By Laura DeCarlo
"What's your greatest weakness?" is the question that no one ever quite knows how to prepare to answer.
This single question has the power to determine in one swift blow whether you are a potential asset or a liability to a prospective employer. Luckily, there is a solution – prepare in advance for this dreaded question, and you will tame the monster!
Today, many HR professionals consider this
question old-fashioned and pointless. Who would admit to a genuine weakness in a job interview? But interviewers who do ask this question often see it as a test of the candidate's interest and preparation. So, being ready for this question is the best strategy.
Yes, You Do Have a Weakness
The absolute worst answer to this question is:
"I don't have any weaknesses." or "I can't think of any relevant weaknesses."
That shows a complete lack of self-awareness or dishonesty. You may have only one weakness -- if you are very lucky (or delusional or not paying attention) -- but you do have a weakness. At least one!
Focus! Think about the weaknesses you know you have had in the past, particularly related to your effectiveness at
work. Focus on the weaknesses you have overcome, particularly weaknesses that had an impact on your ability to do your job.
You will find examples of weaknesses below. Use these examples as guides to help you describe your own weaknesses in effective answers to this question.
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