Comments on: Interviewing: What’s Your Weakness?

By: JVL

JVL — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:10:00 +0000

In reply to JVL. *that should be "lets", not "let's". I apologize for the typo.

By: JVL

JVL — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:01:00 +0000

In reply to Judy. In times of economic downturn, you should expect to send out multitudes of resumes. Of those, about 1/100 will elicit an invitation to interview. Out of those interviews, only a VERY small portion will actually result in a job offer. Four interviews isn't statistically very promising. Keep interviewing.

By: JVL

JVL — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:58:00 +0000

When asked. “What’s your weakness”? answer truthfully, and simply. Chocolate. It’s an honest answer and it let’s the interviewer know that you’re savvy to the interview trap s/he’s set.

If that response elicits further prodding, respond that you’ve answered the question truthfully. If you don’t get the job, count your blessings. Do you really want to work for a company that is so fixated on finding your faults so they can be exploited by a fellow employee who wants to climb the company ladder on your back?
Remember that YOU’RE the one who has talent, drive, assets, etc. that this company can use and if they fail to see your value, it’s THEIR loss, not yours.

By: Gennai

Gennai — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Never had a “bad ” job interview. The three rules I follow are: 1. Be on time 2. RELAX and be organized in thought, dress and manner, and last, but not least, 3. Do NOT tolerate tardiness and/or disorganization on the part of the interviewer. Remember, you are efficient and meticulous in your work ethic and you expect the same of your prospective employer. Every job I have ever interviewed for I have gotten because I EXPECT to be an ASSET as well as a team player. No more, no less.

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:52:55 +0000

In reply to Judy. Without having a mock interview, it is hard to say where you may need to do better. Have you asked for feedback from your interviewers? I've written a lot about interviewing on the blog; hopefully that will be helpful advice. Good luck, and don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to contract for a mock interview.

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:02:13 +0000

Hi Miriam,
I recently found your website and I’m so glad I did!! Your tips and comments have been very helpful.
I am currently looking for a new position – admin assistant type, and have had at least 4 interviews but I’m not getting the offers. I’m not sure where to tweek my interview skills so that I get an offer after the next interview. By the way, I’m applying for a position this week and hope to get the interview as the company sounds like an incredible fit for my personality and skills.
Thank you for any information you can provide.

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:51:09 +0000

In reply to T.

T,
Keep in mind, there is a lot of research that says people would rather work with someone they like than someone who is capable. I think you can present the fact that you are very reserved as a weakness if you suggest that you are learning more about how people perceive you and are becoming more self-aware. The most important thing is that you need to suggest how you are working on it. So, it’s not about how people realize the “real you” is really nice, but how you are working to improve on the weakness. So, identify what YOU can do to improve on the self-identified weakness.

By: T

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Hi Miriam,
IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m about to be interviewed, and was wondering if i could use Ã¢â‚¬Å“I’m very reserved and not socialized a lot with co-workers and such. I’m very focus on the job at hand and would often keep to myself. I know it would lead people to think I’m not friendly with but once you got to know the real me, the opposite is true”. Which is true, though. The target opportunity is in NOC.
Thank you!
T

By: Miriam Salpeter

Miriam Salpeter — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:07:10 +0000

In reply to Christian.

Christian – It depends on the type of job. Is modesty a negative that doesn’t jive with your targeted opportunity? If modesty is generally accepted in your field, it could be a fine choice for a reply to that type of question. It still borders on the “why is that a weakness” issue…It’s a tough call, so be sure to be honest without giving away the store!

By: Christian

Christian — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:53:06 +0000

Hi Miriam,
I’m preparing for an interview and thought about the weakness question, and was wondering if i could use “sometimes i can be too modest which can come off as a lack of confidence but that is because i prefer to show what i can do in my work performance”. It is actually true, but i wouldn’t want to use it if it will hurt…

Thank you!
Christian