I need advice for a job interview?

Question

I am in the process of looking for a new job. One question that always stumps me is when I am asked what are my weakness. I don't want to say something stupid like I bite my nails.
Any advice for this question?
Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Weaknesses can include: I pay meticulous attention to detail which I know can be time consuming, but I believe it important to do things right the first time rather than repeat the process.

The idea is to turn your weaknesses into a strength.

Don't say: I'm always late for work, but I'm trying to get a handle on it.

I conducted a web search and provide the info and links...Good Luck!

It's a question job seekers universally fear, and they worry it will kill any chance they have of being hired. However, I believe there is a way to answer it without making yourself look bad. Keep in mind that interviewers don't expect people without "warts" to apply for open positions. In fact, they tell us that they red flag anyone who appears perfect or claims never to have made a mistake.

I suggest that you craft an answer around a specific work problem that you have had, preferably one that occurred early in your career and one that you have overcome. Above all, emphasize what you learned and how your behavior is different as a result of the experience. Be clear and succinct, practice your answer in advance and do not blame the weakness on others. If possible, ask a trusted friend or colleague to critique your answer.When an interviewer asks you for your weaknesses, avoid being cute or clichéed. Also, remember that "weakness" does not always mean "what you're bad at"

Michael Shekter -
February 14, 2002




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Q: Give me an example of a weakness that I can admit to in an interview?

Catalina in Toronto

A: First of all, don't try to be too cute or coy on this kind of question - good interviewers have heard them all.

Before I answer, let me ask this - why do you need to ask ME? Is it that you don't have any weaknesses or that you think that if you are honest that this will prevent you from being hired?

Beyond that, let me offer this - people hear the word "weakness" and the first thought that comes to mind is "Something I am bad at" - that is not necessarily true.

A "weakness" could be:

Something that you have not had enough exposure to - for example, many marketers today have the "weakness" of not having developed advertising - this does not mean that they are bad at it, it may mean that they have not had much experience and need more to be better.

Something related to the specific field or level you are applying to - for example, if you have never managed someone in a technical area before, that could be a weakness.

Again - it does not necessarily mean that you are or will be bad at it - just that you recognize that it is an area of the job that you might be "light" on due to lack of experience or opportunity.

Interview Questions and Answers
Unfortunately, when it comes to interview questions there are no set answers. The best possible preparation you can do with regards to this is practise. On our site there are many useful interview guidance tips that may also help you prepare.
Please find below some common questions you many be asked in an interview situation along with a rough guideline to help you tackle them effectively:

Tell me about yourself: Again, as stated above, there is no set way of tackling this question. The best thing to do here is to give a brief introduction about yourself and then move on to provide the basic details about your previous positions and any significant achievements - don't go into too much detail - just a brief overview.

What are your strengths? This is one of the most common questions you will be asked and no doubt, have already been asked in previous interviews. You have to remember here - try to give an answer relevant to the position you are applying to. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job. For example, if you are applying for a job where accuracy is an important issue, one of your strengths could be that you have an "eye for detail".

What are your weaknesses? Again, another common question and 99% of the time you will have been asked this before. A common mistake to make when answering this question is saying something negative like "I am shy". Use this question to your advantage by actually turning a negative into a positive. For example, "I need to improve my typing skills and to combat this I have recently enrolled on a typing course". This will show you can identify your weaknesses but at the same time, you are willing to improve. Finally, and most importantly: do not mention a weakness that is any way related to the job you are being interviewed for! This might sound obvious but it is a common mistake!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? All too often, this question is answered the same "I enjoy music, socialising and reading". If possible avoid using this type of answer. Instead, try to aim your interests someway to the job you are applying for. If you have done some voluntary work this may be good to mention.

Why did you leave you last job? When answering this question make sure you do not give a negative answer. For example, "I did not get on with my boss" or "I did not agree with the way the business was managed" - this will make you sound negative and will greatly reduce any chance you have of being offered the position. If possible, try to answer the question so it shows you are looking for career progression. Also, if you were made redundant - say so. There is no reason to hide this fact!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? A good answer here would be something along the lines of wanting to study and participate in training that will assist you in your job and aid in your chances of progressing within the company.

Why do you want to work here? This is an opportunity for you to show the interviewer how enthusiastic you are about the job/industry. Try to think of an answer that shows your interest in the job.

Have you got any questions for me? No doubt you will be asked this towards the end of the interview. Make sure you do ask a question as this shows your seriousness and interest in the position. Maybe you could ask about how you will be trained for the position. Do not ask about salary or holidays though!!!

Need further help or want to discuss this further...post a message on our forums or return to job seeker tools.

Answer 2

Most importantly at a job interview is make sure to make good eye contact with the person thats interviewing you. That shows that you are polite. Always stay calm no matter what question you are asked. Don't look at the ceiling, look nervous, or stumped. Just answer calmly and truthfully. Bosses may hate poor work but they hate liars even more. Just stay calm, answer all the questions truthfully and show all the good things about yourself. If asked what your weaknesses are just state the truth.

Answer 3

typically employers want an answer that's not a 'weakness' but a strength and would benefit them.

for example: i've always been so determined to give each customer special detailed service, but now i've learned to think about the bottom line of the company and keep in mind the production side of the business. But sometimes, when warranted, or just for fun, i still go the extra mile for the customer making them feeling 'extra' special, instead of just appreciated for using our service.

they may ask you how you accomplish that...by using lots of eye contact, smiling, greeting the customer and thanking the customer, using the customers name (if known), being attentive to the customer, addressing the customer with respect and listening to his or her request or concerns are the standard things. i also make sure that i know the company's products, services, policy and procedures so that i can give the best, most informed customer service available.

tell them you want each customer to have a positive impression of the company, if for no other reason than, it hired a smart, capable, like-able person like you, who is always welcoming and genuinely cares for the customers and the company.

say, " i believe customers can hear it in your voice, see it in your eyes and feel when they are appreciated and respected. also, confidence in the company should begin with projection of confidence and excellence from its service people. that's so missing in today's fast past markets, but that's something i believe in strongly That's what i can bring to this company (name company)"....


or something along those lines, but you get the idea. this is just one example.

AND, Remember when you leave to Thank them for seeing you (use their name!) and tell them again with eye contact and a confident smile that you are very interested in the position and that you look forward to hearing from them.

it is okay, to say, "i know you are considering other candidates for the postition, but i am very interested in the position, and would like to know when I can expect that you'll be making your decision."

Send a professional Thank You Note to followup immediately after the interview. Be sure to correctly spell the interviewer's name and job title correctly. If you didn't get a business card or have a chance to write it down...call back and get it from the receptionist.

Good Luck! (and stop biting your nails;) Practice saying this to the mirror, and family and friends...You'll ace it!

Answer 4

I would say that nothing specific comes to mind right now, except for the fact that I am human which means I am not perfect and I make mistakes as all people do. I only hope that as time passes I will continue to develop and maintain more strengths than weaknesses.

Answer 5

Take a strength and re-frame it as a weakness. "One of my weaknesses is staying late at work or not watching the clock." This shows you are dedicated but see how this could be a weakness as well. The employer will more than likely see you as a dedicated person rather than a clock watcher.

Answer 6

one thing you could do is find out what your weakness is and work on strenghing yourself over it. Then you could say something like public speaking, but I have been taking public speaking classes. That would show that you where a self starter