“What’s your greatest weakness?” Can be Your Greatest Strength in Interviews

A reporter from the Chicago Tribune wanted to know the best way to
answer an interviewer who asks you to describe your greatest weakness.
It’s a great question.
As an employer, and later as a career coach, I have asked this question
several thousand times. I usually get the same predictable answers: “I am a
perfectionist” or “I am too detail-oriented.” I also get the “I don’t delegate
well” and its variation, the “superman complex” answer, meaning they think
they can do it on their own better and faster than trying to explain what to
do to their staff.
These stock answers won’t cut it today. I advise clients to cite an actual
negative, but one they have worked to correct. Also, of great import, they
should say why it was important for them to correct the deficiency and be
able to help an employer.
For example, “I used to be uncomfortable doing public speaking, but I went
to Toastmasters. Now I am fine making presentations to client prospects
and helping to bring in business.” Another one that I have used is “I wasn’t
great at doing spreadsheets but I took an Excel course; now I am really
good at them and see their importance in doing budgets.”
By acknowledging a real deficit and then taking steps to improve on it, the
candidate demonstrates a sense of accountability and a desire to face
uncomfortable challenges. That’s the type of person we want to hire!
Giving one of the standard answers can hurt a candidate. Giving a stock
answer tells the interviewer that the candidate is satisfied with a mediocre
response and doesn’t go the extra mile to present something more honest,
thoughtful and less predictable.
It’s tough out there, people. All the reports indicate that this is a very difficult
job market for young professionals in their 20s and those age 40+. Recent
research suggests that Gen X’ers are facing particulary difficult challenges.

Winning an interview opportunity is hard enough; blowing an interview by
not preparing properly is shameful, inexcusable and can be very damaging
to a career.
For more information on how to prepare for a successful interview, click
here: https://www.careerstrategiesgroup.com/job-search-services/interview-
prep/
If you are an attorney or senior executive and you have been thinking about discovering “what
else is out there” for you, or if you are not sure how to even start a career transition process, get
in touch with me for a virtual cup of coffee. You will receive a confidential, no-cost consultation
to discuss your situation and goals, and will also get expert advice on how to launch your job
campaign. To schedule a strategy call with me, click here:
https://live.vcita.com/site/bruce.blackwell
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