Weakness questions ?

[mini_0]

I have been to many interviews, but I still am unsure how to answer the standard question: "What are some of your weaknesses?" or "What are some criticisms people have of you?"
The thing is that sometimes even when you say a small weakness depending on the interviewer , they may catch that part only ignoring all the good points previously .

[rowenahere]

The above question is used by the interviewers as they:

a) Find it thought provoking which can lead to further discussions.
b) Can judge whether the person is in tune with their weaknesses as they are with their strengths and also the candidate’s diplomatic stance.

Remember: None of us are without faults, so don’t pretend not to have weaknesses.

Important: Be sure to talk of weaknesses that isn’t a key element of the position.

[rowenahere]

Common mistakes:

a) To select a strength and present it as a weakness, like “I work too much” or “I work too hard…”, which is incorrect as it is misleading and misses the point of the question.

b) To answer it with a positive trait disguised as a weakness, like "I expect others to work as hard as me," or "I'm like a perfectionist." are too common.


Suggestions:

Be original, state a true weakness, then emphasize what has been done to overcome it and use it to ones’ advantage, for example:

“I have trouble in planning and prioritization. But, am taking steps to correct this via a diary” and can show the diary.

"I have trouble delegating duties to others as I feel that I can handle better, which at times didn’t work out as I had more work than I could handle. Now, have taken up management courses and learned effective delegation techniques, I feel that I have overcome it."

“My weaknesses include my lack of patience, but have learned to remain calm and attentive."

[rowenahere]

a) Name a fault, which isn’t really one, like:

"I am impatient and want things done quickly. I get frustrated when politics and red tape slow down projects”

b) Mentioning real weaknesses that has nothing to do with the job applied for, like:

"I am not good at math and it has nothing to do with anything I shall do,"

c) Name a weakness and link it to other’s weakness/faults, like:

“My weakness was getting frustrated when ‘leadership’ fails to make decisions or lead”

“I get impatient when organizations/groups say they want something, then do not take initiative or make decisions to make it happen. They pass it off to someone else, and then criticize how it's done.”

[rowenahere]

d) Pick a weakness that needs improvement, like:

“I need to know more languages. I speak only English; shall learn French, which shall help me in my customer relationship abilities"

e) To consider a skill, mention its’ down side, describe how they plan to keep that weakness in line, and then give examples.

“As, a weakness is just the flip side of a strength taken too far.”

Since, strengths and weakness are situational, require reading environment and using the skills accordingly, for example:

“Great customer service can mean being talkative”

“Ability to concentrate for long periods may look unfriendly. “

“Being realistic can be uncreative.“

“Juggling many projects may mean lost details or follow-up.”

[rowenahere]

Important:

Avoid controversial statements like:

a) People issues (“I don’t get along well with people”) or

b) Any other (“I am lazy, not punctual”) that shows the real negative side.

The main point is to state a weakness that doesn’t affect the ability to work.

Bottom Line:

The main aim is to show that one is aware of what is required and the necessary action to be taken.

Please remember, to mention only those weaknesses that has little to do with the prospective job.

[astros99]

Yeah, I agree. I've been asked this question in interviews many times. The smart thing to do is to name a REALLY REALLY minor weakness. If possible, try to name one that doesn't have to do with the job, or if it does, make sure its a minor aspect. DO NOT name something that is a big part of the job. For strengths, make sure you say something that is a big part of the job.