Everyone feels a bit nervous during a job interview. Some questions throw us off, and we find ourselves stumbling over our words to find the best answer. One such question is what is your greatest weakness?
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In the following article, find out the best way to explain your greatest weakness during a job interview. We explain why this question is important and the best way to answer it.
Why Do Employers Ask What is Your Greatest Weakness?
There are many reasons why employers ask about both your strengths and weaknesses. We will discuss the main reasons below. In the next section, we will provide what is your weak best answer.
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Potential Employers Are Curious if You Are Self-Aware
Prospective employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness. They are trying to see if you are able to acknowledge your weaknesses as well as your strengths. Employers respect and value those employees that are aware of their weaknesses and are willing to openly discuss them.
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Hiring Managers Want Insight Into You as a Person to See if You Are the Right Fit For the Job
The hiring manager is trying to get a feel for you on a personal and professional level. They need to know that you are honest, sincere, confident, self-assured and competent. The way you answer the question of what your greatest weakness is essentially gives them some insight into who you are as a person and what you can bring to both the position and the company as a whole.
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The Person Conducting the Interview is Assessing if Your Weaknesses Prohibit Your Ability to Fulfill the Position
There are specific skills and attributes that employers need in potential employers that pertain to the job in question. They use this answer to determine if you are the right fit for the job.
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They Are Curious Whether You Will Work to Overcome Your Weaknesses
We are all human. Therefore we all have weaknesses. Employers recognize this as they, too, are human. If you are honest about your weakness, they will admire you. However, should you display a willingness to overcome your weakness, they are more willing to hire you.
How to Best Answer What is Your Greatest Weakness
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Make a List of Your Weaknesses Prior to the Interview
While employers are genuinely interested in discovering your weaknesses, they do not need to know every flaw. Prior to the interview, take some time to write out your professional weaknesses and weed out those that are not pertinent to the job for which you are applying.
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Be Honest But Don’t Overshare
As with every aspect of a job interview, honesty is important. Do not invent a weakness or answer how you feel the HR rep wants you to answer. Honestly discuss your weakness, but do not overshare. Simply state your weakness without giving too many examples and details. If you say too much, it impacts your chances of landing the job.
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Show That You Are Willing to Overcome the Weakness
Now that you showed your vulnerability by addressing what is your greatest weakness discuss that you are willing to work to overcome said weakness. This shows the hiring manager that you are willing to grow as an individual to further your career.
Team Global/ MSM works with you to figure out what is your greatest weakness as well as your strengths. Call us today to embark on a new career path!