“What’s your biggest weakness?” This is one of the most dreaded questions in a job interview. And it’s one that requires a considerable amount of finesse and tact to effectively respond to. Here are some tips on how to turn your weaknesses upside and wow your interviewer.
Don’t Give a Bogus Answer
The last thing to say is something like, “I am a perfectionist, and I work so hard that I don’t allow myself to relax,” says Dylan Schweitzer, a group talent acquisition manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. An answer such as this comes across as being disingenuous and insincere.
What you’re looking to do is show you’re aware of your weaknesses and be upfront about them. So, your best bet is to be truthful about a legitimate weakness you’ve dealt with and not give a bogus answer. This brings us to our next point.
Only Mentions Skills That Are Non-Essential to the Position
Ideally, you’ll mention a weakness that won’t directly hurt your chances of landing the job. Stay away from skills that are essential to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you were applying for an inventory-related position, don’t say you’re disorganized or terrible at math.
Instead, you might mention you struggle with patience and become irritated if you suspect another employee isn’t carrying their weight. To ensure you don’t discuss a weakness that can hurt your chances, carefully go over the job description to see which skills are critically important and which the employer values most.
Explain How You’ve Improved
At the end of the day, an interviewer wants to know you’re capable of dealing with adversity and overcoming your flaws. And this situation provides you with an excellent opportunity for doing so. In the case of lacking patience, you might explain you’ve been striving to increase your patience level by being more accepting of other people’s shortcomings and not always imagining the ideal.
Following these tips will ensure you’re better prepared when asked about your weaknesses in a job interview. You won’t be caught off guard, and you can make a better impression on your interviewer.
Looking to propel your career and find rewarding job opportunities? Get in touch with the professionals at Encadria Staffing Solutions today.
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