When employers ask you about skills you would like to improve they are looking for honesty in the way you answer. Off course they know you are not going to highlight a major character flaw during the interview, but they still expect an intelligent answer with a healthy dose of honesty. First things first, never answer with a tired cliche like:
- I don’t have any flaws
- I’m a perfectionist
There is no employer who does not find these answers irritating. Instead, focus on a work skill you would like to improve that is not critical to your industry or job level and demonstrate how you would like to develop this skill further implying you already have a level of competency.
If the question specifically refers to self improvement, then take a look at the post below:
- What Would You Most Like To Improve About Yourself?
If the question is about job performance as opposed to a specific skill , look at this post:
- How Would You Improve Your Job Performance?
Perfect Answers For What Skills Would You Like To Improve:
1. Networking Skills
This is a good skill to choose to answer the question because we all need to work on our networking skills in some way. It may be that you are uncomfortable approaching people you don’t know at networking events, you may need to improve your connections and relationships on LinkedIn or you may just need to make more connections within your current industry. You can word any of these issues to sound likeyou just need to develop the skill a little further rather than implying you have no networking skills at all.
Watch Out – If you are in sales, it would be best to choose a different skill to improve for your answer. Networking skills area a core part of the sales function and strong networking skills and an established personal network are highly valued in all sales roles.
2. Presentation Skills
This is another good choice for your ‘skill to improve’ answer because it is a skill that many people struggle with. You can also choose one element of presenting that you would like to improve on which makes you look like you can honestly evaluate your own behavior. You may say something like: “I would like to strengthen my presentation skills when I present to large audiences. I find I often speak a little too fast, especially when I begin my presentation, so I would like to improve my voice control and delivery.”
Watch Out – If you are in a role like marketing where there are many formal and informal presentations you need to make, maybe choose another skill to improve and develop.
3. Mediation Skills
Mediation skills rarely come up as a core competency in any profession, so they can be a good choice for this kind of answers. As with the skills above, you always want to focus on how you want to develop these skills further. This implies you already have them, you just want them to be better. Buying Provigil online https://www.belvoircastle.com/modafinil-online-how-to-get-it/
You might say something like…Although I am often required to help people negotiate solutions to conflicts especially on project based work I would like to develop my mediation skills which would help people reach their own conclusions rather than having me take such an active role in conflict resolution.
This answer shows that you know the difference between negotiation and mediation and that you encourage others to solve problems on their own thus improving their personal development too. It is a safe and smart answer.
4. Technical Skills
Technical skill development can work as a skill to improve for some people but it is not an acceptable answer for every field. If you work in IT, design, social media, data entry etc… the last thing you want to do is highlight a deficiency in technical knowledge. This answer can work if you present it as a desire to learn more and expand your current skill base.
You can start by mentioning the programs you are familiar with and which ones you would like to learn more about and why. This can work if you are if you are in an industry where technology changes fast and you can show your desire to stay on top of the game.
5. Coaching/Mentoring Skills
This is a good choice for those at the middle management level. It is a stretch to suggest you will mentor others if you are still an entry level employee and it is too dangerous to admit you are not a good coach if you are in upper management.
You can say something like…I would like to further develop my leadership skills by actively mentoring others. It is important to not only help others around you learn, but to also help them develop their skills and achieve their objectives. I believe this will help me become a much more effective manager in the future and create a more positive and productive environment for my work team.
This answer is great because it also sets out your future aspirations and shows you are actively thinking about how to be a great leader.
Your Skills is Only Part 1 of Your Answer
No matter what skills you claim you want to improve, however, make sure that you follow it up with what you’re doing about it. Saying “I want to improve my networking skills” is not as impressive as saying “I want to improve my networking skills, so I’ve enrolled in a class to try to see if I can learn specific strategies.”
You can also turn it on the interviewer. For example: “I want to improve upon my leadership skills. Do you offer any classes or opportunities that can assist with that growth?”
It’s not the answer that makes the most impact. It’s how you follow up with it.
