your knowledge of all of them, you’ll create variety in your writing by having more to choose from.

We can’t go over every single literary device you could use in this article. However, we have picked three important ones you can use to strengthen your writing straight away.

Foreshadowing is the technique of revealing details and clues for your reader to give them an idea of what is coming. You can use this in fiction writing to create suspense, excitement, or apprehension. In business and academic writing, you can mention something briefly that you will go into detail about later.

Metaphors and similes are ways to describe things as though they are something else or compared to something else. They are great devices to use in poetry and fiction writing. You can engage your reader with metaphors and similes by making their mind work harder to imagine the things you’re describing.

The opposite of using metaphors to describe something figuratively is using concrete imagery in your descriptions. This is where the “show, don’t tell” rule comes into play. You need to show your readers what you’re writing about through sensory details.

Strength 3: Varying Sentence Lengths

Sentence lengths are important as they help the flow of your writing and contribute to its pacing. Long sentences take longer to read but can include a lot of information. Shorter sentences can have more impact.

If you want to give the reader a sense of urgency in the pacing of your writing, use shorter, snappier sentences. They can be as short as one word. 

Be careful when writing short sentences for pacing. You don’t want to write an entire scene in short sentences because your reader might rush through without picking up any details.

Longer sentences can comprise several clauses and even feature additional information in brackets or between em dashes. They take a while to read, so do your reader a favor and remember to add punctuation for pauses. 

Strength 4: Target Reader Awareness

When you know who you are writing for and what they expect, you can focus on achieving and exceeding those expectations. This works for creative, business, and academic writing. The ability to tailor your content to the intended audience is a mark of a great writer.

If you’re working on a creative writing project, such as a novel, you need to be aware of the basic requirements of a novel and any specific elements of your chosen genre. This could include story length, number of characters, and the amount of exposition.

For business writing, such as sales emails and internal company documents, it’s important to use the correct professional tone and vocabulary for your intended reader. You need to ensure your writing is clear and doesn’t use too much business jargon that could make your reader lose interest.

When writing an academic essay or thesis, your reader is likely to be an examiner or a peer in your academic field, so they should understand the subject you’re writing about. This means you can use more technical language and statistics to back up your points. You’ll also need to use formal language.

Strength 5: A Strong Writing Voice

Your writing voice makes anything you write sound uniquely yours. So it’s important to work on achieving a strong, authoritative voice to make readers pay attention to what you’re writing about.

Developing your writing voice is something that takes time and a lot of practice. Most writers start off by emulating other writers to learn how to write things effectively. Once you know how to write well, you can start developing your own way of doing it.

You should adhere to the objective elements of good writing, such as grammar and spelling, to avoid making mistakes. You might even have to follow style guides for business or academic writing. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t break stylistic or optional writing rules, such as using the Oxford comma, to develop your personal writing style.

When you’re writing with confidence, the reader will hear it. You’ll use phrases and details only experts and enthusiasts would know. Your writing will sound natural, like you’re talking to your reader directly. A strong writing voice is one of the most engaging parts of writing.

key writing strengths

Producing great writing is tough, and there are several weaknesses you’ll need to overcome if you want to create amazing pieces of writing. Luckily, most weaknesses only require practice and some studying to resolve them.

I’ve highlighted the four most common weaknesses writers should work on.

Weakness 1: Your Writing Lacks Substance

If you are trying to convince your readers you know what you’re talking about, you need to include details that will give them the right impression.

For a fiction writer, it’s not enough to just add extra details to your descriptions. You need to create unique characters and worlds your reader will want to invest their time in. Even genre fiction readers want to see a new spin on tried and tested plot structures.

You can always improve business and academic writing with some facts and statistics. If you’ve got research findings, add them where appropriate.

In essay writing, don’t use vague statements or general ideas. Your reader will believe your points if you can prove there’s weight to what you’re writing. Make strong points and back them up with evidence. Don’t forget to check your references and citations.

Weakness 2: Poor Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

A sure-fire way to lose a reader’s attention is poor grammar, misspelled words, and punctuation that skews the meaning of your sentence. Mistakes make the reader focus on the quality of the writing rather than what you are writing about.

There are many books and online courses available for improving your knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If you’re uncertain about a rule, you can simply Google it to find out more. Writing style guides are also great places to find grammar rules.

Alternatively, you can use an editing software to tighten up your writing after you’ve finished your first draft. ProWritingAid is an editing software that includes helpful tips and information about the rules you need to brush up on. You’ll learn by doing if you edit your writing with ProWritingAid.

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Weakness 3: Disorganized Writing

There are structures and templates for literally any piece of writing these days. So there’s no excuse for writing that meanders from one point to another with no apparent connection between each one. Organized writing is a must for all writers.

Before you write anything, you need to plan what you’re going to write. This plan doesn’t need to be very detailed, but it needs to have a logical flow from one point to the next. 

For academic writers, you’ll need to include transition words to join points and ideas together. Connecting your points with transition words will keep your reader engaged.

Weakness 4: Lack of Focus on Writing Projects

One of the biggest weaknesses writers face is a lack of focus. If you allow distractions to overwhelm you when you’re trying to write, it will affect your writing.

Writers need to create a suitable environment that will encourage creativity. This is different for each person, but most writers agree that a quiet room with a desk and a comfy chair are the minimum requirements.

Another factor to consider is whether you’re getting enough sleep. Tired writers don’t make amazing literature. First drafts might be safe to complete when you’re sleepy, but editing is something you should do when you’re alert and able to check your work for imperfections.

As I mentioned earlier, ProWritingAid is a piece of editing software that will coach you through your strengths and weaknesses as you make edits to your writing. One of the best things about ProWritingAid is that you can use it at any stage of your writing process.

When you use a ProWritingAid integration, you can check for grammatical errors as you type with the Realtime checker. If you hover your cursor over an underlined word or phrase, you’ll see a pop-up that will tell you what improvement needs to be made, and it’ll give you an option to apply a pre-generated improvement.

The Realtime checker gives you suggestions to improve your grammar, spelling, punctuation, readability, and passive voice. If you want to edit your writing further, you can run any of the 20+ reports that will explore specific things, such as your average sentence length and the use of sensory details.

While there are many strengths that great writers possess, the five strengths and four weaknesses we’ve highlighted in this article are some of the most important ones to focus your efforts on to begin with.

Remember, weaknesses will undermine your hard work to become a better writer. You’ll need to make sure you’re not letting yourself down by making the mistakes we’ve mentioned above.

ProWritingAid is here to help you with strengths and weaknesses in writing so you can ensure your own writing is perfect every time. Though it won’t tell you how much sleep to get or how to rearrange your writing environment. That’s all down to you.

If you want to become a skilled writer, give ProWritingAid a try today.

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sample essay strengths and weaknesses

How to Showcase Your Strengths in Your College Application Essays

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

Your admission essay is an adcom’s greatest insight into who you are as a person. It can also be a tool to showcase your high school accomplishments. So, how can you craft an essay that both conveys your personality and portrays your strengths—without coming off as arrogant? Here are four tips to guide you.

1. Paint a picture.

This is a phrase that English teachers have drilled into your head, but it’s true for your college essay and in all your written work. Painting a picture of your accomplishments through examples and rhetorical devices helps adcoms visualize the steps you’ve taken to get to where you are today and the person you are and strive to be.

How can you show rather than tell? There are many ways to express yourself through language, from personalized metaphors —actions, experiences, or objects that mirror and symbolize your journey—to rich, vivid details. This is especially true in your essay, but you can also employ these rhetorical devices and language throughout your application, such as in your extracurricular accomplishment descriptions.

For instance, if you’re a pianist, you might use imagery to describe the progression of your musical development, initially exploring playing one note at a time to learning how to play the music you play today. You could evoke specific sounds and melodies to illustrate this development.

2. Use action-oriented verbs.

Rather than relying on soft adjectives, use action verbs like “implemented,” “facilitated,” and so on. These types of words are much more powerful and demonstrate that you do and make things happen. They also emphasize your ownership of your achievements, signifying that these achievements don’t just happen to you: you made them happen.

For example, rather than saying that you were responsible for speaking on behalf of the student body as student council president, you might say, “Raised awareness of X issue and implemented a procedure for handling complaints.”

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

3. Offer examples and details.

Examples are an essential feature of your essay. They illustrate your accomplishments, provide context, and show adcoms how you’ve made an impact in concrete ways. You should also use numerical values and other details to quantify your accomplishments.

In this post on successful activity entries, students use details to summarize and portray their accomplishments. While this post concerns another section of your application, you can apply the same concepts to your essay.

Example: “Provided homework and study help to underprivileged kids. I studied with one girl until her Cs became As. I love being the “go-to” mentor.”

Here, the applicant shows the impact of her tutoring, rather than simply stating that she tutored. In doing so, she demonstrates the impact on both her and the students she tutored.

Example: “I have been studying piano and performing in recitals since kindergarten. I’m currently working on Beethoven’s Sonata No. 1 in F minor from Opus 2.”

This entry shows the progression of the applicant’s work by demonstrating how far she has come, exemplified by the challenging piece she’s currently playing.

These examples bring your experiences to life, so you’re not just listing achievements but also quantifying them and pointing to concrete ways in which they’ve affected you and others.

4. Tell a story.

Like any good story, your essay should have a narrative arc. Instead of a list of achievements, it should portray an experience that shaped you. No matter what topic you choose, you should be able to tell an account that captures your reader’s attention and has all the hallmarks of a compelling narrative.

For instance, if you’re a first-generation student, you might begin by describing a specific moment in your childhood when you realized that you would be the first member of your family to attend college and then narrate specific events along your journey, such as encouragement from your parents or teachers, difficulties you faced and how you overcame them, and how you finally reached this moment and are excited about the next chapter. This is much more effective than simply stating that you’re a first-generation student and listing the reasons why attending college is important to you.

If you can’t weave together a compelling story with the topic you’ve chosen, you may want to rethink it. Spend some time brainstorming to hone your topic and ensure that it is one that will both capture your audience and showcase your accomplishments.

Your Essay: A Reflection of You

Your essay is a concise glimpse into you as a person. While other areas of your application detail your accomplishments, grades, and extracurricular achievements, this is a place to showcase your qualities as a person. Still, your accomplishments are most likely integral to your personality. Keep these tips in mind as you craft an essay that both captures your character and your strengths as a candidate for admission.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

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4.6 SELF-REFLECTION: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses in Writing an Academic Research Essay in English?

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

  • What are your strengths in writing an academic research essay in English? 
  • What are your weaknesses in writing an academic research essay in English?

ACADEMIC Writing Skills

  • Getting ideas, planning, and organizing my essay
  • Writing thesis statements for an essay
  • Writing effective introduction and conclusion paragraphs
  • Developing and supporting my ideas with good examples and complex sentences
  • Organizing my ideas logically into strong paragraphs
  • Using grammar correctly (verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, etc.)
  • Using vocabulary correctly (including spelling)
  • Using MLA format to cite information that I use from other sources
  • Identifying and evaluating secondary sources of information to support my own ideas or opinions
  • Summarizing and paraphrasing information from other sources
  • Editing and proofreading, finding and correcting mistakes

Synthesis Copyright © 2022 by Timothy Krause is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Articles & Advice > College Admission > Articles

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How to Find Your Strengths for College Application Essays

Everyone has strengths, even if you can't think of any right now! Here's how to identify your best and write about them in your college admission essays.

by Dia Huth CollegeXpress Student Writer

Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024

Originally Posted: Sep 2, 2015

One year ago, I was exactly where you are right now. Okay, maybe I wasn’t sitting in front of your laptop, but I was working hard on my college applications, trying (sometimes desperately) to answer all of those tough questions: Where did I see myself in five years? Why did I want to attend this college? And, hardest of all, what personal strengths would I add to the college community? This last question came in many different wordings, but it was always there, and it was always the most challenging for me. Honestly, sometimes I thought I didn’t have any strengths!

Time for the good news: I did have strengths, and they helped me get where I am today—sitting in a comfy chair in the library of my dream university, to be specific. Time for the even better news: you can lock in on your strengths and achieve your college goals too. And we’re gonna start right now with some questions you can ask yourself to figure it all out.

What have you overcome?

You have to be strong to overcome challenges, and a good first step toward finding your strengths is to look at the obstacles you’ve faced in life. Perhaps you’ve struggled with a health problem, like a physical or mental illness, or maybe you  fought against bullying in your high school . If nothing immediately comes to mind, look back at where you were a year ago, five years ago, 10 years ago. How have you changed since then? What lessons have you learned? Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But, Dia, all the obstacles people talk about in essays are huge. I don’t have any of those.” And I know what you mean. You may have read some essays about people at the forefront of a natural disaster, or people learning how to walk or simply hold a pencil again. Those are huge obstacles, and those stories are amazingly inspirational, but they aren’t the only ones out there. 

I didn’t have a story like that—or so I thought. At first glance, I’m pretty much your run-of-the-mill girl. But I needed to zero in on my strengths, so my solution was using the “five years ago” trick. It allowed me to see a massive change in my life: I had made amazing strides in healing my social anxiety. That might not seem like much, but it was “huge” in my life. Your obstacle might be along those lines too! Struggles come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you overcame your stage fright to have a teeny tiny part in a school play like you’ve always wanted. No matter what kind of obstacle you’ve faced, coping with it shows your strength and drive. Think about  how you have overcome that obstacle: did it require diligence? Courage? Persistence? Those are wonderful traits that you can highlight in your admission essay.

Related: Top College Essay Tips From Admission Insiders

What do you enjoy?

The second way to find your strengths is a little easier. All you have to do is answer this question: If you could spend a day exactly the way you wanted to, what would you do? Think about the activities you instinctively turn toward when you want to relax or have a great time. These activities are “hints” at what your strengths are! Do you like to spend time with others? You’re social and might have strengths in communication. Do you enjoy volunteering? You like to help others , which shows compassion. Do you like to read or write? That shows communication skills as well as strengths like diligence and organization. Sports can show teamwork and persistence; a love of travel can show an appreciation of different cultures and a sense of adventure. Make a list of what you enjoy and brainstorm what each activity might say about you. It’s okay to “brag” a little here—just make sure that you are honest with yourself! You have strengths, and it’s okay to not have strengths in every single area that I’ve covered. We’re all wired differently.

What do people tell you?

For this third admission essay tactic, think about the people you trust. What do they have to say about your strengths and skills? Feel free to ask them too! You aren’t looking for endless praise; you’re just asking for help identifying your strengths. If you aren’t comfortable asking someone in person, shoot them a text or a Facebook message. I would recommend turning to your parents, your best friend, your youth leader, or anyone else who routinely lifts you up and makes you feel better about yourself. Sometimes, people tell you about your strengths without calling them by name. For example, let’s say that the president of your club asked you to be the club’s treasurer. He may not have said, “You’re so amazing at math, I need you to be our treasurer,” but the invitation can point to strengths in organization or financial skills!

Related: What Do Admission Counselors Look for in College Applications?

What stories do you have?

This is an important step of the essay-writing process, even if you've already found your strengths. What stories can you tell? Do you still remember the day you decided you wanted to work in a particular industry? Did you always help your grandmother cook dinner when you were a kid? Strong stories, anecdotes, and memories can help you identify your strengths, and they make interesting essays. Beginning an essay with a story that catches your reader’s attention; then, for your conclusion, all you have to do is finish the story and reiterate how it demonstrates your point!

If you can’t think of any stories, spend some time scrolling through your social media feed or flipping through photo albums. You might look back in your diary if you keep one. I’ve also found that parents and grandparents are usually excellent at telling stories or reminiscing over fun times! The best part about these stories is that they fit in with everything else discussed here. If you have overcome a challenge, odds are there's a story behind it! If you enjoy a certain hobby, I know you can think of a particularly memorable time when you did that activity. A conversation with a trusted person might bring up a story too. For example, your best friend might remind you that you’re always a positive thinker, which you demonstrated the time you and she were stuck in traffic for two hours.

Related: 5 Ways to Brainstorm Your College Essays

As you work on identifying your personal strengths for your college applications and essays, remember that they are there, and they all matter! While we all have different strengths, there isn’t such a thing as a “more important” strength. The world can’t run without leaders, but it also can’t run without compassionate people, good listeners, adventurers, and original thinkers either. Wherever your strengths lie, they are valuable, and they will be an excellent addition to whatever campus community is right for you.

Find more advice on strengthening your admission essays (and your writing in general) in our Application Essay Clinic .

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sample essay strengths and weaknesses

Balancing Weaknesses and Strengths: a Path to Personal Growth

This essay about personal growth explores the balance between strengths and weaknesses, likening it to a symphony where both elements contribute to self-awareness and resilience. It highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing weaknesses as opportunities for growth, while also valuing strengths as guides and tools for overcoming challenges. The essay emphasizes self-compassion, self-reflection, and the integration of both strengths and weaknesses to achieve authentic and holistic personal development.

How it works

In the intricate odyssey of personal growth, the dynamic interplay between our weaknesses and strengths creates a distinctive tapestry of evolution. Envision it as a grand symphony, where each note, whether resonant or subtle, contributes to the rich harmony of self-awareness and resilience. It’s a melody echoing through the corridors of our lives, guiding us toward profound insights into our capabilities and potential.

Contrary to popular belief, personal development isn’t just about amplifying strengths and ignoring weaknesses. Instead, it’s a delicate balancing act—a nuanced dance requiring finesse and introspection.

It’s about acknowledging our rough edges with gentle honesty, recognizing that they, too, play a crucial role in our journey.

Consider weaknesses as uncut gems nestled within the depths of our being—raw and unrefined, yet full of promise. They aren’t blemishes to be hidden but opportunities for growth, encouraging us to embrace vulnerability and its transformative power. It’s in these vulnerable moments that we uncover reservoirs of strength, resilience, and courage, paving new pathways toward self-mastery.

As we navigate our weaknesses, it’s crucial not to lose sight of our strengths—the beacons that illuminate our path. Like stars in the night sky, our strengths guide us through adversity, infusing our journey with purpose and significance. They are the tools in our toolbox, the secret ingredients that enable us to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities with confidence.

However, our strengths are more than just instruments for personal advancement; they’re also the keys to unlocking our latent potential. Think of them as mirrors reflecting our true selves, revealing aspects of our being we may have overlooked. By embracing our strengths, we gain clarity and insight, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with greater wisdom and grace.

So, how do we achieve this delicate balance between weaknesses and strengths? It begins with a willingness to embrace our imperfections—to sit with them, learn from them, and grow from them. It’s a journey of self-discovery that requires delving into the depths of our being with curiosity and courage.

Practical strategies can aid us on this journey—strategies such as self-reflection, goal-setting, and seeking feedback from trusted mentors and peers. These tools act as compasses, guiding us toward our true north and helping us stay on course in the face of adversity.

Yet, perhaps the most powerful tool of all is self-compassion—the gentle art of accepting ourselves exactly as we are, flaws and all. It’s about extending kindness and understanding to ourselves, just as we would to a cherished friend in need. In the tender embrace of self-compassion, we find the strength to confront our weaknesses, knowing we are worthy of love and belonging despite our perceived shortcomings.

Ultimately, balancing weaknesses and strengths is not just about self-improvement; it’s about embracing the entirety of who we are, with all our quirks, imperfections, and idiosyncrasies. It’s about recognizing that our weaknesses are not obstacles but stepping stones to growth. And it’s about celebrating our strengths not as accolades to boast about but as gifts to share with the world.

Let us welcome the dance of personal growth with open arms, understanding that in the delicate interplay between weaknesses and strengths, we find not just transformation but liberation—a liberation that empowers us to live authentically, boldly, and unapologetically as ourselves.

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When You Write

Strengths and Weaknesses in Writing

As a writer, I always strive to be better—and in some categories, the best. I believe that understanding my writing strengths and weaknesses helps me improve my writing skills and become a master of this art.

If one doesn’t understand their strengths and weaknesses in writing, it means they can’t genuinely edit their work and cannot pinpoint areas that need improvement and those that are their strengths.

Constant self-evaluation is the passe-partout of any practice or line of work, but to accurately evaluate yourself you have to know what you’re looking for.

Every writer has strengths and weaknesses. For example, you might have a rich vocabulary—which you efficiently use—or showcase good usage of literary devices. Those two would be called strengths in your writing.

You might also have weaknesses in your writing such as lack of coherence, long-winded sentences, and organization.

Let us delve further into writing strengths and weaknesses and understand how you can use your strengths and overcome your weaknesses!

8 Must-Have Strengths for a Writer

It is also important to know and have some particular strengths as a writer to be more than an ordinary writer.

Here are some of those essential strengths:

Focus is essential in almost everything you do. Without focus, you could have the best skill set and still produce average work dues to errors and complacency.

Every writer wants to stay focused, but it’s not easy. You have to teach yourself to stay focused, whether it involves conditioning your body or tricking your mind.

Do whatever is necessary and within healthy limits. When you start writing and reading routinely, your body and mind start responding to them as the normal order of your day.

Enough sleep and a cup of coffee also help you maintain focus during your writing sessions .

And, get rid of distractions! Put down your phone, turn off your Wi-Fi, and get away from your Tele.

2. A Rich, Diverse Vocabulary

We are not talking about having a rich vocabulary only, but also using the words expeditiously.

This diverse vocabulary should make you write pieces that are not readable and make your readers slave through their reading.

So, you should always make sure that you choose (from this excellent vocabulary and diverse word choice) the right and unique choice of words that would look appealing to your readers.

You have to keep learning new words and the correct usage of those words.

3. A Burning Passion for Reading

I hear a lot of writers—self-published writers to be specific—say that they don’t like reading. For them, writing is a natural talent that doesn’t need to be nourished by reading.

One thing they are oblivious of is that without reading, they can’t understand what they are doing wrong, what they’re doing right, and other things that made other writers successful.

These types of writers put themselves in a “box.”

By reading other people’s works, you get to see writing from different perspectives and you can analyze your writing, a vantage point that helps you perfect your writing skills.

You don’t even have to buy these reading resources because they’re gazillions of blogs, eBooks, novels, and others online.

4. Organized Writing that Follows a Logical Flow

If whatever you’re writing doesn’t flow and therefore isn’t coherent, it is nothing but utter rubbish!

Your writing needs to show a naturally logical progression of thought and must be easy to read for the intended audience. If the progression doesn’t make sense to your reader, then who are you writing for?

Your thoughts should be linked within and between paragraphs. The use of transitional words facilitates this purpose. Words such as “however,” “also,” “yet,” and “although,” among others help you show these transitions.

You should aim at making it easy for your readers to navigate and read through your content.

Organized writing is an essential strength for a writer. The way you present your ideas in sentences and paragraphs impacts the readability and navigability of your content.

Make sure your sentences are short and your paragraphs just meaty enough for the ideas presented in them—and avoid run-on sentences.

Your content needs to have enough signposts and breaks. Be efficient with headings and subheadings, and have so many if the information keeps changing from paragraph to paragraph to make it easy for your readers to find the right information in your content.

5. Creativity

For professional writers, creativity is of the greatest essence. It is even more indispensable for fiction writers.

Our goal as writers is not to bore our readers to death. We always have to think out of the box to craft pieces that will win the hearts of the readers and make them want more of our content.

A good and wonderworking—and sometimes libertine—imagination is necessary to craft unique, stirring pieces.

Sometimes, you have to let your imagination wander off and come back with crazy and wild ideas. If you’re a fiction writer, let your imagination help you create a unique world, with unique characters, using your own nomenclature!

Remember, there’s no single rule on what kind of imagination is bad or good in creative writing.

There are various ways of increasing one’s creativity, but I have discovered that I’m more creative when I take time to appreciate other pieces of art before I start writing. Before I write I listen to some music, read poetry, or just look at a painting.

It’s not for everyone, but it works for me!

Your writing should be as clear as a summer day, as lucid as you can make it.

This element goes hand in hand with the organized writing I discussed in strength number 4, your writing should be clear enough for your readers to grasp and appreciate the ideas in your content quickly.

For blogs, newspaper articles, and magazine pieces, writing chunky paragraphs is—for lack of a word—taboo. You should always be conservative with the size of your paragraph and be straightforward with your explanations.

Just make your writing simple but comprehensible.

7. A Unique Writing Style

One thing all successful writers have in common is a unique style. For example, when you read anything by Dr. Seuss, you understand that his style involved the use of mirthful new words. The best writers write using a distinguished voice or style.

You have to discover your writing style—and for many, it just happens naturally and in some cases, it’s the readers or critics that notice the uniqueness of the writer.

8. Understanding Your Audience

We write because it’s our passion, but if we think about it, that is rarely the sole reason for writing and publishing our work.

We want our audience to love our content or appreciate the message in it. So, it’s all about our interests, but also the needs of our audience.

If you want to make your audience happy, you have to know what they like first. Dr. Seuss understood what kids want to read and what characters would work well with a young audience. If you’re writing on a tech-related topic, tech experts and geeks like; likewise, if you’re about MLS, know what soccer fans like.

Armed with that knowledge, you can craft pieces that strike a chord with your target audience, leading to the success of those pieces.

Weaknesses in Writing and Ways to Overcome Them

1. lack of substance.

You might be a yeasty writer with much-needed experience, but if your writing lacks substance, it’s bound to run into negative reviews, and hence it is going to be less impactful!

This is especially crucial for nonfiction content, if your writing straggles and wanders all over the place, your content will be shallow.

For your content to have depth, you have to concentrate on one particular argument at a time.

And, to give your argument more depth, give supporting points and sprinkle some stats here and there.

How do you deal with the lack of substance in your writing?

Here are some tips:

  • Focus on the depth of your arguments rather than the length of your article (you could have a cherry-sized paragraph that is more insightful than a chunky paragraph).
  • Use literary devices to make your arguments more perspicuous.
  • Use stats, case studies, or research findings to further exemplify your key arguments (use infographics where necessary).
  • Your content should answer questions relevant to the topic.
  • Offer tips to readers.

2. Your Writing Is Too Draggy for Your Readers

Among the 8 strengths that I explained in the previous section was understanding your audience.

If you don’t understand your audience or ignore them when writing, you end up communicating with nobody.

It’s like you’re speaking to yourself, in a big hall!

As said in the previous section, we write to touch our audience in some way; whether we want them to laugh, inspire them, inform them, or educate them.

It is a terrible idea to think that you write for yourself! If that’s the case, why don’t you just hang your content on your wall?

Here are some tips for polishing draggy content:

  • Understand who you’re writing for and write for them. It doesn’t matter who (it could be you, your imaginary friends, anybody!).
  • Write to solve the audience’s problems. Your writing should be a solution to your reader’s pain, personal struggles, and it should also improve their lives in some way.

3. Lack of Rhythm

Ignore the importance of rhythm at your peril. In truth, writing cannot entertain without rhythm, especially creative writing.

Just like in music, rhythm steers writing and acts as a guide for the reader.

Readers can feel your writing’s rhythm and that alone can be stimulating (that is if your writing has rhythm).

If your content lacks rhythm the pace seems invariable, it neither speeds up nor slows down.

The content also seems to lack a lot of natural pauses.

This is how you can improve it:

  • While paying attention to context, mix up your sentence lengths; a long one here, a short there.
  • Use transition words to maneuver the passage from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph.

4. Chaotic Flow

Imagine listening to a 5-year-old talk about all the wonderful things she experienced during the day: school, her cousin’s weird laughter, the dog’s thievery.

Unloading all that without any logical arrangement of information. None, at all!

I’d have said that that’s how your readers feel, but they are not listening to an adorable 5-year-old, are they?

They’re looking at a piece of writing—written by a supposedly mature individual—that’s full of hiccups and abrupt endings.

Your writing needs to be structured to unload information step by step. Your readers need to know that from A, they go to B. They need to know this is because of that, and this and that are related.

Your content has to answer your readers’ questions, give tips the reader would care about, and have contextual solutions.

Here are a few tips on improving flow in your writing:

  • Go through your main points and ascertain whether they feel logical. If they aren’t, re-organize them in a logical order or start all over again.
  • Look at the questions your content is answering and For every section, write down which question the content answers (or summarize in one bullet point)
  • When editing , slowly survey the content for inconsistencies. There are little details you could miss if you read fast.

How to Turn Your Writing Weaknesses into Strengths

Nobody is perfect. We all have weaknesses. But, some of these writing weaknesses can be turned into strengths.

As a writer, how can you improve your writing?

  • Ask for help . You can strengthen your writing skills on your own (no doubt about it), but it’s a lot less tedious when you reach out to other writers to help identify your weak areas and offer other insights.
  • Read . Not only will you get an education from books and publications, but you’ll also find inspiration.
  • Persevere . Perseverance can help you deal with problems such as writer’s block. It is also perseverance that will see you through periods during which you’re suffering from imposter syndrome.

Final Words on Strengths and Weaknesses in Writing

To be a better writer, you’ve got to know which areas to strengthen and which weaknesses to overcome.

 You’ll—in abundance—focus, perseverance, creativity, and a lot of humility. It will be laborious work but worth every joule expended and every second used.

You have got to believe in yourself as a writer, but don’t let your confidence blind you—there will always be something that your writing is missing.

Recommended Reading...

How to get over writers block: 30 ways to unleashing your creative potential, 9 effective ways to overcome your fear of writing.

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© 2024 When You Write

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? (+ Example Answers)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/20/2022

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

When a hiring manager goes into an interview, they have one goal in mind: find the best possible candidate for the position. So how do they do this? By asking tough questions like, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

Interviewers want to see what happens when they rattle your cage and throw you off balance… which is why they love questions like this. Plus, it helps them learn more about how you view yourself and your capabilities, which is often enlightening.

Luckily, once you know how to answer “what are your strengths and weaknesses,” you can navigate the question like a pro. Here are some insights that can help, as well as some “what are your strengths” examples to get you headed in the right direction.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

At first, it might seem like a ridiculous question, but the strategy behind asking it is actually brilliant.   The interviewer is intentionally trying to get you to answer a question that is designed to trip you up. 

Do you notice how this question is essentially in two parts?

Don’t worry, we’ve got some strategies to help you turn a potential stumbling block into a launching pad of awesome!

Before we get into your strengths, let’s take a moment to talk about your weaknesses.

What is Your Greatest Weakness?

As we mentioned above, when asking about your strengths, a hiring manager will often also want to try and learn about your weaknesses. In reality, it is pretty rare for a hiring manager to ask you them together as one question, but you still need to be prepared in case this question comes up.

Generally speaking, you should prepare for these questions separately because each of them has unique characteristics and should be handled on its own.

However, these two questions will often be asked in a row as they’re obviously connected, so you need to prepare both!

MIKE'S TIP:

So in other words, focus on your weaknesses first!

Although this article focuses primarily on the way you should approach answering “what are your greatest strengths” question, we made sure to prepare a great article addressing how to answer the question “What are your weaknesses?”   Please click here to check it out .

Okay, without further ado, let’s talk about your strengths!

Preparing To Answer About Your Strengths

When you’re sitting down across from a hiring manager, you want to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best possible way.

By preparing for this question ahead of time and outlining several possible answers, you’ll be in a much better position. You’ll have responses that not only cover the question but make you appear polished, well prepared, and confident.

So, let’s dive into what it takes to showcase your personal strengths in the best possible light.

How NOT To Answer “What Are Your Strengths?”

Let’s start out with what NOT to say when you get asked this question:

THE COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT ANSWER:

“Uh, wow. Well, for starters, I have a super good grip, so my mom has me open all her jars for her. Yeah, that’s a good strength. And I have a wicked backhand in tennis.”

If this were a dating interview and not a job interview, an answer like that might earn you some points, but unless you’re interviewing for a job at a jam factory or trying to work your way into a position as a tennis pro at the local club, your answer is irrelevant, confusing, and lets the interviewer know right away that you’re not prepared.

THE OVERLY AGGRESSIVE OR COCKY ANSWER

“I’m a leader with proven results, which means it’s my way or the highway.”

Are you applying for Mercenaries-R-Us? If not, it might be a good idea to tone it down.

THE STRENGTHS THAT JUST KEEP ON COMING

“Well, I’m smart, I’m funny, I’m a great team leader, I work well with others, I’m prompt, I’m focused, I pay attention to details, I’m grounded, I really appreciate hard work, I’m never late, I can work weekends, I’m super excited to be here, I’m motivated, I’m…”

Whoa! The hiring manager isn’t asking you for thirty adjectives to describe yourself. Instead, a hiring manager wants to hear one or two… maybe three (absolute tops) qualities about you that you consider a strength.

THE ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT ME’ ANSWER

“Um, well, I’m super funny and smart, and all my friends say I’ve got a great attitude and I’m really easy to talk to.”

Although the interviewer IS interested in getting to know you better, this is not the question to answer with all-about-you information.  

THE STRENGTH THAT’S ACTUALLY A WEAKNESS ANSWER

“I’m a total workaholic. If I’m on a project, I’m going to make sure to stick with it to the bitter, bloody end.”

Although this might sound like a strength, it’s actually a weakness in disguise! By telling your employer that, you’re letting them know you lack self-reflection. It also comes across as smarmy, which is never good.

Also remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CHEAT SHEET

How To Answer “What Are Your Strengths?”

Now that you know how not to answer the “what are your strengths?” question, it’s time to talk about the correct approach. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to answer “what are your strengths?”

Do Some Research

Ideally, you want to discuss a strength that aligns with the job and the company’s needs. By reviewing the job description, digging into the company values, and taking other steps, you can find out which strengths match its priorities.

Tailor Your Answer

Once you research the company and role, it’s time to create the foundation for a tailored answer. Choose one to three strengths that you possess that match the job and company’s needs, using those as a starting point for your response.

Match It with a Story

In the world of job interviews, it’s better to show than to tell. Make sure you have practical examples and success stories from your past that support your claims. That way, your answer is more likely to impress.

“What Are Your Strengths?” Example Answers

Now that you know how to answer what you’re your strengths, it’s time to take the next step. Here are a few example answers that can serve as inspiration:

Problem-Solving

“I’m a problem solver. I love taking a problem and looking at it from every angle. I enjoy work that challenges me and pushes me to think outside the box and situations where I am allowed to work with other people to come up with creative solutions.
“At my last company, we were asked to come up with ways to increase our workflow without decreasing our accuracy. By really analyzing what every department was doing and finding ways to work together more efficiently, I was able to not only streamline the process but made it possible for us to beat our previous deadline by three days with a superior product as an end result.”
“I’ve always been known for my work ethic. I am committed to meeting deadlines and taking responsibility for the quality of my performance.
“A few months ago, I was working with a client who had us on a tight deadline. There was a mix-up in the delivery of some key paperwork, and it didn’t get to our office until closing the night before the deadline. Rather than go home and ignore the problem, I stayed late and finished the project, making sure that our deadline was not only met but that the report was accurate.”

Interpersonal Skills

“I’m a people person. As a customer service rep for the past five years, I’ve learned how to deal with a wide variety of personalities. I enjoy handling tough cases that give me a chance to problem solve, interacting with the public, and outreach.
“Two summers ago, I was lucky enough to be a part of the Black Friday crew. A lot of other employees found it stressful and didn’t enjoy it, but I really found that I loved the excitement and the rush of having so many people come through so quickly. Not only was I constantly engaged, but I was able to provide one on one shopping assistance to a few last-minute gift buyers. Not only did I have a great time, but my team had the highest receipts for the entire weekend! It felt great.”

Communication

“My greatest strength is my communication skills. During my time in tech roles, I’ve frequently had to take complex concepts and make them accessible to users and stakeholders without technology backgrounds. This allowed me to develop reliable techniques for ensuring clarity, making it easier for anyone to follow critical discussions.
“One example of that involved an upcoming presentation. We needed approval to shift to a new MDM, as our current option was getting shut down in the coming months. As I researched the proposed system, I found ways to highlight the features in accessible ways, eliminating all jargon to ensure that everyone felt fully informed.”

Emotional Intelligence

“My emotional intelligence is easily one of my greatest strengths. I have an easy time putting myself in other people’s shoes, allowing me to understand conflicts and situations from their perspectives.
“In my last role, working in a call center, this was particularly beneficial. I picked up a call where the customer was noticeably frustrated, to the point of using curse words and insults during the conversation.
“While I was taken aback, I knew there had to be a reason. I relied on my active listening skills to dive into the root of the issue and quickly determined that the customer hadn’t felt heard in their past discussions, preventing them from getting a solution to their issue, even after multiple calls. Since I took the time to really understand their perspective, I was able to find the problem and resolve their issue to their satisfaction.”
“Overall, teamwork is my biggest strength. I’m comfortable enough to adjust my approach based on the scenario at hand, allowing me to be an effective team member in a variety of situations.
“For example, in my last position, I was a member of several project teams. While I enjoy opportunities to take the reins, I understand that there are occasions when another person has more expertise, making them more suitable for that role. When that occurs, I focus on offering my support, ensuring they have access to my knowledge and skills and are able to successfully pursue collective goals.
“Ultimately, it isn’t about always being in the spotlight; it’s about doing what’s best for the team. In that regard, I genuinely shine.”

Examples of Strengths You Can Use

If you’re still struggling for good strengths for a job interview, consider trying to fit one to three of these examples of strengths into your answers. They’re valuable in many roles, making them solid starting points.

Many of the skills below are soft skills. Along with applying to most roles, employers are increasingly seeking employees with critical soft skills . As a result, they can be smart capabilities to highlight.

Just make sure you only use this list of strengths as a guide, as what you choose does have to apply to you. While an estimated 78 percent of candidates lie on their resumes, getting caught comes with serious consequences. Along with missing out on the job, you could get blackballed by the company. Plus, the hiring manager might tell their network, hurting your broader reputation.

Additionally, focus on the examples of strengths that fit the job description and company priorities, increasing the odds that the ones you share resonate with the hiring manager:

NOTE: Check out our “ list of strengths article ” for more examples!

  • Solid Leadership skills
  • Solid Management skills
  • Willingness to take on responsibilities
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Determination
  • Problem Solver
  • Clear attention to details
  • Quick Learner
  • Strong People Skills
  • Team Player
  • Able to work independently
  • Hard Working

No matter what skill you decide to highlight in your answer, just make sure that it’s applicable to the job and the company and that you have a truthful and solid example to back it up. 

And finally, if you’re still running into walls and can’t come up with something good, ask your co-workers what they think your strengths are.   You might be surprised what they say and not realize something you take for granted or do without thinking is actually a valuable strength!

And as always…Good luck!

FREE : "What Are Your Strengths & Weaknesses" PDF CHEAT SHEET

Get our handy cheat sheet!

In it you'll get word-for-word sample answers that cover various scenarios and positions. Use them in your next interview!

PLUS the DO'S & DON'TS so you don't fall into any of the common traps associated with this question.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

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How to Answer “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

  • Joel Schwartzberg

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

Advice and examples to help you craft an authentic answer to this common interview question.

Don’t take common interview questions lightly just because they’re predictable. Underpreparing for them can make the difference between moving ahead and moving on. One question that often comes up: What are your strengths and weaknesses? In this article, the author outlines clear steps for how to describe your strengths and weaknesses along with sample language to use as a guide.

Some questions come up again and again in job interviews . At the top of the list: “ Tell me about yourself ,” “ Why do you want to work here? ” and “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”

  • JS Joel Schwartzberg oversees executive communications for a major national nonprofit, is a professional presentation coach, and is the author of Get to the Point! Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter and The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team . You can find him on LinkedIn and X. TheJoelTruth

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Essay on My Strengths And Weaknesses

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Strengths And Weaknesses in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Strengths And Weaknesses

My strengths.

Everyone has things they are good at. My strengths are being kind, working hard, and learning quickly. I like to help friends and always do my best in school. When I get new lessons, I understand them fast. This helps me do well in class.

My Weaknesses

But, I also have things I’m not so good at. I sometimes worry too much, which can make me feel stressed. Also, I get shy around people I don’t know, making it hard to make new friends. I’m working to get better at these things.

250 Words Essay on My Strengths And Weaknesses

Introduction to my strengths and weaknesses.

Everyone has things they are good at and things they are not so good at. These are called strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what these are can help us get better and feel proud of what we can do.

My Good Points

I have a few strong points that help me in school and with friends. One of my best strengths is being kind to everyone. I like to share and make sure no one feels left out. I am also really good at reading. I can understand stories and learn new words quickly. Being organized is another strength. I keep my things tidy, so I don’t lose them, and it helps me do my homework on time.

Things I’m Working On

Just like everyone, I have some weak points too. I find math hard sometimes. Numbers and formulas can be confusing, and I need more practice to get better. Another weakness is that I am shy. Speaking in front of the class makes me nervous, and I am quiet when I meet new people. I am also not very good at sports. I am not as fast as the other kids, and I don’t catch the ball very well.

In the end, knowing my strengths and weaknesses is important. It shows me what I am good at, like being kind and organized. It also shows me what I need to work on, like math and speaking up. By understanding these things, I can try to become better every day.

500 Words Essay on My Strengths And Weaknesses

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s like having a bag of tools that we use to handle different situations in life. My strengths are the tools I use the most, and they help me do things well. My weaknesses are like the tools I don’t use often because I might not be very good at using them. Let’s talk about what some of these are for me.

One of my big strengths is being a good listener. When my friends talk to me, I pay close attention to what they are saying. This makes them feel important and cared for. Another strength I have is being organized. I keep my school work and toys in order, so I know where everything is when I need it. This helps me save time and stay calm because I’m not looking for things at the last minute.

I’m also pretty good at learning new things. When I get interested in a topic, I read a lot about it and try to understand as much as I can. This curiosity makes school more fun because I like finding out new facts and ideas. Lastly, I’m kind to others. I believe that being nice to people is important, and it makes me happy to see others smile when I help them.

Now, for my weaknesses. Sometimes, I can be shy, especially around new people. It takes me a while to feel comfortable enough to talk a lot with someone I just met. This can make it hard for me to make new friends quickly. I’m also not very good at sports. I can be clumsy, and I don’t catch or throw balls very well, which makes team games a bit tough for me.

Another weakness is that I get frustrated when things don’t go the way I planned. If I’m working on a puzzle and can’t find the right piece, I might feel like giving up. This is something I need to work on because not everything will always be easy. Lastly, I sometimes rush through my homework and make silly mistakes because I want to go play. This means I have to do it again, which takes even more time.

Working on My Weaknesses

I know that it’s okay to have weaknesses because everyone does. The important part is that I try to get better at them. For example, to help with my shyness, I practice talking to my family about my day, so I get used to sharing more with others. For sports, I keep playing and having fun, even if I’m not the best at it. I learn from my mistakes, and slowly, I get a little better each time.

When I get frustrated, I take deep breaths and remind myself to be patient. I tell myself that it’s fine to take breaks and come back to a tough puzzle later. And to stop rushing through my homework, I set a timer to make sure I spend enough time on each question.

In the end, knowing my strengths and weaknesses helps me understand myself better. It shows me what I’m good at and what I can improve. By working on my weaknesses, I can turn them into new strengths one day. And by using my strengths, I can help others and do my best in school and life. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and that’s what makes each of us special.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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sample essay strengths and weaknesses

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

Academic Strengths & Weaknesses: Q&A and 31 Examples

Importance of Academic Strength and Its Examples

Choosing a college or university is an important decision and a big step toward the future you dream of. Many students rely on an excellent academic application to get into their dream college or university.

Having specific talents and academic strengths identified through tools like the HIGH5 strengths test , along with your extracurricular activities, can significantly enhance your college applications, helping you to stand out among other applicants Knowing which talents and strengths to highlight on your application will help you get into your ideal college.

In this article, we will go through what constitutes academic strengths and weaknesses. We will also provide a list of academic strengths and weaknesses for your reference. Furthermore, you will learn how to identify and develop your academic strengths.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Before you submit your college application, take the HIGH5 strengths test to identify your key strengths. Use the detailed report to pinpoint which strengths to highlight in your application essays and interviews, ensuring you present yourself as a well-rounded and capable candidate.

What are academic strengths?

Academic strengths are talents, abilities, or skills that give students a solid foundation for academic success. Academic strengths are innate and will manifest themselves when you demonstrate your competence in a particular learning topic.

Your academic strengths can be highlighted during college or university admission applications. These strengths allow you to stand out among the many applicants. Your strengths also enable you to show your competencies as a successful student and learner.

Having the right talents and traits can help you attract the attention of the admission staff. Together with your academic results and extracurricular achievements, your academic strengths may help you get accepted to your top-choice college.

26 examples of academic strengths

Ability to accept and learn from mistakes, problem-solving skills, open to learning new things and new experiences, planning skills, critical thinking, ability to accept constructive criticism for improvement, good command of language, collaboration, time management, follow instructions, emotional intelligence, debating skills, athletic abilities, storytelling skills, striving for excellence, digital literacy, adaptability.

26 examples of academic strengths

Accepting and learning from mistakes is a crucial academic strength, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. This characteristic enables individuals to view failures not as setbacks but as opportunities for improvement. It fosters a resilient mindset that encourages experimentation, understanding that each error provides valuable insights.

By openly acknowledging and learning from mistakes, students and professionals can develop more effective strategies and enhance their problem-solving skills, achieving better outcomes in both academic and real-world scenarios.

Utilizing the HIGH5 strengths test can significantly enhance an individual’s understanding of their natural talents, including rebounding from setbacks. By identifying resilience-related strengths, such as ‘Philomath’ or ‘Believer,’ individuals can better leverage these traits to transform mistakes into learning opportunities.

Problem-solving skills are vital in academia and beyond, as they require individuals to evaluate complex situations critically, identify obstacles, and develop innovative solutions. These abilities build on analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and creativity to overcome challenges.

Moreover, problem-solving skills also incorporate the ability to think on one’s feet and make quick decisions under pressure. This is a highly sought-after skill in the workforce, enabling individuals to handle unexpected situations and take calculated risks confidently.

The HIGH5 test identifies specific strengths such as ‘Problem solver’ that directly contribute to effective problem-solving. Understanding these strengths can help individuals approach complex challenges confidently and creatively, enhancing their academic and professional performance.

Kindness and empathy are essential strengths that contribute to building a positive learning environment and strong relationships with others. These qualities involve understanding, respecting, and valuing the thoughts and feelings of others, even if they differ from our own.

In academia, kindness and empathy can help individuals collaborate effectively with peers, build supportive networks, and communicate ideas. In professional settings, these qualities can help individuals work well in teams, resolve conflicts, and establish trust with colleagues and clients.

Discipline is a foundational quality that underpins success in both academic and professional realms. It involves the self-control to maintain focus on goals, adhere to a structured plan, and consistently work toward achieving objectives despite challenges or distractions. Effective discipline translates into meeting deadlines, maintaining a strong work ethic, and exhibiting persistence in the face of adversity.

Honesty is a core value that fosters trust and integrity in all forms of communication and interaction. It underscores the importance of originality and the ethical conduct of research and scholarship in academic settings. Professionally, honesty cultivates a culture of transparency and accountability, which is essential for building lasting relationships and ensuring fair practices.

A willingness to learn and immerse oneself in new experiences is crucial for personal and professional development. This quality enhances cognitive flexibility and prepares individuals to adapt to changes and advancements in their field. It fosters a growth mindset, enabling people to view challenges as opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 HIGH5 recommends regularly revisiting and reevaluating your strengths as you encounter new experiences and challenges. This ongoing reflection ensures you consistently align your growth and learning opportunities with your evolving strengths profile.

Effective listening is vital for understanding complex concepts, following instructions accurately, and empathizing with others. It enables individuals to absorb, process, and respond to information appropriately, facilitating better communication and collaboration in both academic and professional settings.

Strong planning skills are instrumental in setting realistic goals, organizing activities efficiently, and managing time effectively. They allow individuals to anticipate potential obstacles, allocate resources wisely, and stay on track to achieve desired outcomes.

Creativity is thinking outside the box and generating innovative ideas or solutions. In academia, it drives research and the development of new theories, while in the professional world, it leads to the creation of novel products, strategies, and approaches to problem-solving.

Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively, evaluating evidence systematically, and making reasoned judgments. This skill is invaluable for navigating complex issues, making informed decisions, and developing persuasive arguments in scholarly and professional contexts.

The receptiveness to constructive criticism is essential for continuous improvement and learning. It involves recognizing feedback as a tool for personal and professional growth, allowing individuals to refine their skills, enhance their performance, and adapt their approaches to meet high standards of excellence.

A strong command of language is crucial for effective communication, enabling individuals to articulate thoughts clearly and convey complex ideas succinctly. It enhances the ability to persuade, inform, and engage audiences in various contexts.

Collaboration entails working cohesively with others to achieve common goals. It requires open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to share ideas and resources, vital for success in team-based projects and environments.

Effective time management allows individuals to prioritize tasks, work more efficiently, and meet deadlines. It involves planning, organizing, and allocating time to activities according to their importance, which is critical for productivity and stress reduction.

The ability to follow instructions accurately demonstrates attention to detail and a willingness to adhere to predefined guidelines or protocols. This skill is essential for executing tasks correctly and achieving desired outcomes in educational and professional settings.

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions judiciously and empathetically. It plays a crucial role in building and maintaining interpersonal relationships, as well as in personal development and leadership.

Debating skills encompass the ability to present arguments coherently and persuasively while also critically evaluating the arguments of others. These skills are vital for effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Athletic abilities refer to the physical skills and prowess in sports and physical activities. They contribute to health, discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit development.

Storytelling skills involve conveying messages, emotions, and information through compelling narratives. This ability enhances communication by making it more engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Striving for excellence is continually pursuing higher standards and quality in work or activities. It involves dedication, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Digital literacy is the knowledge and skills required to effectively use digital technologies to research, evaluate, create, and communicate information. It is essential for navigating today’s technology-driven world.

Coding refers to the ability to write computer programs in various programming languages. This skill is increasingly important in numerous fields, enabling the development of software, applications, and systems that power modern life.

Ethics involves understanding and applying principles of right and wrong in decision-making processes. It is critical for maintaining integrity, trust, and professionalism in academic, personal, and professional contexts.

Leadership involves guiding, inspiring, and motivating others to achieve common goals. It requires vision, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.

Writing encompasses expressing ideas, conveying information, and communicating effectively through written text. It is fundamental for academic success, professional development, and personal expression.

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new conditions, challenges, and opportunities. It involves being flexible, resilient, and open to change, which is crucial in a rapidly evolving world.

How to identify academic strengths?

Take a strengths test.

Taking a strengths test is crucial in understanding your unique capabilities. The HIGH5 test , specifically designed to uncover your top five strengths, provides detailed explanations that are invaluable for academic and personal development. Over 25 million strengths have been identified using our test, helping students like you make informed decisions about their future. Try it now for free .

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Utilize the insights from your HIGH5 test results to engage in targeted academic activities. For example, if your results highlight ‘Critical Thinking’ as a strength, participate in debate clubs or critical writing workshops to further hone this skill.

Ask and collect feedback from others

You can also consider obtaining feedback from lecturers, parents, or close friends. Sometimes, they may know your strengths and talents more than you do. They can give you valuable feedback on areas that you may not have been aware of before this.

Alternatively, you can also recruit their help to go through your list of strengths to verify your self-identified strengths.

Evaluate your decision-making process

Spending time analyzing your decision-making process can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Some people make decisions based on reasoning, while others make decisions based on emotion or personal feelings.

Consider the last expensive purchase or difficult decision you had to make. Did you make the decisions based on your reasoning or emotion? Understanding your preferred style can help you better understand your natural decision-making inclinations and let you make the most of them.

Assess your organizational style

Other than your decision-making process, your organizational style can also reveal more about your strengths. You may be someone who prefers a structured way of doing things or flexibility where you go with the flow.

If you are someone who gets stressed when there’s no plan, then organizational skills could be one of your strengths. But, if having a structured plan makes you stressed, then flexibility could be one of your strengths. You might be more adaptable to change and are willing to go with the flow.

Tips for managing academic strengths

Recognizing your strengths through assessments like the HIGH5 test is vital for enhancing your academic performance. Accurately identifying these strengths allows you to strategically leverage them, increasing your effectiveness and success in academic pursuits. You may need to put in extra time and effort to sort and identify your genuine strengths.

But the advantages of identifying your strengths will be well worth the time and effort you invested. You should consider activities outside of school that help you grow intellectually and develop your strengths.

Here is a list of activities you can look to explore that may help discover or develop the academic strengths mentioned:

  • Pursue enrichment through music
  • Pursue enrichment through academics
  • Pursue enrichment through athletics

Enrichment through music

Music lessons have been found to benefit individuals with a wide range of academic and social abilities. Some of the skills/traits that can be developed are listening skills, attention to detail, self-discipline, and language skills.

Enrichment through intellectual endeavors

A person can pursue enrichment through intellectual endeavors in a variety of ways. These could include race car building, robotics, coding, design, photography, and many more. An example enrichment class you can pursue is coding.

Through coding, you will develop your concentration and attention span, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The software that you coded might not work due to some error in your codes.

This allows you to practice and figure out how to limit such errors from happening in the future. And the more you practice coding, the better you get at identifying and correcting errors.

Enrichment through athletics

Joining a sports team is an excellent technique to educate children to concentrate and pay attention to details. A team sport can help you build your teamwork and critical thinking skills .

You will also learn to work with other team members to achieve a common goal together. You must first gain the coach’s trust and demonstrate that you are ready for greater responsibility and playing time.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 After identifying your strengths with the HIGH5 test, create a personal development plan that focuses on these strengths. Set specific goals for each semester to develop these strengths, such as joining specific clubs, taking leadership roles, or engaging in community service that aligns with your strengths.

How to answer an interview question: “What are your academic strengths?”

Your greatest strength may be a necessary skill for what you are applying. Your strengths are also what distinguishes you from other candidates. In general, you can choose between skills/habits and personality traits when highlighting your academic strengths.

Use the same combination of your strength + context + story to highlight your strengths. Depending on your experience and skills, you may want to adapt your strength selections and responses.

You may refer to the suggestions below when crafting your script:

  • Do not make a long list of strengths that are all over the place. Focus on one or two essential qualities directly related to your application, and back them up with specific examples.
  • Do not exaggerate or lie about your strengths when answering such questions. But don’t be too humble because you want to show your best qualities to your interviewers.

The importance of analyzing academic strengths and weaknesses

Having a deep understanding of their strengths and weaknesses will assist students in discovering how to excel in school. It will also aid in developing their sense of self-awareness as they become more acquainted with how and when they can utilize their skills.

Once they realize what they are excellent at, they will devote more attention to honing their skills. Then, instead of being held back by problems, the students will see every opportunity as a chance to develop and grow.

By focusing on their strengths, students will slowly develop confidence and passion, which will lead to improved academic grades over time. As their ability to manage their strengths grows, they will also gradually overcome some of their weaknesses.

What are academic weaknesses?

Nobody is perfect as a human being. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Academic weaknesses are the drawbacks you encounter in a learning environment. Same as academic strengths, your academic weaknesses can come from your skills, personality traits, or talents.

These weaknesses are usually identified as part of the college or university admission process. Or, they can also be used for your personal development.

5 examples of academic weaknesses

Procrastination

Every student’s academic career is affected by procrastination. Procrastination is the deliberate postponing of one’s assignments until the last possible moment. It adds to their workload and causes them to get stressed when they can’t complete their tasks correctly.

An example of procrastination is a student who spends hours playing computer games before doing their school assignment. A student procrastinates studying for an upcoming exam by doing unimportant things such as cleaning their room or watching TV.

Lack of Focus

When students have a short attention span, they are unable to focus on the work at hand. They may be easily distracted by their surrounding environment. Examples of this weakness are zoning out in class when the teacher is giving lectures, losing attention through neglecting to do homework, oversleeping, or focusing on partying rather than studying.

Fear of Failure

On top of their overwhelming academic workloads, students have to deal with their parents’ expectations. As a result, students are afraid of failing academically and disappointing their parents. Ironically, their fear of failure is what causes them to perform poorly when it matters.

Disruptive students can hamper their success as well as other students’ concentration in class. They have their own goals and are more concerned with sticking to their schedule in class.

Apathetic students tend not to see the value of studying and learning. They find it challenging to invest time and effort to achieve good academic results. As a result, they rarely enjoy their time in school, and their opportunities later in life may be limited.

5 examples of academic weaknesses

How to help students understand their academic strengths

The real work begins after the students have identified their academic strengths and weaknesses.

Next, you can work closely with the students to determine how these strengths and weaknesses may affect their academic progress.

By conducting an honest self-evaluation, students will be able to prioritize and plan their personal development plan. It is recommended that they concentrate on one area at a time. They should avoid focusing on developing all their strengths and weaknesses at the same time.

Begin with a list, as previously stated above. You can ask students to start by making a list of their academic strengths, with their preferred strengths at the top. The list they developed will provide them with a clear understanding of their top strengths.

Remind them that it’s easy to discount a particular skill when it doesn’t seem to relate to the present situation. But this isn’t always the case. With the list, they can easily recall their strengths even while working on a seemingly unrelated task.

How to help students understand their academic weaknesses

Let the students know that recognizing their academic strengths is only half the battle won. The other half of the battle is won by being aware of their academic weaknesses. By recognizing their weaknesses, the students can understand how their weaknesses might affect them when completing assignments.

Similar to listing their academic strengths, you can ask the students to document their academic weaknesses. A key point here is always to be honest and truthful when assessing their shortcomings.

Assist them in understanding that their weaknesses will not prohibit them from achieving academic success. They are just minor hurdles that can be overcome with perseverance. Help them to understand that everyone has flaws and limitations.

It will be much easier for students to handle their weaknesses when they are honest and upfront about them. Eventually, with a well-structured personalized development plan, they may even transform their weaknesses into strengths.

Academic strengths & weaknesses FAQ

What are some greatest academic strengths.

There are a plethora of academic strengths that you could obtain. However, some strengths are more in demand and crucial than others, especially when it comes to academics.

Some of the greatest academic strengths include: learning from mistakes, honesty, integrity, responsibility, commitment, time management, kindness, problem-solving, ability to follow directions, openness, and creativity.

What is your main academic strength?

You can find your main academic strength by taking an academic strengths assessment. You will be asked several questions and must answer honestly. After that, a strength report is generated.

Alternatively, you could ask some of your professors and teachers about your strengths. Finally, consider some of your greatest academic successes. Write down which strength helped you achieve each and try noticing patterns. These patterns will reveal your academic strengths.

What are some strengths of a student?

There are many strengths that a student could possess , and the strength profile of every student is different. For example, concert masters and sports team leaders likely have excellent leadership and communication skills.

Someone who commits to studying every night has time management skills. Another student who focuses on debate club or Model UN could have public speaking skills.

What are the strengths of a school?

Strengths of a school include vital academic programs, dedicated and highly qualified teachers, a diverse student body, modern facilities and resources, a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and various extracurricular activities. Ultimately, the specific strengths of a school will vary depending on the institution and its values and goals.

sample essay strengths and weaknesses

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sample essay strengths and weaknesses

Home / Essay Samples / Life / Strengths / Personal Strengths and Weaknesses as a Student Learner

Personal Strengths and Weaknesses as a Student Learner

  • Category: Life , Education
  • Topic: Strengths , Student

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