However, a majority of the job-seekers feel that they are so full of their strengths and positives, that if an interviewer asks them what their weakness is, it leaves them flummoxed and mystified. Not only that it puts pressure on them, as the question is unexpected and startling. Without doubt, they say it is the most difficult question to answer.
We put this question to recruiters and hiring managers and sought their response. Their answers were very enlightening and informative. We feel that the answers will give you an insight into the psyche of these questioners and help you to answer the question without being rendered speechless and tongue-tied.
We told the panel, being asked about their biggest weakness puts the candidates in a quandary. How often do you ask this question and how do you think that candidates should respond to it?
- Admit Your Weakness
A placement service director confessed that he did put this question to the candidates quite often. However, he said that his intention was not to find fault or make them squirm. He said that to succeed one should be aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s interesting to see what they consider as their major weakness, it reflects the area in which improvement is required.
He said that candidates should never say that they did not have any weaknesses, or the most common reply, that there weakness was that they worked too hard, which is actually a strength. It is always better to mention a weakness and tell what you are doing and what you have done to build your skills in these areas.
However, if you feel that the weakness that you are going to mention could negatively impact your chances of getting the job, don’t mention it.
- Understand That A Strength Can Actually Be A Weakness
Make certain that you know every facet of what your job warrants. The duties and responsibilities that the job entails should be clearly etched in your mind. Then compare your duties with your strengths and see how many of them actually assist and abet your duties. Ask yourself, whether what you are assuming is strength could be perceived as a weakness by others.
For example, if you say that it is your strong point to listen to a customer thoroughly, before you advise him anything, could actually be a deterrent in a sales job and could be perceived as your inability close a deal fast.
- Do Your References Reflect Your Weakness?
Another recruiter said that for him it was not important what answer the candidate gave but whether anyone else in the references that he has provided feels the same. It signifies that the candidate and those who know him well are aware of his shortcomings and will logically address them, if they become an impediment in his work.
- No Human Being Is Perfect
The last recruiter on the panel said that he also asked the question frequently, however, his preferred choice of word was not "weakness" but “limitation.” He felt that weakness was too insensitive and inconsiderate a word to use, as no human being is perfect. By asking the candidate what he thought wear his limitations, he was most likely to list his weaknesses that could impede his work.
Conclusion
Employers ask this question for two reasons – first to ensure that you really do not have a lacuna in your skills and everyday life that could hamper work and also to see how you handle yourself under pressure, when asked uncomfortable or unexpected questions.
Our advice to you would be to focus on a weakness that is not too serious and could result in you losing the job. Every job requires some basic qualities. Ensure that your weakness is not one of the three attributes necessary for the job. Never forget to mention that you have taken steps to address this weakness and hopefully, you will overcome it, sooner rather than later.
And last but not the least, never say that you are perfect and never make a mistake and if you have a drug or alcohol addiction don’t mention it, but do understand its disastrous consequences and get over it.
