Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses you can use in your HR interview: 5 Strengths for HR Interview to Land Your Dream Job Clarity Determinate Organization Skills Patient Polite and Honest 5 Weakness for HR Interview to Land Your Dream Job Perfectionist Introverted Stressing too much to complete work before the Is Overthinking A Weakness Interview Question [With Answers So what are the best weaknesses to discuss with an interviewer? 4. If youre overanalyzing, it may be because the interview was for either your dream jobor the only career possibility you have on your radar right now. If leadership is your weakness, perhaps you have recently started managing someone and received positive feedback. WebThis approach to talking about weaknesses in a job interview lends itself to an infinite number of hard or soft skills the more specific the better. Not It not only demonstrates that you can deliver a good answer, but that you can think on your feet and have good communication skills. We surveyed 2.000 Americans to determine the worst questions you could get asked when interviewing for a job. Dont be caught off guard by this common interview question about your professional weaknesses. As long as youre not talking about a tough or failed course that could scuttle your chances of being hired, feel free to mention anything that has no direct bearing on your candidacy. 2010;21(4):484-488. doi:10.1177/0956797610363555, Rnic K, Dozois DJ, Martin RA. weaknesses Some common examples of weaknesses for a job interview answer include: Self-critical Too sensitive Overly competitive Perfectionist Stubborn Disorganized You remain perfectly serious while revealing imperfections that dont have to work against you. Being disorganized can be one of the acceptable weaknesses for a job interview, especially when applying for a remote job. Are there certain skills that you need to work on? Founder, career coach and interview coach behind CaffeinatedKyle.com. Answer: One of my greatest weaknesses is time management. me about your greatest WEAKNESS (THE REAL Capturing far too much unplanned content at this stage made the editing ordeal a nightmare. Start by thinking back to your previous roles, projects, school or volunteer work. April 24, 2023 6:38 pm CT. Heres a throwback for New Orleans Saints fans. Whether you are aware of Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts. This potential follow-up is the reason you need to prepare more than one weakness. Previously, I worked independently in a small office, with little or no supervision most of the time. The weaknesses you choose should ideally be: Not fundamental to the job. Offer examples. It always happens: You think of the perfect answer to a question that stumped you just minutes after you finish the interview, and youre able to verbalize it flawlessly in the car on the way home. Once more making sure to avoid disqualifying deal-breakers for this job, its not as hard as it may seem to frame your weaknesses in that context of striving to do better. Interview Questions: What Is Your Ideal Work Environment? May be less job-specific but generally important in most occupations to varying extents, Learned and developed at school or on the job, Largely innate or developed socially and institutionally, reflecting personality and behaviors, Ease in delegating tasks, saying no or asking for help, Well organized in setting goals and balancing priorities, Spontaneity, flexibility, adaptability or risk-taking, Giving / receiving directions, constructive feedback or assistance, Physical strength, stamina, coordination, flexibility, speed. Avoiding these mistakes will give you a better chance of getting hired. Of course it feels good when bosses or coworkers appreciate and value my contributions, but Im also aware its a weakness to have trouble saying no to their requests. Youve got this! Instead of dwelling on that interview as a make-or-break opportunity, get right back into job hunting and start looking for more open positions that interest you. When you overthink, you have a hard time getting your mind to focus on anything else. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. This is still a plausible weakness and something that you can work on, but for this role, it could become a positive and suggests that you are well suited to the job. If youre still truly concerned about something you said or did during the interview, take just a few minutes to ask yourself: Is this something I can fix in a couple sentences in my thank you note? Dont badmouth your former employer or coworkers. If you feel like your brain is on overdrive, talk to your physician. My goal is simple: to help people find jobs they LOVE. If school is still part of your life, or was not too long ago, citing an academic difficulty can work well when you are asked about weaknesses in a job interview. ", "Which of your current tasks or duties do you find most challenging? J Abnorm Psychol. Someone suggested that acting classes might help so Ive signed up for a course at my local college. Unconscious-Thought Effects Take Place Off-Line, Not On-Line. 3 Times You're Overthinking Your Interview (and 3 Times You're Being asked about your weaknesses in an interview is intimidating. This is sometimes in the realm of work ethics gone overboard. Overthinking may be a symptom of a mental health issue, like depression or anxiety. This is the acceptable version of the 'Im just too much of a perfectionist' answer. Research has found that a 10-minute meditation can be an effective way to stop intrusive thoughts and worry. Another way to identify your weaknesses is to ask for feedback from others. Overthinking can also take a serious toll on relationships. Here are common examples of abilities or qualities that are not required or important in every job. Research shows thinking too much makes it tough to make decisions. Let go of the notion that its a set-up for sabotaging your best efforts to impress hiring managers a trick or a trap. seeming well organized at the onset. Realize that you cannot control everything. Weaknesses can be difficult to identify and even harder to discuss. Like any other aspect of a tailored job search strategy, the weaknesses you pinpoint should be customized to the hiring situation. WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. Our strengths help us navigate our weaknesses, so its a fine strategy to weave one into your answer. 10 Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Keep in mind the mutually exclusive difference between perfectly honest and honestly perfect. The first is desirable in the hiring scenario we are describing, while the second sounds dishonest. Addressing your weaknesses in an interview can feel tricky. I would say that I can be too direct. And last month, I volunteered to give a presentation at a networking event I attend. Finding a way to break out of this cycle can often help relieve some symptoms of these conditions. Overthinking is about dwelling on the problem, while problem-solving involves looking for a solution. If youre not comfortable speaking in front of a group, you could become an expert at researching and writing papers or reports. It can also lead to relationship anxiety, and behaviors like constantly needing reassurance or attempting to control other people. This then leads to worry that you will fail the class, which will then lead to failing school, not getting a degree, and not being able to find a job. Its important to be honest when identifying your weaknesses. Here's how to recognize the signs that you're overthinking. A more generic weakness that can be used for any role, with evidence of proactivity: At the beginning of my career, I found that I was overwhelmed with the level of work expected of me. Assuming the worst and jumping to incorrect conclusions can lead to arguments and conflicts with other people. Or, maybe you want to prepare a wider arsenal of anecdotes to share, so that youre prepared for any and every behavioral-based question they could throw at you. Do I qualify? This type of overthinking involves only seeing situations in black or white. Weaknesses Identifying and addressing an area of challenge demonstrates growth and maturity. He further mentioned, "Because, by large, I am a nice guy, but sometimes people take that niceness for weakness and they misunderstand that. for How To Stop Overthinking at Work Unsurprisingly, not many candidates answer this question well. With the 2023 NFL draft in sight, its a good time to look back on Drew Brees 2016 appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, in which the future Hall of Famer read back some of the strengths and weaknesses that pro scouts had written down in his draft profile. Here are a few suggestions. Make sure you have three weaknesses ready for your job interview since three is a popular number to ask for.Taking honest stock of your skill deficiencies and troublesome traits or tendencies is the first step. Maybe you keep thinking about all the things that could go wrong when you give your presentation next week, or youve wasted countless hours trying to decide what to wear to your upcoming job interview. Also, be honest about why you left and what inspired you to look for a new opportunity. 8. Even if youve done your research and feel confident about your qualifications, there are bound to be a few common job interview questions that catch you off guard. And procrastination is not always a matter of a stalled start. Take advantage of the opportunity to prepare a game-changing answer that turns the interview in your favor. What did you struggle with? Did you stumble over a few words when explaining your biggest weakness, or did you babble incoherently? Here are a few to consider. Make sure you know about the company and the job youre interviewing for. Or maybe you get upset with yourself for not seeing red flags soonerbecause you believe they should have been obvious! It can also play a role in mental health issues like anxiety and depression, so it is important to find ways to break out of such destructive thought patterns. in both directions of desirable or detrimental, depending on the job role. This can provide clues about your judgment and analytical abilities as a proactive problem-solver. Here, the candidate explains a weakness of theirs that could be a serious problem but immediately shows that theyve already been taking significant steps towards fixing it and that theyve made good progress so far. 2022;5(2):10632-10642. doi:10.33258/birci.v5i2.4876, Ainsworth B, Bolderston H, Garner M. Testing the differential effects of acceptance and attention-based psychological interventions on intrusive thoughts and worry. A related problem child of being detail-oriented is overthinking and rethinking projects past the point of manageability. Signs of overthinking include: Overthinking can happen for several reasons. Did I really think it made me better or smarter at getting more things done faster? After all, who is? It also gets across the implication that you like the way their company works and would feel motivated there. No one is perfect, so dont try to pretend that you are be honest and realistic about your weaknesses. Pick out all the key skills and requirements and make sure that the weakness you choose does not apply to any of them. However, you should consider this question in your explanation of why you are interested in the position. This candidate shows no humility and more importantly no evidence of self-reflection. Rather than sit and think about a problem for endless amounts of time, you can distract yourself for a bit. 4. Shyness, fear of public speaking, and even becoming tongue-tied in front of colleagues or bosses have been a long-time challenge. Practice for Balancing Equations: 1st and 2nd Grade, Repeated Addition as Multiplication: Math Foundations. It also shows that youre willing to address your weaknesses and that you can remain calm under pressure. When you have another interview lined up, you can use this as a learning experiencebut for now: When you overanalyze, you often get stuck on the details: Did she smile at my story because she thought it was funny or because she thought it was stupid? Try asking someone who knows you well (such as a friend or colleague) to be really honest about your areas of weakness. Rather than disguising a strength as a weakness, use this as an opportunity to address skills or personal characteristics you could improve. Recruiters will not only take for granted that these strengths will come up repeatedly during the interview process, but may find the sameness of what they hear start blurring together as unremarkable. But what if you could turn them into a positive trait that you can be proud of? The best resume & job tips from our career experts will now be sent your inbox every 2 weeks! However, it can often play a role in the development and maintenance of several mental health conditions. The outline now reflects the full extent of research already done beforehand, with a strict cutoff. ", "Which of this roles tasks or duties would you struggle with the most? These will tell the interviewer that you cant think on your feet. 3 Times You're Overthinking Your Interview (and 3 Times You're Not Thinking About it Enough) I used to think I was the only person who overthought job Again, be specific and share how this new role will enable you to further grow. I do a debrief after each project and I realised that some team members felt I was being more critical than constructive, which wasnt my intention. Strategies that may help you become more self-accepting include: If you cant break free from overthinking, consider getting professional help. Job interviews are a delicate balance between making a great first impression and answering the ", Answering the Interview Question: "What are Two Examples of Work-Related Tasks that You Do Not Particularly Enjoy Doing?". Until thenand aside from thatgive yourself a break. Obsessing about every little thing other people do and say can also mean that you misunderstand what they are trying to convey. Thats why more and more people are turning to ZipRecruiter to help them find their next job. Can you think of any weaknesses that might come up when applying for a job? The biggest critic is often ourselves, so it is important to be aware of what we like and dont like. Tasks or work-related skills that you find difficult or dislike, Times you have failed or underperformed at work, Any criticism you have received from supervisors, Anything you have been told you need to work on. Whats your weakness? Interview tips to turn weakness into strength If youre like most people, you probably think of your weaknesses as negative traits that need to be hidden during a job interview. Talking too much or not enough. It only makes sense that youre going to have a more developed, succinct answer in mind when the question has been marinating in your head for an hour or two. (With Examples), Aptitude Test: Free Practice Aptitude Tests (2023), Answering the Interview Question: Tell Me About a Time You Failed, How to Answer the Interview Question: "What Was Your Biggest Setback? On the one hand, overthinking can help you to make better decisions and avoid making mistakes. Sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the job by emphasizing your skills and accomplishments. From the fresh graduate to the most experienced CEO. For example, you may be a great public speaker, but have a hard time with numbers. My work quality and efficiency have improved at the same time. Here are a few of the other ways it can be phrased: While each of these questions (and many more) are all asking a similar question, you dont want to come across as robotic, like youve prepared this answer purely by rote. ", "Is there any area of your skill set that you feel still needs work? Here are some ways to help you stop overthinking: Pay attention to the way you think. Writing your job-winning resume has never been this easy! But if you tend to overanalyze, youre going to find yourself spending the next three full days coming up with list after list of ways you want to improve your interviewing skills. He further mentioned, "Because, by large, I am a nice guy, but sometimes people take that niceness for weakness and they misunderstand that. Instead, welcome the opportunity to tip the scales in your favor by framing weaknesses as strengths. Every thought you have will not be truthful, accurate, or even realistic. WebRedirecting to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-of-the-ivory-tower/201905/9-strategies-for-overcoming-overthinking. When you try to sleep, you might even feel as though your brain is on overdrive as it replays scenarios in your head and causes you to imagine bad things happening. What constructive feedback have you received from your supervisor or direct reports during one-on-one meetings? Remember it is a How To Answer What Is Your Biggest Weakness? In An For all the face-saving mistakes your employer can thank you for catching in time, missed deadlines or unfinished projects may be casualties of your obsession with thoroughness and correctness at any cost. 1. Actually, I ended up enjoying it.. Consider alternative scenarios. Did you really giggle nervously when you shook your interviewers handor was it a more of a hysterical screech? If that was ever the case, it sure didnt seem that way anymore. My hope is that the example inspires you as you prepare for your next job interview. You could waste a lot of time thinking your life would be better if youd only taken that other job or not started a business. Whats your gut feeling about the meeting as a whole? It is important to be aware of the weaknesses an interviewer may see in you and to have the plan to address them. This shows a lack of interest in the position or company and can make it seem like the candidate is only interested in salary and benefits. I also request that you provide me feedback on my executive presence during our one-on-one meetings. So besides seeking more insight into your fitness for the position, recruiters want some indication of self-awareness and integrity. Some disorders that are associated with overthinking include: Overthinking can have a bidirectional relationship with mental health issues. Overthinkers could also be seen as careful perfectionists that take the time to consider all aspects of a decision so they don't miss anything. weakness Questions along the lines of "What are your greatest weaknesses?" Denying that you have any weaknesses when interviewers ask is never recommended. Dino Morea calls himself 'sweet, nice' guy, says sometimes In my last role, I performed really well and can't see where I could have improved. The answer is that it depends on the situation. Do not involve abilities that are essential or important to this job, Reflect your motivation to overcome or minimize the impact through corrective actions, Creating attractive charts and graphs for presentations and reports, Legal and regulatory updates in the industry, Personality types and communication styles in the workplace, Working too many hours or struggling with professional/personal life balance, Difficulty focusing on one task or shifting focus to another, Spreading yourself too thin by not setting realistic limits (often a people-pleasing behavior), Impatience and frustration when things dont progress smoothly or on schedule, Competitiveness that undermines your co-workers contributions. For example, if your worry is that you came across as nervous or jittery, youd find that itd probably be better to simply let it pass than awkwardly explain it (I know my palms were sweaty when we shook handssorry about that!) in a thank you note (more on that here). A perfect basic canvas, Job-winning templates to showcase professionalism, dependability and expertise, A current and stylish feel for forward-thinking candidates in innovative fields, A bold, original feel perfect for artistic fields and contemporary companies. Id become intrigued by the extra details that emerged when digging deeper into research sources, and then overwhelmed by the possibilities for enriched end-product quality. Ive come a long way, with plenty of support and practice. Psychology Today Its so frustrating that you werent able to think of this answer just an hour ago. What Is Your Greatest Weakness 2016;12(3):348-362. doi:10.5964/ejop.v12i3.1118, Michl LC, McLaughlin KA, Shepherd K, Nolen-Hoeksema S. Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. Overall, did you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and company? Since leaving my last job, Ive had the opportunity to interview with several other companies and am much more confident in my abilities. If the job involves thinking on your feet and using your initiative, your weakness could be that you become frustrated when you are expected to adhere to strict protocol at all times. Is this weakness fundamental to the role Im applying for? It released in Here are a few examples of how the interviewer might follow up on your answer: This could be because your answer sounded more like a strength dressed up as a weakness or it could be because your weakness sounded a little vague. If it was a real weakness, consider how you worded it. Overthinking can take a toll on your mood and may make it even more difficult to make decisions in the future. This is an important part of the hiring process, so it can be helpful to think about your strengths and weaknesses ahead. When Im giving feedback to colleagues I try to be very honest but I have learned that sometimes my comments come across as brusque. You want to appear humble and willing to admit when youre not perfect, but you also dont want to make yourself sound like a complete disaster. Thats why Ive taken a few online courses and am constantly picking up new tips from YouTube tutorials. Sir, I would love to sit on the fence about this question, as in my opinion, it entirely depends If youre shy, you could use your ability to listen carefully and pay attention to detail to become a great listener and problem solver. 10. Unless youre applying for a job working with animals, this weakness is just irrelevant. Make your job-winning resume easy and fast with our top resume builder. Mention the steps youve taken. Remember to practice practice practice. Next time you get asked about your biggest weakness in a job interview, give these tips a try. Putting your effort into writing a thoughtful note will do much more good than thinking through your interview for the hundredth time. If you have several viable options going at any given time, youll feel much more confident about your prospectsand less likely to keep analyzing every word in that one interview. As with any job application strategy, it depends on the hiring situation.