Job interviews are nerve-wracking, to begin with, but there are certain questions that may throw you for a loop if you are not prepared. These include “Tell me a bit about yourself” and “what are your weaknesses?”
If you feel stumped by listing your weaknesses for job interviews, you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with expert advice on how to best list your weaknesses without making yourself look bad.
One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to consult a reputable job agency in Toronto. Their staff can assist you in resume and cover letter writing, networking, and how to prepare for a job interview.
Why Even Ask What Are Your Weaknesses for Job Interviews?
Before we can answer “what are good weaknesses of a job interview?” you are probably wondering why interviews even ask this question in the first place. Basically, they ask about your weaknesses in order to get a sense of your downfalls as well as your accomplishments. Additionally, they want to get an idea of how you interpret constructive criticism. On top of that, they want to see how willing you are to overcome these weaknesses in order to succeed at the job in question.
What is the Best Way to Approach the Question About Weaknesses in Job Interviews?
Honestly, the best way to answer the question about your weaknesses is to approach it as if you are looking to turn it around into a positive rather than a negative. The person conducting the interview is just as much interested in how you answer the question as they are in what is actually being said. They are ultimately looking to see how you handle awkward and difficult situations on the job.
Prior to the actual interview, you should practice answering what are your weaknesses for job interviews? Take some time to reflect on challenging situations you have faced in your past, at work or otherwise. Make a list of your shortcomings, using past job evaluations and notes or comments from former supervisors or management.
Bonus tip: Before you offer up a weakness, make sure that it is not a traitor concern that can ultimately cost you the job. For example, if you are interviewing for a bank teller job, do not say “I am bad with money.” Find other weaknesses that do not have a direct impact on the job at hand.
Tips on How to Turn Your Weaknesses Into Positives
Now that you have made a list of your weaknesses for job interviews, you should put a positive spin on them rather than focus on the negative. Following are a few suggestions:
- Avoid negative language such as incompetent, failure, disaster, etc.
- Avoid cliches such as “I’m a workaholic,” “I’m extremely competitive” and “I don’t know how to handle criticism”
- Acknowledge and accept your weakness but then quickly focus on how you are working to overcome them in order to better yourself. For example, you can enroll in classes for advancement, work with a mentor or get additional training.
- Do not spend too long on any one weakness. Make your answer short and to the point. Dwelling on a negative trait will make you seem insecure.
Need more help preparing for that all-important job interview? Call Team Global / MSM to get started on the job search process. We will work with you every step of the way in order to find the right job for you, whether it’s a temp job or a career change.