"What is your greatest strength?" answer template (A2, B1, B2)
How to use this template
Choose the level that fits your English and fill every blank with a true detail from your own work, in 3 parts: One, Proof and Link. Plan your example on the STAR worksheet, tick the checklist, then say the answer out loud.
A2 template: simple English
Short sentences, one idea in each. Good if your English is basic or you feel nervous.
- One: My strength is ________ (one strength).
- Proof: For example, ________ (short real moment).
- Link: In this job, this helps me ________ (how it helps).
B1 template: linked sentences
Joins your ideas with because, and, then and so. Good for most interviews.
- One: My main strength is ________ (strength), and it is important in this job because ________ (reason).
- Proof: A good example is when I ________ (situation), and I ________ (what you did).
- Link: Because of this, I can ________ (how it helps the team or customers) in this role.
B2 template: fuller answer
Adds a reason, a result and a little more detail. Use it if you can say it without reading.
- One: I would say my greatest strength is ________ (strength), which matters here because the role involves ________ (duty from the advert).
- Proof: To give you an example, when ________ (situation), I ________ (action), and as a result ________ (clear outcome).
- Link: I expect that strength to be useful here, particularly when ________ (typical situation in this job).
STAR worksheet: plan your example
Your answer needs one true example. Plan it here in notes, not full sentences, then use it in the "Proof" part of the template.
Situation
A moment at work when this strength was needed.
Task
What you had to do in that moment.
Action
What you did that shows the strength. Write the verbs: I checked, I organised, I explained.
Result
What happened, and who noticed.
Checklist before you say it
Tick each point when it is true for your answer.
- One: Name one strength that matters for this role.
- Proof: Give a short, real example that shows the strength in action.
- Link: Say how that strength will help you in this job.
- Avoided: Listing many strengths. One with proof beats five with none.
- Out loud: I said the whole answer out loud, with only true details, in about one minute or less.
A finished answer to compare
This is one way a kitchen porter might answer. Compare it with your template: the same parts, with real details. Do not copy it.
Kitchen Porter answer
My greatest strength is keeping up when the kitchen is at its busiest. On a full Saturday service our dishwasher broke, so I washed by hand and did the pans the chefs needed next before anything else. Service never stopped for equipment. In a kitchen, keeping the wash-up moving keeps everyone else moving.
Learn more about this question
- How to answer "What is your greatest strength?" — the short answer, the steps, mistakes and phrases
- Template: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Template: What would your previous manager say about you?
- All answer templates
- Example answers for your job: Care Worker · Hospitality Staff · Kitchen Porter · Barista · Hotel Receptionist · Retail Assistant · Warehouse Operative · Delivery Driver · Customer Service Advisor
Questions people ask
Should I learn the template answer by heart?
No. Learn the order of the 3 parts (One, Proof and Link) and your own details, then say it in your own words. A memorised answer can sound flat, and an interviewer may ask a follow-up question.
Which level should I use for "What is your greatest strength?"?
Use the level you can say without reading. If you are not sure, start with A2, say it out loud twice, and move to B1 when it feels easy. A short, clear answer is better than a long one that is hard to follow.
How do I print this template?
Use the Print or save as PDF button near the top of the page, or your browser's print menu. Only the template is printed, without the menus and buttons.
Practise this answer aloud
Say your answer to "What is your greatest strength?" out loud or type it, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.