By Ganda Putra
It is just another fact of hunting for a job. When someone is good at asking job interview questions, weaknesses will be uncovered eventually. It is amazing how many people walk into an interview with the sole purpose of hiding their weaknesses. It is time you changed your theory. Walk into every interview with the purpose of showcasing your strengths, and highlighting your weaknesses.
Yes, you need to read that last sentence again. You are going to start avoiding the fact with job interview questions weaknesses will be uncovered.
Put Your Weaknesses in the Limelight
Following is an example of how you can do this.
Question: Do you always finish projects on time?
Answer: I will admit I am a bit of a perfectionist. There have been times in the past when I let a project fall behind because I was not satisfied with the results. I now understand it is important to balance these traits. I must produce excellent work, but it must be on time.
Question: Are you a self-starter?
Answer: I have not always been a great self-starter. I can remember a few times when I waited for instructions from a manager before starting on a project I knew needed to be done. I prefer to just take charge and get things done, but sometimes feel like it is necessary to wait for management. What is the company culture like here? Can I take charge, make decisions, and get things moving ahead?
Question: You seem a little shy. Are you sure you can work in sales?
Answer: Honestly I have always considered my shyness to be a big positive. I have learned to listen closely to the client’s needs, make sure I understand fully, and then start talking. I am not always confident in just blurting out sales talk when I do not really know what a customer wants and needs. Once I understand a little about their needs and company I usually become a close friend with clients. I may still be a little on the quiet side, but most of them seem to enjoy the change.
As you can see from these three examples with job interview questions weaknesses are exposed, but they do not need to be negative. If you know your weaknesses and have developed successful means to deal with them, then point it out. Show you are confident in overcoming a weakness and turning it into strength.
A Final Job Interview Suggestion for Your Weaknesses
Directly ask the interviewer what he sees as your biggest weakness. Take a moment to consider their answer. Ask them if it would be alright to call them back in a couple days after you thought about their statement. Explain you always find it helpful to have a weakness exposed so you can work to overcome it. In two days pick up the phone and give them a call. Thank them once again and then tell them your plan to overcome the weakness. You suddenly just moved to the top of their minds as someone who takes action.
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It is by knowing with job interview questions weaknesses are not a bad thing, just a doorway to opportunity, change, and landing the job.



