How to tackle "What's your biggest weakness"

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Mastering the "What's Your Biggest Weakness?" Question in Job Interviews

We've all been there. The interview is going well, and you're feeling confident. Then, the interviewer throws a curveball: "What's your biggest weakness?" It's a question that can make or break your interview, but with the right approach, you can use it to your advantage.

Understanding the Question

First and foremost, interviewers aren't trying to trip you up or make you feel uncomfortable. They want to gauge your self-awareness, honesty, and ability to adapt and grow. They're interested in how you handle challenges and setbacks.

So, how can you handle this question in a way that demonstrates these qualities?

Avoid Common Pitfalls

1. Playing Up Strengths: It's tempting to reframe a strength as a weakness (e.g., "I work too much"). However, most interviewers can see right through this tactic, and it may come off as disingenuous.

2. Being Overly Candid: While honesty is appreciated, avoid sharing weaknesses that might raise red flags about your ability to perform the job (e.g., "I freeze up when talking to people I don't know").

A Strategic Framework for Your Answer

To craft a compelling response, follow this four-step strategy:

1. Identify a Genuine Skill You're Working On: Choose something relevant but not critical to the role. For instance, if you're applying for a data analyst role, you could discuss your endeavors to improve your presentation skills but not your analytical skills.

2. Detail Past Struggles: Offer context on why this has been a challenge for you. Did it hinder your performance at some point? Sharing a short anecdote can be effective here.

3. Highlight Your Improvement Efforts: Describe the steps you've taken to overcome this weakness. This showcases your proactive nature and commitment to personal growth.

4. Show Results: Conclude with the positive outcomes of your efforts. Even if you're still working on it, any progress is worth mentioning.

Example in Action

Suppose public speaking has always been a challenge for you. Your answer might go something like:

"Public speaking was a significant obstacle for me. In meetings, I'd become incredibly nervous when presenting. Recognizing this, I hired a speaking coach and took on opportunities to present in team meetings. Over time, not only did my confidence grow, but I also co-led a pivotal pitch that secured a major client. While I continue to work on this skill, I've seen marked improvement and even received positive feedback from senior leadership."

To Sum It All Up

Interview questions like "What's your biggest weakness?" are opportunities in disguise. By thinking strategically, you can turn a potentially tricky question into a testament to your growth mindset and problem-solving abilities.

Always remember, companies value individuals who not only acknowledge their areas for improvement but also actively work towards bettering themselves. So, the next time you're posed with this question, embrace it and showcase your journey of self-improvement. It could be the answer that lands you the job!

Should your political opinion have an impact on your job prospects?

I want to preface by saying that what’s happening in Israel at the moment is absolutely horrible and I’m against the loss of life, no matter who it is. I hope that a peaceful resolution can be found soon.

In light of these events, people all over the world have come out in support of one side or the other. In the US, Harvard students are facing heat from some of the top CEOs in the country for voicing their opposition to Israel. Bill Ackman, billionaire investor and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, has asked for students’ names to be released, with the goal of preventing them from future work opportunities at his hedge fund.

What’s your take on this? Email me at [email protected].

Access the full article over at Business Insider below.

Learn how companies are using applicant tracking systems in 2023

Last week, I was asked to contribute to an article at Jobscan that highlighted how companies big and small were using ATS and how job seekers could leverage that to strategize their search. Read it here.

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