Interview Question Help!

[sjflyer]

I am having a hard time coming up with a good answer to:

What is your greatest weakness?

How did you answer the question during your interview?

Thanks,

SJFLYER

 

[starvingcfi]

you should probably say "instrument skills" that'll pretty much seal the deal :-D

 

[HairOnFire!]

How about

"I sometimes struggle with coming up with good answers to stupid questions"

... bet you can't say it with a straight face, either.

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

DO NOT reply: "My greatest weakness is that I am a perfectionist..." or something to that effect.

Personally, I'd say something like, "Chocolate" or "Cute kids".

 

[Cardinal]

Nah, cute teenagers.

 

[starvingcfi]

ha. 16 yr old girls

 

[Resume Writer]

I am having a hard time coming up with a good answer to:

What is your greatest weakness?

How did you answer the question during your interview?

Thanks,

SJFLYER

Ok, in all seriousness, there is a way to answer this question.

Talk about a past problem that you have identified and then tell how you have made strides to overcome that problem.

Here is an example answer to illustrate what I mean: (it is not aviation related)

"Weaknesses are not something I like to dwell on. I know I could improve on my patience when working with people who don't work at the same pace I do. What I have found is that by helping members of the team who are having problems, I can move projects forward instead of being frustrated and doing nothing."

Just be careful what weakness you identify. You do not want to paint yourself into a corner and blow your chances.

Kathy

 

[bobbysamd]

A strength as your greatest weakness

I am having a hard time coming up with a good answer to:

What is your greatest weakness?

Don't laugh. Not handled correctly, this question can be a lethal trap. I would never admit to a true weakness. On the other hand, as with all interview questions, this one provides another opportunity to sell yourself.

I would answer the question in the same fashion as if you were asked what is your greatest strength. For example, you might be a person who likes to see things through to the end and meets deadlines. What's the matter with that? Some might regard it as being compulsive; others would regard this trait as being conscientious and hard-working. I would bank on the latter. Or else, further to Resume Writer's comments, discuss a problem and what you did to solve the problem.

When comes to admitting your greatest strength, etc., all you have to do is admit a strength, not the strength. Save the strength for later in the interview. By the same token, you might be asked what was the last book you read. That book could have been Fanny Hill. Not the best choice to disclose at the interview of your life. But let's say that sometime back you read something benign or less controversial, such as Hemingway. Tell them that you read Hemingway. You can't be faulted for that.

You have to be honest in your interview. But you have to practice some gamesmanship as well. Good luck with your interview.

 

[flyifrvfr]

I recently had an interview with a part 141 school in Maryland. This same question came up, I believe I answered it as well as could be expected. The question: What is your greatest weakness? My answer: My greatest weakness is that I'm at the airport all the time, I'm always looking for students and spend a large portion of time doing so. The follow up question was what is your greatest strength? I answered, I'm at the airport all the time, I'm always looking for students and spend a large portion of time doing so. I was also asked if we hire you, what would you bring to the company? My answer was, I advertise and market myself to a great extent. I have went to the local colleges and posted flyers and hand out business cards. I spend a good deal of time at the airport talking to the people who come up to watch planes. If I'm hired, not only will I market myself, I will market the company as well.

I feel that these answers are as good as it gets, I didn't get the job, they hired someone with more dual given. I have 2 hours of dual, it would have been my first job. I don't think my answers were a factor in my being denied. I was told to get a CFII rating and after doing so, I could reapply. My CFII/MEI checkride is this wednesday, and if all goes well, I can update my resume and reapply.