|
Author: Jonathan Lewis Article source: http://www.kabish.com/. Used with author's permission.
One of the trickier questions an interviewer might put to you is "what are your major weaknesses?"
What are you meant to say? If you list all your weaknesses, aren't you just giving the interviewer reasons to think that you aren't up to the job?
If you read most other interview advice guides, they will say that you should list some weaknesses that are just as much strengths. Things like "I am a perfectionist" or "I work too hard".
But these responses are JUST PLAIN WRONG. Let me explain why.
In fact, I'll let you in on a secret.
It is my job as an interviewer to form my own opinion on what your strengths and weaknesses are and I will do so without you needing to tell me!
But, if I DO ask you "what are your major weaknesses?" then I will be looking for three key things:
---> 1) Self awareness
---> 2) Awareness of your impact on others
---> 3) Self development
So let's take the response so loved by other interview advice guides - "I'm a perfectionist" - and work out how this can be improved so that it doesn't sound like the smug, glib response that it is.
---> STEP 1. Self awareness
I want to see that you are aware how your 'weakness' really is a weakness. Illustrate with examples where you can.
For instance, your reply may start along the lines of
"One of my weaknesses is that I can be a perfectionist which sometimes means that I need to work long hours in order to get things done to the high standards I set myself.
As an example, I needed to complete a proposal for a new client, and I was up until 2am the morning before the presentation getting it finished, which I realise could make my work suffer the next day"
Okay, so you've established the fact that you are TRULY AWARE that you have a WEAKNESS. You're already scoring well now. Time to go on to the next stage.
---> STEP 2. Awareness of your impact on others
Your weakness may also impacting others in a negative way, so it is good to show that you are aware of how your behaviour rubs off on other people.
(---SECRET INTERVIEWER TIP STARTS---)Strong candidates, especially in an environment where teamwork is important, will ALWAYS be demonstrating that they are aware of their impact on others.(---SECRET INTERVIEWER TIP ENDS---)
So, to continue our example, you might say something along the following lines:
"I am aware that people who work with me can find it tiring to work with someone who will push themselves to deliver such a high standard on every piece of work that they do."
Okay, so now you're showing that you're really on top of this weakness, and that you're not trying to show it off as some kind of strength.
Now it's time to go in for the kill! I will be putty in your hands if you go on to step 3!!
---> STEP 3. Self development
Finishing your response off in this way will truly show that you understand that you have a weakness and THAT YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!
Remember, everyone has weaknesses. They are not something to be hidden, but something to be FIXED.
So show your interviewer that you have set about FIXING your weaknesses. Again, examples are useful.
The response may finish something like this:
"I am now making a conscious effort on every piece of work I do to ask myself whether pushing myself to the 'perfect' solution is really being efficient or whether I would be better off putting some time into other things. I am also involving my team to give me advice on when they think I am over-doing things, and I am also asking my manager to let me know when I have done too much.
"I think that I will always strive to over deliver - that's just the kind of person I am - but I am also trying to make sure that I work more efficiently and without tiring out people around me"
---> WRAP-UP
So, now do you see how you should REALLY be answering the 'weakness' question?
Follow the three steps above, and your interviewer will know that they are talking to a high quality candidate who will continue to grow and flourish in their company! Jonathan Lewis is the founder and CEO of Careerfriend, a company committed to helping people succeed in their dream careers. His extensive experience of attracting, recruiting, retaining and developing exceptional people in management consulting and investment banking allows him to offer clear, actionable advice which has a great impact on people either looking for new jobs or looking to succeed further in their existing jobs.
The Careerfriend website (http://www.careerfriend.com) contains free career advice articles to help people succeed in securing dream careers, from career and employer selection, through resume and cover letter writing, to interviewing, salary negotiation and ongoing career development.
Jonathan was educated at Cambridge University, UK and has advised major national and international corporations, both in the public and private sectors, on issues of corporate strategy, corporate organization, labor relations, personnel development
Do Not Miss Your Opportunity - Learn it Now to Change Your Life Tomorrow
Provides useful advices on the methods of designing and writing of thesis statements and thesis proposal. Examines the ways of completing these types of thesis.
There is Light at the End of the Tunnel - Just Get Out of Your Way !
There is light at the end of the tunnel, but some days it seems like it is miles away. You have done everything you can think of to do, physically or mentally a...
How To Keep Your Resolutions and Reach Your Goals
Another year has flown by and here you are at the beginning of another year. This is a time when many people assess their life and make "new year resolutions" ...
Fear of Death
Facts related to death and our beliefs...
Music: Uniting Nations, Dividing Generations
Cultures around the world since the beginning of time have appreciated, enjoyed, and incorporated some form of music in their everyday lives. However, just as o...
Zone Diet Weight Loss Program
An overview of the zone diet.
Get the Job You Want
Here's a novel approach to getting the job you deserve.
Holiday Personal Loans – When the Traveller Within You Wants to Break Free
Holiday personal loans are made easy and without doubt adjustable to the need of every loan borrower. Loan borrowers are given holiday personal loans in spite o...
Flooring: So Many Choices!
How many ways can you think of to cover a floor?
Carpet, hardwood, stone tile, vinyl tile, stone tile, ceramic tile, area rugs. That's a lot of choices. Many f...
Beauty Foods That Will Keep You Young and Healthy
You've heard that old saying: True beauty comes from within. Well, now nutritional experts have confirmed that you really are what you eat. Forget French fries ...
Digestive Distress
Using the Six Steps of Healing Susun Weed discusses ways to deal with digestive distress.
Are You Really Listening: The Importance of Strong Communication Skills
The Importance of Strong Communication Skills for Advancement in the Technology Industry: Let's face it, when most people think of IT professionals, the image ...
Successful Web Development: 10 Key Elements
A website's success is more dependent on a developer's perseverance then on raw talent.
Safe, Nutritious Lunches for Kids with Food Allergies
Creative lunchbox ideas without wheat, dairy, or eggs
Fed Up With eBay?
Fed up with the hard work involved in selling on eBay? Remember that the Internet offers a huge opportunity outside of this online auction site...
Getting Looked Over, Without Getting Overlooked: Writing for Scanners and Skimmers
* Scanning and Skimming Practices * Whether you're writing e-mail messages or Web site sales letters, you need to know how to hold the attention of different ty...
Why Two-Tier Affiliate Programs are Best
Reasons for choosing two-tier affiliate programs preferably with residual/lifetime commissions.
Reclaiming Your Life From Anxiety Symptoms
Ever feel like life is a spectator sport… and you're just watching from the sidelines? Ever get angry at how much you're missing out on? Ever wonder how you can...
Should You Buy a Used Inflatable Boat?
There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale - those that have never been patched before, and those that have been repaired. Repaired boats are worked ...
How to Find Relationship Advice
One thing to keep in mind when seeking relationship advice is that the relationship advice business is exactly that - a business, and a big business at that. It...
Shih Tzu - Color And Appearance In the Beginning And Now
A brief look at shih tzu color favored by the Imperial Palace. Why was the "golden" color so favored by the early Chinese fanciers and breeders?
Is She the One?
From the beginning of time, when a man was looking for his mate, at the back of his mind was the thought, am I choosing wisely.
Auto Loan Deals Are Not Always As Sweet As They Seem
An article with hot tips for getting an auto loan.
Eugenics and the Future of the Human Species
"It is clear that modern medicine has created a serious dilemma ... In the past, there were many children who never survived - they succumbed to various disease...
|
Print this page