Greatest Weakness?

[EvanT123]

So here we have the worst interview question around....I have a big interview Monday and have been wracking my brain here. I could go and say something like I work to hard or blah blah. I could say I'm afraid of public speaking or need to brush up on my technical skills however I need both those for the job and don't want to contradict my resume. I was thinking about being truthful and say I lack experience in the field. I could make up for that by saying I have attended training for this type of work, have read reference materials related to this type of work, and have the skills needed for this type of work. All of which are true however I just have not gotten knee deep in this type of work. So what do you guys think is the best solution and how have you tackled this question in the past? 

[slonezp]

Did you lie to get the interview? If not, I wouldn't sweat it.

[A-Jay]

 

I'd answer that question, as well as any others, honestly & in a manner that if I were the one conducting the interview & asking the questions, I'd expect.    Attempting to schmooze one's way into a position seems like a bad idea. 

Very hard to go wrong being honest & up front.  Then if & when you are hired, there are only realistic expectations between you & your new employer.

Best of luck 

A-Jay

[david in va]

44 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 

I'd answer that question, as well as any others, honestly & in a manner that if I were the one conducting the interview & asking the questions, I'd expect.    Attempting to schmooze one's way into a position seems like a bad idea. 

Very hard to go wrong being honest & up front.  Then if & when you are hired, there are only realistic expectations between you & you're new employer.

Best of luck 

A-Jay

X 2

[RoLo]

 

Honesty is always the best policy

Prevarication requires an impeccable memory, and is far more work than adhering to the truth.

If my honesty is unacceptable, then it's better for both of us that I hang my hat elsewhere.

 

Roger

 

 

[jr231]

1 hour ago, RoLo said:

 

Honesty is always the best policy

Prevarication requires an impeccable memory, and is far more work than adhering to truth.

If my honesty is unacceptable, then it's better for both of us that I hang my hat elsewhere.

 

Roger

 

 

 

In other words, it's much harder to remember your lies, than it is to remember the truth ! And that is a statement that is as true as it comes 

[Gundog]

Snakes....sorry, I thought the question was greatest fear. I would suggest saying something like this. "My greatest weakness is I care about my fellow workers and my own personal hygiene. I've been known at previous jobs to sniff out a rather odorous coworker and offer small amounts of mouth wash, deodorant and baby powder. Once I asked a coworker to step outside. When he did I locked the door behind him. In my defense, he had curry for lunch. I did what I had to for the greater good." After that stand up and walk smartly out of the room. You'll get the job. Trust me.  

[Scott F]

This question is designed to mess you up. The interviewer doesn't care what your answer is, they want to see how you deal with tough questions. 

There has been a lot written about this subject. Google it and you will get a lot of information about how to deal with the question. 

[Jigfishn10]

All your answers should be honest and made with confidence. When asked about any weaknesses? Generalize your answer and remind your interviewer that we all have our weaknesses. "It's how I deal with them and work through them that that is one of my greatest strengths."

 

Don't tell them you have NO experience in a certain area for the job, because you really do, otherwise you wouldn't be interviewed. Your answer is yes, but not a lot. I know with more exposure I will become better. Say it with honesty and with confidence. Showing confidence indicates that the employer will have confidence in your abilities when put in a difficult situation.

[jr231]

@Gundog haha ! Snakes ! Shouldn't have too many to worry about in PA. Maybe one or two ? Water moccasin ? 

[ClackerBuzz]

I'd always say "Spelling. I'm a horrible speller so thank goodness for Microsoft spell check.  I never send a document without using it."  Turn that question into your favor.

[lo n slo]

i never could hit a curve ball

[Scott F]

My biggest weakness is that I can be a bit lazy. But I work very hard so no one can tell.

[NYWayfarer]

I cracked a joke at one interview when they asked me that question. I said "Kyrptonite" 

 

I didn't get that job so don't follow my example

[XpressJeff]

Would you want someone working for you that was deceptive right from the start?

 

In today's competitive business market decisions have to be based on realistic expectations. Express the c efforts you would put forth but do not embellish unrealistically!

 

You'll do fine!

[Chris at Tech]

Not being able to resist a good sale on fishing tackle.

 

Next question?

[Gundog]

4 hours ago, Chris at Tech said:

Not being able to resist a good sale on fishing tackle.

 

 

^^^^This^^^^^  Just don't tell them you check out TW on work time. They'll know that you do but keep up the illusion. 

[lonnie g]

be your self . most of the time its a more important attribute to obtain an employee with a great attitude and trust worthiness. you can teach them the skill.  

[Columbia Craw]

The question implies you/I have several weaknesses. My greatest weakness is prioritizing which of my weaknesses I will turn into a strength(s.)  

[Redlinerobert]

Real easy.  Be yourself.  When I'm interviewing people for the office I can usually smell the BS right away.  If not, it rears its ugly head pretty soon after they're hired, and then released. 

[NYWayfarer]

I conduct interviews at my job for new employees. This is one of the canned interview questions I have to ask as assigned by human resources.

 

In my experience it is important to have an answer for this question. I have had many people say some variation of I have no weakness. Which if you think about it is a weakness. It is a lack of humility or not being able to look at themselves honestly.

 

A good answer to this question is a weakness that could also be considered a strength. Something like I hate missing deadlines, I will do anything to avoid doing that.  

[EvanT123]

Well guys I wanted to give you all an update. They never even asked the question! I don't really have any idea how the interview went. I think the content of it went well however there was one small problem. I could not stop sweating! Not because I was nervous but because it was about 80 degrees out and 100% humidity and I was wearing a suit, it was embarrassing. So who knows what will happen from here....

[Redlinerobert]

If it's that hot and you're forced to wear a suit I wouldn't worry about it too much.  You're a human, not a machine.   Good luck, we're rooting for you!

[clayton86]

You guys need more internet in your life. Haven't ya seen the meme about this. It goes something like this(can't post it it's not rated G) 

 

interviewer: what's your greatest weakness?

 

interviewee: honesty

 

interviewer: I don't think honesty is a weakness

 

interviewee: I don't give a beep what you think...

 

 

so be be honest I guess like everyone else said 

[bigbill]

I interview them the same time they interview me. Being a class A CNC machine tool builder, auto, truck, 4x4 mechanic, machinest there isn't much I can't do. I built machine tools to make parts you touch everyday of your life. "Disc Brakes" is one of them. I worked on the Disney tower of terror. I built 155mm howitzers for the us Army.

 

you can do anything you put your mind to do.

 

during one interview the boss asked me if I could do the job. I told him I can build anything on the planet put me in the game coach.