View Full Version : "Name a Weakness" ??
Camman
15 Oct 2005, 11:10pm
I just recently went to an interview (hope I get the job, havent heard yet) and the one question I stumbled over for a second was "name one of your weaknesses" what is the right answer to this question and what's the point?
Like I understand some of the weird questions they ask like "whats one time you had a problem with.." etc things like that. But what exactly does telling somebody what one of your weaknesses in an interview have to do with anything??
profdlp
15 Oct 2005, 11:33pm
For one, it shows that you can be self-critical and are not too egotistical. If I were interviewing someone who thought they were "perfect" I'd figure it would only be a matter of time before they started bossing everyone else around, and that they would also be unlikely to accept positive criticism from their supervisor.
The best answer is to be honest, while at the same time show that since you have identified the problem you are also working to improve in that area. An example might be something like admitting that you have a tendency to want to do things your own way, but your experience playing H.S. sports has taught you the importance of teamwork. The fact that you state that teamwork is important might lead them to view your "weakness" of being somewhat independent as more of an indication that you are a real go-getter, and not just a selfish jerk.
Whatever you do, don't admit to being a Red Sox fan - that would get you sent packing in a heartbeat. :vimp:
Nightwolf
16 Oct 2005, 12:28am
I had that same problem at an interview this past week....
tcith
16 Oct 2005, 11:00am
For one, it shows that you can be self-critical and are not too egotistical. If I were interviewing someone who thought they were "perfect" I'd figure it would only be a matter of time before they started bossing everyone else around, and that they would also be unlikely to accept positive criticism from their supervisor.
What Prof said about why they ask - I usual say that I "Talk too much" that I tend to over explain myself or give too long an answer and then say that if it annoys someone I give my co workers permission to just say "Shut up" and I won't take offence, it helps me be more brief and learn when I over explain myself - this usually get a chuckle as well as a nod as it is a weakness/fault that many suffer from (well the people listening suffer)
entropy
16 Oct 2005, 2:51pm
I think I just went with the typical cliche on mine. I said something along the lines of, "It sometimes might take just a little push to get me going, but once I do, I'm really focused on what I'm trying to do." Worked for me.
csimon
16 Oct 2005, 3:02pm
What Prof said about why they ask - I usual say that I "Talk too much" that I tend to over explain myself or give too long an answer and then say that if it annoys someone I give my co workers permission to just say "Shut up" and I won't take offence, it helps me be more brief and learn when I over explain myself - this usually get a chuckle as well as a nod as it is a weakness/fault that many suffer from (well the people listening suffer)
Oh Shut-up already! ;D
csimon
16 Oct 2005, 3:11pm
I think the better answer may be something along the lines of a weakness in certain skills rather than in personal short comings. If you haven't spent as much time in, lets say ms office 2003 then they help that be fixed.
If you say something like ...well I'm habitually tardy at least 30 -45 mins everyday ...that doesn't look so good because it's up to you to fix it.
Just my $.02
Me... I'm a perfectionist. I do not like half-arsed jobs. Do it right the first time, even if it takes a bit more time. It will save time in the long run. That's what I would say... of course, my "weakness" also makes me critical of "stupid short cuts" by others, even my boss. :scratch:
csimon
17 Oct 2005, 3:32am
Me... I'm a perfectionist. I do not like half-arsed jobs. Do it right the first time, even if it takes a bit more time. It will save time in the long run. That's what I would say... of course, my "weakness" also makes me critical of "stupid short cuts" by others, even my boss. :scratch:
well said. I would view that negative as a positive and give you points! :thumbsup:
errr ...when can you start??? ;D
Leonardo
17 Oct 2005, 3:52am
Well, Mr. Employer, Sir, weakness? Hmm, I have many. Which ones would interest you the most? :D :scratch: :eek: :bawling:
entropy
17 Oct 2005, 4:07am
Next time someone has an interview that just went horribly (meaning you know you have no chance of getting hired), I dare you to snap a pencil or something in half and go, "I AM ALL THAT IS MAN!" and walk out.
Say honesty, then tell the interviewer that his tie fails to match his outfit.
profdlp
17 Oct 2005, 4:13am
Next time someone has an interview that just went horribly (meaning you know you have no chance of getting hired), I dare you to snap a pencil or something in half and go, "I AM ALL THAT IS MAN!" and walk out.
I could tell you a funny story right now...
Say honesty, then tell the interviewer that his tie fails to match his outfit.
Are you currently employed, Nomad? :cool:
/me laughed pretty hard thinking about that, though. ;D
Oh Shut-up already! ;D
:bawling:
bothered
17 Oct 2005, 8:21am
I would say I get irritated by stupid questions, I don't like mind games, can we stick to the point please, stupid?
I'll get me coat.
Squill
17 Oct 2005, 1:23pm
When I was asked that question in a job interview my answer was "Redheads", lol they got a kick out of it and I got the job. (tho I had to turn it down later)
FormFactor
18 Oct 2005, 4:56pm
I dont think I have ever gone through an interview without being asked that question. I stumble around it every time, and have yet to give a really good answer. Mauybe ill find one in this thread. :scratch:
I have always said I really cant think of any off hand. They seemed to have always hired me. Maybe they think im SUPERMAN!
Good luck with getting the job!
GHoosdum
18 Oct 2005, 6:03pm
For one, it shows that you can be self-critical and are not too egotistical. If I were interviewing someone who thought they were "perfect" I'd figure it would only be a matter of time before they started bossing everyone else around, and that they would also be unlikely to accept positive criticism from their supervisor.
Prof pretty much nailed the reasoning. Personally, if I were in an interviewer's position, I would definitely ask that question. I've known a few overly egotistical people, and it drives me mad, especially when that egotism is a front for lack of expertise or lack of competence. It's even more infuriating when such folks pretend to be an authority on any topic they've ever had even the tiniest bit of experience with.
The combination of humility and competence, however, is something that I value quite highly. A good example of this is sharkydart. He's one of the most talented programmers I've ever met, and yet he would never dream of rubbing that in anyone's face. In fact, he has on occasion asked me for help - usually on topics that are above my skill level. ;)
When I was asked that question in a job interview my answer was "Redheads", lol they got a kick out of it and I got the job. (tho I had to turn it down later)
What field were you interviewing in? At my company (and most of the ones I've interviewed at) I would have been kicked out on my butt the second I named that particular weakness, though it is certainly a weakness I share.
Squill
18 Oct 2005, 6:08pm
It was some dumb little internship for a new computer consulting company. The guys that interviewed me were pretty young and I was lucky that they thought it was funny.
Generally a good way to address that question is to take one of your best assets and use it as a weakness, as an example, you could say that one of your weakness is attention to detail. The reason is that you like to make sure that what ever you are working on is done correctly and completelty that some times it causes a situation where you might have a delay on meeting the completion date.
You definately don't want to say that you tend to stay up too late posting to the forums causing you to be late and tired for work... :)
-"g"
the more interviews you go on, the more you will get asked this question...
classic answer is to go the with something like, "well, to tell you the truth i am a work-a-holic. when i get involved in something i have a hard time putting it down untill it is finished. but i am also a perfectionist, so i don't rest untill everything is just right."
but to the people who said honesty is the best, yeah right. "umm....i steal office supplies." or how about, "weakness.....hmm......bourban and cigarettes i guess."
the question is asked in order to see if you can be honest yet humble, and without coming off as conceited. if you give the first answer, they know you are full of sh*t. if you give any of the second answers, then they know you are stupid. best is to go with something in the middle. great advice on using one of your strengths as a weakness. this is what they tell you do if you ever take a class on the interview process.
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