The horrid interview question from hell
 

You know the one:

What are your weaknesses?

"I don't have any" doesn't sit too well, does it.

or

"blonde babes with big hoochy mummas are my weakness". This doesn't seem to work either aye.

I recently tried:

"My inability to answer this question". The HR girl laughed alot - she then moved on to another question, which was sweet as.

Mind you I'm being offered the jobs I go for, just not finding the perfect "fit" for me.

What do you guys use? - any tips on an answer that isn't lose, lose?

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I usually say that I am really crap at delegating, which is true - I'd rather do it myself then I know it's done and done right. :D

Usually works OK :unsure:

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I guess that's OK if you're not going for a management role. :blink:

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Mmm, I managed to pull an Assistant Managers job with it, but I was expected to be a 'hands on' Manager so that's probably why. :D Also it was as part of a team of 5 Managers so was also expected to provide cover for them as well.

My lack of delegating skills also got me another Assistant Managers job, as I would take over from the Manager and he promoted me (probably so I'd do all the work :sneaky:)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I guess that answer does have an element of "win" to it.

I.e they like work a holics putting in the hard yards instead of just passing off all the work.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I once put "Kryptonite" on a job questionnaire funny they didn't call me for an interview :)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

"Lack of professional experience" is good or any other honest answer as long as you also articulate how you would compensate for the weakness. Employers like to hear that.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I've used that one in that past too, where my inexperience was obvious on my resume anyway. Then I go on to emphasise the experience that I do have, and reiterate the skills I have that would make me good for the role.

I suppose another 'positive' answer would be to say that you're a perfectionist, or that you have very high standards - then say that fortunately you also have the skills to identify priorities so you can judge when it is better to do a good job on time than extend a deadline to achieve excellence.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

It's done a bit different in WA. The opening line when I interview someone is usually 'when can you start?'.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Yes if you can read an address and find the office than you are already above the average WA worker when it comes to IQ :)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

And be on at least $100k a year. :)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I can turn up to an interview, can I have $100k?! :D

(And I only spend a proportion of my working day on BE, apart from that I'm a very hard worker, honest)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

If you can design mine process control systems and can use CAD, the job's yours.
BE does get in the way of work doesn't it?

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I've used the "delegation" answer (as I am crap at it) but it really can be seen as a weakness so use with care.

I've also used, "I don't like to say no to users/clients/whoever and can tend to end up overworked because of it".

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

For $100k I'd give it a bash!! I did a bit on CAD for my DT GCSE, I know what it stands for and everything! :)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Actually if you could do this kind of work you would earn more than $100k. A lot more.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Take out tax and $100k is not really that great of income these days.

It was great 5 years ago.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Under estimating my true value to your company.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I usually go with something along the lines of being good at recognising where I have weaknesses and thus used to solving them. Then reel off things I used to be poor at but that I am now good at. Turn a negative into a positive;)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

My total lack of respect for people who ask stupid interview questions

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Not much help but if asked that question nowadays I would say that I dont suffer fools gladly. As that could apply to most of the idiots in the position of interviewing me it is just as well that I have retired!!!! I

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I usually try and make it sound like a potential positive too.....along the lines of I may go too far to meet clients needs / I may let them bully me into delivering work free of charge etc. It makes it sound like I work hard :rofl: but that I need to be more careful in how I manage things (I'm talking about change requests in IT projects, that sort of thing).

It often leads on to more questions where this an opportunity for BS.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

:D That's a good response! Although as a teacher, probably not one that I would use in an interview situation! :rofl:

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Try and turn your weakness into a strength, I have used the same answer for years and it hasnt been a problem.

Mention your work life balance management is one of your weaknesses as you tend to throw yourself into your work which is kind of a positive.

Also, as you close out the interview and it is your turn to ask questions, ask them if they see any problems with your application in relation to the advertised job (this way you get a feeling for how you got on without waiting for that dreaded call, plus it gives you chance to reply to any potential shortfalls they may have picked up on).

Sean

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

The trouble with that slant is that you end up working for a company that wants it staff to work long hours.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I usually say public speaking as I don't do jobs that require it - it's a weakness but not relevant to that particular job. I then go on to say that I have been investigating taking up debating or some other crap. Most of the interviewers agree they hate it too!

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I went for a job interview today (my first Australian one since arriving in June)and it was really weird. The guy brought me through to the meeting room, said the admin manager would be sitting in on the interview - she arrived, sat there for 5 minutes then said she had to go and buggered off, never to be seen again until I was walking out the door:confused:. He asked me one question at the very beginning (why did I apply for the job) and the rest of the time telling me about the company. I asked a few questions at the end but that was it - I walked out feeling very puzzled - is this normal for an Aussie interview or was it my deoderant??

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I usually say that though i am sure i have some weacknesses if I new then, i would have changed them already.

The problem is usually with the ones we do not recognise in ourselves

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I would think you could tell them spelling is one of your weaknesses. It's honest at least.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

LOL Dorothy.

I would say im a Perfectionist, that can be a weakness;)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I used to interview graduates. If they gave a 'stock' answer the next question was, "Tell me about a recent mistake you have made". If they couldn't they were out. We always looked for people who learned from mistakes.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

How about, I put a high value on my skills and experience and don't accept low salary offers. Do you think it would work?:eek:

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

For my job in IT, the best answer I think to this question is to either ask the question 'can you tell me where you feel I am lacking from my cv or from what we have spoken about today? I have a good grasp of this type of role but I understand duties can vary for different companies.'

Or say 'I am looking to move here because you offer extensive experience in blah blah blah which interests me but havent had the opportunity to get hands on experience with it. I guess this would be a weak point but only for a short period of time until I get up to speed with it.'

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

Alternatively I could say 'IELTS. But hey, its a silly exam anyway'.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I would simply reply with (and have done)

Not knowing my weaknesses!!

11 years on and I am still at the same place, maybe being here for so long is my weakness!!!!!

Hopefully not for much longer, this is the year to move, we hope...

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I said I'm bolshy and stroppy.
Which gets their attention, then explained by saying I get frustrated and stubborn if I'm being asked to provide something that isn't the best possible solution for the users.

They gave me the job.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I normally say that I hate lazy people as I like to get my work done to a high standard so I get annoyed if someone else doesn't take their work seriously....it usually works!

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

The issue I'd have with saying stuff like this is that you dont know the people you would be working with, the interviewer does though. If they are aware of some lazy people in the department then they might see you as a problem. Someone who doesnt concern themselves with these type of issues or someone who can provide a resolution might be what they are looking for.

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

I'd think of something I've not been good at in the past (presentations, delegation, team meetings etc), say why I wasn't good at it, then turn it round and say that after identifying the problem I took steps to rectify the issue (training etc), and the problem no longer exists............ That's what i would say anyway:)

Re: The horrid interview question from hell
 

The important thing is to ensure your weakness can eb turned into a strength.

ie My weakness is that I'm a workaholic but I realise it's important to be fit and healthy so now I always make sure I'm out of the office by 7pm so I can play a game of squash on my way home.

A bit extreme :lol: but you get my drift