Siqi's Strength-Insecurity Question
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Siqi Chen's favorite interview question reveals candidates' strengths and insecurities while creating a more authentic conversation.
The interview question
- "What is your greatest strength that you are most worried about not coming across in an interview setting?"
- After 20 years of conducting interviews, this has become Siqi's favorite question
Why this question works
- Breaks the fourth wall in standardized/formalized interview settings
- Addresses the anxiety candidates feel about not showcasing their best qualities
- Changes the tone of the conversation significantly
- Gets people excited to talk about what they're really good at
- Elicits great stories that reveal more about the person
The psychology behind it
- Simply asking "what's your greatest strength" sounds too formal and generic
- Adding the element of insecurity ("worried about not coming across") changes the dynamic
- Acknowledges the artificial nature of interviews
- Creates space for candidates to be more authentic
- Allows the interviewer to get to know the person better
Impact on the conversation
- Helps candidates relax and open up
- Encourages storytelling rather than rehearsed answers
- Reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities simultaneously
- Creates a more meaningful connection between interviewer and candidate