[yash2101]

what will be your answer if your interviewer or prospect employer would ask you what are your weakneses in your job or your negative points?

[ExecAdmin126]

I have always answered this question the same: My greatest weakness can also be recognized as one of my greatest strengths. I am a perfectionist and it is sometimes difficult for me to let go of a project, document or presentation that I feel could be improved upon - analysis paralysis. I have never missed a deadline in lieu of this quality and I realize that over-analyzing is non-productive. To make sure that I'm not spending too much time on one task, I set a goal for myself allowing a specific amount of time for proofing and then make a conscious effort to say, "it's good; let it go" and move on to the next task. This technique has worked well allowing me to identify the behavior and increase productivity. At the same time, knowing that I am a perfectionist you can be assured that I am very detail-oriented, the work product has been thoroughly researched, the data has been analyzed for accuracy, and the objectives have been met.

This response is very true where I'm concerned and has always been seen as a positive rather than as a negative.

[Lauren Elder]

This kind of question should be answered by providing a weakness that can be changed or that you are already in the process of improving. If it's something you think you'll never get over, don't mention it. Try to think of something that could contribute to your workplace. For example, I'm a really bad public speaker but I have tried to speak more and more in public to build my skills in that area.

[LisaOlsen]

Great tips! I would also suggest that you "sandwich" the answer to this question. You never want to specifically talk about negative or weak aspects of your job performance during an interview. You should be honest, though and you can do that by using the sandwich method. ExecAdmin provided a similar style in her answer above. The interviewer is looking for two things when they ask this question. First, they want to know you recognize your areas that are out of balance, and second, they want to know what methods you used to improve. So, in your sandwich, you start off with a positive such as, "I am always willing to go the extra mile for my boss and the company. I value loyalty and work hard to accomplish tasks and projects." Next comes the meat, "Because of this, sometimes I take on too much and find myself over committed." Finally, what you've learned about yourself, "Now that I recognize that, I have discovered new tools and methods to stay organized and I prioritize well. I know the red flags now, and adjust accordingly. It's been a valuable experience and an important part of my professional development."

Do you see how the weakness (I prefer the term "strength out of balance!") is sandwiched? It's an effective way to prepare for answers to any interview question.

[ross16]

Originally Posted by yash2101

what will be your answer if your interviewer or prospect employer would ask you what are your weakneses in your job or your negative points?

I would probaly answer that I am to nice and I need to stand up for myself more but othwise depending on the job description. But my biggest weakness is talking too much.

[Amethyst]

Yash2101, is there a computer program that you are only a beginner in? You could use that as a "positive weakness" by stating, "My weakness would be in expert-level Excel (or whatever program you decide to tell them). I am proficient on a beginner's level, however I am quite willing to take classes in order to raise my level of proficiency". This shows that you are aware of the problem and that you are willing to go that extra mile in advancing from it.