What is your Weakness? | Best Answer (from former CEO)
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- Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
- The best answer to the job interview question "What is your Weakness?" from a former CEO.
This is one of the toughest job interview questions to answer.
This is the 6th video in my series on Getting Hired. I will be exploring all the common job interview questions, including "What is your Weakness?" and "What is your Greatest Weakness?" Please see the other videos in my "Get Hired" playlist for more tips.
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This job interview question has many forms:
What is your weakness?
What are your weaknesses?
What is your greatest weakness?
What is your worst trait?
What is your biggest weakness?
What's your greatest weakness?
Interview weaknesses examples?
What is your greatest weakness interview question
Weakness interview question
Strengths and weaknesses
Worst trait
Weaknesses
I'm going to give you the best answer (from a former CEO).
This is the best way I've ever seen to answer this question.
There is a big difference between what you learn in business school, and what you need to know in the real world - just ask any startup founder or business owner! My goal is to focus on the real-world aspects of business, giving practical tips and tricks that are not usually covered in school.
This channel is a platform to help entrepreneurs and business owners succeed. It is also to help the world at large to be more effective and successful. The world can certainly use more inspiring leaders, more successful entrepreneurs, and more capable managers - that is what I would like to help bring about.
Who Am I?
I am a practicing management consultant, former CEO, and entrepreneur. I have led many businesses to success, as well as several startups. Among other things, I have an engineering degree, a master's degree in finance, and a master black belt in lean six sigma.
I have worked across five industries, and have worked in both large enterprise and small businesses. In the last five years, I have also been mentoring startup founders and teaching business at a post-graduate level.
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Have you ever been asked this? How did it go?
I always thought to flip this around into a strength but it never works...i never get the job. I think ill use your answer as i have 2 interviews tomorrow.
I hope it worked out. You're not alone - most people have something like a 5% chance of getting a job they interview for, and a 0.5% chance of getting a job they apply for. It's a numbers game. Just keep applying/interviewing.
Is I'm an idealist, and care more about engineering best practices, over getting a product out the door on time. A good one?
Hi. I am loving your interview videos and I like your responses. However, I have not seen a common question I get.
What should you answer to questions regarding marital status and children?
I have seen positive views of being married and also for being single. I have also seen negative ones. So, how should you answer, given that it is so personal and arbitrary?
@@gonzalcala5 I'd go with a simple and straight answer in this one ("married", "single", "two kids", "no kids"...), but in the end, try to emphasize the positive aspects of it. Like, single with no kids: I chose to focus on my career; Married with no kids: I appreciate the stability of marriage, and we both focus on our careers; Married with kids: I'm confortable with responsabilities and commitment.. so on.
My poor understanding of Greek mythology has always been my Achilles elbow
LMAO
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Now that's a quality answer 😂
I'll steal it with absolutely no remorse.
I think it was the knuckle if I'm not mistaken
I answered “Pringles” on the last interview and got a good laugh and the job.
That would get a good laugh.
I always look at interviews like law enforcement traffic stops .
Usually if you can make the officer laugh, you get a better deal.
Good one...hahaha
@@lightyagami1752 😂
@@gmccabe6915 🙂
And did you get the job? 🤔
My main weakness is that I sit around all day watching RUclips videos that don't apply to my life at all.
Damn, we have the same weakness! 😆
To eliminate this weakness I search on RUclips: How to stop watching RUclips videos all the time?
RUclips: A list of videos for you my dear...
Good point
felt that
That saves you from ever having to go to a job interview
Man, i hate job interviews. Those feel more like a bragging contest rather than a serious selection process.
it's not about bragging itself, it is about having something to brag about
@@ahmedmechergui8680 Yeah I kept seeing the other videos in the series and now have a new perspective about job interviews.
@@alquinn8576 Totally agree, asking about weaknesses is the same boring question and can easily put off candidates. It's better to ask about previous projects, experiences, what difficulties they faced and how they solved them, that way you ask for concrete examples, know their strengths/weaknesses, how well they can adapt and you won't get the same generic answers but the problem is it's a bit hard to answer on the spot so you should always be prepared and anticipate these kind of questions.
@@ahmedmechergui8680 interesting POV
Seriously
"My weakness is that I work too hard and care too much"
- Michael Scott
My weakness is that I don't care too much that I don't work.
@@annathemusicmistress664lol
Whenever I think I wish I'd done something with my life besides being a trucker, I remind myself I've never been asked a question this stupid to get a truck driving job.
Yes , it's the typical question for useless bullshit jobs( hr, communication etc...) Bullshit job= bullshit interview .
I'm also a trucker just got a new job after 15 years.they just put me through3 days orientation and a short road test.
@@lebaillidessavoies3889 which are less dangerous and mostly better paid jobs ;)
@@lebaillidessavoies3889 Not really, I'd say non-manual jobs. I've been asked it in a software engineering interview.
@Steve Woodruff I think you need to learn English
Job seeker: my weakness is honesty...
Recruiter: I don’t think that honesty is a weakness...
Job seeker: honestly, I don’t give a dam what you think!
Reply level : Gangsta
Recruiter: thanks for your time 😂
that's honesty. LOL.
This one is going places.
Job seeker: your shirt and tie look like they were paired by a colour-blind toddler
Last time I was asked this question my answer was somewhat similar. I said "I can be a little hard on myself at times. I set the bar high in terms of expectations because I care a great deal about the role I am in and the quality of work I produce." The interviewer admitted he has never heard a response like that before, but it was fantastic.
I have a similar answer too! I answered along the lines of: Sometimes I push myself too hard. I've trained X number of people and I have seen how pushing others to perform the way I do can be detrimental to overall performance. Sometimes it helps to take a step back and take a breather.
@@tentcater4710 that's kind of the whole point. It's a trick question from the interviewer
@@tentcater4710 being hard on yourself is. Especially if that seeps into other aspects of one's life.
Think about it. Perfectionist does a really great job overall but misses one tiny but crucial detail. Boss tells him it's okay, it will be fixed. Guy thinks "how can I be so stupid! Stupid!"
Okay, I'll stop now before I get carried away
@@EJames-nm4qt beautifully explained. It's basically saying your close to a perfectionist without saying you're a perfectionist. I wouldn't use the word "perfectionist" as an answer to the greatest weakness question in my opinion because then they think you waste a lot of time and aren't as productive as you could be
What a such clever boy. Tomorrow morning I'll have a job interview, and this question might be on the list You've given me a good answer. I'm here just collecting ideas, Thanks.
My son in law actually did use a very direct, I’m an addict, as an a answer. At the time, he had just gotten out of rehab, right out of college and gotten into some trouble. He was so broken and honest trying to deal with working his program. He was confident in his education, but broken with what he had put everyone through...anyway, he looked right at the guy and said, I’m an addict. I guess it hit the interviewer very hard...he too had struggled with addiction. He told my son in law that he had never had anyone say that.
My son in law landed the job and has had many promotions since then.
I’m so thankful for his honesty and integrity. It certainly could have gone another way, but i like to think God put him there at that time.
@@jessielee1369 Amen friend! Less of us and more of HIM!
This made me emotional and happy for him. God bless you and your families. And I hope everyone finds their happy place :)
That's so kind! I hope anyone with addiction can find the place where the experience they go through can create character and empathy for others!
I did the same thing with a similar result. Say what you want about recovering addicts, but once someone makes the decision to stop using something like heroin, they get the courage to face ANYTHING, and everyone can see that a mile away. I'd even dare to say that being a recovering addict made me a better person.
Thank you for sharing that with us :)
I failed in some interviews in the past couple of months. Started watching your videos, 2 companies interviewed me and I used all of your tips, they both wanted me, and one even already offered me a job.
Thank you so much!
That's great to hear, AdoNir! Congrats on the offer!
hey,what did you answer for this "what is your weakness question".,thank you please answer me.
Awesome!
I'm loving these videos.
Short.
Sharp.
Straight to the point.
Keep up the great content. 👍
Glad you like them, Dennis!
@@TheCompaniesExpert Truly an underrated channel. You make all these annoying questions easy to understand and demolish. Much appreciated.
👍
Well spoken. I totally agree.
Yeah
I have always answered this question, "I am human, and don't know everything. No matter how good you are at something, there is always room for improvement"
Well damn….I like that answer 👀👏
Good answer nice one!
Best answer so far thanks
good answer, and not a self centered cliche like; I work too hard
I will use this at my job interview today thank u!!
The last time I was asked this I said: "I struggle with multiple tasks at the same time, I end up forgetting something." I got the job, but I guess the interviewer helped me by asking: "Do you do anything to avoid this?" And I straight up said: "Yes, I do a checklist of everything, I'm slow, but I get it done."
I was told to do something similar to this; because they're asking if you can recognize and fix your own flaws. Or if it's something external if the company can accomodate/tolerate that about you.
I say I have a tendency to believe I'll remember everything, but when I'm very focused on one thing or dealing with multiple tasks I end up forgetting things sometimes. So I try to keep my agendy with me and make notes to make sure in case I do forget.
Wow, that's actually a wise recruiter
such a good answer. I do this often with my long-term to do list. I'm gonna steal your answer :D
I am 57 years old, almost 58, and I hope I don't ever have to go through the interview process again, but if I were, I now know the answers that I didn't know before thanks to this series of videos.
Thanks, Mark!
You could just say: I've always found my last name to be quite difficult to market 🤷🏻♂️
I hope this doesn't offend you 😅
I’m 50 and, until last week, I was hoping the same thing. Now these videos are proving to be really valuable
Well, I am 58 and going thru this process now. This is so valuable that I feel I can go in and do very well. Wish me luck.
@@gigaleader HAHHAHAHA
"I really really love stealing. I just cant help myself I have to steal at least once a day or ill go crazy."
You're hired!
@@TheCompaniesExpert you're running an HMO? ;D
@@TheCompaniesExpert Would that work against our competitors?
Go into politics.
You should take somting for that
I once tried to be clever and said, "My greatest weakness at the moment seems to be my inability to quickly ascertain my greatest weakness." I didn't get the job.
LOOOOOOOOL
Yeah, that's not actually a good one
Good try tho
i said the same, but i got the job.
Not surprised. That's just you telling them that you're not even going to try to give them a weakness.
I love how this guy is just popping up into everyone's recommended now. I love his content!
For real, how the heck did this happen?
Ikr! I just found this guy today and I'm binge watching it. Loving it 😂
It’s true, he just turned up in mine as well, on the very same day I hit the trigger on LinkedIn that I was looking for work. I thought it was that, but maybe it’s worse than I thought...
I actually know my weakness and have a solution to it. "I am an exceedingly curious person. When I am tasked with a subject I'm less familiar with or I wonder if there is a creative solution not currently used to address a particular issue, I want to learn all I can. The problem is I have the ability to go down a rabbit hole. To prevent my curiosity from becoming a hindrance or a time management issue, I make a note of what I want to dive deeper into in this notepad. (pull out the notepad I keep, share it with them, and encourage them to flip through) By writing down questions or ideas, I am able to complete the task at hand, and address these curiosities when I have free time during lunch or when I'm home. As a result I often bring that new knowledge or solution to the job all while satisfying my curiosity".
Once I actually was asked about some of the things written in the notepad. Because I really do this, I was able to talk about some of the answers/solutions I found. Been working there 10 years now.
"my weakness is being very curious, as in curious why in the world you would ask me a dumb question like that?"
@@Ultradude604 Everyone is different.
This is totally me!
Thanks this is me also
Yep I have what I refer to as an inquiring mind. I also make notes and go back and research my curiosities. It's like I'm an information junkie. Good idea with a small notebook.
When I was just out of college (22), I looked like I was 17. My answer to the weakness question was "I look really young and I've found that certain people may not take me seriously because they think I'm younger than I am." True, easy to execute and verify, seemed to work well.
Great response! I’ve had something similar - I look and sound younger than I am, so I tell him that I am more resilient than I look!
But this is an age related answer you gave them and the recruiter is not allowed to ask those type of questions in regards to age. Your answer becomes nullified to that fact. These are trick questions to get those type of responses. Even though the recruiter didn’t ask an age related question you automatically gave it to him or her.
Want to know a secret. As a recent graduate, where you will need to have your education dates on the CV. They will know your approximate age anyway therefore whether you mention that fact or not is irrelevant from that perspective.
Yep. Nothing beats a sincere and brief answer. A bogus answer like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard” is crystal clear. At best they won’t help you and at worst you’ll get eliminated for the dishonest answer.
I usually answer something like this: I am a big picture learner. So in the beginning it can seem like I am a little slow to catch onto things, but as I piece everything together I am able to work independently without many questions or supervision.
Makes sense.
This is me🙋🏽♀️
Spot on!
I'm going to apply this. Hope that's ok. :)
@@anupamchatterjee5215 did it work?
It's so sad that this question is pretty much designed to get rid of honest and humble people, while keeping dishonest and overconfident people in the running. Telling the truth and knowing your own limits really is punished in this way.
💯💯💯💯
I answer, "I have a tendency to take on a lot of work because I always want to say "Yes" when asked to do something. I then have to use my multi-tasking and time management skills to bail myself out".
I legitimately tell people "I am SO lazy that I end up doing things right the first time, just to avoid having to do them over again."
Asked a guy what his weakness was at an interview many years ago, he replied "I don't have any, I'm perfect. Maybe I can teach YOU a few things." He also wore a sleeveless t-shirt at the interview. We went with another candidate. :D
ROFLMAO! The best I've read so far!
Dwight schrute
He didn’t actually want the job lol!
so a vest
@@michaelfullerton3626 was it you? 😆😂😅😂
My mom told me about this one, one dude straight up said time management, he didn't get the job. I literally said what you said and now I'm working there.
That's awesome, FM4 - glad it came in handy!
lmao that's my biggest weakness. SO I don't think I'll ever get a job.
@@sophieminter0Just say something else lol
I've never been denied a job after an interview; when asked "What is your weakness?" and I always look down, think, and give them nothing. I'd give half-baked answers like "I can't think of any." or "I've always gotten along with people, so nothing's coming up." This never seemed like a confident approach. After watching this video I feel more prepared to better answer the question in a direct way.
Best answer, I take any and all failures too personally. But it drives me to success. It's TRUE for me and a really good answer.
My greatest weakness? excessive humility. Once I get over that, I'll be perfect.
Haha! I love it
Imagine working for this kind of CEO, it sounds really fun, Im never bored watching and learning from him!
Good advice and a good answer but I actually enjoyed it when someone made me laugh. One woman, who was slim and was obviously very physically fit, simply replied ‘Cakes’ when asked this question. She then went on to say that because she loved cakes and always wanted to be able to eat them she made sure she went to the gym or for a run every day. She said her desk would always be a good cake stop for other staff. It made her memorable when it came to the elimination point and showed she had a sense of humour as well as giving her a chance to show her ability to motivate herself. She got the job and she was always surrounded by cakes 😂👍🏻
So you basically hired a hot lady that makes great cakes.
@@tsedaka Well, it helps with coworker motivation (cake and probably nice looks) and she's obviously working for what she wants. Doesn't seem like the worst deal, if she's able to do the job
Good
Now I want cake. 😂
It's nice to here this from a professional. I have been using this strategy for the last couple of year and I think it works GREAT! I like to say, "Over my time of working in a position, I tend to discover a more efficient way of performing that task. This can be met with pushback, by people who don't want things to change. But often times, after showing them how it can result in more production at the same quality in a shorter amount of time, those same people implement the new procedures." This works in most industries!
Thanks, for saying so, Kyle! I agree!
But it better be real because the next question I will ask is "Give me an example".
Hear* but AWESOME answer ✅
These videos, while useful to job seekers, also serve as a testament to how incredibly lazy, short-sighted, and stupid the hiring practices are at most firms. Yet I hear companies constantly complaining about how they have such a hard time recruiting the right people. When you use unoriginal, formulaic questions that are readily gamed in a lazy attempt to rapidly narrow down the field, what do you expect? You can't expect great results without effort and without an intelligent process.
Hear! hear!
my tought exactly. if you want people that prepare on youtube to lie to you, before they've even started the job: that's the way to go. just take the one who thinks it's appropriate to make a cliché "my biggest weakness is that I am too perfect" statement. never heard of that before. what a waste. i can already imagine the carlton banks of the world to take notes here...
Exactly what I thought. Though to be honest, I plead guilty for having done the same mistake. Too much pressure, many candidates to interview in a very short timeframe while you still have to deliver, extensive commute time and kids back home... you just make a choice but in the end it is inefficient. I should have accepted to not deliver on time and stand up to my management explaining the medium and long term stakes vs short sighted ones I went for, being under unnecessary high pressure.
I agree, like obvious questions of "if you see your BFF doing something illegal would you tell us" like bruh how do you want me to respond that honestly hahaha
@@juainott5281 I ain't snitchin' on myself
Didn’t realize this question = “tell me about a time you failed”. Makes it easier to practice an answer. Thank you, your videos are awesome!
I just stumbled across your videos and I am really enjoying them. I've been in my industry better than 30 years and as a Senior Director I tell my hiring managers there are a few questions I don't want anyone to use and this is top of the list. One of my favorites though is, "tell me about a time when you or a project you worked on failed or did not fully succeed and what did you learn from that?" Nearly everyone has had a flame-out, I think it's part of the tempering process that makes for good employees. I'm most interested in your ability to grow from that experience.
This guy has been keeping people employed and off the streets. He’s doing gods work! Keep it up.
I actually answered this once by saying "not knowing how to answer this question." It got a really good laugh out of the room, and then they moved on from the question. Obviously this scenario probably won't present itself again, but I did a good job of reading the room and went with that. It worked.
I have been through a lot of job interviews and I am so confident in interviews now.
I found your videos really helpful and accurate.
One thing I can add to this video is that never tell the intervier that You don’t have any weaknesses as they really hate this answer.
That happens to be exactly the answer I gave in the interview that landed me my current job, totally by accident. I'm a perfectionist workaholic, and it has caused coworkers to feel I was pushing them too hard or trying to climb over them. The solution I learned years ago was to be totally transparent and generous with my coworkers, scrupulously share credit, and make sure I'm always seen to be a helper rather than a competitor or a complainer.
My employer hired me for the job, but almost immediately told me to get ready for the next job up the hierarchy, which is what he really had in mind for me. About half a year later, that opportunity opened up, and I immediately slipped into that much more responsible role. My qualifications weren't really up for that job, but your video has made me think I finally understand why he tagged me so early to be his right-hand guy. Incidentally, this has turned out to be the best job of my career, hands-down!
I have watched two videos of yours, and already into the second one I have learnt more about how to go through an interview than in 15 years of my own experience.
So glad I will never have to ask those questions again. Retirement is soooo rewarding!
The most pat answer is "I work too hard." I'm sure every recruiter has heard this a million times. I like this example you gave a lot. There's all sorts of "trick" questions in an interview, and it's not about giving the honest answer, it's about giving the answer they want to hear so they'll hire you. "I oversleep a lot" is not the answer they want to hear.
“ I’m addicted to alcohol, gambling and dog fighting! I have a lightning quick temper and get violent when I don’t get my way.” 😂🤣😂🤣 I was dying ! Getting ready for a job interview tomorrow and loving your videos !
JAHAHAHAHHH
I thought he said "duck fighting"....
...."dog fighting" makes a lot more sense. 😂
I think I had a good answer to this one. I told them “Sometimes I need to be told to hurry up and get something done, when it’s too urgent to be pedantic or thorough. I lean towards taking my time with things to make sure they’re perfect, so that can slow me down sometimes.” Might not have been a great answer for like a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, but it’s true, so I probably wouldn’t survive in that environment anyway. I’m this case I think that answer got me the job 🙂
We have the same weakness lol
What job was it that you got?
@@theanalyser7059 Data entry. Turns out they need speed and accuracy both, but they do say upfront that they would prioritize accuracy over speed, so. Their response was basically "So what you're saying is that you make absolutely sure something is right before you send it along?" I'm like "Yes, that" lol.
This question always raises a red flag for me. It puts me in a position where my choices are to lie/deflect or to hurt my own interview chances by being honest.
That answer you gave is almost word for word how I answered that question in my first interview for a full time job out of college and I'd never been given any advice like this. I got the job and worked there for 2 years! Great advice.
I used several of your videos to help with the 5 interviews I had for the management position I wanted. I was hired! Thank you!
I was asked this question and was totally blindsided. I had no idea what they were looking for so finally I said, "answering interview questions like this." I never heard back which turned out to be a good thing. No wonder they couldn't find any "good" people.
Early on I started answering along the same lines -- "I'm a perfectionist and I'm always on the watch for that trait to make sure I'm not delaying anything important. But it's very helpful when things do have to be perfect." The good news is, it's the truth. Not the exact same and not in as much detail but it's served me well.
I once had an interview and it was awful. Most of the questions I was asked were that question in some form. One example was literally “if your friends didn’t like you, why would that be?” 😂
Mine was similar. I find that I concentrate on one task making sure everything is accurate and done properly which can take a little longer than expected but with my time management skills I always complete it before it's due.
This is the best advice I´ve found on RUclips so far! I immediately created my own version which is based on true situations! I will use this tomorrow, if they ask me this question. THANK YOU!! 👍💯
Tomorrow is my interview. I’m watching all your videos to avoid mistakes and prepare myself properly. Videos are awesome thanks a lot
I one time answered that in times of a power-vacume where a problem has occurred, I tend to take charge especially when the issue concerns Conflict Management aka: irate customer making a scene. I have training in Conflict Resolution. This sometimes annoys fellow employees who have seniority even though they do not know what to do at the given moment. When a supervisor arrives, I return to my spot in the pecking order.
In my experience I have found a disproportionate number of candidates that are perfectionists compared to those that I've interacted with in the workplace
This is a great answer to that question. Even if it sounds cheesy, answering this way shows that you took the time to prepare for the question which is often good enough. I used to answer this question by saying: "my lack of management experience which I hope to improve." Not as good an answer but it addressed a weakness on my resume without really admitting any weakness.
I always eat nachos before an interview...
I was asked this question by a supervisor one time and the way I answered him was by saying, “I’m very sorry but I can’t say. if I were to tell you what my weaknesses are I wouldn’t have any strength.” He didn’t say another word.
Good stuff!
My greatest weakness is my memory, in the sense that I cannot retain information by heart unless there is a pattern to it. That can be a problem because usually I will not be able to remember every detail of a project I completed a month ago, so what I do to make sure that I have the information for future reference is to take notes of names, dates, parameters and coefficients.
I don't know if it's a good answer but it's definitely true. Mechanical engineer here.
I hate when people ask me strange archaic interview questions that are supposed to help them figure out something about me, based on my answer, because then you spend all your effort trying to determine what you are 'supposed' to say, instead of just having a conversation. I prefer they just ask me straight out what they want to know, like 'do you know how to use this software, or what do you like most about being a team leader', or share some of your experiences dealing with x type of situation'. But when we are applying for a job we have to sell ourselves, so it is important to be able to field any and all types of questions that may come up because it's just about getting across that line and getting our foot in the door.
We have interview panels at our job and I have been on them. I was given questions to ask and they are dumb. I think they come from HR. I would much rather ask at least some "tell me about the analyzers you have used?" or technical questions.
Interviews are a short exercise in phycological control. I've had a very similar answer for decades (yes, I can say that) that I've used for this question. It's actually become fun to answer because it can sometimes derail the interviewer's train of thought. They're so used to the rambling, unplanned answer, that they lose focus just before you answer. They don't plan for a quick, concise response. Then, you can gain control if you're careful.
What's the answer that you've used?
I love that answer because I do have high standards and this has caused problems. Now I know how to be truthful and still keep my name in the running for a position because I am able to "smooth thing over"! Thanks.
The best thing about this answer (for me), is not only is it a great answer, it's the truth. I run in to that all the time in my life where others just aren't as committed as me.
My answer is always. “I tend to be a workaholic and can’t seem to stop working when my shift is over. I tend to stop working when I completed the company’s goals and objectives” - You’re Hired!!
Yout talk like an actor, you move your body and especially your hands so good. Your answers are impressive. I dont know what is your real job but you are a man of quality.
Thank you! It's usually my perfect physique and boyish good looks that wows people..
My greatest weakness is my inability to say ‘no’ so I sometimes take on more responsibility than I should.
Another smarter way to ask this question, from a more evolved/experienced interviewer (and also sneakier way) is "What is your biggest area of opportunity"
This advise is perfect timing and worth gold. I used the old but unfortunately now predictable “I want to do all the work myself and don’t give other folks a chance to fail and learn from their mistakes.
But it seems to be incomplete, unlike the template on this video, which answers the question and offers up real value.
Thanks, Rik!
Frankly you flipped the switch in my head!! I work for a company for 8 years and my comfort zone is way too big. So, since 1 year now I am looking after some new challenge but without being successful. I had 3 attempts of 3 to 4 interviews each and I always fail by the last interview when only couple of people are remaining. Having a decent resume, experience and education, I really was wondering what could be the issue. Now, with your videos I understand that I make couple of mistakes! Thanks so much!
LOL, I laughed so hard. After listening to other videos, searching for weakness list, finally something that makes sense. And I finally figured out an answer.
Glad to hear, Diana - cheers!
Mine was "Sometimes my attention to detail can sometimes slow me down, and I tend to spend too much time on a task looking for the perfect answer when there are several very good answers in front of me already"
Thank you.. that defined me perfectly..
I never knew exactly how to answer this question without actually sounding "weak". Thank you for the reference.
I can definitely use this exactly but personalize it a bit. I have been in Customer Service, Team and Project Management, and Admin roles. I do have high expectations with the people I work with because I always want to give only the best either to the customers, business partners, or colleagues.
Imagine looking directly in the recruiter's eyes and say . Your eyes are my greatest weakness
I’m going to go with spelling 🤣. *You’re
@@tjnaples He was right.
@@tjnaples spelling seems to be yours lol
@@es4666 lol I was buzzed, too funny shame on me ha!
I answered this question in a similar manner during an interview a few years ago. I basically said that I have a hard time saying "no" and end up taking on too much work sometimes. I was told by the manager leading the interview that my answer was part of the reason I did not get the job because it came across as playing a strength (dedication) as a weakness.
I was actually asked this question, tried to pretend I wasn’t annoyed by it. Made it about organization and how I’ve been working on it, so it isn’t a weakness any more. Ha!
Greatest weakness: I don’t know my way around your organization and its facilities. Where is the closest bathroom to my office? How do I get from the entrance to my office? Who will try to get me to do their work for them? I’m unfamiliar with your phone system, computer network, and company policies, so will require a few days of orientation. Once introduced and oriented, I will be adding value to our company by .... If your situation requires someone to be fully onboard sooner, I suggest you consider promoting someone from within.
I've never had someone explain it the way you've done. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been watching ur videos and just completed my interview today! Thanks to all the tips, the general manager told me that I am now shortlisted for the next stages! Fingers crossed I will be able to score the job!
I am a sprinter. For the first 7 to 8 hours, my production is at the highest output however as I give my all during this time I tend to tire fast if and when overtime is required
One weakness
“My weakness is being polite and telling the truth.”
I worked on both sides as well and this a perfect way of tackling the issue. Turn a weakness into a strength. Practice makes perfect. I would also say that acing interviews is an art form and the more interviews you attend, the better you get.
Who ever the first one who think the answer totally a genius
For me it’s “I can get really into a project and can at times pigeon hole myself. But it’s something that I am aware that I do, so I am always actively trying to think outside of my current mentality when I work”. A legit problem, not necessarily a good thing, but I follow it up by saying how I turn it into a strength by being aware of it.
Years ago, I was interviewing for a job selling tickets at a museum and got the question, "What was the most challenging customer service experience you've had, and how was it resolved?"
I gave the example of someone trying to stab me at the liquor store where I previously worked. And it was resolved by my boss and I disarming the assaulter with brute force.
Didn't get the job.
They probably took it as you are eager for physical confrontation. I also worked at a liquor store and I had the feeling a few people that came there their body language was funny and seemed like they were thinking about doing something. All I did was make sure I watched them, not menacingly, but just watching them. Criminals don't like being watched, also looking at someone is something a predator does and they don't like that. And it turns out I was correct with at least one of them. He had a gun in his pants but he just bought beer that night. I quit that job screw that.
I love all the videos in the series, they're short & sweet and easy to practice and understand. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Hannah! You rock.
Once I got this question (actually it was "tell me 3 things you hate about yourself") and my answer was "I don't think I have something that I hate about myself, I have improved a lot these last years and I'm very happy with me right now". That was my mood then, and got the job.
But somehow I didn't feel like I could say the same line twice and it had become a really tough question to answer, so thank you very much for the video!!
Over the last year I’ve been focusing my energy on energy honing my public speaking skills and style to feel more confident and to help earn the trust of my customers. Over the last year not only have I spoken at these trade shows, but I’ve developed a brand for myself that helps my company attract new customers.
I enjoy your short and sweet delivery. You’re awesome 👏🏼
Not as awesome as you - Thanks Derek!
Every strength is a weakness & vice versa given the right circumstances
Thank you for sharing your experiences on RUclips! I am now retired and wish I had known of these "bits of wisdom" when I was searching for positions.
That is a better version of mine. I would always say "Well... I can be a bit too much of a perfectionist which can sometimes lead to deadline issues." So I guess my version is good... which leads to bad... and doesnt fix. Yours fixes... So I think I will go with that one from now on.
This has excellent information. After decades of interviewing, I always thought this was the most stupid question and I hate them for asking it. This is a good reply.
I have been asked a form of this interview question at least 3 times; it was only the first time that was disastrous: On that first time, I am seated in a chair in front of a 3 person panel, where they are sitting behind a city council bench, a couple feet above me. They were using an egg timer with each question; so, it went something like this: "Mark, what is your greatest shortcoming?" (Zip, tick-tick-tick-tick...). I sat there like a deer in the headlights, stammering for a decent response, feeling defeated, and with time running-out on the ominous, and pressuring egg timer (I think I was given 15 seconds for each answer), I responded, "I'm really not sure." (So, their disqualifying thoughts were likely, "Hmm, indecisive with no self-awareness... CHECKMATE!")
Right after that interview, I knew I had to prepare myself with a good answer to that form of question, and it fell along the same logic that you presented (sounds good, explain how it could be bad, but tell them how you keep it good). My answer: "I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist." Interviewer: "Well, how is that a bad thing?" Me: "You see, if I were not careful, I could spend too much time on a project that would be contraindicated to what is prudent. But, I've trained myself to watch-out for that, and not let it happen." Interviewer: "Wow, he seems to have great self-awareness, and is resolution-focused!"
Well, as a leader I often have really high expectations of my followers. But I feel that it is my responsibility to provide them with everything they need in order to succeed, so together we always seem to make things work.
Now here I am thinking how to apply as a secretary or assistant to you . I feel like I'm learning while enjoying the work place with you as the Boss. 🙏
Thank you very much Sir went through your videos all weeknd preparing for my team leader position interview and l got the job
Thumbs up to you Sir
Congratulations, Joseph! You did a first-rate job!
Bill, you are one of the best recruitment experts I have seen. I love your videos. Keep it coming. Thank you.
Hey companies expert! I just want to say this video was very helpful on a recent interview I had. I got the job and I can’t thank you enough for your videos!
Great Job, Josh! Congratulations - that's great to hear!
This guy is great and has a lot of good answers. I usually say "my weakness is that I am a perfectionist and I can't stand it when I don't get something done properly."
A lot of people say that
@jimsmith9912 You could mention that you are a perfectionist but that you have developed strategies to prioritize your work so that you always are able to deliver in time . In my case I am a software developer a profession in which it is a usually an advantage being a perfectionist (you also need to deliver in time though). However the interviewer may not be aware of this....
Crazy, I actually have answered this way in past interviews. Not because I think it will give me an edge, but because I genuinely believe it. Didn't know it was the best way around the question!