Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

I'm going on an interview soon and I need a good answer when they ask "what would you say your weakness is?".... Thanks so much!

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

too serious - i think its a neg that can be perceived as a positive (serious = hard worker.)

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

Perfectionist

That you aren't happy unless everything is just right and sometimes you're too hard on yourself to get the job done perfectly.

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

Try translating it to be more of a positive thing, ie., in what area can you improve, and what are you doing about it.

For instance:

"I am typically strong with computers, but I feel as though if I became more proficient with Excel/Access, I could use that to analyze data more efficiently. With this in mind, I have started taking classes/utilizing the online tutorials on Microsoft.com/tried to learn a new formula with each new project I take on."

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

When someone interviews with me I want an actual negative. Everyone comes in with rehearsed answers-for me I want an actual flaw i.e I need to learn to delegate more. Most of the time I will take on others work so it can be done correctly. The biggest complaint my mangers give me is that candidates try to be too perfect so they never get to know the real person.

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

I usually say something along the lines of hardworking that sometimes I end up staying after to make sure its done perfect. I guess its the same idea as a perfectionist

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

Posted by PrincessP

I usually say something along the lines of hardworking that sometimes I end up staying after to make sure its done perfect. I guess its the same idea as a perfectionist

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

I am a recruiter at a medical advertising agency and have to say that this is one my biggest pet peeves.

I think that answering this question by saying something like "I am a perfectionist" or "I don't delegate enough" is very transparent to the interviewer. We all have strengths and weaknesses and it makes the interviewee more credible when they can identify them. In addition, most companies are looking for candidates with great interpersonal skills (which includes the ability to self-assess yourself accurately).

However, I agree with Michelina627 in saying that you should turn a negative into a positive. For example, in a past performance review, I was told that I needed to work on my business writing skills. I then took a course at a local college and also arranged for a health care reporter to come to my company and teach a more on-target course. The next performance review I had, I was told that my writing had improved immensely.

Of course, you only want to mention a weakness that you have either already worked on or are in the process of working on.

Re: Help! Need a good "weakness" for an interview question?

Always say you can't rest until everything is done, and perfectly... you are critical of yourself and always pushing yourself to do better - never content where you are!!!