Job Interview question: What are your weaknesses?

WingsnLV · 2015-11-26T20:54:16+00:00

When going in for your interview put a small notepad in your pocket. When this question comes up say, "I sometimes find it difficult to prioritize and organize, that's why I take this everywhere I go. I find that writing down my tasks helps keep me organized and more thorough."

thecompanionlesscube · 2015-11-26T18:40:38+00:00

I think saying that you have no flaws shows a lack of introspection and an inability to critically analyze yourself for improvement. When I was asked this question, I answered honestly and said that I struggle with being assertive. In my last position, I was a manager, but I didn't do a great job of being a leader because it's just not a part of who I am. This was an honest answer, but didn't reflect poorly on my ability to perform the job I was interviewing for since being a leader was not part of the description. Could you consider a similar tactic?

Rorta · 2015-11-26T19:05:04+00:00

Take the Myers Briggs personality test.

Then look at the personality type it suggests you are and look at the strengths and weaknesses associated with that type.

For instance as an ENTP I can find it very difficult to complete tasks and I can be both quite insensitive and argumentative.

You will never do well in an interview if you can't name your flaws. Employers understand that they will rarely ever find someone 100% perfect for the job and they look for those who are self aware and willing to learn, adapt and do the job to the best of their ability.

Gomezie · 2015-11-26T18:54:40+00:00

I usually just say that I'm a perfectionist, and then elaborate on scenario (time permitting) where I spent way longer getting something just right.

Never fails me, but unless your giving off red flags then I don't think the answer content really matters...itsw all in your delivery of the answer.

blacwidonsfw · 2015-11-26T20:14:53+00:00

I got a version of this question.

"How would someone who doesn't like you describe you?"

I said they would think I'm overambitious, reckless, overconfident.

That might have been too much but I was on the spot and I had to say anything.

if I got the question again id say something like:

"They would say about me that I have too much energy, I try to accomplish more things than are possible and come off as overconfident. "

Then follow it up with:

"And i think that is true to an extent. I always set bigger goals than I can realistically achieve because it helps me maximize the amount of tasks I can accomplish and it can be overwhelming for people that work with me."

That would have been a truly perfect response I think because you are spinning a weakness as a strength. Also this is a very very common interview question so your foresight into having some type of response is expected so saying "nothing, I'm perfect" not only shows you aren't creative, but you are unprepared as well. I wouldn't hire you to work for me.

cuteman · 2015-11-26T22:17:34+00:00

"I wish I had learned more languages. I've always admired multilingual people."

It admits a deficiency that isn't really a problem that is shared by the vast majority of people in the US (assuming you're in the US).

I think it's superior to the "I'm a workaholic" type weakness answers.

Apexk9 · 2015-11-26T22:29:36+00:00

I'm lazy. I try and find the most efficient method to do my work in the least amount of time then when I finish everything I go on reddit to waste time.

I'm a perfectionist and nothing is ever good enough...etc

mty_green_go · 2015-11-26T22:36:15+00:00

Obviously you won't say something that paints you negatively for a position of employment , they are somewhat expecting a canned response.

Although I was only asked this question once in an interview. ever

wehadtosaydickety · 2015-11-26T23:29:54+00:00

Big red flag from a potential employer. If it's your future boss, don't take the job. If it's HR, take the job knowing the company is poorly run. This question is useless.

MattyAnon · 2015-11-26T23:55:07+00:00

In truth, I am annoyed when asked this stupid question.

It's a dumb fucking question and shows their interviewing ineptitude.

Which is... wait for it... FUNNY.

Just look puzzled and think for a while... avoid "nothing". Avoid "I work long hours and love to give my boss backrubs". Instead go for a sort-of-fault that really isn't too bad. (Too much attention to detail or something). They'll ask what you do about it, and then you tell them (don't volunteer this without another round of frowning and looking thoughtul). Then refuse to tell them any more faults.

Elfclan30 · 2015-11-27T02:36:13+00:00

I think that in the book of pook(might be mistaken) says that is a shit test. I mean you can say that you struggle thinking about your weaknesses, therefore your lack of introspection might be your weakness.

getRedPill · 2015-11-27T04:30:08+00:00

this one and the "Tell us why you should be hired over the other 100 candidates?" one. Oh heavens!

Borsao66 · 2015-11-27T07:15:08+00:00

My go to, back before I went to work for myself was "I tend to want to take too much on because I'm a perfectionist. Some people assume when they see this, that I'm not being a team player. But the reality is that I feel like I'm imposing on them by not shouldering more than my fair share of the project."

It really doesn't tell them anything and implies that you are a hard/dedicated worker.

fcjnews · 2015-11-26T21:16:23+00:00

"None that I can think of"

Yea, don't do that.

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie? Every story is about somebody overcoming a weakness. Tell them a story about you.

ClarkCheekyKent · 2015-11-27T00:12:59+00:00

My weakness is that I think that I don't have any weaknesses

Title	Job Interview question: What are your weaknesses?
Author	menial_optimist
Upvotes	5
Comments	16
Date	November 26, 2015 6:06 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/3udf2c/job_interview_question_what_are_your_weaknesses/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/job-interview-question-what-are-your-weaknesses.157046 https://theredarchive.com/post/157046

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