I am currently completing my senior year of college (yay!) and I am planning on applying for jobs and starting the interview process next term. During my time in college, I’ve held several jobs–most of them at local sandwich shops–so I’m already a step ahead of those who have never had an interview for a job before. Even though all of my interviews have been casual, I still freak out when they ask me the hardest question (I think) to answer, “What is your greatest weakness?”
How am I supposed to answer that?? I remember one of my advisors from high school telling me that I’m supposed to answer that question “positively,” like, “My greatest weaknesses is that I work too hard, and dedicate all of my time to working hard,” something like that. But how can I answer this question honestly, while impressing my future boss at the same time?
Joann S. Lublin from the Wall Street Journal wrote an excellent article last week addressing this issue. She says, “ in today’s weak job market, the wrong answer weakens your chances of winning employment.” Her advice: “Thorough preparation. Career specialists suggest you take stock of your weaknesses, focusing on job-related ones that won’t impede your ability to perform your duties.” She interviewed business professionals about how to answer this question, and here are some of their responses:
- An information-technology manager claimed that he he worked such long hours that he found it difficult to stay current with world events. So, he spent 30 minutes every evening catching up at home.
- Or if you are applying to a start-up company, Ben Dattner, a New York industrial psychologist, suggests saying, “My weakness is I get bored by routine.”
It is important to be honest during the interview process. Don’t answer the question by lying and saying you have no weaknesses, but also don’t answer with a major flaw, like that you have trouble meeting deadlines. You want to make a good impression during your interview so that you can be hired, and the best impression you can make is be yourself, and answer this question with confidence. It would be best to research the company you’re applying for before hand to know what they are looking for, and answer your “weakness” question based on what they want and how you can contribute to their company. Remember, practice makes perfect, and in this tight economy, it’s best to be perfect.
This is a great post! It’s always great to know how professionals would answer this tough question.
I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned from my experience training for pageant interviews. There are many similarities between pageant interviews and job interviews- after all, a pageant title is essentially a “job.”
A perfect “pageant” answer is never negative. Therefore, even though this question calls for negative answer, try to spin it as positively as possible toward the end. Mention a time in which you overcame the specific weakness or how you are turning it into a positive thing for personal growth, etc.
Secondly, presentation is equally important as the content of your answer. Employers are also noticing how you handle this question and how you formulate your answer. It’s never a good idea to show any signs of stress or uncertainty. Definitely do not begin the answer with something like, “That’s a tough question” or “Ummm, well..”
This is where, like you mentioned, practice is extremely important. We all have weaknesses, so make yourself stand out by handling this hard question with confidence and grace.
Courtney Smith
Thank you for a great comment, Courtney! I am glad you added the part about mentioning a time in which you overcame a specific weakness–this is a really great idea. Also, non-verbal cues are essential to mastering a good interview, so thank you for bringing that up!
-Dara
This was a great post, Dara. I HATE that question during interviews! I always find myself thinking the same thing. “What is my BEST weakness?”
I found the comments from the Wall Street Journal were really helpful. I especially liked the one about current events. What a creative answer!
Anyways, rockin’ post. Thanks!