Comments on: “What Is Your Biggest Weakness?” OR “Why Shouldn’t We Hire You?”

By: Darlene

Darlene — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:41:14 +0000

This is good stuff!! I wrote a similar post, and discussed reframing this question. Here is a quote, “re-frame the question and turn the conversation to areas you need to improve… Everyone has a weakness or an Achilles heal. The interviewers job is to find yours.”

I also love the testimonial portion. It will help give people the words to link their answer. As a coach, I find that to be the greatest challenge for people. “What words should I say?” Obviously, it is very important not to memorize your answers, but framing your answers, and linking the right words will ensure success when navigating the turbulent waters of any interview.

By: dsweet

dsweet — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:55:18 +0000

EVERY candidate should think about their answers to ALL of the standard questions that they’re going to run into in an interview, this one included.

From the interviewer’s side of the desk, it is painfully obvious when the candidate is just pulling something out of their … uh … hat and trying to bluff their way through the question.

Conversely, the candidate who has well-thought-out answers stands head-and-shoulders above the rest.

Dan

By: Jason Alba

Jason Alba — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:35:03 +0000

Dan, as usual, this is solid advice! If I can offer one additional thought, it is to think about and prepare for this question BEFORE the interview, complete with your proposed formula.

I’m not a “preparer” and often sound bumbling at a question like this… even prepared you can plan for a pause, to “think about it,” but isn’t it much better if an interviewee is well-prepared with a sharp answer to this question?

Jason Alba
CEO - JibberJobber.com
:: self-serve career management