"What are your weaknesses?"

BreakGuy · Mar 13, 2012

I absolutely dread this question when in a job interview situation. It's worse than the "Tell me about yourself" one.

How do I identify my weaknesses. I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but I can't think of any weaknesses that are job related. I can't say I don't have any weaknesses otherwise I come off arrogant and don't get hired, but I can't say this and that and then not get hired because of it.

Any tips on how to master this question or any interview tips at all?

scottness · Mar 13, 2012

My good looks often cause women to flirt with me, taking time away from the job.

(marc) · Mar 13, 2012

Tell them something absurd.

Seriously, I hate that question. It's an invitation to either lie or tell them something that can be superficially considered a weakness but is supposed to sound positive.

maflynn · Mar 13, 2012

My awesomeness makes everyone else feel inferior (as well they should)

Seriously, while you may get some honest responses, people in general do not like being brutally honest with themselves with such a sensitive subject, never mind posting it on an internet forum.

I agree with (marc) with point.

MorphingDragon · Mar 13, 2012

(marc) said:
Tell them something absurd.

Seriously, I hate that question. It's an invitation to either lie or tell them something that can be superficially considered a weakness but is supposed to sound positive.

I was once at an interview for a retail job. The questions before already annoyed me a little so I started saying dumb things like a crippling need for sex every 3 hours.

I got offered the job, but declined.

bmacir · Mar 13, 2012

BreakGuy said:
I absolutely dread this question when in a job interview situation. It's worse than the "Tell me about yourself" one.

How do I identify my weaknesses. I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but I can't think of any weaknesses that are job related. I can't say I don't have any weaknesses otherwise I come off arrogant and don't get hired, but I can't say this and that and then not get hired because of it.

Any tips on how to master this question or any interview tips at all?

You can say that your main weakness is that you cannot be honest at "what are your weaknesses" questions

BreakGuy · Mar 13, 2012

bmacir said:
You can say that your main weakness is that you cannot be honest at "what are your weaknesses" questions

I'm not saying I'm not honest. I'm trying to find a way to identify my own weaknesses.

-aggie- · Mar 13, 2012

BreakGuy said:
I'm not saying I'm not honest. I'm trying to find a way to identify my own weaknesses.

I find the best answer is one that actually could be looked as a strength. Say something like "My biggest weakness is I'm a perfectionist."

(marc) · Mar 13, 2012

-aggie- said:
I find the best answer is one that actually could be looked as a strength. Say something like "My biggest weakness is I'm a perfectionist."

Except 99% of interviewees say that.

eawmp1 · Mar 13, 2012

"Suffering fools who ask stupid interview questions."

OP, whether true of not, come up with something that is not too damning, but can show you have capacity for self-assessment and growth. For example: "I sometimes take criticism too personally. However, this recognition has prompted me to pause when criticized and open a dialog with the evaluator to spot areas in which I can improve."

bmacir · Mar 13, 2012

BreakGuy said:
I'm not saying I'm not honest. I'm trying to find a way to identify my own weaknesses.

ok, but not necessarily your weaknesses have to be job related...

-aggie- · Mar 13, 2012

(marc) said:
Except 99% of interviewees say that.

So? The question is BS anyway. I hated interviewers who just read off their little script from HR back when I was first starting out.

MonkeySee.... · Mar 13, 2012

Female employer: Whats your biggest weekness?

Me: My massive penis. It can be such a burden sometimes.

Instant Job.....as manager.

Hastings101 · Mar 13, 2012

My biggest weakness is my left knee. Hit it and I'm down

miles01110 · Mar 13, 2012

(marc) said:
Except 99% of interviewees say that.

Exactly, the 99% who don't get the job.

elistan · Mar 13, 2012

I work too hard, and expect too much from my co-workers.

steve2112 · Mar 13, 2012

Start twitching nervously, then answer "My weakness is that whenever someone asks me a really stupid question, I start twitching involuntarily." Then act like you don't even notice the twitching.

rhett7660 · Mar 13, 2012

MonkeySee.... said:
Female employer: Whats your biggest weekness?

Me: My massive penis. It can be such a burden sometimes.

Instant Job.....as manager.

Shoot, upper management job or senior partner!!!!!

WoodNUFC · Mar 13, 2012

My biggest weakness is that I'm horribly punctual.

Shrink · Mar 13, 2012

What weaknesses?

h1r0ll3r · Mar 13, 2012

Hastings101 said:
My biggest weakness is my left knee. Hit it and I'm down

Wuss. I can take a perfectly straight, cylindrical, metal tipped, projectile flung from a bow at my knee and still be able to do my taxes, cook dinner and operate heavy machinery....all at the same time.

Fazzy · Mar 13, 2012

Kryptonite, apparently. Or vegetables.

Wait...

Veggies ARE kryptonite!!

ender land · Mar 13, 2012

I normally say something like "I am a perfectionist and have a tendency to hold others to that same standard when it is not needed. This has caused problems before, especially with coursework, when not communicated to others - I have different expectations and this can cause some team tension if I'm not 100% aware of this all the time."

It's true, and well it's easier to tell them an honest answer than make up some BS answer.

Skyrim · Mar 14, 2012

I had been asked this question during the interview. It was really the uncomfortable experience.

iBlue · Mar 14, 2012

I have answered: "This exact question in interviews is my weakness. You know no one will answer honestly, right?" If I recall correctly he smiled and said "good point" and moved on. I did get the job.

"What are your weaknesses?"

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