Interview questions

[Riddle momma]

This was on a post in the regional category, but not much came of it, so I'll try it here:

What are some answers to the dreadful "What are some of you weaknesses" question?

Thanks

 

[bobbysamd]

Weaknesses questions

This question usually follows the question about your greatest strengths. It can be a loaded question. You have to finesse it.

Don't admit to a real weakness. Use a strength to answer the question. For example, you could say that a weakness you have is good follow-through on tasks. When you begin something you like to see it through to the end and you remain focused on the task at hand. A lighter example might be that when you pick up an interesting book to read you have trouble putting it down.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your interview.

 

[bobbysamd]

Further, here's a MSN article on responses to interview questions, including something on weaknesses questions.

Hope this helps some more. Once more, good luck with your interview.

 

[boxcar]

Gotta disagree with Bobby on this one. As a former interviewer, few things irritated me more than the interviewee trying to substitute a made-up "strength" as a weakness. (My weakness is that I just can't leave work undone.) Everyone has an area of weakness, and the object of this question is to see if you recognise your own. Believe me, the interview team knows some of your weaknesses, they just want to see if you do. Be honest in answering this question and mention whatever you're doing to compensate for or fix the shortcoming. If your answer reflects negatively about your suitability, maybe it's time to do something else.

 

[ilinipilot]

another tactic is to say your weakness and how you are improving on it

for example I am a very impatient person but since i have been a flight instructor it has really helped me because i have to sit through 50 landing
etc

D

 

[bobbysamd]

Weakness as a strength

As a former interviewer, few things irritated me more than the interviewee trying to substitute a made-up "strength" as a weakness. (My weakness is that I just can't leave work undone.)

(emphasis added)

You make my point. A "weakness" like yours makes you sound like a desirable employee in my book. Dedicated, conscientious, and with good follow-through.

You have to construct your answer(s) carefully. Once more, give a man a rope long enough and he'll hang himself with it.

 

[dmspilot00]

Re: Weakness as a strength

You make my point. A "weakness" like yours [underline added] makes you sound like a desirable employee in my book.

I don't think he was talking about himself. He was giving an example of what not to say.

 

[Timebuilder]

I thought he meant "yours" as in "your example", not a personal weakness boxcar had.

 

[bobbysamd]

Well, just the same, keep the rope short or you can talk yourself into a corner.

 

[DitchDriver]

How about

"Right now my biggest weakness is coming up with an answer to this question"

 

[boxcar]

How about

"Right now my biggest weakness is coming up with an answer to this question"

I'd give you an "A" for that answer, cause it's probably truthful. In my view, nobody expects that the applicant will reveal a secret lust for farm animals, or so on. But, the weakness mentioned really oughta be an actual weakness. I used to ask the folks whose stated weakness was working too hard, etc., if they thought being economical with the truth was a weakness.