What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

The fastest way to make a good interview go bad is to avoid questions posed by the hiring manager. The one question candidates love to avoid is, "What is your greatest weakness?" Most candidates are quick to respond with superficial answers such as "I'm a workaholic" or "I'm a perfectionist." Not only are those responses boring, but they are also predictable answers interviewers are used to hearing. So much so that an interviewer's comeback line often is, "That doesn't sound like a weakness. Now why don't you tell me about a real weakness?"

Ouch. What an uncomfortable position to be in-when a decision maker challenges you during an interview. Just like you, the interviewer wants the process to go as seamlessly as possible, and they quickly become resentful when they are placed in a confrontational position.

When answering questions surrounding your greatest weakness, my advice is to tell the truth-to a point. Though I don't advocate providing a play-by-play of every area that may need improvement, it isn't a good idea not to cop to a weakness either. A happy medium does exist, and it lies in focusing your response on an area that doesn't have a major impact on your ability to do the job. This should be an area that you are on your way to improving. Note, not an area you've already improved, but one that is well on its way.

Interviewers recognize that jobseekers aren't forthcoming when answering the "greatest weakness" question. As a result, there is a new trend in hiring circles of interviewers cleverly disguising the question and using a variation of the theme. In doing so, interviewers are successfully stumping candidates, and are receiving responses that uncover the not-so-pleasant side of candidates.

Cleverly Designed "Greatest Weakness" Questions

* We all have aspects of our job we prefer not to do. What aspect of your day-to-day responsibilities do you dislike?

In hopes of making you feel comfortable, interviewers may ask questions that start with "we." The psychology behind this is to make you feel as though you are with a friend, which can cause you to let your guard down.

* Think back to your last review. What suggestions did your supervisor have for improvement?

The chances are extremely high that your supervisor offered suggestions for improvement. Interviewers are aware of this and anticipate that you will disclose the details of your most recent evaluation.

* Describe a project you worked on that didn't turn out as well as you expected.

Interviewers find that job seekers reveal more when they are asked to tell a story. The assumption is made that the more you talk, the more likely you'll disclose your weaknesses.

* In what area of your work do you think you can be more effective?

This question is very similar to "greatest weakness" question. However, interviewers believe the way the question is phrased will make you feel less threatened, and therefore more likely to answer freely.

Bottom line: whether or not you want to divulge sensitive information during an interview, an interviewer is going to try his or her darnedest to dig for skeletons in your closet. Interviewers want to uncover any reasons why they shouldn't hire you, and they hope those reasons will come straight from you. So be prepared.

About The Author

Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at http://www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.

---

The Power to Succeed

It's amazing how we fool ourselves... while at the same... Read More

Does Your Resume Lack Vision?

You're just getting over the shock of having become unemployed.... Read More

Dont Quit Your Day Job! Convincing Your Boss To Let You Telecommute (Part 2 of 2)

Ok, so you've determined that you have the right skills... Read More

5 Things Every New Caterer Should Know

It has been over twenty five years since I started... Read More

Making Sure You Get a Good Reference

You've had 3 interviews with a potential employer and they've... Read More

Overwhelmed and Overworked: The Myth of American Productivity

Employment finally seemed back on track during the first few... Read More

How ToTalk Your Boss Into Giving You A Salary Increase

* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More

Hello Work World, Im Un-Retiring

For many years, you looked forward to that day when... Read More

Hair Dressing as a Career

Since the world started hair has been a very important... Read More

Energizing Synergy

Would you like to have more energy and synergy in... Read More

How NOT to Write a Resume

You can learn a lot about how to do something... Read More

Do You Need Help Writing A Winning Cover Letter?

Your cover letter is critical to your success. It sets... Read More

Traveling for An Interview? 10 Tips to Get You From Here to There

You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More

Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up Appearances

Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or... Read More

Change Your Career, Change Your Life!

Lots of times I see and talk to people who... Read More

Make Your Resume Keyword Rich and Scanner Friendly

If you haven't looked for a job recently, there are... Read More

Common Resume Myths & Misconceptions

For the person crafting their first résumé the task can... Read More

Fantastic Job Fair Follow-up

Set the stage for fantastic job fair follow-up while you... Read More

How to Terminate an Employee and Live to Tell the Tale

1. Employee Backdrop in AustraliaThe whole arena of Industrial Relations... Read More

How People Really Explore New Careers: What Does A Real Career Search Look Like?

The traditional model of career choice suggests a linear pattern.... Read More

Multiple Skills for the 21st Century

(excerpted from The Weekend Seminar - Skills for the 21st... Read More

How To Find Writing Work

Are you looking for new writing work? It can be... Read More

Active Listening Skill Tips for Interviews

During a job interview, a potential employer asks, "Can you... Read More

How Much Can You Earn Working As A Proofreader?

Thinking of a career as a proofreader? Then you will... Read More

What Your Guidance Counselor, Career Counselor, and Own Mother Probably Never Told You...

The alarm clock jars you awake at some insanely... Read More

Effective Resume and Cover Letter Writing - Part One

To begin, make a decision to discard any former knowledge... Read More

Get Paid to Shop And Keep Everything You Buy - Without Having to Pay!

Can You Tell Good Service From Bad; Recognise Value For... Read More

Medical Billing And Coding Profession

Medical billers and coders are in high demand among the... Read More

Career Advice On Freelance Writing Jobs

Sometimes the freelance writing jobs available are those that no... Read More

Workplace Melodrama--A Flair For The Dramatic

A flair for the dramatic is a theatrical term used... Read More

Searching for a Federal Job

Many years ago searching for a federal job was a... Read More

Is Job Loss Making You Sick?

Job loss affects most of us like any other loss... Read More

3 Questions No Job Seeker Ever Wants To Be Asked?

Employer and interviewers expect you to answer tough question during... Read More