What Is Your Weakness?

strength and weakness

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT...WHEN ASKED IN AN INTERVIEW,YOUR WEAKNESS SHOULD ALWAYS BE SOMETHING THAT RESEMBLES A STRENGTH IN IDEALISTIC WORLD...eg I trust people easily...or I find it hard to deal with people who are dishonest etc etc.

How about 'I get very attached to my work..' it is both strength and weakness.. Isn't it?

yes...but then in that case you will have to support this with an example from your experience where you exemplified this trait of your personality

Of course, your weakness should also be presented in such a manner that may indicate indirectly like your strength.

Dear Kaavyaa,
In my views, you can indicate your weakness about work in the words, "I can't bear with keeping my official work pending for the next day."

A weakness should not present negativity. It should be presented in such a way that the person/team across should feel it as if it is in organization's favour.
Very rightly quoted examples above like
"I get very attached to my work" or "It is very difficult for me to deal with dishonest people" but with examples from your past experuences.
Regards
Sanjay Arora
__________________________________________________ ______________
Happiness always.......................

You would definitely impress your interviewer with such answers if YOU WERE LIVING IN THE LAST CENTURY. (Forgive my harshness but here's why)

Imagine YOU are the interviewer, why would you ask someone his or her weakness? It would probably be because you want to know if the candidate is able "first" self-assess him or herself. Self-assessment is a compass for those heading towards success. Now image the candidate says "I am a workaholic" or "I get attached to my work". One of two things will pop into your mind,

1. why did this person leave his previous job if he get so attached to his work/why is the candidates scores not high enough for someone who loves his work(for freshers)
2. Doesn't this person know that we the interviewers read stuff off the internet and know these are cliche answers.

Either way, you as the interviewer will feel that the candidate is (for lack of better words) "Trying to kiss my a**)

The "second" reason you would ask the candidate this question is whether he is working on improving him or herself. If yes, then you would be curious to know in what way is the candidate improving himself.

Therefore the "ideal" answer is an HONEST one. If your communication skills are poor, say "I wont say it is my weakness, but I am working on improving my communication skills (or technical skills or learning to manage my time better or any other soft skills)" Don't use the word "weakness" in your answer since it could mean that this weakness is your limitation or worse "permanent weakness" which means that you are never going to improve in that area. Instead use "area that i need improvement" or "something I'm working on improving".

The other weakness you can mention are those that "don't affect your professional life". eg I cant cook anything besides tea and Maggie noodles Or I am allergic to cats (for those who don't work with cats) Or im afraid of heights (for those who work at ground level)

Like i said, be honest. So identify any areas you need improvement and start working on it. Don't try to deceive for you never know who reads these forums. :-)

Avinash Tavares
Trainer, Consultant & Life Coach
youthempowermentsolutions(dot)org

Hi Avinash,
I really like your explanation about putting your weakness as your strength or as a positive point.
How about a weakness like "the same work or same routine makes me dull, I need new challenges and new thing to learn, to motivate myself".
Regards
Shree

What is the objective of asking such questions about strengths & Weakness?
Is the interviewer is expecting the honest answer or the very polished answer(diplomatic)?
Could anyone answer the question?
Thanks
Rashee