What’s Your Biggest Weakness? - THE BEST ANSWER!

Summary

In this insightful video, career coach Shodwan reveals the art of answering the common interview question about one's biggest weakness. He explains why recruiters ask this question, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and honesty. Shodwan advises against cliché and role-inappropriate responses, and instead offers a formula and five examples to demonstrate how to effectively address one's weaknesses while showcasing a commitment to personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interviewer's goal in asking about your biggest weakness is to assess your self-awareness and honesty.
• 🔍 Interviewers use this question as a classic part of the interview process, alongside other common questions like 'tell me about yourself'.
• 🙅 Avoid cliché answers like 'I'm a perfectionist' or 'I work too hard', as they are overused and can signal a lack of self-awareness.
• 🚫 Do not mention weaknesses that are directly related to the job role you are applying for, as it may lead to immediate disqualification.
• 🤔 Refrain from stating personal qualities that suggest you are stuck in a certain behavior without showing a desire or effort to improve.
• 🔑 Use the formula 'paint the picture, go into the details, then wrap up' to structure your answer effectively.
• 🛠 Choose a weakness that is real, and on which you are actively working to show self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.
• 💡 Provide examples of weaknesses that are not directly job-related but show areas of personal growth, such as delegating tasks, giving feedback, or public speaking.
• 📈 Emphasize the steps you are taking to improve upon your weakness, such as enrolling in a course or using a project management tool.
• 🗣️ When answering, be specific about how the weakness has impacted you in the past and what actions you are currently taking to address it.
• 👍 The video offers a practical example of how to answer the question using the provided formula, demonstrating a weakness and the steps for improvement.

Q & A

Why do recruiters ask about an applicant's biggest weakness during an interview?

Recruiters ask about an applicant's biggest weakness to assess their self-awareness and honesty. They want to understand what the applicant is working on improving and how they are addressing their shortcomings.

What is the main reason behind the question about an applicant's biggest weakness?

The main reason is to see how self-aware and honest the applicant is about their areas for improvement and their efforts to work on them.

What types of answers should be avoided when discussing one's biggest weakness in an interview?

Answers to avoid include clichéd responses like 'I'm a perfectionist' or 'I work too hard', weaknesses directly related to the role being applied for, anything that makes the applicant seem like a bad teammate, and personal qualities that imply a lack of adaptability or growth.

Why are clichéd answers like 'I'm a perfectionist' not recommended when discussing weaknesses?

Clichéd answers are not recommended because they are often seen as insincere and lack self-awareness, as recruiters have heard them too often and may perceive the applicant as not being honest or self-aware.

What is the recommended approach to answering the question about one's biggest weakness?

The recommended approach is to 'paint the picture, go into the details, and then wrap up'. This means identifying a real weakness, explaining how it has impacted them, and discussing what steps they are currently taking to improve.

What is the significance of choosing a weakness that is actively being worked on?

Choosing a weakness that is actively being worked on demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and a proactive attitude towards personal development, which are qualities that interviewers value.

Can you provide an example of how to use the recommended framework to answer the weakness question?

An example would be to discuss a weakness such as delegation skills, explain how it has affected past performance, and detail the steps being taken to improve, such as using a project management tool or enrolling in a leadership program.

What are some examples of weaknesses that interviewees could mention in their interview?

Examples include delegating tasks to team members, giving constructive feedback, presenting to large groups, learning a specific tool, or dealing with nervousness around senior leaders.

Why should the weakness mentioned in an interview not be directly related to the role being applied for?

A weakness directly related to the role could signal to the recruiter that the applicant is not a good fit for the position, as it suggests they lack essential skills for the job.

How can interviewees demonstrate that they are working on their weaknesses?

Interviewees can demonstrate active improvement by mentioning specific actions they are taking, such as using new tools, participating in training programs, or seeking mentorship.

What is the importance of honesty and self-awareness in the context of discussing one's biggest weakness in an interview?

Honesty and self-awareness are important because they show the interviewee's willingness to acknowledge and address their shortcomings, which is a sign of maturity and a growth mindset.