Help! What do an interviewer says...

[MaureenMLovesmincepies]

So, what are your weaknesses Mrs Love?

I haven't actually got an interview yet, but judging by what may of my friends have said, who are also going for jobs atm, they will ask me, if I get an interview! Fore warned being fore armed and all that!

Oh lord! I guess my weaknesses are not being able to engage brain before typing! I obviously mean, What do I say if an interviewer says!

Well honestly what are they? Tell us and we can help you word it.

That will be over enthusiasm then

Just be honest.

But then reiterate your strengths

don't say 'perfectionism'!

Think of something that you have resolved and show how you've done that. For example, I'm not naturally the most organised person, so I set reminders on my computer/write endless 'to do' and priority lists/go through those lists at the start and end of the day.

I believe the answer they will be expecting will be something to do with being too much of a perfectionist, or a workaholic, or somesuch nonsense. Surprise them by coming up with something different. Personally, I am too frank, so when asked I admit to being an impatient control freak.

I told mine that my biggest weakness was timekeeping and I am known for being late.

I got the job and now he's not surprised when I turn up 15mins late every day

Try to think of some things which could be interpreted as positive as well. Over-enthusiastic could be a good one, as it shows you have lots of get up and go!!

Do you mean waht sort of things should you mention?

For me it's always been anything to do with maths/finance etc.

I think always try and turn a potential negative into a positive...

Eg: (in answer to Q in OP)

"I sometimes feel I lack the confidence to put my ideas into action, but hope that by working within your supportive team environment this will give me opportunity to nurture and develop my confidence in this area"

Or some such bollocks

They want to know how you resolve your weaknesses, so pick a small weakness,(don't tell them you're dishonest or anything like that though) and tell them how you overcome it.

Love that Pillock!

They are all Teaching Assistant posts. I like the idea of saying I like a list, because I'm too old to remember things.

I would also say, go for something that can also be postive. Tenacity or somesuch.

Oooh very good edam.

I think I'm too literal.

Pillok - LOL I got my current job on that! I said I am a bad timekeeper and they looked at me and I said - I am so keen to finish the job in hand that sometimes other things like meetings have to wait a minute. My boss liked that and as Pillock says - he is never stressed if I am late.

IME as an interviewer (albeit limited) it is a great question to ask as it is often very revealing. Be honest, it shows that you think about it and know that you are not perfect. If someone cannot admit a single weakness, it implies that they are not self-aware and/or hiding something.

I agree with edam: tell the truth and then tell them how you have overcome it. Don't say you;re tenacious: they'll think you're a bloody-minded bossyboots.

oo I am now a TA - best of luck!
Think the others have some good ideas - turn it into a postive
I got asked about how you would deal with a parent who questioned you about their child outside school - ie you shouldn't discuss the kids out of school, refer them to make a suitable appointment etc.
Child protection issues were also a fave

Think of something in your job that you felt more knowledge/experience would be useful- something which you then did something about. Explain why you felt you had this development need, what positive action you took to address it and how it improved your work performance.

ta da! One weakness turned into a huge positive indicator of your own self-awareness and commitment to improvement.

you may also consider looking critically at your own cv and see if there are any holes in it- that is what i would make your weakness, admit to it and tell them how you plan to address it

you may also consider looking critically at your own cv and see if there are any holes in it- that is what i would make your weakness, admit to it and tell them how you plan to address it

i've confessed to "persistence" in interview situations...years later they find it to be true when they are arguing a point with me. no i will not let the subject drop
in a positive light, I try until i get things right, and will think of many solutions to a difficulty until i find something that works - the ability to think creatively

good luck

Thankyou everyone, all very good suggestions! All I need now is an interview.

Hey, do you think I could say, I can't make a decision without consulting MN? You never know, the interviewer may be an MNer herself, which would secure my appointment surely!