InterviewFreak

While researching ideas for the book, I did a Google search for "strengths and weaknesses". The majority of the results were instructions on how to properly answer the interview question, "What is one of your weaknesses?"

The advice varies, but falls into three basic categories.

- Tell them about a weakness that you have already improved and explain your plan for continued improvement. For example, you could explain that you struggle with new technology, but have started playing a lot of online video games to help you get more comfortable with computers and the internet.

- Discuss a weakness that is unrelated to the job. For example, in an interview for a job in construction, you could admit to having poor computer skills or body odor or a habit of yelling inappropriate comments at attractive women.

- Focus on a weakness that has an upside for the company. For example, you can confess that you work too hard and are so committed to the company that you don't ever take time to relax. Describing yourself as a suck-up or major brown-noser might also be helpful.

My advice is a little different. Be honest, and, in the spirit of flaunting your weaknesses, give the interviewer more than they asked for. Don't just share one weakness. Give them a list.

Why? Because all of this other advice seems to assume that you have something to hide from the interviewer and that you are trying to keep them from discovering who you really are. If you are successful, then you'll be "rewarded" with a job and a boss that assume you don't have any relevant weaknesses or that you are willing and able to fix any of your weaknesses. Is that the kind of job that you want? Don't you want to avoid work that focuses on your limitations? Do you really want a job that requires you to be something that you aren't? Don't you want a boss that both knows and accepts your weaknesses and their corresponding strengths?

So, in the spirit of full disclosure, here is my list (please don't send it to my boss) :-)

• Impatient
• Not a team player
• Don't like to be told what to do
• Impulsive
• Poor listener
• Can't sit still
• Talk too much
• Talk too loud
• Get too excited
• Not good with details

Ouch! Sometimes even I wonder how I stay employed. The answer is simple. I look for work that rewards me for who I am and doesn't require me to work in my areas of weakness, at least not very often.

So, what is your list? Do you think you could share it with a potential employer? How about starting by sharing it with a good friend or a spouse? They might have a few weaknesses to add, but they might also be able to help you think of jobs that fit your unique qualities. Let me know what you come up with.

Comments

[Dave]

I think this is a fascinating post. I have always believed in total honesty and I don't believe it's ever hurt me, although, I will never know. I've been on 10's of interviews and have been reasonably successful getting the jobs I've interviewed for.

However, I wish all HR people were like Amanda. HR frightens me because they wield a great deal of power over the interview process. Sorry Amanda, but my experience with all HR offices have been horrible.

I have the feeling once I say something honest, it's taken immediately to my boss and disclosed (this is after the employement begins). While boiler plate answers don't reveal much, most people use them out of fear and need for employment.

[Joel Rodell]

Coming from someone who's list is almost identical, this is revolutionary. It's not often that you run into life altering concepts like this one.

I have spent years trying to figure out how to be more practical, calm, balanced or basically, how my wife would like me to be! This concept has made my direction in life clear. I am realizing it is OKAY to have passion bigger than life about something as silly as Breakfast Burritos at McDonalds. I am not weird after all! Thanks Dave!

[David Rendall]

Susan,

Thank you. Those are great examples of The Freak Factor in action! I'm glad that you've been able to apply this in your work.

You are providing a powerful example to these students and are helping to turn them into freaks.

Dave

[Susan M. Ford M.Ed]

Each year there are bright students in my high school classes who have a hard time sitting still. Many of these students are guys who have long since out-grown the desks they are forced to squeeze into each class period. Others have song lyrics, video games or a thousand other things going on in their brains.
During the last two years I have started allowing students who just can't sit any longer to stand-up when they feel the need. We are also attempting to encourage the students who can't stop talking to lead the class discussions. This seems to help many students stay engaged. Maybe it will not take these students a lifetime to find out that their weaknesses can become their strengths! Thanks for a great 'chapter'.

[David Rendall]

Amanda,

Thank you for your comment. It is nice to get a perspective from someone in Human Resources.

Dave

[Amanda Jauch, PHR]

As an HR Professional, I can assure you most candidates give similar responses to the "weaknesses" question. Usually something generic like "I am a perfectionist". The point of a successful interview is for the employer to learn as much about the candidate as possible to determine if the candidate's experience combined with personality (including strengths and weaknesses) would make this person successful within the organization and position. Even more importantly this is the time for candidates to thoroughly "interview" the company to see if the potential opportunity will highlight their strengths, or focus on their weaknesses. Take Dave's advice and be truthful, but always highlight your strengths!