Weakness Interview Questions

This article tells you about how to deal with the weakness interview question that is quite common in every job interview.
The thought of interview scares many when it comes to job application. This happens because we don't know what we will be asked. The best way to get away from this anxiety is preparing your answers for the probable questions. The interviewer may ask you a variety of questions. But the fact is, only what you are prepared with will be asked in the interview is not a surety. The good news is that there are many websites that offer information on the various job interview questions and answers. But even after preparing them many of the people get rejected as they do not seem convincing and confident enough while answering some of the tough and tricky interview questions.

Weakness Interview Example

There are many ways an interview question can be answered. Given below are some of the questions that can be asked:
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What are you weaknesses?
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • What are your shortcomings?
  • What are your drawbacks?
  • If you are given a chance to live your life over again, what you would like to change about yourself?
These were some of the ways in which you could be asked the weakness questions. Earlier the interviewers used to ask the question directly but with increasing lame responses to this tough interview question, they ask the same question in a more dicey manner. This question seems very straight and simple but it is not so. It is an open ended question that has to be answered precisely and honestly. Any obvious wrong answer can put off the interviewer.

"I am a perfectionist". Such kind of answers will really annoy the employers. Never ever try to turn the strengths into weaknesses. It leaves a bad impression for the obvious reason, as being perfect is a good quality and not a weakness. An interviewer may backfire with other questions, such as, "So you don't want to be a perfectionist?" and this will really put you in a difficult dilemma.

"I do not go to gym". Turning your personal shortcomings into professional ones is a big mistake you can make. It does not help you at all. It only highlights your personal weaknesses along with professional ones making you more unwanted. Such answers also distract the conversation and the flow of interview and you may not get selected.

So always give relevant and honest answers to this question. But a weakness relevant to the job profile should not be highlighted. For example, if you are an accountant, do not say that your bad with words and numbers. If you are a teacher, then do not say, I am not best when it comes to children. Such answers definitely pose a threat to your probable candidacy.

How to Answer Such Question?

Answering interview questions like this one is always a tricky job. You need to answer this question in a way that shows your ability to overcome problems. Always answer this question with additional information on how are you trying to cope up with the weakness. For example, if you are a writer and your weakness is, slow typing speed, then say that you are trying to overcome it by undergoing various typing test. Along with this, also mention the improvement or positive results of your efforts. This serves as a satisfying answer for the employer and it also shows your sporty attitude while dealing with problems. This answer may highlight your weakness but more than that it highlights your strengths and serve as one of the best answer to interview question. You should also keep the following things in mind:
  • Nobody is perfect, so accept that you have shortcomings.
  • Have a comfortable, confident, and positive body postures.
  • Everyone has flaws, so mention your weaknesses without getting embarrassed.
  • Make sure that the list of your weaknesses is shorter than strengths.
The above job interview tips will help you make your interview interesting and increase your chances of getting the dream job. I hope this information on weakness interview question was resourceful for you.
By
Published: 8/20/2010
Like This Article?
Follow:
Post Comment
Your Comments:
Your Name: