Interview Question: What are your Weaknesses? 3 EXAMPLE ANSWERS!

Summary

In this insightful video, Abby guides viewers on how to tackle the challenging interview question, 'Tell me about your weaknesses.' She outlines five common pitfalls to avoid, such as presenting personality traits as weaknesses and claiming to have no weaknesses at all. Abby introduces a practical CAR formula (Context, Action, Result) to help craft effective responses, along with three illustrative examples. The video encourages self-awareness and growth, aiming to equip job seekers with the tools to make a positive impression during interviews. Viewers are invited to engage further by subscribing and following Abby on Twitch for real-time career advice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Abby emphasizes the importance of preparing for the interview question about weaknesses, as it's a common inquiry.
• 📌 Weaknesses should not be described as fixed personality traits, which can signal to employers that you're unchangeable.
• 🚫 Avoid claiming you have no weaknesses, as this shows a lack of self-awareness, which is a red flag for interviewers.
• 🤔 Don't disguise strengths as weaknesses (e.g., saying you're a perfectionist), as this can come off as insincere.
• 📝 Make sure your chosen weakness isn't directly related to the essential skills of the job you're applying for.
• ❌ Similarly, avoid selecting a weakness that is completely irrelevant to the job, as it does not provide meaningful insight.
• 🔍 Abby suggests making a list of areas you’re working to improve and eliminating those that are not situationally specific.
• ⚙️ Use the CAR formula (Context, Action, Result) to structure your response about weaknesses effectively.
• 💬 Examples provided include discussing trouble asking for help, lacking confidence in meetings, and focusing too much on details.
• 🌟 Engage with Abby on her Twitch channel for real-time career advice and subscribe to her YouTube channel for ongoing support.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to effectively answer the interview question about one's weaknesses.

What are the five things not to do when answering about weaknesses?

1. Do not describe a weakness as a personality trait. 2. Avoid saying you have no weaknesses. 3. Do not disguise a strength as a weakness. 4. Don't choose a weakness directly related to the job. 5. Avoid selecting a weakness unrelated to the position.

Why is it problematic to list a personality trait as a weakness?

Listing a personality trait as a weakness can signal to interviewers that it's something unchangeable, which raises red flags about self-awareness and adaptability.

What should you do if you can't identify any weaknesses?

You should acknowledge that everyone has weaknesses and demonstrate self-awareness by discussing areas where you're actively seeking improvement.

What is the CAR formula mentioned in the video?

The CAR formula stands for Context, Action, Result. It is used to structure responses by providing context about the weakness, the actions taken to improve it, and the results of those actions.

Can you provide an example of how to describe a weakness using the CAR formula?

For example: 'In situations where I feel overwhelmed with tasks (Context), I tend to overcommit and hesitate to ask for help (Action). This has resulted in me burning out, but I learned to recognize when I need support, which improved my collaboration with my team (Result).'

Why should you avoid stating that you are a perfectionist?

Stating that you are a perfectionist is a common response that interviewers often see as a disguised strength rather than a genuine weakness, which can come off as inauthentic.

What steps should one take to identify an appropriate weakness to share?

Start by listing concerns you want to improve, filter out those not related to specific situations, and ensure the weaknesses are not constant traits or directly related to the job responsibilities.

How can the examples provided in the video help viewers prepare for interviews?

The examples illustrate how to frame weaknesses positively, showing personal growth and proactive steps toward improvement, which can help candidates feel more confident in their responses.

What does Abby offer on her Twitch channel?

Abby offers live career advice, job search tips, and interview guidance on her Twitch channel, allowing viewers to ask questions in real-time.