I know there are different strategies for a response but I am interested in how YOU handle the question in an interview.
2006-07-24 08:53:42 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Probably the most dreaded part of the question. Everyone has weaknesses, but who wants to admit to them, especially in an interview?
The best way to handle this question is to minimize the trait and emphasize the positive. Select a trait and come up with a solution to overcome your weakness. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate more on professional traits. For example:
"I pride myself on being a 'big picture' guy. I have to admit I sometimes miss small details, but I always make sure I have someone who is detail-oriented on my team."
Interviewers frequently ask candidates, "What are your weaknesses?" Conventional interview wisdom dictates that you highlight a weakness like "I'm a perfectionist," and turn it into a positive. Interviewers are not impressed, because they've probably heard the same answer a hundred times. If you are asked this question, highlight a skill that you wish to improve upon and describe what you are doing to enhance your skill in this area. Interviewers don't care what your weaknesses are. They want to see how you handle the question and what your answer indicates about you.
2006-07-24 08:59:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be honest, really. Everyone has weaknesses and if you try to hide one, say it is PROCRASTINATION, then it will come out in your work habits.
But is how you present it...
I have a weakness to procrastinate but I have been spending time learning knew ways to change that, STATE A WAY YOU ARE TRYING TO CHANGE...
Also I AM OPEN TO WAYS TO CHANGE THIS ...
Those are examples...
USE only YOUR weaknesses.
EVERYONE has them...Do not say CHOCOLATE or COFFEE or something like that...
it needs to be work related.
HOPEFULLY it is not telling lies or stealing this will make it hard to get a job.
Sometimes being TOO helpful is a weakness
Some people want to do it all themselves, businesses like to hear that you can ask for help ...
Always add in somewhere that you are trying to find ways to change and improve yourself.
Sometimes they will offer course to help you do just that.
Do not say you don't have any they will see through that as a lie and you will not have a chance.
2006-07-24 09:09:28 · answer #2 · answered by Samuella BurrowShire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually say my weakness is that even though it takes me a lot to get stressed, I have a very hard time asking for help when I do. If I get over swamped with work, or stressed out with too much I will just keep plowing through everything even though it would be easier to have someone's assistance.
2006-07-24 09:03:17 · answer #3 · answered by Legolas' Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I answer honestly with something that I feel needs improving. Handwriting, spelling, something mundane but improvable. I usually stay away from major flaws, like illiteracy, attention span, math. Stuff that actually has bearing on you not getting the job vs. stuff that will help you get the job.
2006-07-24 08:57:51 · answer #4 · answered by mmenaquale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn it around into a positive... you could say something like... "My biggest weakness is sometimes I'm too dedicated. Prehaps, I should learn to let go a little, but once I start on something it's hard for me to NOT see it through to completion."
See what I'm saying?
2006-07-24 08:59:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got a good one. I always pause for a moment, then say in perfectly worded and pronounced english,
"Unfortunately, my verbal communication skills are not as highly developed as my written skills."
both of which are nearly impeccable.
2006-07-24 09:01:36 · answer #6 · answered by absynthian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I try to get too much done" or "I care too much about my work"....a factual answer for me is "I overanalyze the situation because I really want to do a good job."
The question is dumb. Who's gonna say "Well, I come into work hungover, about an hour late...if at all..."?
2006-07-24 08:59:07 · answer #7 · answered by Dwight D J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a really hard time not finishing things in a days work
2006-07-24 09:02:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what you answer to those types of questions. The main goal is to see how comfortable you are talkiing about yourself.
2006-07-24 09:13:42 · answer #9 · answered by Don S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I often find myself working past quitting time, because I was so involved in my work and I didn't realize what time it was.
No, I've never actually used that, but it sounds good. :-)
2006-07-24 09:00:47 · answer #10 · answered by Leadfoot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋