Help me, please. A young friend of mine will have a job interview

[neweurope]

Monday. She wants to know what best to answer if she is asked "What are your weaknesses and your strengths". I really have no idea - I had two job interviews in my life way before questions like this were dared to be asked, and I got both jobs.

She is very dear to me, so please - any helpful suggestions would be very much appreciated!


-----------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[ewagner]

1. Weaknesses are pluses

for example:

My biggest weakness is that I'm a workaholic.
or
My biggest weakness is that I pay too much attention to detail.
or
My biggest weakness is that I take responsibility for everything.

[huskerlaw]

2. May I Introduce You to the Goddess of the Job Interview...

That would be me. Ok, not really, but I've done 15-20 in the past month, so I'm getting darn good at them. Most of them have been follow-ups, so that's a good sign.

The dreaded strengths and weaknesses question. Strengths obviously should be tailored to the job description. If she's interviewing for a legal job, they don't care if she can cook Wolfgang Puck under the table. Don't lie, but look at the description, pick at least one thing that she's honestly good at, list them and use examples.

Weaknesses are a bit tricky. But like the previous poster said, turn them into strengths. For example: I'm a perfectionist. I'm not happy with my work until it's done well. Again, if this can be tailored to the job description, all the better.

Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions. Seriously, my life has revolved around job interviews for the last 4 weeks. And so far, the vast majority have been highly successful. And good luck to your friend!

[warrens]

3. I think it's best to be honest

Showing you're aware of tendencies to, say, waste time by being too picky or getting mired in irrelevent details tells your prospective boss that you're aware of the weakness and realize WHY it's a weakness.

In strengths, be very analytical, but don't be overly modest. Bosses want to hear that you're proud of what you do well.

[LeftyMom]

4. Weaknesses

First you need two real weeknesses that sound good to an employer like "I'm a bit of a perfectionist" or "I take work to seriously" but qualify them so you don't sond like a unplesant person or type A personality. Then (if you can pull it off comfortably) mention a funny weakness, that you're a lousy cook or you cry watching sappy movies or something like that to humanize yourself and make yourself memorable.

[put out]

5. Oo Oo chose me!

Kidding. I try to use this in my own work:

My weakness is that I become attached to my co-workers, my job, my customers or clients, and then I can invest myself in an unhealthy way to this job. I will work too hard, for too many hours, and doubt that it is all perfect, and feel guilt because it cannot be.

I am growing. I am learning the difference between attachment, and commitment. I do all that is required and expected of me, and I take pleasure in doing better than anyone expects. If you make your expectations plain, I have no doubt I can do the job, or I will decline the position. I will be committed to your mission, if you choose to hire me. I am learning not to be attached to this work in a way that would hurt your mission.

Geesh, I got no idea what I'm talking about. I just use it for myself.

[neweurope]

6. Thanks everybody so far but please - the more opinions the

better. As I've said she's a very dear person. I have to go to bed now - it's midnight here - but please keep this kicked for awhile!


-------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!