3 Weaknesses

Skyblade · #1 10-23-2006, 06:45 PM

So I'm applying for a freelance writing position and they ask me for 3 of my strengths and 3 of my weaknesses. I usually only describe one weakness and I'm having trouble coming up with 2 more.

So, what are some of your weaknesses? I'm thinking I may have similar weaknesses and I can use that in my application.

grneyedmustang · #2 10-23-2006, 06:59 PM

Some good ones I've heard on interviews:

- Taking on too much responsibility (but I've learned to ask for help!)

- Intolerance for those who don't take their jobs seriously (but I've learned to coach them as their peer or supervisor, and hope that I can instill the same passion in them as I have for my job!)

- Not asking for help when I need assistance (but I've learned how to ask others for help when I'm feeling overwhelmed!)

From what I understand, the key is to follow up with a positive sentence; don't state that you don't have any weaknesses, and don't state the obvious work ethic related weaknesses, such as tardiness, attendance, etc.

#3 10-23-2006, 07:03 PM

The only thing I've ever gotten dinged for in my current job is impatience

Skyblade · #4 10-23-2006, 07:18 PM

The one thing I usually say is that I am somewhat of an introvert which oftentimes doesn't make me the most assertive person, but I am continually working on it through membership in Toastmasters, etc.

I always felt like all the BS ones like I'm a workaholic and stuff, people could see right through it, so I feel being honest is best (and it doesn't hurt to put a positive spin on your weaknesses). I'm just having a hard time coming up with 3 weaknesses (cuz I'm so perfect).

#5 10-23-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblade

The one thing I usually say is that I am somewhat of an introvert which oftentimes doesn't make me the most assertive person, but I am continually working on it through membership in Toastmasters, etc.

I always felt like all the BS ones like I'm a workaholic and stuff, people could see right through it, so I feel being honest is best (and it doesn't hurt to put a positive spin on your weaknesses). I'm just having a hard time coming up with 3 weaknesses (cuz I'm so perfect).

I tend to agree.

CTGirl · #6 10-23-2006, 08:24 PM

When I was interviewing for my current job, my boss asked me that question, and I told him that I'm really stubborn once I've made up my mind, and it takes a really good argument to get me to change it. He smiled at me, laughed a little, and said "that's my weakness too"

wordsmith · #7 10-23-2006, 09:27 PM

Anybody who asks that in interviews is totally gonna see through the BS stock answers that are thinly veiled (or totally unveiled) pats on your own back anyway ("I'm just toooo dedicated sometimes...I just have to be reminded to go home sometimes because I'm so absorbed in doing a good job for you!").

I prefer to focus on things that actually DO have positive sides, but aren't so blatant. One is that I'm meticulous to a fault, and that can be time-consuming. But the extra attention I give something pays off in accuracy and thoroughness, even if it might take a bit longer. Also that I may take a bit longer to be shown the ropes, I'm a , but when I am set free on my own, I always swim rather than sink.

Musicvixen24 · #8 10-26-2006, 02:59 PM

you can say that you are too hard on yourself when you don't do something that you are supposed to.

awhitmer83 · #9 10-26-2006, 03:01 PM

I was very honest in an interview this week and said that I'm a control freak and I have trouble trusting people when I work as part of a team. The interviewer was actually impressed with my "self-awareness" and said that if I get the job, my team members would help me get over that by letting me know when I'm being controlling. I'm one of two remaining candidates.

I have also said that I'm a perfectionist, which is both a strength and a weakness. I work hard to do my best, but sometimes I have trouble getting things done because I'm too busy wondering what I can improve.

#10 10-26-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicvixen24

you can say that you are too hard on yourself when you don't do something that you are supposed to.

That's a good one and SO true for me. I beat myself up over things that turn out to be non-issues.

cache · #11 10-26-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wordsmith

I prefer to focus on things that actually DO have positive sides, but aren't so blatant. One is that I'm meticulous to a fault, and that can be time-consuming. But the extra attention I give something pays off in accuracy and thoroughness, even if it might take a bit longer. Also that I may take a bit longer to be shown the ropes, I'm a , but when I am set free on my own, I always swim rather than sink.

words - I would say that is the number one BS stock answer I have heard - perfectionism. Nothing personal.