Is It Smart to Hide Your Weaknesses in a Job Interview
All of us have weaknesses when you look at them. Well, almost all of us – I’m looking at you Tom Brady and at you LeBron James. But even Tom had Eli Manning, his kryptonite. But, here we’re not talking about the immortal athletes, but about all of us, filled with weaknesses and in search of a job. In most interviews, you’re going to be asked to talk about your shortcomings without a fault. It is common practice. But, it’s not an easy answer to give. Another question that arises is it is smart to hide your weaknesses in a job interview. Everyone approaches this matter differently.
We are of the opinion that our weaknesses aren’t something you should hide at all costs. Instead, it should be pushed forward out on the open. Your employer would love to know if you’re having any, are you frank about them, and how ill you tackle them in the future. Talking about your weaknesses is seen as a form of constructive criticism. If taken head-on, in front of your employer, it tells a thing or two on how you will deal with issues and problems that will, without a doubt, come once you start working. Having a weakness is not a failure. Overcoming it is a sign of strength and is seen as one by all employers. This is why you shouldn’t hide your weaknesses during a job interview. Instead, it would be best if you learned how to approach them in front of your employer. The first step is to know how to approach this matter. This is where we will start.
How to Approach the Weakness Question
Once you know this question will pop out during a job interview, you ought to prepare for it. Knowing a thing or two in advance allows you to take the higher ground and take your shot before the employer can. Adversity comes with every job, and your new boss will want to know how you face it when it comes around. The first thing you need to think about is the limitations you had on your previous work experiences. You can even make a list of your shortcomings, present them to your boss, and tell them that those are the areas you’re looking to improve the most in the future. But, remember, it’s not all about you. The employer is there too, and you should learn a thing or two about them.
You also should pay attention to the job opening and coordinate your weaknesses with the position you’re looking to fill. If what you see as a deficiency on your part is essential for your future job, you should immediately look to improve yourself in the area and be prepared to demonstrate in the interview how you are planning to do it. To be able to handle this issue properly, you need to have a list of your strengths and weaknesses. This is where you start and go forward fro it, looking to improve and make yourself a better candidate.
What to Avoid in Your Answer
While we advocate talking about what you’re not good at and what you consider to be your weakness, there are things you’re better off leaving to yourself. When asked about weaknesses, most people go defensive. They stick to the old saying that none of it is present and that the job will be done thoroughly and with the utmost professionalism. This would be the case if you are a perfect candidate, and no one is that. Your employer knows it, and you should know it too. If you sprout an answer like this, the chances are that you won’t impress anyone. Most interviewers see an approach like this from candidates as something that portraits their lack of awareness. Being overconfident signals that you might have issues learning new things, and most of all, learning from past mistakes.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being confident in your ability to do a job. This is partially expected; it’s just the manner in which you approach this matter that matters. You can always say that you tend to be perfect or work hard and are competitive. These are good traits. Interviewers love to hear this, but you should be careful about how you say it. Be sure to back your words with previous experience and your resume.
Pint Your Weaknesses in a Positive Light
As we said, look yourself in the mirror, be real about who you are, and write down your weaknesses. But, don’t see them as something negative. They can be a little dark, but you can work on them and make them your bright spots. It’s all about the reflection. Reflect on yourself and be able to put out your weakness in a positive light. This is not a challenging task if you approach it the right way. This is something you need to practice on your own before being able to lay it out in front of the interviewer. Here’s the best way to do it, and make even your weakness strength of sort:
* Put all the focus on your positive sides. Even when talking about the negative parts, avoid words such as defeat or omission.
* Be sure to talk about weaknesses you’ve had in the past, but you managed to come out on top and improve. Lay out the evidence that you can do this again.
* Show that you are aware of the areas of your expertise that need improvement.
* If you can’t handle overcoming your shortcomings on your own, be sure to take class or training, which will make you a better prospect.
Like with any sport, everyone tends to be the best player they can, which is done by working on your weaknesses. But even if you can’t cover them all, make sure that you at least have your strengths polished. Getting through an interview to get a new job is never an easy task. So, if you need help in this department, be sure to click here.
