Here's how I messed up in a recent interview

Conrad Ecklie

The thing about about answering yes every time you're asked if you're good at something, is that then when it comes to something that you actually are good at, how do you react. Do you nearly feel like saying "I actually really am good at that one though".

I was asked this recently. I felt like I needed to back it up (and I know you usually do need to). And the only way I could think to back it up was to highlight how I'm weak in another area in order to show my strength in comparison to that.

Jim2007

Telling people you are good at everything is how you FU-ed the interview. Most people are good at a few things, average at most things and poor at a few things. Tell people otherwise and you just sound like a plonker.

OMM 0000

I think it really depends on how you answer the question.

If you are relating their question back to your experience, I think it's fine.

For example:

Interviewer: Are you good at C++?
You: I used it in my last job for about 6 months. I felt it was straightforward, so I don't think I'd have a problem using it in a new job.

Interviewer: What about Java?
You: Yes I used Java for 4 years in my last job, including Spring/<other Java stuff>, so I would consider myself to be quite strong at Java.

Interviewer: What about writing specs?
You: I had to write tech specs for every project, so I'm comfortable writing them too. The specs were often reviewed by non-technical managers, so I'm also good at explaining technical concepts to non-technical people.

Etc.

So as long as you're explaining your answer, I think it's fine.