How To Answer The Toughest Interview Question

PHOTO: Katerina Dima for Only Deco Love

Interviews can be stressful, but you know the basics. You know they’re probably going to ask you about your weaknesses and strengths, about your experiences and maybe throw in one or two off-the-wall questions. But the toughest question? What is your weakness?

Choose your weakness carefully.

Weaknesses in job interviews should be honest but well thought out. You can’t tell your prospective boss that you’re usually a bit lazy, or sometimes you turn up late, as that isn’t going to make you look good at all. Let’s be honest, we’ve all used the ‘perfectionist’ one – and actually if everybody says the same weakness you aren’t telling  your interviewer anything different about you.

Be creative, think about a character flaw you have that may or may not relate to a job. Self-critical, push yourself too hard, obsessive, workaholic, okay they may not all sound great, but just ban perfectionist from your vocabulary and try something different.

Ask for help

Before the interview, maybe you need help from those closest to you. Ask them what they think your strengths and weaknesses are, it may be hard to hear, but it’s a great starting point before having a conversation about your strengths and weaknesses. Just make sure their critique is coming from a place of love.

Accept that everyone has a flaw.

Nothing makes you look more arrogant to an employer than saying you have no flaws. Everyone has something they can improve on, even the most perfect people. Just remember – everyone’s human!

Talk about how you plan to fix this weakness.

If admitting you have a problem is a start, fixing it is the next step. Try to think of ways you would combat your weaknesses in the workplace and make these known to your employer, (in my experience this is usually a follow-up question – it’s just good to be prepared!) Hopefully, these tips will help my fellow graduates and interviewees achieve their career dreams.

Good luck and Happy interviewing!

Written by Joanna Xiourouppa

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