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The question is not meant for you to give out your weakness, but to assess your ability to spin a negative into a positive or to recognized a loaded situation in which you're either forced to lie outright or not give an compromising answer.

Basically, they don't really care what your weakness actually is, they just want to see how you react faced with such a situation.

I haven't had that one asked of me in an interview since I left high school though, seems to be the kind of question you get in low-level entry job interviews in my experience.
 
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."
Yea I've been told this, but it's hard to come up with something aside from the all too common, perfectionism.

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."
That's really good advice. I'll definitely have to think about this.

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.
Congratulations but I'm not balls-ey enough to say that. This is the first interview I've had in almost 6 months of job searching and don't want to blow it.

I had been asked this question during the interview. It was really the uncomfortable experience.
It definitely is. That's why I'm here asking for advice.

The question is not meant for you to give out your weakness, but to assess your ability to spin a negative into a positive or to recognized a loaded situation in which you're either forced to lie outright or not give an compromising answer.

Basically, they don't really care what your weakness actually is, they just want to see how you react faced with such a situation.

I haven't had that one asked of me in an interview since I left high school though, seems to be the kind of question you get in low-level entry job interviews in my experience.
That makes a lot of sense actually. I've going for a management position so it may not come up, but I like to be prepared as it is a common question.
 
Congratulations but I'm not balls-ey enough to say that. This is the first interview I've had in almost 6 months of job searching and don't want to blow it.

Fair enough. It's something you've got to be comfortable saying. In the moment I sussed out the interviewer as being relaxed enough to accept it. I figure many interviewers probably know it's a ridiculous question and sometimes I wonder if they are looking for someone to politely make a point like that. It reminds me of the Men In Black interview. (An absurd situation with a slightly uncomfortable but simple solution.)
 
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Procrastination
 
Nobody has asked me that question for years. I had an interview on Monday and it was all easy sailing, some strange questions though like "what does the future hold". My dad sits in on interviews and he prepped me for some of the more modern questions and tactics, including being offered a drink, the interviewer gets the wrong drink. Deliberately to measure your (if any) reaction.

I think that's kinda brilliant myself!
 
Tell them you collect expensive vintage guitars I I do) this will indicate to them that in order to fuel your obsession, you will need to make a lot of money, are therefore very ambitious, and will be an asset to the company...:D
 
One of the challenges with this interview question is generally how people interpret the word "weakness" on a personal level as opposed to its application in the employment arena. Interviewers are not looking for you to reveal character flaws, negative habits, or general personal difficulties. "I'm a sucker for a pretty face, I tend to party too much on the weekends, and my giving spirit usually leads to me being taken advantage of by others" isn't any more of an appropriate response then it would be for you say, "I'm a mean tennis player, my credit score is in the 800's, and I cook a delicious lasagna" when asked about your strengths.

Asking about strengths and weaknesses is identifying what about you is a good fit for the specific job and what about you may need some additional work to make it a good fit. The context is your suitability for the job being offered, not your general struggles in life. In fact, a better description of it would be a strengths and "needs" assessment as opposed to a strengths and "weaknesses" assessment.

So, talk about what you have to offer and how you can successfully fulfill the job requirements. If asked about "weaknesses" (needs) talk about what in the job you might find challenging and how you plan to overcome those challenges. For example, if you've never managed people before, but you are interviewing for a management level position, you might mention that you know evaluating employees and on occasion having to discipline or fire someone could be difficult depending on the personalities involved, but you feel that with your positive communication skills and your attention to detail that you will be able to adequately meet this new challenge.

Some might say that this is the wrong approach (don't be negative about yourself in an interview), but the employer has your resume, they already know you've never been in management before. Your answer isn't giving them any new information, instead it's demonstrating positive assessment skills and a willingness to meet challenges head on.

The bottom line is when you apply for a job, you already know what parts of that job will be new, different, or challenging for you. Don't be afraid to identify those needs (weaknesses) and go in with a plan, prepared to discuss how you will rise above them.
 
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