Interview Questions Designed to Destroy #2

“WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESSES?”

Do not be intimidated by such a question.  The interviewer probably wants reassurance that hiring you will not be a mistake.

A flip answer, a joke, or the assertion that you have no weaknesses may demonstrate that you also have no real insight into yourself.  On the other hand, this is not the time to confess all your imperfections.

To cast a more flattering light, present personal weaknesses as professional strengths.  Always think in terms of the work situation when addressing this question, remaining as positive as possible.

When you are asked for your major weakness, you must also appear mortal.  The idea is to give a weakness that from the interviewer’s viewpoint, is not much of a weakness.

“Well, I really do not feel I have a weakness that significantly affects my working ability.  I guess at times I have a tendency to be impatient and occasionally push people too hard to get a job done.  Patience is not my strongest virtue.”

If, for example, you are aiming for a public relations spot that requires heavy interaction, say, “My biggest weakness is that I need to be around people.  I do not function well in solitude”.

 

“WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS?”

Accept this invitation to sell yourself by citing specific assets you know the employer desires.  Interviewers like to hear abstract qualities – loyalty, willingness to work hard, politeness, and promptness, expressed in concrete terms.

If you are good at putting people at ease, say so – then illustrate by adding, for example, “Last year, my supervisor asked me to be the resource person for all new employees in our division because, he said, so many of them had commented on my eagerness to help”.

Avoid the simple generalizations.  “I like people.”  This is a response the pros call hackneyed.  Additionally, be a bit pensive before answering.  You do not want to sound as if you are spewing out a programmed list.

 

“WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS JOB?”

An employer can evaluate the type of worker you will be by the items you choose to discuss when answering such a question.  It is recommended that you cite specifics.

“I like organizing things” is vague, ineffective.  Far better is “I enjoyed reorganizing the department’s filing system.  My new plan resulted in increased efficiency in finding information and fewer misplaced data”.

 

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER?”

The experts agree on one point:  Never badmouth a former employer!

Even if you were fired, you might say, “My immediate supervisor and I had a difference of opinion on how to handle a major account, but I learned many positive things from him that I can use effectively in another position”.

Another example might be as follows: “I really do not feel there is anything wrong with the firm.  I have enjoyed working there very much and think that there are some really top people in management.  I feel it would be a good company for the long haul, but I am ready to handle additional responsibility right now.  Unfortunately, my own short-term growth prospects are limited because of the lack of promotion opportunities.”

Above all, be honest.  Information about your last job, and why you left, can be, and often is, easily checked.  Any discrepancies will make the rest of your answers highly suspect.

 

“HAVE YOU EVER HIRED OR FIRED ANYONE?”

You are being asked this question for two important reasons.  First, to determine whether you are capable of performing these duties.  Secondly, to determine if the previous experience you have described was at a high enough level to include hiring/firing responsibility.  If you have had no experience in these areas, you must have a considerable effort to convince the interviewer that you are capable of performing in this area.

 

“WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR BOSS’ JOB?”

By all means, “yes”.  Ambitious, hungry people are always preferred over those willing to settle for a safe routine.  If you sense this answer threatens your interviewer’s security, you might add, “When I am judged qualified”, or “Should an opening develop in several years”.

 

“WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BOSS?”

“He is an outstanding man.  I have a great deal of respect for him and have enjoyed working with him very much.”

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR EMPLOYER’S OBLIGATIONS ARE TO YOU?”

While you expect to be able to go to your boss for support or guidance, you will not depend upon your boss to get the job done.  That balance between being able to take direction and being able to work independently is crucial.

Commonly, interviewers also keep an ear cocked for the employee who wants a positive, enthusiastic company atmosphere and the opportunity to advance.  Such a candidate, they surmise, has both motivation and staying power.