|
Question of the Month: Addressing the Infamous Interview Question
In an interview you’re asked the question, “Tell us about your shortcomings.” What’s your best response?
Which of the following recommendations is her best choice?
A) At this stage of my career, I can assure you that any shortcomings I may have possessed were long ago corrected. I’m happy to report, therefore, that I now bring only positives to the table.
B) As a working parent with young children I sometimes must be late for work or will have to leave work in a hurry to tend to a sick child.
C) I admit to being a perfectionist and don’t fully trust others to get things completely right. For that reason, I’ll stay with a task until I’m sure it’s flawlessly accomplished, even if I have to work long hours and on weekends.
D) I’m an idea person, which is a strength I’ve sometimes used to excess in the past. At times I’ve spent too much time in generating multiple options for situations that didn’t require brilliant solutions. I now manage that tendency by focusing on an option that adequately meets the need within the timeframe available.
A. This is an arrogant response likely to produce negative reactions.
Everyone has weaknesses and you need to know what they are and how to effectively manage them. Individuals unaware of their weaknesses either through arrogance or ignorance are a danger to themselves and their work situations. Just as you must know your strengths to capitalize on them, you also need to know your shortcomings to prevent them from undermining your success. (Select a better choice)
B. Avoid personal information....
Personal information should generally be avoided in job interviews. Keep your responses related to the professional arena. As a working parent, however, you may want to assure the interviewer tactfully, that as a professional, you always handle your personal affairs responsibly so they do not interfere with your work.
(Select a better choice)
C. Don't avoid the question....
This is an example of an overused cliché, the type of response that many use as a way of avoiding the real intent of the question. Why is this question asked? It's to assess how well you know yourself. Resorting to an overworked cliché is likely to show you are avoiding the question, or worse, that you�re ignorant of your shortcomings.
(Select a better choice)
D. This is the best approach...
It�s not unusual that one�s greatest weakness, one that can derail a career, is a strength taken to excess. Authenticity is the best approach in responding to this question. Think of an actual shortcoming, say what it is, show how you manage it, and give a recent example of how you do so.
The best choice.
Click on a letter to select your answer
|
