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Interview Questions Weaknesses

Interview questions weaknesses help and advice. How you respond to the weakness interview question says a great deal about you and that's why it's been around so long.

It reveals a number of things - how well prepared you are for the interview, your self insight, self-awareness and honesty. These are actually the qualities the interviewer is assessing, not really the actual weakness itself. Go through the list below of common interview questions weaknesses and decide which applies to you- everyone has a weakness!


Look at the suggestions on how it can be managed and develop a constructive interview answer that acknowledges the weakness and then goes on to describe what you are doing to improve on it and what appropriate behaviors you use to compensate for it. The key is how you manage the weakness.

Interview Questions Weaknesses

Weakness and how it presents in the workplace How can it be managed?
Procrastination

Misses deadlines, always rushing at the last minute to complete tasks, asking for help to complete activities, appearing unprepared for meetings etc, low productivity.

Recognize the cause of the procrastination. If it is because a task seems too overwhelming then break it into smaller, more manageable activities and set target times and deadlines for completing each activity. If it is because you lack confidence in your ability to do the task then ask for help and find resources to assist you.
Impatience

Frustration with co workers who perform at a slower pace or to a lower standard than you expect of yourself. Doesn't accept mistakes easily.

Recognize people have different work standards and different levels of productivity. See it from their point of view. Provide constructive feedback in a pleasant way and offer help to move the project forward.
Reluctance to delegate or share tasks

Does not assign tasks to others, appears to lack confidence in co-workers, doesn't fully utilize the skills and resources of other staff members, checks up on others.

Admit that others can do the work as well as you. Accept that mistakes may be made but they can be rectified. Learn to trust other's abilities. Clarify what has to be done. Put support mechanisms in place to minimize the chance of failure.
Unassertive

Reluctant to speak up and contribute in group situations. Agrees with others despite own feelings. Allows others to take advantage. Difficulty in saying "no". Puts other's needs ahead of own.

Read books and undertake training courses on how to be assertive. Practice suggested techniques. Practice strategies for saying no to unreasonable demands. Practice making requests and asking for what you need. Use assertive body language to get your message across.
Cautious

Adverse to taking risks and trying new things, difficulty in accepting change, gathers all facts and continually reviews all details before making a decision or starting on a task. Over-analyzes outcomes.

Practice increasing pace of communication and activity. Be open to new ideas. Avoid over-attending to details and focus on the big picture. Learn to trust other people's judgment. Set yourself specific time frames for reviewing information and getting started on a project.
Uncompromising/stubborn

Inflexible, difficulty in adapting to changes, resistant to different ideas, one way communication.

Be open to different ideas and listen to opinions that conflict with your own. Take time to consider an idea or change and not just immediately dismiss it. Actively ask for people's contributions and feedback.
Strong willed/controlling

Single minded on own goal achievement, does not take direction easily, can be insensitive to feelings and needs of others, wants to be in charge. Tries to control other people's activities.

Increase self awareness of how one is perceived by other staff members. Actively listen when given feedback and direction. Focus on building relationships as well as task achievement. Consider other people's needs.
Talkative

Distracting and distracted, indiscreet, does not get the job done, wastes time, often away from desk.

Stay at desk and do not move around office unnecessarily, have a specific work-related purpose for going over to a co-worker, set aside a specific time to chat with co-workers such as lunch break, stick to the facts when communicating and do not get off the point, learn to listen more.

When disclosing interview questions weaknesses avoid focusing on something that is a core competency for the job. Rather describe general behaviors that impact on a number of areas of your life - personal, home and work. Respond to interview questions weaknesses with answers such as:

"My family tell me I am impatient. I acknowledge this is a weakness of mine at home and sometimes in the workplace - I like things to be done promptly and to a certain standard. When that doesn't happen I get frustrated. I am making a conscious attempt to see it from the other person's point of view, recognize that people approach things differently and not impose my own standards on others. I find if I provide constructive help rather than just getting impatient it improves the situation."

This answer provides honest feedback while positively highlighting that you are a results-driven person.

Go here to view a comprehensive List of Strengths that can be used to successfully answer the question "What are your Strengths?"

Find out how to determine your personal strengths at What are Your Strengths?

For Free Interview Answers to the interview question What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?.

Prepare for all Sample Job Interview Questions.

Be aware of your body language when answering questions about your weaknesses. Get help with this at Interview Body Language

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Use the interview questions weaknesses list to prepare a well considered and appropriate interview answer to the question "What are your weaknesses?"



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