One of the most common behavioral questions asked in a job interview is, “What are your weaknesses?” If this question causes you to find a new weakness in your knees, don’t fret. You’re not alone! But, by the time you’re done reading these job interview tips, you’ll answer this question like a pro.
Be a problem solver instead of a person with a problem at your next job interview.
It’s that simple. Instead of presenting a problem you have, talk about something that plagued you in the past, which you have since overcome. This question is an awesome opportunity to talk about how you can take feedback from performance reviews, for example, or how you are self-aware. The ideal pattern for your answer is this:
- Here’s a problem I used to have
- This is how I became aware of it
- Here are the steps I took to solve it
- For this reason, it’s not much of a problem anymore
Examples of good job interview answers:
From a performance review: “My boss noted that I was struggling to turn in my work on time. This was not really new to me, as I had also experienced challenges with this in college, but now I had motivation to do something about it. I asked him if he had any tips for me, and he suggested seeing a coach. I worked with my coach for six weeks, learning how to better manage my time and prioritize my workflows. Now, it’s been three years, and I’ve never been late on a project! Problem solved.”
From a place of self-awareness: “I work with clients all over the globe, which can get tricky with time zones. When I began as a coach, I used to miss meetings all the time because I just couldn’t get the time-zone conversions right (even with the help of my computer). I asked around and was directed toward Calendly software, which adjusts the time zone automatically when people schedule with you. I owe a big thank-you to those software developers, as since I started using the software two years ago, I haven’t missed a meeting. Time zones are no longer an issue for me, and I learned that I can often find software solutions to my problems.”
Need further help?
I’ve got you! Ask your question in the comments below, or check out my job interview coaching page for information on how to book some one-on-one coaching time.
Just for Fun
Check out this video my husband, pug, and I made for your enjoyment (and education!).
