Interview- weaknesses

[PileofLogs]

I have an interview coming up for a role I'm very keen on. Part of the interview will be with HR and I'm thinking through the sorts of questions that might come up.

Usually with a question on weaknesses I've always prepared an answer that tells them something they already know- eg if I have a gap in my experience for the job spec, I prepare to talk about how I'd fill that gap. Not sure I can do that with this role however as the job spec is very broad, so it's going to have to be more character-based.

How do you approach this question? Saying "I'm a perfectionist" or similar won't cut it for the role- I need to give a proper answer and ideally how I deal with whatever the weakness is so it's actually good etc etc.

Thank you.

I think you need to be honest (although don't go over-personal or TMI) but also constructive. So pick a genuine area where you feel you need to learn more or personal characteristic that you are working on and then set out the steps you have and are taking to improve. I usually talk about how I am naturally conflict avoidant and so my natural tendency is to try and soothe disagreements and seek compromise, but am working on setting clearer boundaries and negotiate strongly where needed, whilst maintaining the ability to let smaller things go and preserving relationships. And give an example to show what I mean.

It needs to be something that shows some genuine understanding that no-one is perfect and you do reflect on yourself and try and develop, not too superficial but equally not something too earth shattering in terms of your ability to do the job! TBH as an interviewer I don't mind too much what they pick to talk about so long as it's something authentic and they don't just brush it off with a 'I don't have any weaknesses' type answer (yes people do this!)

What are your weaknesses?

Are you rubbish with data?

Do you take an age to get to the point?

Do you procrastinate?

Do you jump from one task to another and struggle to prioritise?

Are you a people pleaser and find it impossible to say no even if you don't have capacity?

Let us know what they are and maybe we can help you word it in the best way?

Thank you, both. Conflict avoidance and people pleasing are definitely things I could say with honesty, although neither is great for the role (which involves some management). People pleasing and not saying no might be the best, I think.

Is there any training you’ve done recently that you can turn around for this question?

I’ve recently done a project management course, so if I was asked this question I’d say I’d recognised that a weakness was formal training in that area, so I’ve done that training to fill that gap in my knowledge.

The best thing to do is to pick something and explain how you are already trying to mitigate it.

I always say I am not a creative person (true), I am much more of a logical planner. Therefore when creative solutions are needed I know I need to get a team around me to brainstorm, look at how others have approached the problem, etc, because I won't find the answer on my own.

Obviously this only works if it is not THE central part of the job...I wouldn't be applying for a role as theatre director for example!

People pleasing / not saying no can be mitigated if you can go on to say something like you recognised this was an area for improvement and attended an assertiveness / confidence course which has provided you with tools to help manage this.

Does your current employer offer a course like this then you can say you've recently done it or got it booked in?

So you could maybe say you have:
-have gone on assertiveness training
-have learnt to use existing policies and procedures to resolve conflict, so you need not get involved in a personal battle (my personal tactic 😂)
-prepare thoroughly for situations/meetings where you anticipate conflict, so you are able to make your point rationally

And so on.