What is your greatest weakness?

Summary

Dr. Michael Sharf discusses the challenging interview question about one's greatest weakness. He advises against using strengths disguised as weaknesses, such as 'perfectionism'. Instead, he suggests being honest about lacking experience, especially for students or career changers. For those with experience, he recommends identifying a non-critical area for improvement and discussing actions taken to enhance that skill. Sharf emphasizes the importance of sincerity and acknowledges that interviewers are aware of obvious weaknesses like inexperience in a field.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The interviewer asks about weaknesses to gauge self-awareness and openness to constructive criticism.
• 🚫 Avoid turning strengths into weaknesses as it can come across as insincere.
• 👨‍🎓 For students or newcomers, lack of experience can be an acceptable weakness.
• 🔍 If changing careers or industries, acknowledge the learning curve as a weakness.
• 💼 For experienced candidates, choose an area for improvement that is not critical to the job.
• 📈 Discuss what steps you're taking to improve in the area you've identified.
• 🙅‍♂️ Do not pick a weakness that is a critical skill for the position you're applying for.
• 📚 Mentioning books or courses you're using to improve can show initiative.
• 🔑 It's beneficial to identify a weakness that the interviewer is already aware of, showing honesty.
• 👍 Being open about a weakness shows you're self-aware and willing to grow.

Q & A

What is the main reason interviewers ask about a candidate's greatest weakness?

Interviewers ask about a candidate's greatest weakness to understand how aware the candidate is of their own weaknesses and to gauge their openness to constructive criticism.

What is Dr. Michael Sharf's opinion on candidates who present strengths as weaknesses?

Dr. Michael Sharf advises against presenting strengths as weaknesses, as it can come across as disingenuous and may lead to a negative impression in the interview.

Why might saying 'I care too much' or 'I'm a perfectionist' be a poor response to the question about weaknesses?

These responses are often seen as insincere attempts to disguise strengths as weaknesses and may not be well-received by interviewers who can see through such tactics.

What does Dr. Sharf suggest as a good approach for someone who lacks work experience?

For those who are students, new to the workforce, or changing industries, Dr. Sharf suggests honestly stating their lack of experience as their greatest weakness.

How did Dr. Sharf handle his own lack of experience when transitioning from industry to education?

Dr. Sharf admitted that he had never been a professor before and that stretching his training over a 16-week semester was his greatest weakness.

What is the alternative approach for candidates who have work experience but are not new to the workforce?

For experienced candidates, Dr. Sharf recommends identifying an area they are genuinely interested in improving that is not a critical element of the job they are applying for.

Why is it important to avoid mentioning a critical job skill as a weakness during an interview?

Mentioning a critical job skill as a weakness can signal to the interviewer that the candidate may not be well-suited for the position, which could negatively impact their chances of being hired.

What is an example of a non-critical skill a candidate might choose to discuss as an area for improvement?

A candidate in accounting or finance might choose to discuss their desire to improve their presentation skills or product knowledge, which are not critical elements of their job.

What should a candidate do if they are changing industries but have experience in a similar role?

A candidate can discuss their need to get up to speed on the products and industry-specific knowledge of the new field, acknowledging that this is their greatest weakness in the new role.

How can a candidate demonstrate that they are actively working to improve their identified weakness?

A candidate can mention specific steps they are taking, such as reading books or taking courses, to show that they are proactively addressing their weaknesses.

What is the benefit of acknowledging a weakness that the interviewer is already aware of?

By acknowledging a known weakness, the candidate shows self-awareness and honesty, which can be seen as strengths, and it also reassures the interviewer that the candidate is aware of the challenges they may face in the new role.