I'm filling out an application right now and I got down to the question that's all too familiar: "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" I've been battling it out in my mind what the hell I should put down. I could put down all the usual stuff like "hard-working" but I always think that's overused and sounds cliche (but hey, I might just use it if I can't think of anything else). What do you guys say when they ask that question either in the application or the interview?
Job applications and their attempt to be meaningful
- Thread starter silenttwn
- Start date
- Status
for strength I use ability to adapt or resourceful
for weakness, though I don't generally see this on an application but get asked during the interview I use "Well, I think I need to work harder on my leadership abilities" I try to work that in before asked though so it doesn't seem like I rehearsed for that question, then when they get to it, we can have a laugh that I already mentioned it. I've never had a management position, so the fact that my leadership skills are on the weak side isn't a big deal, but it also shows that it's something I work on. Plus gives an answer that doesn't hurt me.
for weakness, though I don't generally see this on an application but get asked during the interview I use "Well, I think I need to work harder on my leadership abilities" I try to work that in before asked though so it doesn't seem like I rehearsed for that question, then when they get to it, we can have a laugh that I already mentioned it. I've never had a management position, so the fact that my leadership skills are on the weak side isn't a big deal, but it also shows that it's something I work on. Plus gives an answer that doesn't hurt me.
Callo Merlose
Banned
As a weakness, say you're an over-achiever and that you set high standards for yourself that you rarely meet. And for a strength, also write that you're an over-achiever and that while you don't always quite meet your own high standards, you excel at accomplishing whatever task it is that the company wants. Let them know that you're that whatever job they'll hire you for, you won't be overqualified for the job but that in time, you would be. If it doesn't work, I can get you a job at Wayne Enterprises. I know someone who works there.
Make your positives things that you can then twist into moderate negatives. For example:
"I'm a perfectionist with my work and will only do things at the highest standard of quality. This however means that I leave little time for other things such as watching porn and drinking beer."*
* The italicised part should be considered 'optional'
edit: eh, bataman essentially said what i meant.
"I'm a perfectionist with my work and will only do things at the highest standard of quality. This however means that I leave little time for other things such as watching porn and drinking beer."*
* The italicised part should be considered 'optional'
edit: eh, bataman essentially said what i meant.
If there's a job posting you're responding to, parrot back words they say in it. And for weaknesses, always put something that becomes a strength. "I work too hard" and bullshit like that.
They have interviews for a reason. Applications and resumes are just tools for weeding people out.
They have interviews for a reason. Applications and resumes are just tools for weeding people out.
We just covered resumes/applications/interviews in my communication class.
From what I remember: strengths are pretty self explanatory. For weaknesses tell how much trouble you have with the hiring process. How you're unsure of yourself during interviews. Or have trouble clearly expressing your thoughts on an impersonal application or resume.
From what I remember: strengths are pretty self explanatory. For weaknesses tell how much trouble you have with the hiring process. How you're unsure of yourself during interviews. Or have trouble clearly expressing your thoughts on an impersonal application or resume.
Thing is, you have to say something, and that something should not be anything that will negatively impact your ability to perform the job. It is a trick question designed to weed out people who willingly give up exactly why they should NOT hire you.
So it needs to be either of the following:
- A weakness that does not relate to your performance of the job at all, but you also need to point out how you ARE working to improve it.
- A weakness that also has an upside (I work too hard is only the most obvious of this, it's probably not a good idea to use it)
For a joe job, you should just go with the second one. There are no competent hirers at joe jobs. Or at least not enough that it matters. For 'real jobs' you probably should use the first. In the end, though, it is harder to come up with one that fits the first than the second.
What it really comes down to is that the person looking at these is not looking to be your buddy. They want to know if you can do the job. The weakness question is a trap, and you need to be very careful in how you answer it.
So it needs to be either of the following:
- A weakness that does not relate to your performance of the job at all, but you also need to point out how you ARE working to improve it.
- A weakness that also has an upside (I work too hard is only the most obvious of this, it's probably not a good idea to use it)
For a joe job, you should just go with the second one. There are no competent hirers at joe jobs. Or at least not enough that it matters. For 'real jobs' you probably should use the first. In the end, though, it is harder to come up with one that fits the first than the second.
What it really comes down to is that the person looking at these is not looking to be your buddy. They want to know if you can do the job. The weakness question is a trap, and you need to be very careful in how you answer it.
Azwethinkweiz
Member
My friend's wife works in HR. She told me flat out that for weaknesses they look for things that are normally considered strengths, i.e. "working too hard". If your weaknesses are something that could possibly cost the company money, such as "I'm a perfectionist so I spend extra time on projects to make sure they're perfect", you're probably hosed.
Ninja Scooter
Member
for a weakness tell them you have AIDS.
- Status