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Guys, the "what is your biggest weakness" question is really looking at self awareness. Unfortunately interviewees don't always know this, and some interviewers don't know the purpose for this.
You are supposed to say something realistic and self-aware about an area where you need to improve. If you can't come up with anything here, you need to look more closely at yourself. Don't we all have areas for improvement? That's the whole point of that question.
But be aware, saying that you are a "workaholic" and "care too much" is seen as BS, and a canned response. Instead, say something about trying to improve in the area of looking over peoples' shoulders & micromanaging vs. delegating and trusting staff to do what they need to do.. Or if you aren't in a supervisory role, something like, needing to stop and ask for assistance when needed vs. tryng to handle everything on your own. Have real life examples of these so they are not "canned" answers.
The interview question is as much about your emotional response and thinking on your feet as it is about the actual answer you give to the question. Prepare for it.
Location: Upstate NY native, now living in Houston
663 posts, read 2,263,316 times
Reputation: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by TracySam
Guys, the "what is your biggest weakness" question is really looking at self awareness. Unfortunately interviewees don't always know this, and some interviewers don't know the purpose for this.
You are supposed to say something realistic and self-aware about an area where you need to improve. If you can't come up with anything here, you need to look more closely at yourself. Don't we all have areas for improvement? That's the whole point of that question.
But be aware, saying that you are a "workaholic" and "care too much" is seen as BS, and a canned response. Instead, say something about trying to improve in the area of looking over peoples' shoulders & micromanaging vs. delegating and trusting staff to do what they need to do.. Or if you aren't in a supervisory role, something like, needing to stop and ask for assistance when needed vs. tryng to handle everything on your own. Have real life examples of these so they are not "canned" answers.
The interview question is as much about your emotional response and thinking on your feet as it is about the actual answer you give to the question. Prepare for it.
I totally agree with you here. But on a human nature side, it kind of goes against my desire to NOT to point out my weaknesses to others. If I tell them I tend to micromanage, for example, won't they be especially watchful for that? I'd rather have them do the homework and figure out my weaknesses on their own! I can't even argue against their "charge" because I admitted to it in the interview!
lol .... but having said all that, I really am in agreement with your post and I intend to incorporate that into my interviewing skills!
Location: Oklahoma(formerly SoCalif) Originally Mich,
13,387 posts, read 19,426,436 times
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I haven't applied for a job since the mid "80's" because I've been self employed. Since I've been back in the latest world of applications and interviews, the definition of "change" has resurfaced with an exclamation mark..
That's one reason why I came to this forum, to get help and ideas on how and what to do in certain instances.
So I expect to be criticized or down played on some of my posts. That's a quick way of learning.
Since I've been on this forum, and this particular thread, I have realized that one thing I'm doing wrong at interviews is taking questions personally.
I totally agree with you here. But on a human nature side, it kind of goes against my desire to NOT to point out my weaknesses to others. If I tell them I tend to micromanage, for example, won't they be especially watchful for that? I'd rather have them do the homework and figure out my weaknesses on their own! I can't even argue against their "charge" because I admitted to it in the interview!
lol .... but having said all that, I really am in agreement with your post and I intend to incorporate that into my interviewing skills!
Don't worry, no one likes to talk about weaknesses. The important thing is how you spin it to make it sound positive! Though to be fair, I REALLY REALLY hate that "what's your greatest weakness" question---never was a good one.
ya i was asked that question.. and because im honest or just plain.. moronic i said.. i am always LATE! so ya 2 days later... hello rejection letter . i actually am pissed with job interviews.. coz it is not for me. and job interviews are only for players. i am NOT. i hate job interviews coz it is ultimate form of plasticity and just plain.. nonsense.. for me. thats why you have a 1 month probationary period. so they can kick you out if you cant do the job. but to reject you coz you dont know how to play the "im your wet dream employee" is UNFAIR!
OH i also dont like that they reject you coz u have no experience..how can you have experience if they dont give u freaking chance LET ME PROVE I AM WORTH THE CHANCE THAT YOU GAVE ME!
If you could be one super hero, who would you be and why?
- My answer. Batman. He didn't possess any special powers, rather a great work ethic and the knowledge of how to best use the tools provided (his utility belt). Then I went for the total BS award, by saying that he also was a team player, able to delegate and work with Robin.
Location: Upstate NY native, now living in Houston
663 posts, read 2,263,316 times
Reputation: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by SmerkyGrl
Don't worry, no one likes to talk about weaknesses. The important thing is how you spin it to make it sound positive! Though to be fair, I REALLY REALLY hate that "what's your greatest weakness" question---never was a good one.
And if interviewers REALLY know what they are doing, they will get the answer to that question without even asking that CANNED question! If they can see through our canned answers, then please HR folks, use your creative skills and stop asking us canned questions!
(whoo boy I feel so much better after getting that off my chest!)
Location: Upstate NY native, now living in Houston
663 posts, read 2,263,316 times
Reputation: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by DasNootz
If you could be one super hero, who would you be and why?
- My answer. Batman. He didn't possess any special powers, rather a great work ethic and the knowledge of how to best use the tools provided (his utility belt). Then I went for the total BS award, by saying that he also was a team player, able to delegate and work with Robin.
Location: Upstate NY native, now living in Houston
663 posts, read 2,263,316 times
Reputation: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by mkfarnam
Since I've been on this forum, and this particular thread, I have realized that one thing I'm doing wrong at interviews is taking questions personally.
Can you explain that further? I am intrigued...
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. i actually am pissed with job interviews.. coz it is not for me. and job interviews are only for players. i am NOT. i hate job interviews coz it is ultimate form of plasticity and just plain.. nonsense.. for me. thats why you have a 1 month probationary period. so they can kick you out if you cant do the job. but to reject you coz you dont know how to play the "im your wet dream employee" is UNFAIR! 
LET ME PROVE I AM WORTH THE CHANCE THAT YOU GAVE ME!
