How to react when asked to rate your skills in an interview

“How would you rate your JavaScript (or XY) skills on a scale of 1–10?”

This one is another tricky question that can cost candidates in job interviews some nerves. Let’s face it, most of us find it dumb. But you can turn this question into a massive win for you.

Why is this question asked?

You could go ahead and call it dumb now, but there is more to it than only the sheer will to bring candidates to sweat during interviews. But it serves a purpose. Such a question might not be the best question or even way to get this kind of information, but it exists, and from time to time, you will have to face it. And if you want this job, you need to deal with it.

You somehow have to tackle it and deliver a satisfying answer. And the actual idea of this kind of question is to test your self-awareness.

It tests how:

• You perceive yourself
• Well you rate yourself
• Good you are at self-reflection
• Much thought you put into yourself and your answer
• You react to such a question

Being a professional means applying a certain skill set regularly. A software developer usually develops a lot of…