How to Answer "Tell Me About Your Weaknesses"?
According to "U.S. News & World Report", answering the now practically standard interview query, "Tell Me About Your Weaknesses" requires some forethought and preparation. In fact, it's no longer acceptable to answer by turning one of your strengths into a weakness. Employers are much savvier and are looking for an honest answer.
It's also critical that you don't totally derail your chances of getting the job by being too honest by responding with such things as, "I tend to run late."
Remember to avoid egotism and clichés such as "I'm a workaholic", or "I'm a perfectionist."
Instructions
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Write down your past weaknesses before the interview and what you did to successfully overcome them. Be honest with yourself. By sharing these examples with the employer you illustrate your honesty and willingness to correct issues.
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"Practice responding to this question ahead of time -- out loud," says Allison Hemming, president of a Manhattan recruiting firm and author of "Work It!" By using repetition, you will sound natural and smooth when it comes time to answer this tough question.
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Suggest that you'd like to work for a company that allows you to improve on a weakness, says CareerBuilder.com writer Rachel Zupek for CNN. Zupek uses public speaking as an example and cites the following: "In my last position, I wasn't able to develop my public-speaking skills. I'd really like to be able to work in a place that will help me get better at giving presentations and talking in front of others."
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Tell the interviewer what you're doing to correct, improve or eradicate your weakness suggests "U.S. News & World Report". For example if procrastination is an issue for you, tell the employer what steps you've taken to overcome that (i.e., making detailed lists, creating timelines, etc.).
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Remember, too, that employers may ask about your weaknesses in a different form such as "What would your last boss say you need to improve upon?", or "What skills do you think you need to work on?"
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References
Resources
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