OK. So what do you think of this idea of a weakness (for an interview)?

Question

I do not have a characteristic that I would single out as a weakness because whenever I encounter a personal fault, I use that as an opportunity to begin improving and as a result I am able to overcome any of my shortcomings and work towards personal growth. Then I could say that at one point I used to get frustrated when I would do my best to accomodate or assist a customer but the customer was still not satisfied, but I have learned that if I do my absolute best... well that is the best I can do!

Okay, I need serious critiques on this approach!!

Answer 1

Thats pretty good but it still says you have weaknesses, even though you arent saying what they are.

Maybe instead of using the example of getting frustrated (BAD BAD BAD) turn it into a positifve by saying something like: My biggest weakness is I somtimes expect too much of myself when dealing with customer satisfaction. I feel like no matter what the case, I should be able to satisfy any customer concern and when I can't I find it extremely disappointing.

Mayeb not in those exact words but do you see how rewording changes your appearance? Now your not a pissed off employee but instead just concerned and your "weakness" is in fact a strength.

Answer 2

Well...if I were interviewing you, I'd give you negative marks for this...I appreciate the idea of turning a negative into a positive which is what you are supposed to do, but by saying that you can't single something out makes it seem like you have realized everything that was bad and have already fixed it so you are basically perfect. And no one is able to overcome all of their shortcomings, so I would be turned off by that statement. And if you are working with customers, you can't say that you did your best and that is all you can do...employers want to hear that you found something to make the customer happy regardless of what it took...and your best is not the company's best...go above and beyond and get your boss involved, etc. So....sorry :( I wouldn't be a fan of this response.

Answer 3

You probably want to hear that this is the greatest answer ever, and a lot of employers would probably think it is a fine response. But I'd be wary of trying to sidestep this question-- the only reason it is asked is to identify a weakness. I've asked it many times and interviewees have thought of every way around this one, i.e....."I'm a perfectionist" or "I just work too hard"...etc. Really most interviewers aren't trying to trick you or make you feel bad. I would be honest (it is so easy to see through insincerity in interviews). Have a weakness, if you're applying to be a salesperson don't mention your weakness is talking to people, but mention something that you can work on that isn't essential to performing the main purpose of the potential job.

Hope that is helpful!!

Answer 4

No way I can argue with this. But be careful. if you go for an interview, the interviewer always asks, what are your weaknesses.
You almost have to give them some BS, like " I get frustrated if I can't do for the customer what he wants to be done. "
They want you to be confident in yourself,
but with a position like you outlined, someone might take it for arrogance.
I don't,, but I once answered that question in this manner, and the interviewer took the position, "you know, we all have weaknesses, " and they gave the job to someone who was more " able to relate to the customer." Like, if the customer is an idiot does that mean I have to be an idiot?.

Answer 5

Maybe you are being overzealous in your quest for perfection, as this seem to be your goal with your personality. Or that you are being too demanding on yourself, and this is what comes accross in your customer service.

I would advice just relax, and be yourself more, no one is perfect, we grow as we go in this life, and flexibility of character is one of the keys to accept yourself as you are.