Why do employers ask questions like "What is your weakness" when they know people are just going to lie anywa

Question

I mean, why do humans play these stupid little games anyway?

Answer 1

I totally agree with you. They ask because they're trying to see if you'll say something that will disqualify you, which is really an unacceptable thing to do considering that it puts you in a catch 22 -- you have to either lie or not get the job.

Answer 2

Because if someone cannot admit any weaknesses, they're not being honest with themselves or me. This says something about their character. In addition, I know they probably won't take criticism or direction well. I wouldn't hire them.......I also agree with handyman. You can't just admit to weakness, you have to have an improvement plan ready. This question gets asked A LOT so I would have an answer in mind before an interview.

Answer 3

Employers aren't as stupid as you think. I know as a retired mental health practitioner with 20+ years experience, I could tell in seconds of the first visit what the REAL problem was when an individual or family came into my office, and I could tell when it was extremely likely someone was lying, and by how much. It comes with practice, and I'm sure some employers recognize in a heartbeat when you're not being totally honest with them. As a matter of fact, I, and I'm sure some employers, and Police Officers, know JUST WHEN to insert a "dummy question" or a "trick question" to best catch their "suspect" or "client" or "prospective employee" in a lie. They hope, believe it or not, to find themselves wrong, because it is depressing to find, yet again, "that people are so predictable that it's pathetic"(my quote), especially when they're lying or otherwise trying to deceive you. Believe me, we'd like to be refreshed by the honest individual, someone we can enjoy trusting, and in your case, hiring. But we're not stupid enough to let the possibility go by us that you might not be as honest as you're coming on to us. Just quit playing games with us. We'd like to hire you, or otherwise trust you. It's just that, too often, we can't, and it can cost us in our business or profession. God Bless you.

Answer 4

I've asked this question before, and I've had people say they don't have any weaknesses. That in itself is a major red flag, since everyone has room to improve. The main idea is that you should have already identified what you want to improve and you should be taking steps towards meeting that goal. When you arrive, choose something else to fix. Good luck in your interviews.

Answer 5

In an interview, the question "what is your weakness" is to discover your ability to see that you in fact have them and your honesty. In answering the question with honesty..you can make the answer a positive by offering information regarding what you are doing to change your weakness into a strength. Indicates maturity and desire to improve.

Answer 6

according to labor law: Employers are required to ask questions
to employee during interveiw befor hiring on. Just any excuse
you know company rules that are to protect company policy
written on contract for person to understand completely then
sign!







;

Answer 7

As an interviewer for the government I can say that this question is to weed out potential employees that can't be truthful of one's own flaws and convictions.

Answer 8

Watching how you lie tells a lot, and not everyone lies. If you are smart you have an answer ready. They want someone living a lie close to the one they are living.

Answer 9

Why dose a date ask " Oh, do you like that baby?" ..... ? Reassurance. But I seldom lie in a job interview.

Answer 10

They do not expect you to lie. They are hoping that if you realize your weaknesses and can admit them then you know what you have to improve upon. And it is not shameful to admit you have weaknesses, it is shameful to realize them and not admit them.
It gives us something to improve upon...