Job interview question advice requested

[lightsout]

Really, the best way I can personally think to answer the "what is your weakness?" question is this: "I do not think it is human nature to readily know their weaknesses. All I know is what I have done in past experience and that, if given the opportunity, I will make a good employee for you. Hopefully, you will not be able to find a weakness, and if so, I will work to the best of my ability to correct it."

Accomplishes a few things:

1) Shows you want the job.

2) Shows you want to succeed.

3) You don't shoot yourself in the foot with a "wrong" answer.

4) You show you are willing to do change anything to keep the job if it is given to you.

At least, this is all advice that was given to me by my dad (who is now retired) and past employers.

[Delhommey]

State a weakness...but then show what you've done to improve it.

Ex: I naturally find it difficult when someone asks me to do something but doesn't give me a reason why I should do it that way, but as I've grown up and gained experience, I've come to realize there are times when there isn't time for discussion.

My solution has been to accept the request and later, in private, ask the person their reasons for wanting it done a certain way, letting them know up front I am fully willing to do it their way, and that I'd just like clarification. At that point, unless the act is unethical or sure to lose the company money, I will go forward with whatever requested.

So long as you approach people with the proper attitude, I've found they're more than happy to explain the situation so long as there aren't time or resource constraints. Also, there are times where people aren't at liberty to give you an answer, and you must respect that as well.

Any question trying to get you to state negatives is just a way to weed you out.

[Scrumtrilescent]

This is the one time I don't mind the fact that scientists are 90% socially inept so I've been able to avoid these sorta deals.

[Kitten Diver]

Tell them your chest gets really sweaty and show them proof:

This assume's the interviewer is a man, in which case it is a sure thing.

[ladypanther]

Thanks for all the good advice. Keep your fingers crossed for me Thurs @ 3pm.

[Squirrel]

Good Luck!

[88 Bronco]

Good luck.

I've always answered that dumb ass question with the response, " I would have to say by biggest weakness is my tenacity. Once I latch into a project I will ensure that it is the only thing I concern myself with until it is complete. I can have several tasks going on at once, but I will not be satisfied until things are completed."

[Epistaxis]

This is the one time I don't mind the fact that scientists are 90% socially inept so I've been able to avoid these sorta deals.

:yesnod:

Probably the only reason I have a job.

[CatsMeow]

I am interviewing Thur afternoon. I have a pretty good job with a state agency...there is a job with a sister state agency that I think would be even better (It is in staff development).

So...everyone has been to interview 101. They always ask....1)What are your strengths? 2) What are your weaknesses, things you need to work on , etc.

I have question #1 nailed. Question #2 is tricky. You have to give them something...but do not want to give them something that hurts your chances.

As you would guess, I have no weaknesses. (Besides the fact that a long time ago I did not chose a career path that would have been more profitable.)

So, looking for some suggestions....make me humble and someone they cannot live without.

Mine is a similar resonse to 88 Bronco. Your weakness is that you are a perfectionist. Just can't stop working on something until it's absolutely flawless.

You want to give them something that in the context of the question, you seem to perceive as a weakness. But it is, of course, really a strength.

[Guild]

My weakness is that if I am not sufficiently challenged I grow bored and my work ethic may suffer in order to generate more challenge in the future.

[bleys]

so how did it go LP?

[ladypanther]

so how did it go LP?

Thanks for asking.

I think it went great. Was interviewed by 3 people and felt very comfortable. They seemed to have observable positive reactions to many of my responses. I feel very good about my chances....biggest worry is that there is an internal candidate, which would be hard to overcome.

The question I was worried about......they asked, "What is your 1 biggest weakness? I said that I was terrible at remembering names when I first met someone (but was working on it). A couple of them said they had the same problem. Then I was correctly able to say their names. (Surprised me when i could do it....I had not planned that, it just worked out.)

Thanks for all the advice (well, at least most of it) and support.

[bleys]

sounds great.. I hate those things.. I hate everything about them... there is rant that is ready to show face, but I'll leave it outside..

glad it went well.. good luck.

[Raskle]

I hope you get it LP! From the sounds of it, you had em eating outta your hands. Internals are a pain, but they can be overcome if the right candidate is more tempting to the hiring staff. Good luck!

In related news, I just got offered the job I was hoping for! I'm stoked and can't wait to get in there and bust some ass for them. It's been a year now, and was driving me nuts, lol!