Biggest Weakness Interview Question

Newwashingmachine

I've read so many blogs and articles about this question.

I was wondering - is it best to be completely honest.

I find that my self confidence is my biggest concern. I've asked people who work with and know me and they say that I do a fantastic job, am committed, helpful, efficient, accurate etc etc - BUT that they don't think I have enough confidence in what I do.

I am applying for a job in admin and I don't know if this is the right answer to give.

Would saying you lack self confidence go against you do you think?

julie2710

How about being honest but wording it slightly differently? Perhaps say that you set yourself really high standards but you are your own biggest critic?

Good luck with the interview.

This_Year

Always try to put a positive spin on any weakness - I like Julie2710's wording.

Good luck!

shortcrust

You can talk about genuine weaknesses, but you must frame it all in a positive way. For example, if you want to mention lack of confidence you could say something like:

"Well I used to lack confidence and it's something that I still have to work on today. To help overcome it I've made a conscious effort to put myself into new and challenging situations - for example in my last job I volunteered to give a talk to a large group of customers..... The result is that I've really made a lot of progress in becoming more confident in the workplace."

And so on. So you're giving a weakness, showing awareness, but showing that you've done something to develop yourself and overcome the weakness. At the same time you're getting in more stuff about how great you are!:)

Carrent

I would try another trait. Self confidence, especially in a admin role may not be looked on favourably since you are dealing with lots of different people and situations.

As Julie said, you have to put a positive spin on your weakness. So as long as you can persuade the interviewer you recognise the weakness and are working to develop it, it should not be a problem. At the end of the day you just have to be confident during the interview!

Caroline_a

I always say chocolate.... Never failed to raise at least a smile and make for a more relaxed interview!

Newwashingmachine

Gosh it's difficult isn't it? I don't want to put them off - it's not that I am not good at the job - but just that I worry too much about if I'm doing a good job - even though I get really good appraisals and great feedback.

I'm stumped - but thanks - sounds like it's not a good weakness to say.

paddyrg

I guess one weakness is that I won't just give a 'top of my head' answer to questions, I like to consider my answers carefully before giving them!

julie2710

Newwashingmachine wrote: »

Gosh it's difficult isn't it? I don't want to put them off - it's not that I am not good at the job - but just that I worry too much about if I'm doing a good job - even though I get really good appraisals and great feedback.

I'm stumped - but thanks - sounds like it's not a good weakness to say.

I don't think it's a bad thing to say as long as you word it in a positive way. I work in sales and I sometimes lack confidence. I've used the line I gave before at interviews and got the job

shortcrust

Caroline_a wrote: »

I always say chocolate.... Never failed to raise at least a smile and make for a more relaxed interview!

I like this one!:)

OP - Remember that they're really just looking for someone who can turn a negative into a positive.

How about something like "I'm not the most confident person and although I've always had good feedback and positive appraisals I still really worry that I'm not doing my job as well as I could. I think there's a positive side to that though in that I'm always trying to find ways to improve the way I work and I'm very sensitive to people's expectations and requirements."

From what you've said I bet all of the above is true!:)

Newwashingmachine

shortcrust wrote: »

I like this one!:)

OP - Remember that they're really just looking for someone who can turn a negative into a positive.

How about something like "I'm not the most confident person and although I've always had good feedback and positive appraisals I still really worry that I'm not doing my job as well as I could. I think there's a positive side to that though in that I'm always trying to find ways to improve the way I work and I'm very sensitive to people's expectations and requirements."

From what you've said I bet all of the above is true!:)

WOW - that's exactly it and I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks a lot!