What are Your Weaknesses?
That question or some version of it will come up during most interviews. Your answer will shed light on your willingness to be transparent and authentic. I would even say, to a certain extent, it provides a glimpse of your ethics.
Years ago, when I was an executive chef, I asked a guy that question. He said, “Well, you know, my only weakness is that I never go home. I work too hard. I never wanna clock out!”
Bruh. *Insert “face palm” emoji here*
Now, of course, I understand what he’s trying to do. He’s trying to convince me that he doesn’t have any weaknesses because he doesn’t want to make himself look bad.
Duncan Nugget® #187:
Nobody interviewing you expects you to be perfect and trying act like you are can cost you the opportunity.
During episode 2 of Skill Talk, which you can find on the S3 YouTube channel, Dr. Michelle B. Lee and I talked about being ethical and how to approach answering questions about our weaknesses.
Dr. Lee’s Approach
“My weakness is [blank], okay. But this is what I’m doing to improve my weakness. [Explain how you manage your weakness and get back to focusing on your strengths.]”
Al’s Approach
“One area that I’m always focused on or one area that I’m always working to get better in is [blank]. And so, what I do about that is [Explain how you manage your weakness and get back to focusing on your strengths.]”
Duncan Nugget® #47:
Focus on your strengths, manage you weaknesses.
Notice that in both of our approaches we didn’t shy away from the fact that we are not perfect. Be confident and brave enough to admit that you have a weakness or something that you need to improve on because it helps you to be transparent, authentic, and ethical.
Million-Dollar Question:
If people knew the real you would that help you be successful?
By the way, be sure to answer any questions about your weaknesses in a way that fits your personality. You can use either of our approaches, Google other examples of answers, or use your own approach. Just make sure you clearly say what the weakness is and how you manage to keep it from getting in the way of your success.
Remember…
Duncan Nugget® #226:
When it comes to soft skills, it’s not about right and wrong. It’s about what’s effective or ineffective for you.
DISUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is one soft skill you need to improve? What steps have you taken to work on it? What are some additional steps you can take to help you manage this weakness or area of improvement?
- Have you ever seen or heard about somebody ignoring their weakness? What impact did it have on this individual? What advice would you give them to help improve on and manage their weakness?
- What are your 2-3 best soft skills? How do you work on them to improve your strengths?