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無論是在寫推薦信還是面試時，經常會有「你有什麼缺點」、「你的優點是什麼」諸如此類的問題，
什麼優點及缺點是適合回答的，分寸該怎麼拿捏，以下由資深編譯老師 Colum 為大家揭曉。      

Strengths and Weaknesses  

Two of the most common interview questions are, “What are your strengths?” and “What are your weaknesses?” Regardless of the position or program you are interviewing for, chances are that one or both questions will come up during your interview. You can expect your interviewer to ask about your strengths and weaknesses concurrently or in the same question. Your strengths and weaknesses can be challenging topics to discuss. How can you address your strengths without coming across as arrogant? How can you discuss a weakness without disqualifying yourself? By properly preparing for these questions, you can avoid interview paralysis and deliver a strong response that will impress the interviewer.   “What is your greatest strength?”   The best answer to this question should simultaneously highlight what you have to offer and demonstrate that you are a good fit for your chosen the program. However, before we get to that, you should first make a list of your strengths.   There are many kinds of strengths, including technical or knowledge-based skills, transferable skills, and personal traits and qualities. Depending on your program (and what you already plan to highlight in your interview and application) you should carefully consider the kind of strength you want to emphasize. Some strengths you may want to mention include:  

• Attention to detail
• Quick learner
• Excellent negotiator
• Strong organizational skills
• People skills
• Creativity
• Diligence and dedication
• Versatility
• Initiative
• Problem-solving

  Once you have identified your strengths, determine which one(s) best fit the specific needs of the program. You should tailor your answer to each program, depending on its needs and goals. You should also consider the big picture of what you hope to accomplish by attending the program. How will a given strength help you achieve your academic goals? You can include multiple strengths, but they should complement one another, and you should absolutely avoid answering with a rapid-fire list of strengths.   Next, you should fully develop your response. It’s not enough to state, “I am great at working with people and that has helped me find success.” Your answer must be specific and include examples. Think of previous academic or professional experience that exemplifies your strength. Your example should be a brief story, one that does not require extensive background information or a familiarity with technical jargon. You should aim to demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate because you have the relevant skills and experience to excel as a student and researcher.   “What is your greatest weakness?”   It may be tempting to answer this question with a “weakness-that-is-actually-a-strength,” such as “I’m a total workaholic and perfectionist and I never quit until I finish a project.” You want to be honest and authentic – so offer a real weakness! The key is to downplay its negative effect and offer ways in which you will improve or overcome your weakness. Weaknesses you may want to address include:  

• A lack of technical skills (mention a specific skill, such as mathematics, programming, writing, etc.)
• Lack of assertiveness at work
• Ineffective communication skills
• Too detail-oriented
• Too self-critical
• Fear of public speaking
• Time management challenges
• Difficulty delegating tasks to others
• Coping with unexpected change of plans
• Taking on too many tasks and responsibilities from others

  As you consider which weakness you want to address, keep in mind the core requirements of the program you are applying for. You should focus on qualities that are not central to the program. For example, if you are applying for a business program, you should not talk about your inability to negotiate or to work with others. When discussing your weakness, you should offer details and explain how it has affected you in the past. However, you want to avoid offering too much detail or making yourself seem incompetent. Rather, offer a concise summary of your weakness, how it has manifested in your professional life, and, most importantly, steps you are taking to overcome your weakness. For example, if you say that you lack experience and knowledge in a certain programming language, you could mention classes you are taking or other ways in which you have sought advice or assistance. If you have trouble with public speaking, talk about strategies that will help you become more confident. Above all, when discussing your weaknesses, you want to remain positive and upbeat.   Reasons for Leaving Previous Job   In any interview, you should be prepared to discuss why you decided to leave previous positions or projects. Frequent questions include, “Why did you leave your most recent position?” or “Why did you leave ‘Position XYZ?’” In some instances, you may have left a job or team prematurely or you may have a gap in your resume. In these cases, it’s important to be prepared to offer compelling, relevant, and positive explanations for your career transitions.   What Your Interviewer Wants to Find Out   By asking about your reasons for leaving your previous job, your interviewer hopes to answer several key questions about your past and your work ethic. These include:  

• Did you leave for a good reason?
• Did you leave of your own volition?
• Are you on good terms with your former employer?
• What do you value in a job?

  Why Did You Leave Your Job?   When answering this question, about your current job, most recent job, or a job you left a year or more ago, it is important to be honest and detailed; however, you should also keep your answer brief. You do not need to go into excessive detail. After all, your interview should be future-oriented, and your primary goal is to demonstrate that you are a match for your desired program. Secondly, remember to highlight positive experiences from your current or previous job. You should talk up your successes and achievements whenever you have the chance. Finally, whenever possible, you should always frame leaving your job as a decision or experience that advanced your career.     One of the best ways to frame your decision for leaving is to explain why leaving your job was a natural step in your career progression. If you are leaving your job to attend graduate school, then you should explain why now is the best time for your career transition. When discussing your reason for leaving a previous job, you should again emphasize that leaving was a step toward greater opportunity and growth. Qualify your assertions with specific examples.   If you left a job after only a short tenure or were fired or laid off, you should not conceal anything from your interviewer. Be honest, but also only share relevant details that market yourself in the best way. For example, if you were fired, you should avoid putting all the blame on others and discuss the lessons you learned. You should also assure your interviewer that it was an isolated incident. Furthermore, if you had a negative experience at work, you should absolutely avoid disparaging your employer or complaining. The interviewer may wonder if your story is too one-sided or they may question your discretion. Be diplomatic and objective and steer your interview toward your future.   If you have a gap in your resume, you should explain how you have spent your time. Discuss any classes, volunteer work, travel, or research you have done. Many people have gaps in their resumes – the most important thing is to be able to talk about it candidly and to remain positive. Just because you have a resume gap doesn’t mean you were not taking steps along your career path.   If you left for personal or health reasons, you can absolutely explain the circumstances that led you to leave your job. However, you should focus on your positive contributions and accomplishments at work. Moreover, make sure the interviewer knows you are still on good terms with your employer. Many people have left positions for various personal reasons, you just need to be honest but avoid oversharing. As always, you should focus on positive aspects. 

Acceptable Reasons for Leaving a Job  

• Relocated to a new city
• Looking for new challenges
• Wanted greater compensation
• Change in career path
• Laid off or let go
• Family or personal reasons
• Employer went out of business
• Decided to go back to school
• Job expectations changed and did not match your interests or skills
• Poor work-life balance

  Almost everyone has left a job for one reason or another. However, while changing positions or career paths is quite common, you should still be adequately prepared to discuss your work history before sitting for you admissions interview. Consider how you can frame yourself in a positive light and always focus on demonstrating that you are a good fit for the program.