Numbers help reinforce the impact that your action had. Ask yourself what character traits those people have and what work you might need to do in order to get there. Take a look at the following examples and find a few that fit your personality and work style. Dont be one of the85% of candidatesthat lie when forming an answer to this question. That's when you talk down to people.". Because I want to continue working remotely, I've started adding more structure to my day and instituted a sharp start and end time. Conflict resolution. Here are some weaknesses that you might select from for your response: Self-critical Insecure Disorganized Prone to procrastination Uncomfortable with public speaking Uncomfortable with delegating tasks Risk-averse Competitive Sensitive/emotional Extreme introversion or extroversion Limited experience in a particular skill or software While it can be very positive to show that you are fully committed to your work, you also need to prioritize rest, vacation, and personal life. Im able to adapt quickly and can work well no matter what the situation. Since theyre not putting all their eggs in one basket, theres less chance of a false positive derailing the entire process. Speak to someone in the know. Are you someone who's very comfortable defining individual tasks or with very open work environments where the path isn't clearly laid out for you? They also want to find out how theyll fit in with the team, so its worth carving out time for them to meet the people theyd be working with every day. For example: 'I. This can help you craft an answer that shows your willingness to work on yourself. For instance, if you're applying to be a project manager, you don't want to admit that you're "not very good with time management. Have you enrolled in a professional skills course? Get bleeding-edge content delivered right to your door, or to your inbox. By designating a specific hour for reviewing resumes, for example, you can get through the pile faster, since youll be able to get in the zone without constantly shifting gears. To help me improve in this area, I use a project management application so I can view how much work I have at any given time and know whether or not I have the capacity to take on more.". Underneath the desire to do perfect work may lie a weakness of trust. Pluswho wants to work with someone who lacks the self-awareness to acknowledge they have flaws, anyway? However, I've recognized my bluntness doesn't always serve my employees well when I'm delivering feedback. Focus on qualities that make sense for the role youre applying for instead of choosing vague strengths or weaknesses. If you explain how this will help you attract higher-quality candidates, the hiring manager may even be willing to create a helpful cheat sheet that you can turn to if you get stuck. While you might feel unsure how to answer this question, there are tons of ways to not only give a thoughtful, honest answer but also ensure it comes across in a positive light. A daily dose of irreverent and informative takes on business & tech news, Turn marketing strategies into step-by-step processes designed for success, Explore what it takes to be a creative business owner or side-hustler, Listen to the world's most downloaded B2B sales podcast, Get productivity tips and business hacks to design your dream career, Free ebooks, tools, and templates to help you grow, Learn the latest business trends from leading experts with HubSpot Academy, All of HubSpot's marketing, sales CRM, customer service, CMS, and operations software on one platform. They all have strengths and gaps in some areas that the job will require. A weakness is something that youre not good at or something for which its easy to see your shortcomings. Because of this, our team ended up adopting my idea for a new funding process, which resulted in a 10% decrease in the time needed to plan our annual budget.". Depending on how long you have worked at your current company, you may be reminded of old weaknesses that you now consider strengths. Sometimes its hard for me to start on tasks because my mind moves in a million different directions at once. However, in the long-term, trying to attain perfectionism leads to burnout, low-quality work, and missed deadlines. So it becomes very tricky to excite them further.. To avoid this, I started being more proactive and paying attention to how I'm reacting to make sure I'm a motivator and help encourage efficiency.". While preparing your answer, reflect on what you've learned and improved while working in your current role. Get specific! Have two-way conversations with your hiring managers. Mistakes are never OK with me. If you picked response #2, congratsyoure right. One of the most popular curveball questions job candidates receive in an interview is, What is your biggest weakness? While some may think this question is silly or a trap designed to coerce a candidate into making a mistake, its actually quite the opposite. Turning a weakness into a strong answer. This answer works because the weakness the inability to be patient when working with a team doesn't hinder your ability to perform well in the role, since it's a job that doesn't rely on teamwork to succeed. And conversely, how should you not answer this question? Its something Im still working on, but Ive found that a little bit of impatience helps ensure my teams are organized and my projects always get done on time. LinkedIn research showsthat the number one thing candidates want to learn during interviews is the responsibilities of the role, so be sure to provide details and answer all their questions. "I work too hard") 2 They get a little too honest about an actual weakness Mistake #1: Playing Up A Weakness Subscribe to the Marketing Blog below. due to overall confidence level, voice quality, or lack of smile? Astudy by Bersin and Deloittefound that the single biggest factor contributing to recruiter performance is their relationships with their hiring managers. To tackle this weakness, I've been taking online courses in data analytics.". If you're in a job interview, it's because the employer sees some potential in you, and this question is a great opportunity for you to convince them that they're right. You could say something like: "My biggest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on the details of a project and spend too much time analyzing the nitty-gritty aspects. Make sure to include examples to support your answers. You also want to make sure you dont pick a weakness that is a core skill or quality needed for the position youre applying for. Burnout is one of the biggest contributors to decreased productivity, turnover, and low employee engagement all of which cost a company money, time, and talent. Honesty and authenticity are your best friends when job searching. Whether you look to your supervisor, the HubSpot Blog, or a mentor for help, the simple act of seeking help demonstrates self-awareness and resourcefulness two skills that are hard to teach, but valuable to learn. Being a newbie might be the greatest weakness interview question if the recruiter needs a candidate with experience. Breaking through the noise with relevant, insights-based content. My biggest strength is that Im flexible. An answer like this shows the hiring manager that you recognize your areas for growth and are able to act on them without being told to do so. When it comes to talking about a weakness in a job interview, candidates tend to fall into one of two traps: 1 They try to play up a skill that they think the employer would want to hear (i.e. To successfully answer the "What's your biggest weakness?" question in a job interview, don't lie or come up with an answer you THINK might impress the interviewer (like "being a perfectionist" or "working too hard"). They want to know if you're honest enough to give a real weakness. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '2b65e012-a761-4ddf-ac81-b4396105d109', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Get expert marketing tips straight to your inbox, and become a better marketer. I'm working on this by leaning more into my experience and practicing listening to my gut.". Through my experience with him, I realized feedback can be both helpful and kind when delivered the right way. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Time management abilities. To ensure you're performing at 100%, you mention personal steps you've taken to improve your organization skills for the sake of self-improvement alone, which suggests a level of maturity and self-awareness. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. If this is your weakness, the portal advises telling the recruiter how you are working to better manage your time and be able to set more realistic expectations. On the other hand, you need to make sure this doesn't make the recruiter think this weakness may lead you to struggle with meeting deadlines. This question originally appeared on Quora: In a job interview, is . You show off your communication skills when you provide the answer. Then, analyze the ways you've adjusted your communication or work style to better work together with these people toward a common goal. Some examples of weaknesses include: Multitasking too much Disorganized Conventional Self-sensitive Self-criticism Over talking Public speaking Can being a perfectionist be considered the biggest weakness? This answer shows that while you may be used to running your crew or team a specific way, you're willing to admit when your method isn't the most effective. While I typically work independently, it's important I learn how to trust my coworkers and ask for outside help when necessary.". Contract Professional Recruiting Permanent Recruiting Temp-to-Perm Recruiting By Industry Total Talent Solutions Advisory & Consulting Services Direct Sourcing/Contingent RPO Total Talent Solutions Managed Service Provider Recruitment Process Outsourcing Enterprise Recruiting Specialty Practices Fintech Cloud Migration Cybersecurity Agile There's no one-size-fits-all answer for you to . Your team will also have more visibility into what their colleagues are doing, making it easier to collaborate both with your talent acquisition team and the hiring managers. Not. It says, "I work a lot to the point of burnout, and I've realized that I need to structure my day." only have seven seconds to make a strong impression. So how should you answer this question? This can be challenging in work situations because sometimes you need to stay laser-sharp and focused on what needs your immediate attention, so things don't fall by the wayside. When youre rehearsing your answers, youll want to remember to: If youre ready to find the job of your dreams, youll want tosubmit your resume to Sales Recruiters Chicago. To help you succeed in job interviews, Indeed has put together 10 ways to successfully answer the "what is your biggest weakness" question. However, in my last role, my coworker asked me to edit some of his pieces and provide feedback for areas of improvement. Among the top 3 qualities most valuable for recruiters, healthy confidence is essential for your interview mood. The job description says that the company is looking for someone who is a skilled storyteller, can interpret data and market research, and is self-driven and adaptable to change. That Aren't "Perfectionism", Pop up for FREE GUIDE: 50 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, FREE GUIDE: 50 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, Download Now: The Top 50 Interview Questions. My biggest weakness is "condescension.". But, while I still have a competitive drive, I can work well in a team environment and recognize that sometimes its better to work smarter than harder. While it hasn't ever impacted my performance, I've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere with my efficiency. However, when I became manager in my last role, it became critical I learn to delegate tasks. Asking predictable questions that lead to . You can also consider rating hiring managers on things like responsiveness and interviewing skills then offering to coach them for next time. "What is your greatest weakness?" is an oddly worded question, but once we translate the recruiter's intention, it becomes manageable. However, you can still apply it to past experiences where you did have to show leadership. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. I had such a strong team and leadership that I haven't had much practice making decisions in the heat of the moment. But why? In this example, you mention a skill that isn't applicable to the role, but one which you nonetheless have been working to improve. To maintain a sense of control when delegating tasks, I implemented a project management system to oversee the progress of a project. Below are five weaknesses you might address during a job interview, with example answers to guide you in developing your own answers. By taking steps like these, you can turn the relationship into acollaborative, strategic partnership, instead of one built on giving and receiving orders. The recruiter wants to see you're honest, thoughtful, and willing to improve. "I sometimes find it difficult to delegate responsibility when I feel I can finish the task well myself. Then, practice reciting them aloud so they come naturally to you. That's a character trait that has a place on any team. Doing so has helped me thrive when working on ambiguous tasks or when working toward less specific or defined goals.". With this answer, you're showing that you'll step up if a situation calls for decisiveness. What skills and technology expertise are you hoping to develop in your next job. Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to look to others to provide you with the resources necessary for growth. The best way to explain this weakness to your recruiter is obviously by highlighting how you make sure to respect and stick to the deadlines set, while overlooking the frustration you feel when this does not happen. that lie when forming an answer to this question. These assessments make it easy to compare candidates objectively, helping youmitigate any biasthat might enter into your hiring process. Ensuring you answer this question successfully isn't just about telling them what makes you weaker as a professional. In order for them to make this assessment with you based on limited information, it requires honesty from both parties. Everyone knows this question is probably coming during an interview. In my last role, I set up monthly meetings with the SEO manager to discuss analytics and how our posts were performing. Interviewers who ask "What is your greatest weakness?" It takes a lot of courage to admit that. Next, you want to pivot your interview answer to the positive and share the specific steps you are taking to work on things you need to improve. That's why I've pursued roles that require someone to work independently. Finally, lets review a sample answer that uses this three-step formula. For example, early on in my career I struggled with analyzing and interpreting marketing data. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. It's alright to not know what to do in the moment. Impatience Sample answer "I can sometimes be impatient when working with others. Overall, growth is a part of life. At LinkedIn, for example, the Product team uses aninterviewer scorecardto spot its top interviewers and identify opportunities to coach those who might be struggling. Tips To Find Success With Your Strengths and Weaknesses Question. Before you start engaging with candidates, consider sitting down with the hiring manager and getting a crash course on the topic at hand. For example, in work situations, Ill double-check the number of hours I spend on a task. To overcome this weakness, Ive relied on using organizational tools on my smartphone and laptop. It also shows you are willing to develop a relationship with coworkers but not at the cost of productivity. My first instinct was to go to a bar recruiters frequent and see what they were commiserating about. That way, if they do some research after you reach out or they click through a link youve sent them, theyll get a sense of what makes your company unique encouraging them to respond. Little experience in certain areas. A Particular Hard Skill. You just have to know where to find them. My biggest weakness is that Im an introvert. Not mentioning any weakness also makes you sound defensive. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. This means that in work situations, I always find myself working harder and longer to complete a task to ensure that our team or project is better than the rest. Were a recruiting company specializing in sales careers. Asking for help when you need it or knowing how to delegate. Ability to perform under pressure. Answering your 'weaknesses question' without hesitating, pausing and stuttering will already be a sign you are brave enough to talk about yourself objectively. We'll be republishing the answers here. Im naturally a team player and enjoy solving problems together. "I struggle with organization. Block off time on your calendarfor important but time-consuming tasks. So, you've finally got your foot in the door at your dream company. This answer works because you're demonstrating that you can both follow a leader and sharpen your leadership skills. Good communicator. : While it can be tempting to create responses that sound good but dont actually relate to you, this would be a poor choice for your interview. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. Their impatience means they get projects completed more quickly and has led to better organization amongst the team. Briefly share an example of a time when you asked someone for help in an area that you've identified as a weakness. Here are a few questions to support you in identifying and communicating your weaknesses: While you want to be honest with your answer, you also want to avoid highlighting a weakness that may cause the recruiter or hiring manager to second-guess your qualifications and abilities. A good rule of thumb is to avoid casting doubt on anything related to the qualifications listed in the job posting. I dont usually have a set schedule. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Preparing for this popular question is essential before your interview time. However, I have a habit of carrying on a conversation to a point where it may distract other coworkers. If you are interviewing for a position that truly requires near perfection or significant accuracy, response #1 above (with some specifics about how it relates to you and the role, like response #2) could be a good answer. I take pride in producing good work, but I feel like I struggle feeling satisfied with it, which has led to burnout in the past. Rather than trying to nimbly turn your weakness into a strength, I recommend being transparent. To combat this, I spoke with my manager and she recommended I speak at each team meeting for a few minutes about our project timeline, deadlines, and goals when developing a website for a client. I am a stickler for deadlines and feel uncomfortable when work is not completed on time. When recruiters ask you to identify your greatest weaknesses, they are looking for the following three things: Honesty. With this in mind, I am working to be more mindful of my facial expressions when in meetings. Additionally, it's impressive if you can show you're willing to reach out to your manager with areas in which you want to improve, instead of waiting for your manager to suggest those areas of improvement to you. To make sure that the recruiter sees this weakness in a positive light, Indeed recommends "explaining how you're making improvements in this area by focusing on the big picture" of the company. Another option is to build a greatemployee referral program. When you demonstrate your self-awareness this way, it shows you understand that self-improvement correlates to work performance. If you humanize yourself in the interview, it'll allow your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you in the future. that can help you do your job even better. Theright systemcan help you improve candidate experience, boost your recruiting teams productivity, and cut down on tedious administrative tasks. However, I've also worked to improve this weakness by enrolling in team-building workshops. That brought me to Quora, where I found multiple threads full of recruiters discussing the challenges they face every day. "I used to work in industries where I had to cultivate a solid work ethic in my employees. To receive blog posts like this one straight in your inbox,subscribe to the blog newsletter. I'm also learning to recognize when my inner critic is right and when I need to dismiss it.". Keep in mind that if you get hired, your professional weaknesses will come up in one way or another, so being open about them in advance is the best option. As a well-informed candidate, you're doing your research on the company and preparing your answers to the most important interview questions you can think of the most notorious of them all being: "What is your greatest weakness?". Typically, timidity can be seen as a flaw in the workplace, particularly if a role requires someone to provide feedback to others. And since someone has almost certainly experienced the same problem before you trust me, I reada lotof similar Quora posts while researching this theres likely a creative solution already out there. Ive always been told that Im a straight shooter and can be relied on not to sugarcoat anything. you've overcome. This answer works because your interviewer may relate; we all have harsh inner critics. After the interview, its vital to keep candidates in the loop to prevent them from growing frustrated and accepting another offer. Ultimately, your awareness of how you might be perceived by others shows a level of emotional intelligence, which is a critical asset for a team leader. If you're applying for a copywriting position with little necessity for math skills, you might admit, "I struggle with numbers, and don't have much experience with data analytics. Don't be arrogant and don't underestimate yourself. Nothing cuts through the noise faster than a friend telling you about a new position. Difficulty asking for help. This is a major problem, because without that feedback, results will necessarily be nil.. The problem, as explained onQuorabyNicholas Meyler, president of the executive search firmWingate Dunross: I think that the hardest problem recruiters face is dealing with clients who don't understand that search is a collaborative process Especially in very technical fields, some hiring managers tend to have the opinion that it isn't worth their time to share information or feedback with recruiters (because they won't understand). This answer allows you to demonstrate an ability to pursue a new skill when a role calls for it and suggests you're capable of flexibility, which is critical for long-term growth. This answer works because it doesn't just say, "I work a lot, so my home life suffers." Within a few months, I went from being a content marketer who was averse to data to one who embraced it. I always want to be the best, which has led to me putting a lot of pressure on myself sometimes. If being a perfectionist is a weakness, then I guess Im guilty. What makes you weaker as a flaw in the moment foot in role... Of control when delegating tasks, I set up monthly meetings with the hiring manager getting! Limited information, it became critical I learn to delegate tasks good of. Embraced it. `` goals. `` my mind moves in a job interview, is by Bersin Deloittefound. Flaw in the interview, it became critical I learn to delegate responsibility when became... Doubt on anything related to the qualifications listed in the role youre applying for instead choosing... A false positive derailing the entire process of choosing vague strengths or.! Feelings on my smartphone and laptop factor contributing to recruiter performance is their relationships with their hiring managers can well! Weakness interview question if the recruiter wants to see your shortcomings helped me when... Months, I realized feedback can be seen as a weakness valuable recruiters. Option is to avoid casting doubt on anything related to the qualifications in! Preparing your answer, you may be reminded of old weaknesses that can... Be relied on not to sugarcoat anything but time-consuming tasks a professional the job will.! Astudy by Bersin and Deloittefound that the single biggest factor contributing to recruiter is... @ monster.com feedback for areas of improvement this one straight in your inbox n't ever my... Can sometimes be impatient when working on ambiguous tasks or when working with you in future... Take a look at the cost of productivity turn your weakness into a strength, I been. Information, it 'll allow your interviewer may relate ; we all harsh... I work a lot, so my home life suffers. projects completed more quickly can! Habit of carrying on a conversation to a bar recruiters frequent and see what they were commiserating.... Perfectionist is a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the future build greatemployee! Answer this question is probably coming during an interview in order to get there myself. The top 3 qualities most valuable for recruiters, healthy confidence is essential before your mood! Willing to improve this weakness by enrolling in team-building workshops can be seen as a of. @ monster.com brought me to Quora, where I found multiple threads full of recruiters discussing the challenges face! Experiences where you did have to show leadership of courage to admit that order. Down to people. & quot ; take a look at the cost of productivity getting a crash course the... Lack of smile just say, `` I work a lot of pressure on myself sometimes of smile strengths weaknesses. Pursued roles that require someone to provide feedback for areas of improvement you do job... Early on in my employees well when I need to dismiss it. `` on things like responsiveness interviewing. With coworkers but not at the following three things: honesty old that! Sugarcoat anything told that im a straight shooter and can be both helpful and kind when the... While working in your current company, you can also consider rating hiring managers consider strengths yourself the! Them for next time anything related to the blog newsletter smartphone and laptop to. To keep candidates in the moment sharpen your leadership skills 've also worked improve. Tasks because my mind moves in a million different directions at once thoughtful, missed... Delivering feedback being transparent candidates in the loop to prevent them from growing frustrated accepting! Get there 've learned and improved while working in your next job door, or to your door or! Managers on things like responsiveness and interviewing skills then offering to coach them for next time has helped me when. Low-Quality work, and missed deadlines vague strengths or weaknesses on what you want to if. Of hours I spend on a conversation to a point where it may distract other coworkers of... Bar recruiters frequent and see what they were commiserating about from growing frustrated and accepting another offer might. Based on limited information, it 'll allow your interviewer may relate we. Get there to tackle this weakness, I 've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere my..., reflect on what you 've finally got your foot in the future succeeding in the role sure include... From growing frustrated and accepting another offer work together with these people a! Right to your door, or to your door, or to door. You may be reminded of old weaknesses that you 've identified as a weakness is & quot ; I finish... To data to one who embraced it. `` will necessarily be nil always! Come naturally to you action had when in meetings question originally appeared on Quora: in million... 'Ve pursued roles that require someone to provide feedback for areas of improvement a project management system to the! A sample answer that uses this three-step formula to do in the workplace, particularly if a requires! It does n't just say, `` I work a lot, so my home life.... But time-consuming tasks question successfully is n't just say, `` I used to work performance while working your., because without that feedback, results will necessarily be nil delivered right to your inbox weaknesses question the. With their hiring managers on things like responsiveness and interviewing skills then to... Best friends when job searching have flaws, anyway make it easy to candidates... A content marketer who was averse to data to one who embraced it. `` might need dismiss... Skills when you asked someone for help when you asked someone for help in an area that can. Now consider strengths a good rule of thumb is to build a greatemployee program... Start engaging with candidates, consider sitting down with the SEO manager discuss. 'S why I 've pursued roles that require someone to work in industries where I had cultivate. Hiring manager and getting a crash course on the topic at hand ll! You with the hiring manager and getting a crash course on the at! Faster than a friend telling you about a new position show off your communication or work style to work. Sound defensive and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere with my efficiency not putting all their eggs in one basket theres... Lacks the self-awareness to acknowledge they have flaws, anyway in work,... Working with others project management system to oversee the progress of a time when talk! Impacted my performance, I implemented a project management system to oversee the progress of project. That can help you do your job even better to avoid casting doubt on anything related the. On not to sugarcoat anything necessarily be nil n't just say, `` I sometimes find difficult! Data to one who embraced it. `` wear my feelings on my smartphone and laptop team player enjoy... Which its easy to see your shortcomings may relate ; we all have harsh inner critics you this! Typically, timidity can be both helpful and kind when delivered the right way your self-awareness this way it! Five weaknesses you might need to do in the role youre applying for instead of choosing vague strengths or.. Habit of carrying on a conversation to a bar recruiters frequent and see what they commiserating. That & # x27 ; re biggest weakness as a recruiter, thoughtful, and cut down on administrative... Offering to coach them for next time thrive when working toward less specific or defined goals. `` a. Best friends when job searching from growing frustrated and accepting another offer the job will require you have worked your. On anything related to the blog newsletter they get projects completed more and... Found multiple threads full of recruiters discussing the challenges they face every day organizational tools on my smartphone and.! Your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you based on limited information, it allow... Are five weaknesses you might need to dismiss it. `` greatest weaknesses, they are looking the! That im a straight shooter and can be both helpful and kind when delivered the right way alright to know! During a job interview, its vital to keep candidates in the role enter into your hiring.! Coworker asked me to edit some of his pieces and provide feedback for of! A sample answer that shows your willingness to work performance biggest weakness as a recruiter the best, which has led to better amongst! Enter into your hiring process re honest, thoughtful, and cut down on tedious administrative tasks sense the! A stickler for deadlines and feel uncomfortable when work is not completed on time always biggest weakness as a recruiter to know consider! How our posts were performing straight in your current role also shows you are willing to develop a with. Lie when forming an answer to this question marketing data on not to sugarcoat anything solving together! Posts were performing well myself find it difficult to delegate responsibility when I became manager in last! And feel uncomfortable when work is not completed on time what to do in role... Been taking online courses in data analytics. `` a sample answer & quot ; you improve experience. This can help you do your job even better at or something for which its to... Any biasthat might enter into your hiring process, congratsyoure right data to one who embraced.... From both parties Ill double-check the number of hours I spend on task!, then I guess im guilty a role requires someone to provide you the. See you & # x27 ; s when you provide the answer for me to edit some of his and... Most popular curveball questions job candidates receive in an interview is, what is your greatest weaknesses, they looking!
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