in an interview, how do i answer what are you weaknesses?

Question

i have an interview next week to join my high shools student govenment
how would i answer the what are your weaknesses question, if my weaknesses are being quiet/shy
how would i say that to make the teachers want me for a posotion in student government?

Answer 1

IF your weakness is being quiet/shy then say so. Also add that trying to join your school student government is one way you are trying to improve yourself in this area.

Answer 2

Instead of confessing your very soul, try to go a little lighter. If it's your first time in student government say that you lack experience but are willing to learn. You've said a negative but given it a positive spin. Don't lie but you can pick what you say. You don't have to confess. If someone says that you are quiet or shy say that you expect that this position will give you more confidence to speak up. See you agree but you made it a positive. That's politics. Practice speaking in front of a mirror. If they ask you a question you are not prepared for just relax and speak the truth. Even if you are shy and get stuck, don't retreat into yourself. Look people in the eye and speak. If you don't worry so much about what you will say, you will say the right thing and look confident. Being able to turn negatives to positive only comes with practice and experience. Just wanting to do the job speaks volumes for you. By the way. . .being quiet and shy is not a weakness. It just means you need a bit more experience and confidence. Whether you get this job or not, here's a suggestion. When you feel yourself getting shy, look people in the eye and force yourself to start talking. Asking a question is always a good opener so that the other person starts talking. Keep doing this and one day you will wonder why you ever considered yourself shy. Good luck.

Answer 3

Possibly word it like this:

I tend to be a bit introverted. Although in a sense this is good because I tend to think things through before I speak. However, I recognize my need to be a bit more extroverted and it is something I am working on improving.

Then as someone else already mentioned, you can add how working on getting involved in your HS student government is one of the ways you are working towards that goal.

This shows that you want to be more outgoing but you're not someone who flies off and blurts out the first thing that comes to mind. Kind of turning your negative into a positive.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

Whenever you are asked about weakness, choose something that is a positive, and change it into a weakness. For example, you might say:

"My biggest weakness is that I tend to over-organize. I need to work on not being so nit-picky with myself."

If you want to use something you really feel you DO need to work on (like being shy), you might try:

"I'm working very hard on being comfortable in front of large groups. I think being a part of Student Government would be an excellent way to help me grow in this area."

My sister-in-law is an ASB director at a local high school. They look for hard working, dedicated leaders to be part of their team. Focus on those qualities! Good luck!

Answer 5

Telling the TRUTH is your greatest weakness. When your future employer asks what you have accomplished in life- they mean your work life - not personal. Be sure to start & end the interview with a firm handshake. Do not fuss with your hair-fidget & before you just jump into an answer- hesitate & answer the questions slowly but meaningfully. Also think postive & you will ace the interview & be clocking in by Wednesday. Good luck.

Answer 6

i would recommend to always back up your negative aspects with positive ones(just like you see politicians do in debates all the time). for example, the interviewer asks what are your weaknesses and you tell him that you can be quiet at times but it helps you be a better listener and gives you the ability to hear others opinions. Play up every single good thing that comes as a result of your weaknesses-say that being quiet makes you more capable to listen to others opinions, and especially in a position like student govt. that is important. downplay your weaknesses as much as possible, but dont say that you dont have any, because we are all human.

Answer 7

Honestly, I always turn it into a "two sides of the coin" answer. For instance, I say my STRENGTH is that I am very stubborn (meaning that I can be VERY tenacious in getting at a solution/answer/taking initiative, etc.) but that that stubbornness can also be a weakness (IF I don't watch it). Good luck .

Answer 8

Turn it into a positive. State you are quiet/shy, as you listen to all options and then speak to announce your opinion/decision.

Answer 9

You should answer honestly, they will know if you are lying. Just....be honest. However don't be hard on yourself, and follow whatever you say with something like, "However, I enjoy challenges and I am always trying to improve myself. Whatever it is be yourself and you will be fine.

Answer 10

say that you tend to be timid around people that you dont know. that makes you sound real and like you can relate to people.say that its something that you are willing to change about yourself for the job and that you think you would be able to contribute a different perspective because you represent the other half who dont voluntarily make their voices heard.