What do you consider to be the applicant’s major weaknesses?

Answer 1

You should really provide more information when you ask questions.

There are two sets of circumstances that I know of where this question is asked. It can be asked of an applicant (usually -- what are your major weaknesses) -- and it can be asked of a reference.

If the former, the standard advice is to give an answer where you weakness is really a strength (e.g., I really don't know how to give up on a project until I've figured it out). I go the opposite way, and tell the truth ("I can't work for a boss that won't allow me to tell him when I think he is wrong about something" -- I go on to soften that by saying I don't want to embarrass him in front of others, but need to understand the thinking behind decisions and need to have an open form for discussion).

As for the second -- if you are a reference and asked this question, you need to give an honest answer. If it is a friend or someone you care about, you don't need to be brutally honest -- but you shouldn't lie. If you are -- for example -- a faculty member giving a reference for work or graduate school -- then your reputation is on the line.

Answer 2

Everyone got weaknesses, and if the applicant can admit his/her weaknesses then he is a strong apllicant.

Answer 3

By Going through the Bio-data and his profile.
The ability to represent himself makes the first impression.