Interview questions help

[Strawbs]

I need to think of an answer to 'what is your biggest weakness'? It was brought up at an interview yesterday and I didn?t have an answer and she said if I get an interview for the role she is putting me forward for then I MUST have an answer if they ask me, it is looking promising I will get an interview on Friday. I said 'filing' as I didn?t particularly enjoy it but that just isnt enough!

Help!!

[Ted Max]

Is it for a filing job, Strawbs?

[HonaloochieB]

I work too hard. I pooh-pooh all this 'work/life balance' foldarol, with me it's all about the work and nothing more.

You'll be a shoo in.

[Ted Max]

My biggest weakness is I don't know my own weaknesses.

Coat. Door. Slightly unsatisfactory call to recruitment agent.

[Strawbs]

ha ha TM no its for an Executive Assistant role..

the below would best describe me in a tactful way.. Especially the 2nd one.. I also dont want to really draw on a weakness as then that just highlights why they shouldnt employ you!

Passionate about what you do (can make you impatient)

Impatient (with others if they don't work to the same level/speed/quality as you)

Involved - sometimes take work home and need to give it a rest as you know that work life balance is important for your sanity!

[PeckhamRose]

Chocolate

procrastination

lack of sympathy with political correctness nazis when I know I treat everyone equally anyway

that should do it

[georgia]

Have a look at this (question 3):

Interview Questions

[SeanMacGabhann]

This is too easy strawbs. . Not always diplomatic

[Brendan]

You could say, ?Answering stupid generic interview questions thought up by uncreative HR types with too much time on their hands.?

[Ted Max]

Best bit about Georgia's v helpful link was the follow up: show how you now manage this weakness.

ie I used to be have massive tantrums in the middle of the office but I've learnt that if I recognise the symptoms in time, I can run to the loos and cry in there instead.

[Strawbs]

Yes SM Im nowhere near as diplomatic as you, bit of a straight shooter as my father would say (just then replace straight with lezza and we are there!!) weehayy!!!

Brendan - that would be my dream answer to give but sadly I fear I would never get a job and would have to come and live with you!

[Mikecg]

Ive seen 2 suicides at work and 1 nervous breakdown, 2 x jumpers inside the buildings and a Lady who was so distressed she decided to lie under her desk and cry uncontrolably.

[HonaloochieB]

I like a few sherbets of a lunchtime but I'm absolutely hilarious afterwards.

[paragon]

Everyone has weaknesses including the person who is interviewing you. The worst answer is "i am a perfectionist" it is such a cliche and anyone who interviews often will have heard it time and time again. It ranks up there with getting a degree as your greatest success. The most important thing when being interviewed is that the person can relate to you and can imagine working with you. If they like you and dislike a slightly more qualified candidate in many situations you will get the nod.

I think "getting frustrated with others for lack of ability" can come across as smug and self-important in interviews. I would say;

"I think a weakness of mine would be that I am too willing to take on work which falls outside of my recognised job description. Generally I am doing this to either develop or help out a colleague but occasionally it impacts my ability to deliver in my core role. I have improved vastly during my last job but I still have progress to be made"

The above shows; willingness to take on new tasks and do jobs that fall outside the 9-5 (which is important as an EA), humility by not giving a crap answer that makes you seem perfect and could make the interviewer relate to you as many people have been in that situation. Depends on who is interviewing you - if it is an office manager, a Senior EA, or the person you will be working for there should be slightly different approaches to each interview.

[HonaloochieB]

Mikecg Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Ive seen 2 suicides at work and 1 nervous

> breakdown, 2 x jumpers inside the buildings and a

> Lady who was so distressed she decided to lie

> under her desk and cry uncontrolably.

I'm guesssing the Daily Express, Mike.

[Brendan]

Just say, ?Continence.? and look a bit teary. They?ll quickly move on to the next question.

[jaybee82]

For tips, I'd probably watch the 'appraisals' episode of The Office...gets me every time.

"For weaknesses...you've put Eczema"

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Mikecg Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Ive seen 2 suicides at work and 1 nervous

> breakdown, 2 x jumpers inside the buildings and a

> Lady who was so distressed she decided to lie

> under her desk and cry uncontrolably.

Strewth Mikecg! Are you a Merchant Banker?

[Tony.London Suburbs]

Tony.London Suburbs Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Mikecg Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > Ive seen 2 suicides at work and 1 nervous

> > breakdown, 2 x jumpers inside the buildings and

> a

> > Lady who was so distressed she decided to lie

> > under her desk and cry uncontrolably.

>

> Strewth Mikecg! Are you a Merchant Banker?

Should have known Hoochie would already be "In Like Errol Flynn!":-S

[Mikecg]

One of the jumpers was a trader the other two were a part of the same IT Department, it was like ego maniac central on a good day.

[????]

On principle I wouldn't want a job where the best question they've got is "And now tell me what's your biggest weakness?"....been asked by dullards sine 1902.......has no-one in a recruiting function got any imagination nowadays?

[????]

Soory, Brendan, you beat me to it

[HonaloochieB]

Jump on the table and burst into the chorus of Barry White's Your Sweetness Is My Weakness.

It'll show your initiative. At least if you're not careful.

Perhaps trousers rather than a skirt.

[woofmarkthedog]

Blimey mikeciggie

Where do you work Bridgend ...?.... you need to relocate your offices to a bungalow

W***F

[Queen of Dulwich]

Strawbs,

I have been asked this question countless times. My answer is always the same - I am a perfectionist and I work fast, accurate and to a high standard. I am disappointed when others do not show the same dedication/commitment to their work.

Important thing to remember is that every weakness can be a strength as well - perfect, fast, accurate, high standard, dedication etc. are the words that recruitment agents get off on. Use them even when speaking about your weakness.

It goes without saying that your appearance has to match that description - i.e. impeccably attired, prepared, on time etc.

Good Luck!