Just how well do you know yourself?
Two of the most dreaded job interview topics are: “Tell me about yourself,” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Today, we will look at the latter.
The first half of the strengths/ weaknesses discussion should be easy for most job seekers. Just about anyone should be able to pour forth incessantly how spectacular they would be for any position, any employer. Not so strange? Talking about your weaknesses would be enough to give anyone pause.
On the whole, you should plan for your response to include three strengths and one weakness. This is so even though the interviewer will ask for multiples of both. Once you provide the one negative, wait for the interviewer to ask for a second. That second negative? Keep it in your back pocket unless you’re forced to reveal it.
So how do you talk about yourself in the negative? Briefly, but honestly would be a quick and easy, down and dirty answer.
So it has to be real, but not something that would disqualify you for the position. (“If only I wasn’t a pedophile…”)
Although it may still be real, ancient history doesn’t really answer the question. If you used to be bad at something, having overcome it means it’s no longer a weakness. (“I used to be really bad at this, but since I’ve taken a course…”)
Whatever weakness you choose, it has to be real, current and non-disqualifying. (“I’ve had a problem with [something], but I’ve been working at it, and I’ve improved [this much] but I’m still not where I want to be.”) That shows commitment, growth and a desire to improve. Three things that most employers would consider to be positives.
So you’ve come full circle – back to your strengths.
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