Work + Money
Friday, October 10, 2008
Interview tips from The Cubicle Coach
Dear Cubicle Coach: I've got a
job interview coming up , and I know they're going to ask the
"What's your biggest weakness?" question. It's a cop-out to
respond, "Working too hard," so what can I say that doesn't sound
like BS?
Dear Interviewee: Stay away from "I tend to go
facedown after too many Rolling Rocks at lunch." The interviewer is
looking as much at how you respond as at what you actually say, so
you can try deflecting the question with humor - "My port-wine
reduction tends to congeal." Or - little-known fact - you can duck
the question entirely: "Mr. Scott, we all have weaknesses; I'd
rather talk about the many positives I can bring to Dunder
Mifflin," or, "I wouldn't call it a weakness, but in the next year,
I'd like to advance my presentation skills to a superior level."
After all, part of the job-interview dance is putting out about
yourself what you want. Of course, the
interviewer's job is to twirl you away from that, so, if
ducking doesn't work, there's always, "I overresearch, take on too
many projects, am too eager to help my colleagues." It's legit, and
can be a problem, but for you - not for The Man's quarterly
profit.
Posted by Cubicle
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Related: work, what to say, weakness, office, new job, job, interview, career
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Posted by Whew Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:13am PDT
I think another good respone would be that you tend to be a perfectionist. That lets the employer know that you pay close attention to all the details.
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Posted by Awtwins Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:50am PDT
As a hiring manager, I appreciate the alternatives that are valid weaknesses, like increasing your presentation skills or giving a funny response. I have also found (and my peers agree with me) that when people respond with things that are really positives, like "I am a perfectionist" or "I take on too much work", they are not honest with themselves (and most likely not me) and therefore I will not hire them. Yes - I realy mean it. I was actually taught that by senior management at my company. Either give me an honest (but funny or minor) weakness or don't bother. I also like the option to redirect the conversation back to your positives with a direct statement if you don't want to talk about your inability to come into work on time or your need for two hour lunches everyday.
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Posted by sumthin2say Fri Jul 25, 2008 1:04pm PDT
I always tell them the truth... My weakness is chocolate but it doesn't affect my job performance! ;+)
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Posted by Annie Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:20am PDT
i like the chocolate comment, thats adorable! and of course the ones above are spectactular as well, avoid the question if possible, execellent ideas..
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Posted by AnnieB Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:34am PDT
the chocolate comment is really cute.i love it.but to be honest i dunno if with these answers you can make the interviewer to believe it.and to convince him about being the perfect match for the job.
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Posted by Nicky Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:52am PDT
I believe ducking from a question seems like a strike again a potential candidate, especially during a group interview. During a one to one interview, the process of ducking and dodging can possibly work,however, it can increase biased opinions about an individual...
I believe the importance of identifying weaknesses should balance between individual and team oriented issues... For example, being over zealous about helping out team members as mentioned and working hours until a project is completed from start to finish as an individual issue. You can also mention that working long hours can lead to burnout for some employees, however, you are aware of your tolerance before reaching that zone.
I wish you success with your interview!
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Posted by Teach Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:08am PDT
I like to reply "answering questions like these in interviews," with a smile on my face of course. It usually gives the interviewer a chuckle and eases tensions.
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Posted by M@R!@ Sat Jul 26, 2008 6:29pm PDT
OH GOD! I abhor the ridiculous questions in interviews... *shudder*
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Posted by Just so you know - Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:02am PDT
I think a response like "I don't toot my own horn loud enough" or "I am working on being more comfortable accepting recognition" would be a good one.
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