Classic interview question - what are your weaknesses?

Going to Cali

Going to Cali

Going to Cali

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Just had a phone interview for a graduate software developer position. One of the questions that came up was what my weaknesses were. I'd take it as being not so much a question about what I find difficult but more about being aware of what I could improve on and how I would try to improve.

Anyway, the crux, given the job spec I couldn't think of any weaknesses. I have a good degree with a placement year in a similar role and have all the skills asked for on the job spec.

I know it sounds pretty arrogant but I couldn't answer the question, I know by a long way I'm not perfect but I couldn't think of a sensible weakness.

How would you have answered the question?
 
positive sounding weaknesses:

sometimes I work too hard

once I start working on a problem I find it hard to stop until it's solved

that kind of thing, but obviously targetted at the role
 
You don't really have to tell them your weaknesses it's a bit of a trap question. You can mention some weaknesses you've had in the past and then just start blabbering on about how you've overcome them with your own personal development, etc.
 
I once got told this one, if you think it is releveant to yourself,

'My weakness would probably be that I am that very determined to do a good job. This in turn may make me bossy as I need to get a job done to my standards which I always set as a high bar in my workplace'.
 
Why do companies honestly bother with these questions? They're going to get the same textbook answers from every candidate.
 
Abraham said:
positive sounding weaknesses:

sometimes I work too hard

once I start working on a problem I find it hard to stop until it's solved

that kind of thing, but obviously targetted at the role
Click to expand...

That makes you sound even more arrogant! If I was interviewing you and you said that I'd think you were taking the ****.

The way I answer this question is by talking about the things I want to improve i.e. I feel like my time-management skills could be improved. It's something I've been working on for quite a while and I feel like I'm making real progress with it but know I can still get better.

That's the kind of thing you want. Everyone has weaknesses so don't be ashamed to discuss them just make sure you emphasis the fact you are working to improve them.
 
R4z0r said:
That makes you sound even more arrogant! If I was interviewing you and you said that I'd think you were taking the ****.

The way I answer this question is by talking about the things I want to improve i.e. I feel like my time-management skills could be improved. It's something I've been working on for quite a while and I feel like I'm making real progress with it but know I can still get better.

That's the kind of thing you want. Everyone has weaknesses so don't be ashamed to discuss them just make sure you emphasis the fact you are working to improve them.
Click to expand...
to be honest I wouldnt give those answers, but then again I've never answered the question well, I didnt mean those specifically but it is a good approach to try and spin something positive as a weakness
 
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