The weakness question represents the most common and most stressful one posed during interviews. Yet in todays weak job market, the wrong answer weakens your chances of winning employment.
Some people offer replies they mistakenly assume that bosses love, such as I am a perfectionist. That response will be used against you because you appear incapable1 of delegating, warns Joshua Ehrlich, dean of a masters program in executive coaching sponsored by BeamPines Inc., a New York coaching firm and Middlesex University in London.
A careful game plan could help you cope with the shortcoming query2 in a way that highlights your fit for a desired position. Job seekers who field the question well demonstrate that they can take initiative and improve themselves, Mr. Morrow says.
The key Thorough preparation. Career specialists suggest you take stock of your weaknesses, focusing on job-related ones that wont impede3 your ability to perform your duties. Tony Santora, an executive vice4 president for Right Management, a major outplacement firm in Philadelphia, says an information-technology manager flubbed a 2007 interview by choosing a personal foible as his reply: My true weakness is that I am a terrible cook.
Rehearse your responses aloud, role play with a friend or videotape yourself -- but dont memorize your words. As you review the video, look for aspects you would like to change so you can continue to get better as you practice, says Peggy Klaus, a leadership coach in Berkeley, Calif.
The IT manager changed his tune5 after practice sessions with fellow job seekers and a counselor6 in Cincinnati for Right Management. He instead said he worked such long hours that he found it difficult to stay current with world events. So, he spent 30 minutes every evening catching7 up at home.
When the manager pursued an opportunity at a global drug maker8, his revamped response really resonated with the interviewer, says Mr. Santora. The manufacturer hired the man.
Its equally important that you consider an employers corporate9 culture. While being interviewed by a start-up, you could say, My weakness is I get bored by routine, says Ben Dattner, a New York industrial psychologist.
Ideally, your reply also should exclude the word weakness and cover your corrective steps. Dubbing10 your greatest fault a window of opportunity signals your improvement efforts should benefit the workplace, says Oscar Adler, a retired11 Maidenform Brands sales executive and author of the book, Sell Yourself in Any Interview. For instance, he suggests, a salesman might note that he sold more after strengthening his facility with numbers.
When an interviewer pops this nerve-wracking query, your body language counts as well. The wrong nonverbal cues undercut your credibility. Certain candidates hunch12 over, glance furtively13 around the room or wring14 their sweaty palms. They sort of look like theyre being asked a question they cant handle, says Mr. Adler.
Maintaining eye contact, regular breathing and a broad smile impress employers that youre prepared for the weakness question, says psychotherapist Pat Pearson, author of Stop Self-Sabotage!
For the same reason, you seem thoughtful if you pause before responding. But dont wait too long. If youre going to take a minute, Mr. Morrow cautions, Ive just identified your weakness.
扩展： 如何做采访
Books, magazines, and the Internet arent the only sources for research. Conducting an interview can be a great way to learn about a subject, too! An interview can be a lot of fun. You may learn unexpected1 things, and youll feel like a reporter.
Before the Interview 采访前
Make a list of questions you plan to ask. What would you like to learn about Lets say your subject is the assassination2 of President Kennedy. You could ask the person you are interviewing where they were when they heard the news. Who were they with How did they feel What concerns did they have for the country
Call the person to set up a time and place for the interview. If you dont know the person yet, bring a parent along or do the interview over the phone.
Get together everything you will need to do the interview. Items might include a tape recorder, paper, and pens or pencils.
During the Interview 采访中
If the person gives you permission, tape record the interview. If you tape record it, label the tape with the date and the name of the person. Even if you tape the interview, you should take notes so that youll remember important points.
At the beginning of the interview, ask when and where the person was born. This will save you from having to backtrack and figure out dates later.
Dont interrupt or correct the person you are talking to. People sometimes remember things wrong. Thats okay-you can check dates and facts later. The important thing is to hear about the persons impressions and feelings.
Listen carefully. Something the person says may inspire you to ask a question you hadnt planned. For example, lets say that the person you are talking to mentions that she will never forget seeing television footage of the Kennedy children at the presidents funeral. You might ask why it was so unforgettable. What did the children do How old were they
Let the person have plenty of time to talk. But if they start to ramble3, try to get them back on the subject by asking one of the questions you brought along.
After the Interview 采访后
Thank your subject at the end of your meeting. Afterward4, write a thank-you note.
If you recorded the interview, listen to the tape. Write down important points and interesting quotations5.
Look back over the questions your prepared before the interview. Did the interview help to answer them If you are going to do an oral report, think about how you will present your information. You might talk about what you had hoped to get out of the interview, and what you learned6 from it that was unexpected. You could also talk about the difference between reading a book and getting a personal view.
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