WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS? (11 GOOD WEAKNESSES To Use In A JOB INTERVIEW!)

CareerVidz
6 Jul 202112:39
EducationalLearning
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TLDRRichard McMunn from PassMyInterview.com offers a tutorial on how to tackle the challenging interview question about one's biggest weakness. He explains the reasons behind the question, advises against certain weaknesses to claim, and provides 11 strategies for giving a strong response. The key is to be self-aware, honest, and proactive in addressing one's areas for improvement.

Takeaways
  • 🤔 Interviewers ask about weaknesses to assess self-awareness, honesty, and improvement plans.
  • 🙅‍♂️ Avoid mentioning weaknesses that are essential for the job, like poor people skills or time management.
  • 🚫 Do not claim to be a perfectionist or deny having any weaknesses.
  • 🌟 Be honest about a real weakness and show that you are actively working on it.
  • 🔍 Choose a weakness that is genuine but not critical to the job role.
  • 📈 Provide an example of how you are taking steps to improve your weakness.
  • 👀 Focusing too much on details can be a weakness if it hinders meeting deadlines.
  • 🙏 Learning to ask for help and collaborating better is a good weakness to mention.
  • 🔗 Struggling to let go of projects shows dedication, but mention how you're improving.
  • 💬 Being bad at giving feedback can be a weakness if you're working on it.
  • 🙅‍♀️ Saying 'no' when overwhelmed shows you're learning to manage your workload.
  • 🌱 Lack of experience in certain areas can be a weakness if you're eager to learn and grow.
Q & A

  • Why do interviewers ask about a candidate's biggest weakness?

    -Interviewers ask about a candidate's biggest weakness to assess their self-awareness, honesty, and whether they have a plan to improve upon their weaknesses.

  • What are the three weaknesses that should be avoided when answering the question 'What's your biggest weakness'?

    -Candidates should avoid mentioning weaknesses related to poor collaboration with others, time management, and multitasking as these are essential skills for most job roles.

  • What is the first tip for structuring a response to the weakness question?

    -The first tip is to be honest about a real weakness, as interviewers will respect a candidate who is candid about areas they can improve.

  • Why is it not advisable to say 'I'm a perfectionist' in response to the weakness question?

    -Saying 'I'm a perfectionist' is often perceived as an attempt to disguise a lack of weaknesses and can come across as insincere or evasive.

  • How should a candidate conclude their response to the weakness question?

    -A candidate should conclude by mentioning the steps they are taking to improve their weakness, demonstrating their commitment to personal development.

  • What is an example of a good weakness to mention in a job interview?

    -A good weakness to mention could be focusing too much on details, which shows attention to quality but also awareness of the need to balance with project deadlines and goals.

  • What is the importance of giving a weakness that is not directly related to the job description?

    -Mentioning a weakness that is unrelated to the job description prevents the interviewer from considering it a direct hindrance to performing the job effectively.

  • How can a candidate demonstrate that they are working on their weakness?

    -A candidate can demonstrate improvement by explaining the specific actions or strategies they are employing to address their weakness, such as taking courses, seeking mentorship, or practicing new skills.

  • Why is it beneficial for a candidate to have a prepared answer for the weakness question?

    -Having a prepared answer allows a candidate to thoughtfully present their weakness in a way that shows self-awareness, honesty, and proactive personal development, which can positively influence the interviewer's perception.

  • What is the purpose of the 11 suggested weaknesses provided in the script?

    -The 11 suggested weaknesses serve as examples that candidates can adapt to their own experiences, providing a safe and effective way to answer the difficult question about their biggest weakness.

  • How can a candidate access more resources to help them prepare for job interviews?

    -Candidates can visit the website passmyinterview.com to download a set of 30 brilliant answers to difficult interview questions, further equipping them for success in job interviews.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Interview Weakness Strategy

Richard McMunn introduces his tutorial on how to effectively answer the common interview question about one's biggest weakness. He explains that the video will cover why interviewers ask this question, weaknesses to avoid, tips for a good response, and provides 11 examples of acceptable weaknesses to mention in a job interview. The introduction emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, honesty, and having a plan for improvement when discussing weaknesses.

05:00
🙅‍♂️ Weaknesses to Avoid in Interviews

This section outlines three weaknesses that job applicants should avoid mentioning during interviews. These include claiming to not work well with people, being poor at timekeeping, and struggling with managing multiple tasks or projects. These are areas considered essential in most job roles, and mentioning them could negatively impact an applicant's chances of being hired.

10:01
🤔 Tips for Structuring Your Weakness Answer

McMunn provides three key tips for structuring an answer to the weakness question. First, be honest and provide a real weakness to gain the interviewer's respect. Second, avoid claiming to be a perfectionist and denying having any weaknesses. Third, conclude the response by explaining the steps being taken to improve the mentioned weakness, showing a proactive approach to personal development.

📝 11 Great Weaknesses for Job Interviews

The video lists 11 weaknesses that applicants can use when answering the 'biggest weakness' question in interviews. These range from focusing too much on details to struggling with public speaking. Each weakness is followed by an example of how to frame it positively, emphasizing personal awareness and the steps being taken to address the issue. This section aims to help interviewees present their weaknesses in a way that reflects well on their character and potential for growth.

🚀 Additional Resources and Conclusion

McMunn concludes the tutorial by directing viewers to additional resources on his website for further interview preparation. He encourages subscribing to his channel for more helpful content, engaging with him on LinkedIn, and downloading a set of 30 answers to difficult interview questions from his website. The conclusion reinforces the importance of being prepared and confident in addressing personal weaknesses during job interviews.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡interview question
An interview question is a query posed by an interviewer to gauge a candidate's qualifications, personality, and suitability for a job. In this video, the focus is on how to answer the difficult question, 'What's your biggest weakness?' which is commonly asked to assess self-awareness, honesty, and improvement plans.
💡self-awareness
Self-awareness refers to an individual's ability to recognize and understand their own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. In the context of the video, interviewers ask about weaknesses to see if candidates are self-aware, as this trait is crucial for personal development and professional growth.
💡honest person
An honest person is someone who is truthful, sincere, and straightforward in their communication and actions. In the video, the presenter advises against claiming to have no weaknesses, as this would be dishonest since everyone has areas for improvement.
💡improvement plan
An improvement plan is a strategy or set of actions designed to enhance one's skills or address weaknesses. In the video, interviewers are interested in whether candidates have a plan to work on their weaknesses, showing a proactive approach to personal and professional development.
💡collaboration
Collaboration refers to the act of working together with others to achieve a common goal. In the job context, it is essential for teamwork and effective communication. The video advises against mentioning a lack of collaboration skills as a weakness, as it is a critical skill in almost all job roles.
💡time management
Time management is the ability to effectively plan and control how much time is spent on specific activities. It is a crucial skill in any job, ensuring punctuality and the timely completion of tasks and projects. The video advises avoiding mentioning poor time management as a weakness.
💡multitasking
Multitasking is the ability to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. It is a valuable skill in the workplace, as jobs often require managing various responsibilities at once. The video advises against stating a weakness in multitasking, as it is a necessary skill in any role.
💡detail-oriented
Being detail-oriented means having a focus on the intricacies and accuracy of tasks. While this can be a strength, the video suggests it can be framed as a weakness when it hinders efficiency or timely completion of projects. Candidates should show they are aware of this balance and are working on it.
💡asking for help
Asking for help is the act of seeking assistance or advice when faced with challenges or unfamiliar tasks. It is a sign of humility and a willingness to learn from others. The video suggests that not easily asking for help can be seen as a weakness, especially if it impedes teamwork or efficiency.
💡public speaking
Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to a group of people. It is a valuable skill in many professions, and while not everyone may be comfortable with it initially, it can be improved upon with practice and training. The video presents fear of public speaking as a common weakness that can be shared during interviews.
Highlights

Richard McMunn provides a tutorial on answering the difficult interview question about one's biggest weakness.

Interviewers ask about weaknesses to assess self-awareness, honesty, and improvement plans.

Avoid mentioning weaknesses that are essential for the job role, such as working with people, timekeeping, or multitasking.

Do not claim to be a perfectionist or deny having any weaknesses.

When answering, provide an honest weakness and mention steps being taken to improve.

Focusing too much on detail can be a weakness, but it shows attention to quality.

Having difficulty asking for help can be seen as a weakness, but it indicates a willingness to learn and collaborate.

Struggling to let go of projects shows dedication, but it's important to balance this with moving on to new tasks.

Not being good at giving feedback can be a weakness, but acknowledging this shows a commitment to personal development.

Having trouble saying no can indicate a tendency to overcommit, but recognizing this shows awareness of personal capacity.

Lacking experience in a certain area is acceptable as a weakness for those new to a role or field.

Being too sensitive to criticism can be a weakness, but it reflects a desire to improve professionally.

Judging others too quickly is a weakness, but working on this shows a shift towards a supportive team attitude.

Lacking leadership experience can be a weakness for beginners, but it shows ambition to develop in this area.

Getting stressed over deadlines is a common weakness, but it shows a strong sense of responsibility.

Fear of public speaking as a weakness is safe and shows a proactive approach to overcoming it.

McMunn offers a resource on his website with 30 brilliant answers to difficult interview questions.

Transcripts

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