What are your weaknesses The killer interview question

What are your weaknesses The killer interview question It doesnt matter whether youre a seasoned pro or completely green, there are some interview questions that just invite dread. Theres one that really seems to get pulses racing: what are your weaknesses? And I can see why. It seems to undermine your whole interview strategy; why would you give the recruiter reasons to reject you? Well the key here is to understand the psychology behind the question. Why recruiters ask this question Asking about your weaknesses â€" or variants on the theme â€" is not part of a malign plot to trip you up or make you stressed (though it can feel like it!). Interviewers often ask this question to gauge the following: How well you respond to pressure. Can you provide a thoughtful, considered answer without crumbling? Are you able to maintain your composure? Honesty and integrity. All of us have weak spots but a strong candidate will take ownership of their weaknesses, showing both insight and self awarenes. Evidence of personal growth. Being able to identify your weaknesses and take corrective action. Dont play the perfectionist card Although the tide has started to turn, youll still find many careers sites recommending the weakness into a strength approach. I think recruiters are probably clued up enough to see beyond such a transparent â€" and cliched â€" strategy, and I cant help feeling this is guaranteed to provoke irritation. Just play out this scenario: Interviewer: Tell me about your weaknesses? You: Well, I consider myself to be a perfectionist and I set myself extremely high standards. This makes it hard for me to delegate work and I sometimes tend to obsess over the smallest detail. However, I do recognise this can be a problem and I am trying to find a good balance between managing the project and seeking colleagues input and feedback What you hope the interviewer hears: I am a high performing employee I take the initiative I see projects through to completion I have no real weaknesses What theyre really thinking: Im not sure youre a team player You could be a bit high maintenance Youre not willing to learn Youre being disingenuous and lack self-awareness Dont talk yourself out of a job First of all, you need to give serious consideration to your weak points. And I do mean  before  the interview. You dont want to be caught on the back foot, trying to find an answer to a question that can make or break your interview. Think about the job spec and the role in general: if you proclaim a discomfort with public speaking, only to find its a career essential, than dont be surprised if the interview ends fairly swiftly! Try to find something that youve struggled with in the past, but are now trying to overcome. You dont want to be too candid and start checking off weaknesses like a shopping list, so its best to identify one particular area and share your journey through a brief narrative. I often pose this question in mock interviews and rather liked this answer: Im not naturally the most organised person and in the past this affected my ability to meet multiple deadlines. This was certainly the case during my A levels, and I used to make lists and keep a day planner. When I started at Warwick I bought a smartphone and I use the alerts and apps to good effect. I find it much easier to manage my academic and extra curricular commitments and havent missed a single deadline. Im confident that I can now manage this weakness and feel able to meet the challenges of a professional workplace You may be wondering whether this was such a smart move. Who wants to admit theyre disorganised? Well, as our student recognised there are some skills or traits that dont come naturally. Recruiters are expecting you to admit to some personal or professional weakness theyll be far more surprised if you dont.  Networking is my achilles heel I really have to work at it. Can I say honestly that Ive conquered my natural aversion to networking? No, but I have learnt some pretty useful techniques over the years and can â€" if needed â€" work a room. Like the student above, Ive found ways to manage my weaknesses, so the impact on my professional life is negligible. Take a similar approach with an interviewer and you wont go far wrong. Is there a right answer? There are good answers, bad answers and some downright ugly ones that will see you consigned to the reject pile with lightning speed. Dont, for example, reply chocolate hoping to find the recruiters funny bone. Theres a time for offbeat humour the interview isnt it. So, is there a definitive, industry standard, universally accepted right answer? No. This is one you have to work out for yourself, but get it right and youll move just a little closer to that job offer.