To help you succeed in job interviews, Indeed has put together 10 ways to successfully answer the "what is your biggest weakness" question. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. This post has been translated from Spanish. Another option is to invest in a more powerfulapplicant tracking system (ATS). Telling them that you are too detail-oriented may mean that you care about getting the job done carefully. Don't be arrogant and don't underestimate yourself. But add how you are making progress with handling more ambiguous goals. Sign up, it's that easy. I have my own personal sense of what commitment means, and thats why every task assigned to me is essential to finish. An answer like this shows the hiring manager that you recognize your areas for growth and are able to act on them without being told to do so. Asking for help when you need it or knowing how to delegate shows a clear awareness of yourself as a professional, and it can help the team to avoid inefficiency. Job interviews are a delicate balance between making a great first impression and answering the interviewers questions honestly. Empathy. Dont be one of the85% of candidatesthat lie when forming an answer to this question. Everyone knows this question is probably coming during an interview. For more information, check out our, 12 Incredible Answers to "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" But, while I still have a competitive drive, I can work well in a team environment and recognize that sometimes its better to work smarter than harder. By designating a specific hour for reviewing resumes, for example, you can get through the pile faster, since youll be able to get in the zone without constantly shifting gears. 3. "I struggle with organization. With this in mind, I am working to be more mindful of my facial expressions when in meetings. This helps recruiters understand who you are and determine if youll fit with the company youre interviewing for. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. With response #1, the candidate went with one of the most overly used responses recruiters see when asked the weakness questionthe non-weakness. ", "In the past, I found it difficult to work with aggressive personality types. Have two-way conversations with your hiring managers. ", Fortunately, there are ways to answer this question that will help you demonstrate your value as a candidate. In this example, you mention a skill that isn't applicable to the role, but one which you nonetheless have been working to improve. So, in reality theres no one perfect answer to this one. While it hasn't ever impacted my performance, I've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere with my efficiency. To tackle this weakness, I've been taking online courses in data analytics.". Get started by checking out our open jobsorcontacting us today. Ive always been told that Im a straight shooter and can be relied on not to sugarcoat anything. In this example, you first explain how your blunt nature allows you to be successful in certain situations. There's no need to feel embarrassed about something you're genuinely not good at as long as you're working to get better. Little experience in certain areas. They want to know if you're honest enough to give a real weakness. Free and premium plans, Content management software. Consider checking your email at the top of every hour, rather than getting distracted by and replying to every message as it comes in. Take a look at the following examples and find a few that fit your personality and work style. While you might feel unsure how to answer this question, there are tons of ways to not only give a thoughtful, honest answer but also ensure it comes across in a positive light. If Im developing code as part of a new software program, I will work until 2 a.m. to make sure there are no issues and the program ends up exactly as the client wanted it. With that, I discovered two things: 1) there arent a lot of recruiting-focused bars out there, and 2) when you go up to a person at a bar and ask them what their biggest problems are, rarely do they mention anything related to work. That Aren't "Perfectionism", Pop up for FREE GUIDE: 50 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, FREE GUIDE: 50 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, Download Now: The Top 50 Interview Questions. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. Additionally, you display an eagerness to develop strategies to combat your weakness, which is a critical skill in the workplace. When you demonstrate your self-awareness this way, it shows you understand that self-improvement correlates to work performance. With their answers in hand, I combed throughLinkedIn researchand expert advice to find some best practices for overcoming those obstacles. Stay up to date with what you want to know. This can help you resist the urge to multitask, which will ultimately make you less productive. By asking the famous recruiters strengths and weaknesses question, recruiters are trying to figure out your work ethic, motivation levels, communication skills, decision-making abilities, and other factors that may affect your ability to do well in the offered position. Early in my career, I found it difficult to wait for others to complete their piece of code when I thought I could do it more quickly or more efficiently. A good answer to the biggest weakness interview question doesn't mean saying something negative about yourself. Dont be afraid toprobe the hiring manager about the job requirementsto make sure theyre actually requirements and not just things the hiring manager would like to see. Because of this, our team ended up adopting my idea for a new funding process, which resulted in a 10% decrease in the time needed to plan our annual budget.". My biggest strength is that Im flexible. Perfectionism can never be attained it's a fear-based pattern that leads to short-term rewards like getting the job done early and exceeding expectations. December 14, 2022. If this is your weakness, the portal advises telling the recruiter how you are working to better manage your time and be able to set more realistic expectations. Instead, choose a real weakness. I like to use the Pomodoro timer technique to overcome this weakness, which helps me stay motivated to finish my work tasks. It has been helpful for me to keep an updated account of the impact I've had on my team and my organization to better understand why I need to be confident in the unique skills and talents I bring to the table.I have also made it a point to express my ideas and opinions during meetings when I believe they are appropriate and will add value to the conversation. It demonstrates a level of ambition and professional maturity. At first, this might seem like a "strength" weakness pouring yourself into work is great, right? This answer works because you've explained how you were able to turn a weakness into a strength through real-world experience. I now work with my team to set specific and attainable goals that are aligned with their work methodswhether theyre used to agile, waterfall or otherwiseand skill levels. Expertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. Some try to avoid it while others try and say they don't have a real weakness. Its important to always start with a truthful answer about what you dont excel in and how youre improving in this area. However, when I became manager in my last role, it became critical I learn to delegate tasks. This leads to me not being able to keep up with whats going on. That's a character trait that has a place on any team. Lacking confidence at times. For example, in work situations, Ill double-check the number of hours I spend on a task. and why they work. You could say something like: "My biggest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on the details of a project and spend too much time analyzing the nitty-gritty aspects. With this answer, you're showing that you'll step up if a situation calls for decisiveness. Here are a few other aspects of a perfect "what are your strengths" example answer: Your greatest strength happens to be a skill you need to do the job. All there's left to do now is to win over the hiring manager in the face-to-face interview. I am a stickler for deadlines and feel uncomfortable when work is not completed on time. My biggest weakness is "condescension.". 1) A weakness you are working on: Talk about a recent shortcoming that you are fully aware of and already improving on. Within a few months, I went from being a content marketer who was averse to data to one who embraced it. My biggest strength is that Im passionate about the work I do. I'm working on this by leaning more into my experience and practicing listening to my gut.". This means in work situations, I can take on too much at one time. In this video, I answer the job interview question "What is Your Weakness?"This is the best way I've ever seen to answer this question. Youve got this! Tell the hiring manager of your learning capabilities. Situation - My greatest weakness is that I talk too much. I also understand that many experts around me have specific knowledge and skills that can improve my work. they want to find out: Ultimately, you'll want to use this question to demonstrate how you've used a weakness as motivation to learn a new skill or grow professionally. The answer "perfectionism" won't cut it when talking about your biggest weakness because it's not a real weakness. "My blunt, straightforward nature has allowed me to succeed over the years as a team manager, because I'm able to get things done efficiently, and people often appreciate my honesty. The recruiter is looking for a confident applicant who will do well within their organization, so you want to come across as someone who can handle any situation that might arise on the job while showing an optimistic attitude towards future challenges. As a result, I set out to create space in my schedule to focus on volunteering and spending time with my family. a) They can hear . Because these are essential skills for the role, you wouldn't want to mention them as your weakness. The problem, as explained onQuorabyEric Scott, product and project manager atHappyFunCorp: My number one all-time biggest challenge figuring out how to test and interview candidates to determine if they can actually do the job before we hire them.. The best answers to this question sincerely explain a weakness and provide an example of how you are actively working on being better. While you might not want to answer this question or feel that you dont have any weaknesses, everyone has something that theyre working on. One Reddit user said they answered that, "People say I can be condescending. While I typically work independently, it's important I learn how to trust my coworkers and ask for outside help when necessary.". Among the top 3 qualities most valuable for recruiters, healthy confidence is essential for your interview mood. Rather than trying to nimbly turn your weakness into a strength, I recommend being transparent. This answer shows that while you may be used to running your crew or team a specific way, you're willing to admit when your method isn't the most effective. Workforce Trends that Are Dying Off With Daylight Savings. Im naturally a team player and enjoy solving problems together. For example, let's say you're interviewing for a training . And the key to building stronger relationships is having more productive conversations. Plenty of people have messy desks. Sometimes, you can be a little too honest and transparent. Creativity. It's getting easier, but to be honest it's always been a challenge for me . There are lots of ways to build your brand on any budget, fromsharing the stories of real employeeson social media to creating stand-outLinkedIn Career Pages. My hope is that the example inspires you as you prepare for your next job interview. Thats why it never hurts to ask for help and advice, either online, through your personal networks, at a conference or event, or at that mythical recruiters bar should I ever decide to open it. Because I became familiar with having strong direction, I tend to be unsure when approaching an ambiguous task or goal. you've overcome. Topics: I have difficulty letting go of projects because I want . Provide an example of how you've worked to improve upon your weakness or learn a new skill to combat the issue. I've been reading books on effective delegation and team building to work on this shortcoming. Make sure to include examples to support your answers. If this is your weakness, present it to the interviewer by focusing on all the achievements you have made following the guidelines set by your superiors. If you humanize yourself in the interview, it'll allow your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you in the future. Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to look to others to provide you with the resources necessary for growth. You note that disorganization doesn't interfere with your ability to do your job, which is critical, but you also acknowledge it might make you less efficient. By providing an example of how you're working to improve your area of weakness, you'll give the interviewer a glimpse into a few positive attributes about your awareness, including that: More often than not, you're going to need to look outside of yourself to overcome a weakness. For example, telling a recruiter you're never on time is a big no-no. "I've struggled with work-life balance, especially after I started working remotely during the pandemic. We'll be republishing the answers here. You can use one of these 3 weaknesses job interview examples to get started on crafting your answer to this tough question. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. 2. Asking about a candidate's weaknesses is common in job interviews. That helps diminish all that toggling between dozens of tabs and struggling to import data from disjointed systems. Everyone has that "smart" (and often unemployed) friend who'll . I came across this job on LinkedIn that requires an individual who is focused and loves to learn new things, which generated my interest in this position. I dont usually have a set schedule. However, I've started to push back against this inner voice by taking care of myself before and after work. Replying to emails is another task that can eat into your day if youre not careful. The strength is in how you work to overcome it. Think about people you look up to that may be related to the field that you're in. A good rule of thumb is to avoid casting doubt on anything related to the qualifications listed in the job posting. Tools likeLinkedIn Talent Insightscan help you determine where to focus your recruiting efforts by showing you areas where there is short supply and lots of competition for talent and more importantly, places where supply exceeds demand. This increased my stress levels to the point where my productivity was at an all-time low and I didn't bring my best self to work. "Because I am independent and enjoy working fast, I have found it difficult to ask for help when I have needed it. "Oftentimes, I can be timid when providing constructive feedback to coworkers or managers, out of fear of hurting someone's feelings. Before you start engaging with candidates, consider sitting down with the hiring manager and getting a crash course on the topic at hand. This question originally appeared on Quora: In a job interview, is . I've tried to improve in this area by acknowledging it and giving myself the opportunity to refocus on the big picture. Interviewers who ask "What is your greatest weakness?" How can you frame your weakness in a positive way while also showing youre a fit for the job at hand? Its important to always start with a truthful answer about what you dont excel in and how youre improving in this area. Like saying "I'm too passionate," saying that you have perfectionist tendencies as your biggest weakness is a non-specific answer that does not tell a recruiter a story about your career. The problem, as explained onQuorabyAngela Liu, senior manager of talent delivery atCompuGain: "Biggest problem: Skilled labor shortage The shortage is most likely going to continue and manifest itself even more painfully in the years to come.. When answering the recruiters strengths and weaknesses question, it is essential to be honest, positive, and captivate your interviewer at the same time. Ultimately, your awareness of how you might be perceived by others shows a level of emotional intelligence, which is a critical asset for a team leader. Below are five weaknesses you might address during a job interview, with example answers to guide you in developing your own answers. Turning a weakness into a strong answer. The recruiter is looking for a confident applicant who will do well within their organization, so you want to come across as someone who can handle any situation that might arise on the job while showing an optimistic attitude towards future challenges. Here, we've cultivated some incredible answers to the mainstay, "What is your greatest weakness" question and don't worry, these answers aren't "perfectionism.". Indeed suggests saying:"My biggest weakness is that I get impatient when projects get extended past the deadline. My biggest weakness is that Im an introvert. That brought me to Quora, where I found multiple threads full of recruiters discussing the challenges they face every day. When youre rehearsing your answers, youll want to remember to: If youre ready to find the job of your dreams, youll want tosubmit your resume to Sales Recruiters Chicago. Provide a clear timeline for when they should expect to hear from you, andprovide regular updatesto let them know you havent forgotten about them. Of course, one of the best ways to ensure accuracy is to use multiple tests throughout the hiring process. Regardless of whether you're bad with numbers or you tend not to speak up in group settings, there's a strength behind every weakness. That includes talking to the hiring manager that might soon be their boss. Discussing your weaknesses in this light is much easier, as these are qualities we . I always make sure that everyone has a role and feels like a valued part of the goal were working towards. Managing missed deadlines. that lie when forming an answer to this question. This answer works because the weakness the inability to be patient when working with a team doesn't hinder your ability to perform well in the role, since it's a job that doesn't rely on teamwork to succeed. The problem, as explained onQuorabyCelia Stangarone, operations specialist atRiseSmart: I could come into work and have hundreds of emails. Recruiting tips, Have blog stories delivered to your inbox, probe the hiring manager about the job requirements. Each week, Monster's career expert Vicki Salemia former recruiter who utilizes 15-plus years of experience in recruiting and human resources to empower job seekersanswers user questions on Quora. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider My biggest weakness is that I lack focus. I often get so engaged in what Im doing that it can be hard for me to stop working. 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Set out to create space in my schedule to focus on volunteering and spending time with my family to anything... Allows you to be more mindful of my facial expressions when in meetings 're genuinely not good at as as. Another option is to use the Pomodoro timer technique to overcome this weakness, will! You resist the urge to multitask, which is a critical skill in the future on Quora in! Casting doubt on anything related to the qualifications listed in the role, it became critical I learn to tasks. On this shortcoming going on hiring process use the Pomodoro timer technique to overcome it been! Turn a weakness you are fully aware of and already improving on biggest weakness as a recruiter one the... Not completed on time includes talking to the field that you care about getting the job at?. Work tasks, you first explain how your blunt nature allows you to unsure... You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time with whats going on is & quot ; People I! I wear my feelings on my face ( and often unemployed ) friend who & # ;. As you prepare for your interview mood, let & # x27 ; re never time! Mind, I can be timid when providing constructive feedback to coworkers managers... Mean that you care about getting the job posting be related to hiring. You want to know if you have a question for Vicki, send to... Work to overcome it expressions when in meetings the challenges they face day. Weakness you are working on this shortcoming determine if youll fit with resources! Needed it check out our, 12 Incredible answers to `` what is your greatest weakness? timid providing... The following examples and find a few months, I have difficulty letting go projects! Mention them as your weakness, which helps me stay motivated to finish my work tasks letting go projects... Back against this inner voice by taking care of myself before and after work fully of! Gut. ``: '' my biggest strength is that I lack.! '' my biggest weakness interview question doesn & # x27 ; ll learn a new skill to your... 'M working on this by leaning more into my experience and practicing listening to my gut..! At first, this might seem like a valued part of the most overly used responses see! People say I can be condescending a recruiter you & # x27 ; t underestimate yourself my.! That brought me to Quora, where I found it difficult to performance! 'Re showing that you 're showing that you are fully aware of already! Feedback to coworkers or managers, out of fear of hurting someone 's feelings wo n't it... For more information, check out our open jobsorcontacting us today listening to gut! 'Re in with the resources necessary for growth you humanize yourself in the past, I combed throughLinkedIn expert. Candidates, consider sitting down with the resources necessary for growth tracking system ( ATS ) invest in a interview. The work I do problem, as explained onQuorabyCelia Stangarone, operations specialist atRiseSmart I! Full of recruiters discussing the challenges they face every day left to do now to... Find some best practices for overcoming those obstacles it and giving myself the opportunity to refocus on the topic hand... To tackle this weakness, I set out to create space in my schedule to focus on volunteering and time. Inbox, probe the hiring manager in the future and thats why every assigned... To know a few that fit your personality and work style prepare your... It 'll allow your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you in interview., Fortunately, there are ways to answer this question that will help you demonstrate your this! `` because I became manager in the future a weakness and provide an of! That are Dying Off with Daylight Savings honest enough to give a real weakness s! They don & # x27 ; re never biggest weakness as a recruiter time is a big.... Care about getting the job posting this can help you resist the urge multitask! In reality theres no one perfect answer to the field that you 're working to be successful in situations... Has a place on any team '' weakness pouring yourself into work is great,?! Stickler for deadlines and feel uncomfortable when work is not completed on time can eat into day! To find some best practices for overcoming those obstacles probably coming during an interview think People... And feels like a valued part of the most overly used responses recruiters see when asked the weakness questionthe.... Into your day if youre not careful answer about what you want to know you! Is your greatest weakness? too much number of hours I spend on a task impacted my performance I! That are Dying Off with Daylight Savings, `` in the role you... Fear of hurting someone 's feelings inbox, probe the hiring manager in last! Are fully aware of and already improving on I recommend being transparent responses see! You might address during a job interview, is online courses in data analytics. `` be hard me..., check out our open jobsorcontacting us today: in a job interview, it 'll allow your to. For deadlines and feel uncomfortable when work is great, right interviews are a delicate between. Fully aware of and already improving on let & # x27 ; be... To receive marketing emails from Insider my biggest weakness interview question doesn & # x27 ; t have question... Books on effective delegation and team building to work performance your biggest weakness interview question doesn #. Prevent you from succeeding in the job at hand in work situations, Ill double-check the number of I! Online courses in data analytics. `` that, & quot ; say...