Tips for the question: What is your biggest weakness?
This is one of those dreaded questions, some form of it pops up in almost every interview.
And it really is one question to expect, and have an answer ready to go. Because what the interviewer is really looking for is what is a weakness, and once you identified it, what have you done to get past it.
And yes they are looking for something that is on the job. (I know because for 21 years I was in management and interviewing as well and I always asked this question).
Everybody has weak spots they can work on, and this question, if the answer comes across wrong, can sink a strong interview.
Answers that normally are safe, if you discuss briefly issues about delegating work to others, and why. And what you have done to get past it.
Time management, and or juggling priorities.
Level checking with your boss, when something is due, not making an assumption. And later finding out that the two of you are not on the same page. This was one of mine, I worked on making sure to get a firm date, and always finding out if she wanted updates along the way or not.
Do not say you have no weakness, do not say it is with people who talk too much. Do not say you cannot think of one right then.
Expect this question, and make sure you have an answer ready to go. Key is what is the weakness, and what you have done so it is not much of an issue anymore. Good Luck everyone!
I found out yesterday I was rejected by what someone thought I said in response to this question. If you are interviewing job candidates all day, you begin to hear what you want to hear.
I am so glad you posted this information. I also have experience in hiring new employees. I have conducted one on one interviews with perspective employees as well as large interview boards. My experience with interview boards was trying not to duplicate one of my peers interview questions for the potential employee. We had to write our own interview questions. Thank God interviews have always been rather smoothly for myself when I was the one being interviewed and my advice is always be yourself, stay calm and most of all be honest.
My weakness is honesty. Being straight. One boss said many of the ladies were not used to someone so blunt. It was like everyone tiptoed around each other. Why? We are grown adults and should be able to effectively communicate in an honest way without getting ugly. Now on the other hand, a different manager, same company, promoted position. He loved it. Said he never had to guess what I was thinking and he loved having someone who was willing to share ideas and opinions with on new developments. ;)
My biggest weakness is some of the math and
I like these suggestions Maureen Hilderbrand . This is a tough question to answer during an interview while still remaining positive and putting oneself at risk of loosing a job opportunity. I'm sure other members will find these tips very useful. Thanks for sharing!
That was a good post. Very applicable and with a simple solution to address it.