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dcclarke · Newbie Joined: 09 Aug 2008 Posts: 3 Career Advice: +0/-0

I'm currently applying for jobs in the IT field (entry level desktop support), have qualifications but have no experience.

Could I use this in the dreaded question "what is you biggest weakness?"
below is a script I have wrote for replying to this question.

"I have had trouble in the past getting a job in IT because I have no commercial work experience to back me up even though I’m Well certified & have been training hard passing my exams.

However I now taking steps to correct this, for the last 12 months I have been working privately assisting friends, family, work colleges etc, with typical ongoing troubleshooting issues, mostly in the areas of

I now believe I am now ready to take on a full time career in IT & look forward to the challengers ahead"

This demonstrates a honest approach to my weakness unlike the usual "I work too hard" & shows what measures ive taken to overcome it.
Do you think this is a good anwser or is it suicidal?

Mark McCormick · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

Hi dcclarke,

You raise a good question here. It all hinges on how big of an issue you believe this will be to the employer. You are applying for an entry level position so I would think they would be less concerned about this and so you are probably ok.

One thing I would recommend is to rephrase your answer a little by stating this was a problem I had several months ago, but now I have been doing the things listed and am in a much better position. You have the right idea in your answer by showing how you are addressing it. If you personality type is to be a straight shooter and up front with people, I think this could be a good answer for you as long as you believe in it.

If you have any doubts though, the safe path would be to pick a lesser weakness that does not apply to the job. One example could be difficulty learning foreign languages. At the end of the day, it does not matter what you say so long as you don't blurt out anything really objectionable and you believe in what you are saying. Good interviewers will be able to smell bs and so honesty is always appreciated.

Best,
Mark McCormick
Job Interview Tips

Bill S · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 3:23 am Post subject: Biggest Weakness - Best Answer

Not bad for an answer. I wouldn't memorize a script though as it would look "canned" and fake. Try instead to remember the general approach to the question. Act friendly and with confidence.

Another thing I would do, is use something you know isn't related to the job or position you are applying for. This way the employer isn't wondering if you can work out, or concerned about your ability.

A third option, which you reference, is saying something along the lines of "I work too hard" or "I tend to put people above myself", which would be good for a team or customer service environment. Don't try to make something up though as the employer can most often spot this.

JeremyI · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 9:25 am Post subject: What's your weakness

Hi there

I'm not sure I would go with your answer but you are on the right track.

Try to give an example of something which you are actively working to improve. For example “I don’t feel confident making presentations but I’m taking a public speaking course to overcome this issue”.

I would also avoid a "scripted" answer as you never know what the context of the question will be. But keep in mind that that everbody has a weakness (as well as strengths!) but make sure that the example you give is one that you are actively working on to improve.

I hope this helps!

petereff

chris2289 · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:28 am Post subject:

If they do ask, just say something along the lines of.

"I know it sounds like a bit of cliche but i would say that my biggest weakness is being really thorough with my work and i set myself impeccable standards and i'm not happy unless i can continually adhere to them."

Its a bit obvious but its better than saying something that would detract from your chances of getting a job.

Julia Penny · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:10 am Post subject: What are your weaknesses?

From the other side of the interview desk I know that candidates who try to present a weakness in the guise of a strength, eg "I am a perfectionist", are not really giving the interviewer what they want. With this interview question the interviewer is assessing your self awareness and insight rather than your weaknesses. The ability to acknowledge a weakness is often seen as a sign of maturity and wisdom. Refer to a true weakness but then turn it into a positive by describing it as an area for development and relate what steps you have taken to try and improve.
Sample answers are given at http://www.best-job-interview.com/free-interview-answers.html

averagegoddess · New User Joined: 17 Dec 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

My concern regarding your script is that it perhaps draws TOO much attention to your lack of professional experience. Of course the entry level position IMPLIES lack of experience, but maybe we don't want to highlight that any more than necessary. There have been several good ideas already given to you, but another option that I don't see is that you are such a strong leader, you are often drawn naturally into the leadership role, and end up taking on more than your fair share of work. Obviously, you can't use that if it doesn't actually apply to you, and your interviewer will usually ask you to back it up with examples, but if it IS true, it can be very well presented. Hope that helps!

Randy · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:42 am Post subject: Re: What are your weaknesses?

From the other side of the interview desk I know that candidates who try to present a weakness in the guise of a strength, eg "I am a perfectionist", are not really giving the interviewer what they want.

Ah, at last, some truth in advertising.

It's not truth nor honesty that counts in an interview, but being the most successful and guessing what the interviewer wants to hear. That means the person who gets hired isn't necessarily--rarely is, actually--the best person for the job, but rather only the one who is best at "interview skills". And that means that a few months after this "ideal candidate" has been on the job, there will be the predictable office gossip and rumors along the lines of, "Gee, I don't know what John/Mary isn't working out. He was great in the interview and I really liked him...."

Look around yourselves, people. Corporate America and corporatist mentality, attitudes, and practices are imploding. It was inevitable and predictable and it all started with the obvious: The current "business model" and "hiring practices" changed from wanting to hire people ready and willing to work--i.e., honest and truthful people--to those most willing and best at solving these little riddles and playing these games.

And even worse is that it started with MY generation--those thoroughly pathetic and self-absorbed baby-boomers who convinced themselves that college degrees and bullshit were of greater value than integrity and the courage of one's convictions.

Nero fiddled while Rome burned....

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