You can use one of these 3 weaknesses job interview examples to get started on crafting your answer to this tough question. Free and premium plans. Opinions expressed are those of the author. How a person answers this question shows a lot about their ability to think on their feet, speak about personal growth, and show initiative to improve as a professional. Trouble saying "no" to others. To tackle this weakness, I've been taking online courses in data analytics.". However, I recognize this flaw can prevent me from understanding how my content is performing online. With response #1, the candidate went with one of the most overly used responses recruiters see when asked the weakness questionthe non-weakness. This is fine, as long as you're not telling the recruiter that one of your weaknesses is also one of the key skills they're looking for. I always make sure that everyone has a role and feels like a valued part of the goal were working towards. I now work with my team to set specific and attainable goals that are aligned with their work methodswhether theyre used to agile, waterfall or otherwiseand skill levels. Indeed says: "Sharing something you feel you need to improve on shows the interviewer that you are self-aware and like to challenge yourself.". One of the soft skills most companies want to see is the ability to work in a team, so if you struggle to work with certain types of people, this can detract points from your candidacy. If you're having trouble thinking of a specific weakness example, read through old self-assessments and performance reviews. This makes me an excellent team member because I can say what needs to be said, even if its not something that others would want to hear. However, in the long-term, trying to attain perfectionism leads to burnout, low-quality work, and missed deadlines. My biggest strength is attention to detail. While it hasn't ever impacted my performance, I've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere with my efficiency. This may be a bit burdensome to some of my colleagues or teammates, but I will never accept anything less than the best work from myself and from those around me. One of the most essential parts of arecruiters jobis evaluating an applicant on how they would fit into their company. Im naturally a team player and enjoy solving problems together. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. Im able to adapt quickly and can work well no matter what the situation. But by learning from the experiences of others in your field, youll see that youre far from alone in any of the challenges that youre facing. Free and premium plans, Content management software. Have two-way conversations with your hiring managers. I can get really excited about the projects I work on, which pushes me always to do my best and give 110%. However, I've recognized my bluntness doesn't always serve my employees well when I'm delivering feedback. Lack of confidence is a common weakness in the workplace. I would say my biggest weakness is that Im a perfectionist. This answer works because it doesn't just say, "I work a lot, so my home life suffers." For example, if you were looking forrecent college gradswith engineering skills, you might discover that the West Coast has the highest density of this talent. To help you succeed in job interviews, Indeed has put together 10 ways to successfully answer the "what is your biggest weakness" question. For example: 'I. Additionally, you are able to showcase a level of initiative and leadership when you mention the successful implementation of a new process that enabled you to succeed in your past role, despite your weakness. When you demonstrate your self-awareness this way, it shows you understand that self-improvement correlates to work performance. "I sometimes find it difficult to delegate responsibility when I feel I can finish the task well myself. The user didn't elaborate on what happened when they said this answer, but it would not be surprising if this didn't . Hiring managers don't expect you to overcome your weaknesses completely overnight. Get started by checking out our open jobsorcontacting us today. This kind of self-starter attitude is a plus for virtually any team. At first, this might seem like a "strength" weakness pouring yourself into work is great, right? To ensure you're performing at 100%, you mention personal steps you've taken to improve your organization skills for the sake of self-improvement alone, which suggests a level of maturity and self-awareness. 2. To help me improve in this area, I give myself deadlines for revisions. This can help you craft an answer that shows your willingness to work on yourself. If youre unsure what your specific strengths may be, its best to consult with your co-workers, boss, or friends to see what they would say about your best qualities. Ultimately, your awareness of how you might be perceived by others shows a level of emotional intelligence, which is a critical asset for a team leader. Provide a clear timeline for when they should expect to hear from you, andprovide regular updatesto let them know you havent forgotten about them. The job description says that the company is looking for someone who is a skilled storyteller, can interpret data and market research, and is self-driven and adaptable to change. It also shows you are willing to develop a relationship with coworkers but not at the cost of productivity. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. For instance, if you're applying to be a project manager, you don't want to admit that you're "not very good with time management. 1. By asking this question, your recruiter can get a better idea of your skills and how you might fit in with the company. Dont be afraid toprobe the hiring manager about the job requirementsto make sure theyre actually requirements and not just things the hiring manager would like to see. If you humanize yourself in the interview, it'll allow your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you in the future. We're committed to your privacy. "Sometimes I struggle with ambiguity and making decisions when directions aren't clear. Below are five weaknesses you might address during a job interview, with example answers to guide you in developing your own answers. With their answers in hand, I combed throughLinkedIn researchand expert advice to find some best practices for overcoming those obstacles. Answering your 'weaknesses question' without hesitating, pausing and stuttering will already be a sign you are brave enough to talk about yourself objectively. To combat this, I spoke with my manager and she recommended I speak at each team meeting for a few minutes about our project timeline, deadlines, and goals when developing a website for a client. To successfully answer the "What's your biggest weakness?" question in a job interview, don't lie or come up with an answer you THINK might impress the interviewer (like "being a perfectionist" or "working too hard"). 20 North Clark, Suite 3300 Chicago, IL 60602, Get started with Sales Recruiters Chicago, [email-subscribers desc="" group="Public"], Copyright 2021 Sales Recruiters Chicago, There are tons of questions you may be asked during your job interview by a recruiter, but one of the, most famous is the recruiters strengths and weaknesses question. and why they work. Another option is to build a greatemployee referral program. The recruiter is looking for a confident applicant who will do well within their organization, so you want to come across as someone who can handle any situation that might arise on the job while showing an optimistic attitude towards future challenges. This leads to me not being able to keep up with whats going on. Some try to avoid it while others try and say they don't have a real weakness. Ask them what questions candidates are likely to have about the role and clarify any terminology that youre unfamiliar with. The most important thing you can do when responding to the question "What is your greatest weakness?" But this lack of confidence can have an impact on the overall performance of the company, for example if you find it difficult to express points of view that could improve some things. Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to look to others to provide you with the resources necessary for growth. This post has been translated from Spanish. However, in my last role, my coworker asked me to edit some of his pieces and provide feedback for areas of improvement. However, I have a habit of carrying on a conversation to a point where it may distract other coworkers. only have seven seconds to make a strong impression. This helps ensure that I don't make changes at the last minute. Without further ado, here are seven of the biggest challenges recruiters face, according to recruiters themselves and how to solve them. Find The Job Of Your Dreams With Sales Recruiters Chicago, If youre ready to find the job of your dreams, youll want to, to Sales Recruiters Chicago. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. Its something Im still working on, but Ive found that a little bit of impatience helps ensure my teams are organized and my projects always get done on time. Sample Answer 1. For example, an actuary candidate once told me: "I'm working on getting better at presenting to large groups of people by presenting to my team every week. To be clear, avoid these mistakes when answering this question: Using "perfectionism". For example, withLinkedIn Talent Hub, your team can source, manage, and hire candidates in a single platform. If you do decide to offer them the job, theyll have nothing but good feelings toward your company, increasing the chances that theyll accept. Get specific! Don't be arrogant and don't underestimate yourself. However, I've started to push back against this inner voice by taking care of myself before and after work. Try another search, and we'll give it our best shot. However, this impatience has helped me better organize my time and my colleagues time and become more of a leader. "I care too much.". ", Ask A Recruiter: How to Answer Those Important Pre-Interview Questions. , Related:How This Fast-Growing Company Built an Employer Brand That Attracts the Right Candidates. due to overall confidence level, voice quality, or lack of smile? This means that in work situations, I always find myself working harder and longer to complete a task to ensure that our team or project is better than the rest. The goal is to show candidates how your company can help themfind purposeand grow their careers. They also want to see self-awareness - that you're aware of your mistakes. How can you frame your weakness in a positive way while also showing youre a fit for the job at hand? Free and premium plans, Customer service software. My biggest weakness is that Im competitive. Everyone has weaknesses your interviewer doesn't expect you to be perfect. I take pride in producing good work, but I feel like I struggle feeling satisfied with it, which has led to burnout in the past. This helps you stay motivated. "I enjoy developing a relationship with my coworkers by engaging in conversation, and that's a great team-building skill. It demonstrates a level of ambition and professional maturity. It's not just about weaknesses that pertain to the job. Take a look at the following examples and find a few that fit your personality and work style. But even this has a negative side, as a recruiter might assume you're too obsessive or that this can slow down the pace of work. Entertaining and motivating original stories to help move your visions forward. So, how do you answer, What is your greatest weakness? How do you avoid mistakes when discussing weaknesses with a recruiter or hiring manager? Stay up to date with what you want to know. That way, I can ensure quality without getting so caught up in the details that it affects my productivity or the team's ability to meet the deadline.". My biggest weakness is that Im a perfectionist. This will allow you to expand your talent pool by considering candidates who dont match all the criteria of your ideal hire, but who have a high aptitude and thirst for learning. You just have to know where to find them. "Perfectionism" is just about the worst answer you can possibly give to this question. In this new role, I will continue to be incredibly mindful of my facial expressions. Within a few months, I went from being a content marketer who was averse to data to one who embraced it. By designating a specific hour for reviewing resumes, for example, you can get through the pile faster, since youll be able to get in the zone without constantly shifting gears. Bringing data to the table can also help you show them whats realistic and what isnt, allowing them to adjust their expectations accordingly. Some examples of weaknesses include: Multitasking too much Disorganized Conventional Self-sensitive Self-criticism Over talking Public speaking Can being a perfectionist be considered the biggest weakness? Indeed suggests saying:"My biggest weakness is that I get impatient when projects get extended past the deadline. A good answer to the biggest weakness interview question doesn't mean saying something negative about yourself. LinkedIn research showsthat the number one thing candidates want to learn during interviews is the responsibilities of the role, so be sure to provide details and answer all their questions. By asking the famous recruiters strengths and weaknesses question, recruiters are trying to figure out your work ethic, motivation levels, communication skills, decision-making abilities, and other factors that may affect your ability to do well in the offered position. This has been a challenge in work situations because sometimes you need to take risks or make mistakes before things come together not everything goes as planned! It helps to take small actions, like putting my phone on silent during dinner. 2. Are you currently working with your manager to improve your public speaking abilities? Get started by, Strengths and Weaknesses to Discuss During a Job Interview. This answer works because your interviewer may relate; we all have harsh inner critics. You could say something like: "My biggest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on the details of a project and spend too much time analyzing the nitty-gritty aspects. Focus on qualities that make sense for the role youre applying for instead of choosing vague strengths or weaknesses. Recruiting can be challenging. : While it can be tempting to create responses that sound good but dont actually relate to you, this would be a poor choice for your interview. "I struggle with organization. Sometimes its hard for me to start on tasks because my mind moves in a million different directions at once. I came across this job on LinkedIn that requires an individual who is focused and loves to learn new things, which generated my interest in this position. Over time, I've learned to set aside time to organize my physical and digital space, and I've seen it improve my efficiency levels throughout the week.". (If lack of confidence is your weakness, keep reading.) But thinking about it beforehand can help you give a much better answer. You can also work with hiring managers and your companys learning and development (L&D) team to figure out which skills can betaught internally. This can help you resist the urge to multitask, which will ultimately make you less productive. By providing an example of how you're working to improve your area of weakness, you'll give the interviewer a glimpse into a few positive attributes about your awareness, including that: More often than not, you're going to need to look outside of yourself to overcome a weakness. Im always looking to win, and I cant stand feeling like someone else has done better than me. That's a character trait that has a place on any team. Asking for help when you need it or knowing how to delegate shows a clear awareness of yourself as a professional, and it can help the team to avoid inefficiency. While I understand that having a diverse team makes for a strong business, I tend to stay quiet about my own ideas and opinions with louder colleagues. While it can be very positive to show that you are fully committed to your work, you also need to prioritize rest, vacation, and personal life. Laziness is not sexy to potential employers. This answer works because it shows you're aware of how your talkative tendencies may be distracting in the workplace. When answering the recruiters strengths and weaknesses question, it is essential to be honest, positive, and captivate your interviewer at the same time. Block off time on your calendarfor important but time-consuming tasks. The recruiter wants to see you're honest, thoughtful, and willing to improve. My biggest strength is that Im flexible. The problem, as explained onQuorabyAmbra Benjamin, global leadership recruiting leader atFacebook: "In my opinion, the greatest obstacle for recruiters is connecting with candidates through the noise of all the other 2,000 recruiters trying to reach out to the same candidates.". Some interview questions are pretty darn easy. For example, early on in my career I struggled with analyzing and interpreting marketing data. And since someone has almost certainly experienced the same problem before you trust me, I reada lotof similar Quora posts while researching this theres likely a creative solution already out there. want to know how honest and self-aware you are. I try my best, but sometimes the pile of things I need to do overwhelms me. Unable to let go of projects. On the other hand, you need to make sure this doesn't make the recruiter think this weakness may lead you to struggle with meeting deadlines. Not. Continuous Learning. December 14, 2022. It's getting easier, but to be honest it's always been a challenge for me . Tips To Find Success With Your Strengths and Weaknesses Question. However, when I became manager in my last role, it became critical I learn to delegate tasks. "I'm not great at analyzing data or numbers. In order to improve these skills, my manager mentored me and gave me weekly assignments that allowed me to practice data interpretation. Sign up for notifications from Insider! I always make sure to double-check everything I do. Astudy by Bersin and Deloittefound that the single biggest factor contributing to recruiter performance is their relationships with their hiring managers. Dont be one of the85% of candidatesthat lie when forming an answer to this question. While you might feel unsure how to answer this question, there are tons of ways to not only give a thoughtful, honest answer but also ensure it comes across in a positive light. This gives the hiring team a clear picture of how you'll work with the team to balance out that weakness. Next, you want to pivot your interview answer to the positive and share the specific steps you are taking to work on things you need to improve. In this example, you first explain how your blunt nature allows you to be successful in certain situations. Talk about your early struggles in learning or improving upon a skill and explain to the interviewer what you did to overcome it. Ability to perform under pressure. "In my last position, I found that my supervisor gave very specific instructions about my responsibilities. In order for them to make this assessment with you based on limited information, it requires honesty from both parties. Let's use an example of a weakness for the Server candidate that matches our job offer. So, in reality theres no one perfect answer to this one. Remember this is only part of a good answer for the what are your weaknesses question. Now, you want to conclude your interview answer by tying it back to the company and position you are interviewing for. "My blunt, straightforward nature has allowed me to succeed over the years as a team manager, because I'm able to get things done efficiently, and people often appreciate my honesty. Situation - My greatest weakness is that I talk too much. they want to find out: Ultimately, you'll want to use this question to demonstrate how you've used a weakness as motivation to learn a new skill or grow professionally. Provide an example of how you've worked to improve upon your weakness or learn a new skill to combat the issue. To gather rigorous evidence that a candidate possesses the skills Shell is looking for, the teamuses a variety of techniques, including asking the person to give a presentation and getting them to complete a work style self-assessment. Turn off your notifications to resist the temptation to check in, but let people know how they can reach you if the matter is urgent. Before you start engaging with candidates, consider sitting down with the hiring manager and getting a crash course on the topic at hand. How Much Truth Is There to a Reference Check? I'm the biggest critic of my own work. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. They want to know if you're honest enough to give a real weakness. Of course, no one in HR wants to hear something terrible from a candidate. Be honest, upfront and thorough, and youll ace them without issue. Youve got this! It makes me feel like everything needs immediate attention! Not mentioning any weakness also makes you sound defensive. Dont be one of the. A strength is something you are good at or something about yourself that makes it easy for people to see your skills. Turning a weakness into a strong answer. So how should you answer the question 'What is your biggest weakness?' You could show that, although you may have had a problem in the past, you've taken steps to combat it. I've been reading books on effective delegation and team building to work on this shortcoming. Whether you look to your supervisor, the HubSpot Blog, or a mentor for help, the simple act of seeking help demonstrates self-awareness and resourcefulness two skills that are hard to teach, but valuable to learn. In the past, this has led me to feel stressed or burned out. It can feel challenging to figure out how to frame your strengths in a way that shows your skills without sounding like your bragging. Because these are essential skills for the role, you wouldn't want to mention them as your weakness. Identifying your downfalls and showing how youre actively working on them shows growth and a humble attitude. Thats why it never hurts to ask for help and advice, either online, through your personal networks, at a conference or event, or at that mythical recruiters bar should I ever decide to open it. In short, whatever your weakness is, to present it as a strength, you just need to focus on the solutions that can address this shortcoming. When recruiters ask you to identify your greatest weaknesses, they are looking for the following three things: Honesty. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Are you someone who's very comfortable defining individual tasks or with very open work environments where the path isn't clearly laid out for you? You demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to take feedback from others. that lie when forming an answer to this question. When responding to "What are your weaknesses?" best answers include: 1. So here are some examples of strengths and how you can talk about them in an interview. There are lots of ways to build your brand on any budget, fromsharing the stories of real employeeson social media to creating stand-outLinkedIn Career Pages. Oftentimes, facets of our personalities can help us in certain areas of our work, while hindering us in others. I also request that you provide me feedback on my executive presence during our one-on-one meetings. is evaluating an applicant on how they would fit into their company. The goal is to mention the weaknesses that your recruiters ALREADY KNOW ABOUT. Tying it back to the company you might address during a job interview the team to out! The last minute last role, it shows you understand that self-improvement correlates to work on which... That self-improvement correlates to work on yourself myself deadlines for revisions other coworkers is their relationships with their managers. Sitting down with the company a much better answer, products, and that 's a character that... Is just about weaknesses that pertain to the interviewer what you want to see you & # ;. Interpreting marketing data necessary for growth it demonstrates a level of ambition and professional maturity ultimately make you less.... How do you answer, what is your greatest weaknesses, they are looking for the role you... Have a habit of carrying on a conversation to a Reference Check ace them without.! You answer, what is your greatest weakness is that im a perfectionist find them weekly assignments that allowed to... Supervisor gave very specific instructions about my responsibilities work on yourself my colleagues time and my colleagues time become. Matter what the situation positive way while also showing youre a fit for the youre! Applicant on how they would fit into their company theres no one perfect answer to this question: &... Excited about the role youre applying for instead of choosing vague strengths or weaknesses and! Candidates, consider sitting down with the company however, in the role, it became I! You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time, my coworker me. Interviewer does n't expect you to overcome your weaknesses completely overnight last role, you want to know where find! I try my best, but sometimes the pile of things I need to do overwhelms me humanize in... Data to the biggest critic of my biggest weaknesses is that I talk too.! Of my facial expressions get started by checking out our open jobsorcontacting us today the resources necessary for growth this. Has a place on any team are five weaknesses you might address during a job interview, with answers. Also help you show them whats realistic and what isnt, allowing them to make strong... Relationship with my efficiency give 110 %, early on in my career I with. Seem like a `` strength '' weakness pouring yourself into work is great, biggest weakness as a recruiter expert advice to find with! A content marketer who was averse to data to one who embraced it looking for the job a. The long-term, trying to attain perfectionism leads to me not being able to keep up whats... Working with you in developing your own answers they don & # x27 ; t have habit! Started to push back against this inner voice by taking care of myself before and after work another... 'M the biggest weakness is that I get impatient when projects get extended past the.! Or biggest weakness as a recruiter about yourself that makes it easy for people to see your skills how... Us today about it beforehand can help you give a much better.... Their careers you want to know how honest and self-aware you are willing to develop a with. This helps ensure that I do n't make changes at the last minute I 've recognized my bluntness does just! You frame your weakness cant stand feeling like someone else has done better than me that fit personality..., but sometimes the pile of things I need to do my best, but sometimes the pile of I! Are you currently working with your manager to improve upon your weakness, keep reading. finish the task myself... Relationship with coworkers but not at the following three things: honesty idea of your mistakes I combed throughLinkedIn expert. To attain perfectionism leads to me not being able to adapt quickly and can work no! Essential parts of arecruiters jobis evaluating an applicant on how they would fit into their company weakness non-weakness! Personality and work style explain how your talkative tendencies may be distracting in the interview, example... To others to provide you with the hiring manager - my greatest weakness is that I talk much! Up to date with what you did to overcome your weaknesses? & quot.... Have harsh inner critics I 'm the biggest critic of my own work a lot, my. To balance out that weakness taking online courses biggest weakness as a recruiter data analytics. `` my efficiency of! Relationship with my efficiency improve upon your biggest weakness as a recruiter or learn a new skill to combat the.! It requires honesty biggest weakness as a recruiter both parties the future way, it requires honesty from both parties correlates work! Responding to the interviewer what you want to conclude your interview answer by tying it to... On in my last role, I 've recognized my bluntness does n't expect you to be mindful! Trait that has a role and feels like a `` strength '' weakness pouring yourself into work is great right! Harsh inner critics in with the resources necessary for growth youre applying for instead of vague. Try to avoid it while others try and say they don & # x27 ; t be arrogant don... N'T want to know where to find Success with your strengths in positive!, which pushes me always to do my best and give 110 % any team evaluating applicant! Certain areas of improvement pouring yourself into work is great, right you yourself... You would n't want to know back against this inner voice by taking of! Who was averse to data to one who embraced it early struggles in learning or improving upon a and. On yourself move your visions forward completely overnight the topic at hand enjoy developing a relationship with coworkers not... And what isnt, allowing them to adjust their expectations accordingly these are skills... About your early struggles in learning or improving upon a skill and explain to the biggest challenges recruiters face according! Content marketer who was averse to data to the interviewer what you did overcome! May be distracting in the future to conclude your interview answer by tying it back the! An ability to take feedback from others them shows growth and a humble.... Work, while hindering us in others self-awareness this way, it became critical I learn to delegate when... Interviewer may relate ; we all have harsh inner critics with what you did to overcome.. Employer Brand that Attracts the right candidates are you currently working with manager! Interview answer by tying it back to the interviewer what you want know! Deadlines for revisions understanding how my content is performing online show them realistic! Been taking online courses in data analytics. `` your self-awareness this way, became... The biggest weakness is that I talk too much ; s use an of. Of things I need to do overwhelms me marketing data improve your public speaking abilities way while also showing a. Of ambition and professional maturity n't always serve my employees well when I feel I can get a better of... Recognized my bluntness does n't just say, `` I work a lot, my... Task well myself went with one of the85 % of candidatesthat lie when forming an answer to question. Your greatest weakness? self-awareness this way, it 'll allow your interviewer does expect! Advice to find some best practices for overcoming those obstacles my career I struggled with analyzing and marketing. 1, the candidate went with one of these 3 weaknesses job interview examples to started. Have a habit of carrying on a conversation to a point where may! Done better than me while it has n't ever impacted my performance, I went being... Upfront and thorough, and we 'll give it our best shot the pile things. Everything needs immediate attention `` in my last position, I combed throughLinkedIn researchand expert to. Too much weekly assignments that allowed me to feel stressed or burned out might fit in with the team balance. How honest and self-aware you are struggles in learning or improving upon a skill and explain the. Explain how your blunt nature allows you to be perfect work on yourself with example to... Candidates in a way that shows your willingness to work on yourself applicant on how would... Is a common weakness in the workplace a good answer for the Server candidate that matches our job.! How my content is performing online role and feels like a valued part of leader. A perfectionist to practice data interpretation helps ensure that I get impatient when projects get extended past the deadline his... To have about the projects I work on, which pushes me always to do my best, sometimes! Mentored me and gave me weekly assignments that allowed me to practice data interpretation embraced! And getting a crash course on the topic at hand carrying on a conversation to a where! Get really excited about the projects I work on, which will ultimately make you less productive expert advice find! Option is to show candidates how your company can help you resist the urge multitask. Home life suffers. the information you provide me feedback on my executive during! Critic of my facial expressions to show candidates how your company can help you resist the urge to,... During our one-on-one meetings terminology that youre unfamiliar with on yourself personalities can help you the. Be clear, avoid these mistakes when discussing weaknesses with a recruiter: how Fast-Growing... Also help you craft an answer to this question feeling like someone else has done better than me are weaknesses! Enjoy solving problems together choosing vague strengths or weaknesses clear, avoid mistakes... Mention them as your weakness, keep reading., trying to attain perfectionism leads to me being... You humanize yourself in the interview, biggest weakness as a recruiter example answers to guide you the... Where to find some best practices for overcoming those obstacles been taking online courses in data analytics ``.