'what is your weakness' interview question

Linda_D_2

devilivus wrote: »

I want a job because I need money! I just want to live in a hovel and eat beans and rice; I don't ask for much. Give me the god damn job! All my answers are predetermined concocted BS. My off-the-cuff answers are mere words pulled out of my !!! to keep the silence away and to make me appear more viable than I am. If you want to now more about me, call all my references; they will be more objective about my "weaknesses", "strengths" and about the "2 separate occasions when I was able to increase the efficiency at my former place(s) of employment". 90% of my responses are embellished quarter-truths designed to kiss your as$ in hopes that you hire me.

Tell me about myself? I am a starving and desperate slave who will be willing to be taken advantage of to a great degree so that I can earn a pittance. I'll take your god damn crumbs to ensure shareholders can increase their wealth exponentially as my salary is frozen.

Why do you want to work here? Uh why does anybody want to work anywhere? We don't want to work anywhere, we have to pay the bills and you and any employer could pay my bills. You're not that blooming special!

As an interviewer I'd give you the job, it's refreshing to have an honest candidate instead of all the BS most candidates give.

Linda_D_2

The classic answer to this very lame question is...


My weakness is your sweetness

mentaljessie

In health and social care, a good weakness is being outspoken. This suggests your not afraid to advocate when necessary.

Wozzie

noelphobic wrote: »

I've been told (by an employment advisor) that it isn't a good idea to say that. You may have been doing really well in the interview and by saying this you have put doubts in the interviewers' minds.

Which is horse poo.

This is my gripe with those CV review sessions and advice the advisor gives, it's all subjective and it's just as easy to say the opposite.

Lets be real that whole question is just a cover for the powers that be to have a reason to not employ you. If you get the feeling they didn't like your because of your skin colour or disability they can say "Well she told us in the interview that she can get caught up on details and we really need someone who is more focused on the bigger picture here." there's no perfect answer to that question or any question because your answer is only as good as the person hearing it.

If I was to ask that question and the person replied with something like:

fufu_banterwaite wrote: »

I always say eczema.

That person would be a front runner for me because I would take that as someone who is a straight shooter and has no problem recognising BS and cutting through it. In addition to that they've also shown that by making a joke they have some modicum of intelligence or at least wit and would most likely be a good communicator.

Someone else might hear that joke and think he's not taking the interview seriously and question why he's even there.

You can get turned inside out listening to people tell you what you should or shouldn't do, at the end of the day if they like you they like you and if they don't they don't.

Linda_D_2

Wozzie wrote: »

Which is horse poo.

This is my gripe with those CV review sessions and advice the advisor gives, it's all subjective and it's just as easy to say the opposite.

Lets be real that whole question is just a cover for the powers that be to have a reason to not employ you. If you get the feeling they didn't like your because of your skin colour or disability they can say "Well she told us in the interview that she can get caught up on details and we really need someone who is more focused on the bigger picture here." there's no perfect answer to that question or any question because your answer is only as good as the person hearing it.

If I was to ask that question and the person replied with something like:



That person would be a front runner for me because I would take that as someone who is a straight shooter and has no problem recognising BS and cutting through it. In addition to that they've also shown that by making a joke they have some modicum of intelligence or at least wit and would most likely be a good communicator.

Someone else might hear that joke and think he's not taking the interview seriously and question why he's even there.

You can get turned inside out listening to people tell you what you should or shouldn't do, at the end of the day if they like you they like you and if they don't they don't.

fufu is a woman not a man

mattcanary

shell1999 wrote: »

When they ask you if you have any questions (usually near the end) maybe ask them what they enjoy the most about their position within the company because people usually like to talk about them selves.

Good luck

One of the JobCentre advisers I signed on with recommended my asking this question in an interview too.


It hadn't occurred to me but it makes good sense to me.


He was a helpful adviser, first time I'd seen him.
Probably won't ever sign on with him again!

fufu_banterwaite

Wozzie wrote: »

If I was to ask that question and the person replied with something like:

"Originally Posted by fufu_banterwaite
I always say eczema."

That person would be a front runner for me because I would take that as someone who is a straight shooter and has no problem recognising BS and cutting through it. In addition to that they've also shown that by making a joke they have some modicum of intelligence or at least wit and would most likely be a good communicator.

Someone else might hear that joke and think he's not taking the interview seriously and question why he's even there..

Unfortunately I can't take credit for this response - that should go to Ricky Gervais and the script he wrote for the Office.

Also please excuse Linda I have a feeling she might be a Lesbanian.

mattcanary

Linda_D wrote: »

fufu is a woman not a man

Fufu is male actually

System

I do sometimes wonder what people (or recruitment consultants advising) are thinking when they come up with a 'turn your weakness into a strength' or 'choose something not related to the job' type reply.


The point of the question is not to watch the interviewee squirm or to listen to cringeworthy answers. The interviewer is asking what their concerns should be if the employ you. This is one of the best opportunities in the interview to actually demonstrate your skillset and suitability for the role.

noelphobic

mentaljessie wrote: »

In health and social care, a good weakness is being outspoken. This suggests your not afraid to advocate when necessary.

I'm looking for a role in health and social care after having worked for a High Street bank for 23 years. I've recently completed a degree in Health and Social Care and am volunteering for 3 charities.

I've had 5 interviews but never been asked that question. I'll certainly bear it in mind in case I do. It is also true of me, one of the reasons why I want to work in this field.