"What's your biggest weakness?" It's one of those questions that never feels like it ends well. I always feel like I either sounded too weak or too vain. Even if you answer it well, I cannot see too many people bragging that they "really nailed the weakness question." I bet if a "Get Out of One Question" existed, this question would be skipped quite a bit. However, in a recent blog on The Career Encouragement Blog, some good advice was given on how to handle this question. The best pointer given, in my opinion, was the following:
"Progressive. Demonstrate that you already have a plan in place to manage your weakness as it relates to the job. "
A few minutes extra of preparation for this one question could make a big difference in the outcome of the interview. It's one thing to know what your weakness is, but being able to apply it to the job you are interviewing for makes a recruiter realize you know where you would be vulnerable in that job. If it is something that could easily be solved by having a mentor or some extra training, then it might ease any uncertainty about hiring you. It's better to get it in the open before the fact than after it.
Those dreaded questions.
I remember going for a job interview and half way through I knew I didn't want the job.
Got the usual questions plus - where do you see yourself in 5 years time question!
So, I said that I would have his job ! - He was an arrogant SOB.
Just one of those days but I enjoyed it!
Posted by: John | February 11, 2009 at 07:09 AM