Classic interview question - what are your weaknesses?

[wsurfa]

The fact that most think the questions are stupid, probably shows that they have little understanding of how or why they are used (when used properly).

If you give a 'stock answer' and then can't show evidence of that, or learning to manage/develop that particular area, then most likely the big BS flag pops up.

 

[nin9abadga]

If you give a 'stock answer' and then can't show evidence of that, or learning to manage/develop that particular area, then most likely the big BS flag pops up.

exactly a competent interviewer will test you on your responses. saying that i've not been asked that question for ages, though i have been asked the strengths one.

i have a competencies based interview this afternoon which i find much more difficult to prepare for. most of my other interviews (in marketing) have involved gibbering about marketing for an hour or so interspersed with questions on my cv. i'm finding i'm being asked less "stock" questions.

 

[nicktay2605]

Be truthful. If you do have a weakness, tell them, and then explain what you have done/are doing to try to reduce or remove that weakness. That will show both honesty and drive.

 

[Dolph]

I'm running out of places to hide the bodies...

More seriously, be (somewhat) honest, but counter the negative with a positive on how you deal with the issue.

 

[wsurfa]

I'm running out of places to hide the bodies...

More seriously, be (somewhat) honest, but counter the negative with a positive on how you deal with the issue.

And have real world examples - or you're stuffed again.

e.g - high standards/perfectionist etc (normal crud people come up with).

The example would be the issue of diminishing returns in trying to eek out the final 2% to get a product 100% ready. This lead to time delays, possible project shifting etc.

Learning - assumtion that product was 95%, beta relase into controlled client environment as part of stress testing. This was done ahead of normal schedule, and allowed correction of critical issues still within timeline.

Client happy - fee paid etc

Or some such BS will do

 

[geekyEd]

as had been said before all you have to do is find a weakness (yes you do have them, ask a friend) and then tell them the steps your taking to improve yourself.

Something like

"I tend to head into projects without to much planning, in the past this has caused problems due things not being thought through properly, costing more time later on in the project. Every time I sit down to plan out these xxxxxx I'm getting a little better and trying to think ahead"

 

[mjer1984]

I always said as a graduate that my main weakness was lack of practical experience for my knowledge, which is obvious and not really a weakness.

Last weak at an interview I said, that when working in a group I can get frustrated with people who I feel are not pulling there weight, which seemed to go down well as everyone does.

 

[nin9abadga]

Last weak at an interview I said, that when working in a group I can get frustrated with people who I feel are not pulling there weight, which seemed to go down well as everyone does.

yeah that's a good one, i use it too, i also mention gnarled old salesmen who are overly negative which ususally raises a smile.

 

[Messiah Khan]

For a Junior or graduate job, somthing like;

"My main weakness is my relative lack of commercial experience. But I feel I more than make up for this weakness due to my enthusiam to develop within the industry. With a bit of exposure to the industry, I feel I would overcome this weakness with no problems."

Or something to that effect.

 

[dowie]

The fact that most think the questions are stupid, probably shows that they have little understanding of how or why they are used (when used properly).

Could you give an example of the proper use of that question and an example of a non stock answer you believe to be appropriate?

 

[carvegio]

Dowie the question can be used to find out more about you. Also, whether you will be honest or just come up with some text book crap.

Everyone has weaknesses.. maybe not compaired to other people, but relative to themselves and their own strengths.

You also have to be careful who is asking you the question and what they want to hear.

A friend of mine was asked it and he responded with the usual textbook stuff about a past weakness he had and tried to say how he sorted it out.

The interviewer then said I didn't ask you about past weaknesses or what you have done to correct them. I want to know about current weaknesses and then reminded him he should answer the questions asked and not waste his time answering different questions.

This was for a bank so not that suprising I guess.

Just be honest!