| The fastest way to make a good interview go
bad is to avoid questions posed by the hiring manager. The one question candidates love to
avoid is, "What is your greatest weakness?" Most candidates are quick to respond
with superficial answers such as "I'm a workaholic" or "I'm a
perfectionist." Not only are those responses boring, but they are also predictable
answers interviewers are used to hearing. So much so that an interviewer's comeback line
often is, "That doesn't sound like a weakness. Now why don't you tell me about a real
weakness?"
Ouch. What an uncomfortable position to be in-when a
decision maker challenges you during an interview. Just like you, the interviewer wants
the process to go as seamlessly as possible, and they quickly become resentful when they
are placed in a confrontational position.
When answering questions surrounding your greatest
weakness, my advice is to tell the truth-to a point. Though I don't advocate providing a
play-by-play of every area that may need improvement, it isn't a good idea not to cop to a
weakness either. A happy medium does exist, and it lies in focusing your response on an
area that doesn't have a major impact on your ability to do the job. This should be an
area that you are on your way to improving. Note, not an area you've already improved, but
one that is well on its way.
Interviewers recognize that job seekers aren't forthcoming
when answering the "greatest weakness" question. As a result, there is a new
trend in hiring circles of interviewers cleverly disguising the question and using a
variation of the theme. In doing so, interviewers are successfully stumping candidates,
and are receiving responses that uncover the not-so-pleasant side of candidates.
Cleverly Designed "Greatest Weakness" Questions:
We all have aspects of our job we prefer not to do. What
aspect of your day-to-day responsibilities do you dislike?
In hopes of making you feel comfortable, interviewers may
ask questions that start with "we." The psychology behind this is to make you
feel as though you are with a friend, which can cause you to let your guard down.
Think back to your last review. What suggestions did your
supervisor have for improvement?
The chances are extremely high that your supervisor offered
suggestions for improvement. Interviewers are aware of this and anticipate that you will
disclose the details of your most recent evaluation.
Describe a project you worked on that didn't turn out as
well as you expected.
Interviewers find that job seekers reveal more when they
are asked to tell a story. The assumption is made that the more you talk, the more likely
you'll disclose your weaknesses.
In what area of your work do you think you can be more
effective?
This question is very similar to "greatest
weakness" question. However, interviewers believe the way the question is phrased
will make you feel less threatened, and therefore more likely to answer freely.
Bottom line: whether or not you want to divulge sensitive
information during an interview, an interviewer is going to try his or her darnedest to
dig for skeletons in your closet. Interviewers want to uncover any reasons why they
shouldn't hire you, and they hope those reasons will come straight from you. So be
prepared. |