JOB interviews are universally hard – questions can be tricky to answer, plus the pressure of impressing employers is nerve-wracking. But, knowing how to answer common interview questions could make or break your chances of landing your dream job. Most people are thrown in a loop when asked in an interview: “What’s your greatest weakness?” […]
JOB interviews are universally hard – questions can be tricky to answer, plus the pressure of impressing employers is nerve-wracking.
But, knowing how to answer common interview questions could make or break your chances of landing your dream job.
Most people are thrown in a loop when asked in an interview: “What’s your greatest weakness?”
Taryn Ross, a talent acquisition manager at the recruiting firm Pivot + Edge, revealed the right way to answer the age-old question.
But first, she shared exactly how you should not respond.
When asked about your greatest weakness, you shouldn’t say you can’t think of anything or that you don’t have any weaknesses.
This response will have the interviewer immediately crossing your name off their list of prospective hires, according to Ross.
You also don’t want to say anything that will obviously hurt your chances of getting hired.
For example, telling a recruiter you’re never on time is a big no-no.
Lastly, don’t say your biggest weakness is something completely unrelated to the job, such as an affinity for junk food, Ross advised.
Instead, you want to give a response that will paint you in a flattering light, yet is still honest.
Ross said as an example for a good answer: “I sometimes have difficulty asking for help when needed.
“I like to get my work done quickly and efficiently but it is something I am actively working on.”
Another acceptable answer Ross provided was: “I often have a hard time saying no.
“I’m a team player and want to help out my colleagues to the best of my ability, but I need to stop overfilling my own plate.”
In the comment section, Ross gave additional answers when asked about your weaknesses.
If your weakness is confrontation, Ross wrote out the response: “In the past I found myself compromising too much to avoid upsetting others, but I learned that it was more beneficial to everyone to offer constructive criticism when needed.
“Now, I practice being assertive and listen to all points of view so I can offer genuine solutions vs. temporary fixes.
She wrote for those with the weakness of overthinking: “I tend to consider all perspectives and outcomes before making a decision, which can cause delays.
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“I’ve learned to find a balance between positive results and efficiency because perfection isn’t always attainable.
“Now, I set limits and stay accountable to them so I don’t overthink.”
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