My biggest weakness is not knowing my weaknesses

A boss I had once told me, "I don't consider I have any weaknesses, I tend to see them as room for improvement. I'm a glass half full type of person." This has worked for me and other peers that I've told in the past.

My biggest weakness is talking about weakness in front of a panel of people I've met for the first time.

***Now to be honest I never said that. The reason for this question is to see if your have some humility, and can be vulnerable. The best answer I gave on this question is the following, " I would say that my greatest weakness is that I sometimes worry. I worry about everything going well at work, I worry about my childrens future, I worry that I will not live up to all expectations from everyone in my life that depends on me... I am very conscientious of all that I do and truly care about others, and that is why I worry....***

I just went to an interview today and there's no crappier feeling then when the interviewer says "I'm interviewing five more people today...".

@XiloChannel

9 жыл бұрын

So you're interviewing 20 in a week. Let them know, non competitively, that you have many other interviews to go to, with a chuckle, when you feel it's time to tell them (this is the tricky part.) I have gotten jobs this way, the very next day, and quite frankly I wasn't expecting this at all. I told the interviewer when they remarked on my gpa being 3.7 when they said they turned down 3.9's, that, with a smile, i have quite a few more interviews to go on this week, so I have a fantastic desire to work here, and my resume speaks for itself. Indulge yourself if you will, but I want to work here, and will not be unemployed when the week is out. Got the job the next day.

@rayfinkle9924

9 жыл бұрын

someguy604 Im not a nice guy, I am brutally honest in job interviews and its gotten me hired a few times. If im rejected i usually send a very rude email

@Jago8300

9 жыл бұрын

someguy604 that means you got the job! lol XD

@LCbabyxO

8 жыл бұрын

omg I feel you. I went to a job interview two Yeats ago for a job I NEEDED financially. the lady goes "we have 8 other people that have interviews.. I've already interviewed 5..", however, I did get the job lol.

@pammiesue7931

8 жыл бұрын

+someguy604 did you get the job?

My biggest weakness is having to sell my soul to corporate America.

My weakness is trying to answer this question ;)

My biggest weakness is surprise attacks from the back when my neck is exposed.

@MrPittman101

8 жыл бұрын

Cool reply. Lol.

Nobody is that incredible that their weakness makes them more incredible. LOL, cant argue with that :)

@TheGTAVIIMaster

9 жыл бұрын

Whatever.... not my problem...

@MrPittman101

8 жыл бұрын

That is awesome. Made me crack up...

great I should get that job cleaning toilets now

my biggest weakness, "Interviews"

My biggest weakness: When I'm concentrated on my work, I have a facial expression that may make me look like i'm frustrated or sad. I've been working on tricks to remind myself to smile, like drawing a happy face in the palm of my hand :D

@km-rv6gm

9 жыл бұрын

***** lol that's me!

Mine is kryptonite

I find it all so pretentious. Job interviews are more difficult than public speaking, perhaps most peoples weakness are the interviews. Anyone can lie for thirty minutes, some do it better than others. A sociopath can say he is a team player. I found the more I wanted the job, the worse the interview went because of my nerves. Perhaps we need a different system for finding the right people .

@maymee83

9 жыл бұрын

"I found the more I wanted the job, the worse the interview went..." Nail on the head. That's me every time

@RavenRuled

9 жыл бұрын

Great points Megan. As someone who has done thousands of interviews and has rarely been interviewed I would say while I was pretty good at getting great people I could mentor and develop there are always those few that sneak thru. You can have a very smart guy with lots of talent and calm on the interview yet they do next to nothing after they get the job or a gal who interviews like a champ then after hired has all these problems that never stop popping up and she is untrainable. Resumes are just as bad. One time I said that I would love to see someone put on their resume they are late often and quite lazy so I could hire them for their honesty!!

@shruthis3516

9 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more. In my last interview, I was a nervous wreck and I was so gutted that I did not get the job as I prepared for it a lot :(

@baracusain12

9 жыл бұрын

I couldn't have said it better. Interviews are just novelty acts. The better snake oil salesperson normally gets the job.

@spartan1171865

8 жыл бұрын

+megan hadsermeravik Interviews are pointless in my opinion. Not everyone can answer questions great. But people may perform better on the job then the interview.

I don't think answering with "in the past" is answering the question - meaning that is not your weakness anymore. The question was, what IS your biggest weakness?

@stylishnene

10 жыл бұрын

Exactly

@QueenGween

9 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more! :)

@XiloChannel

9 жыл бұрын

What if your biggest weakness is dealing with deadlines? what if your biggest weakness is alcoholism? what if your biggest weakness is tardiness due to paramount productivity? what if your biggest weakness is a psychological disorder that requires medication? Maybe one of all of those I listed is marginally acceptable to list. The reason why people "lie" so to speak, is because this is an aspect of their private lives, and though the question is being asked by the employer, ergo, you won't get the job unless you answer satisfactorily... it also is unethical and quite frankly prying into your private life. I think the best remedy to this question is to deflect and answer it how it pertains to your professional execution, without making you look incompetent. She's right in this video by avoiding the weakness which equals strength. Think outside the box, and DO NOT get personal. Remember, it's not personal, its business.

@alecsanchez9755

8 жыл бұрын

+Sam K Have you heard a politician talk? If you are too literal and don't dodge the questions as much as possible to make yourself out to be the best candidate you will not get the job.

This is what I've come up with, when asked this question this is a real weakness that I've overcome, and I hope it works, for the position I'm looking to get as a cashier at a grocery store. - My biggest weakness was trying to step out of my comfort zone when talking to new people. This was something that I was determined to over come in my first job as a Courtesy Clerk, because I struggled with it at first, but with the proper training I learned ways to improve this. My last job as a sales associate helped with this too, because there was more customer interaction, and now I consider myself a people person, and I can now strike up a conversation with ease, without getting extremely nervous.

how is that a weakness if you have overcome it already?

My biggest weakness is my age. I have 3 degrees and lots of experience but all companies seem to want is newly graduated 20-somethings because they are cheap and have no exprience so they do as they're told.

@Alignmented1

9 жыл бұрын

perfectly stated, I'd just say that if I were you (but more as a joke so it wouldn't sound as criticism).

@XiloChannel

9 жыл бұрын

I respect you for saying this. I'm in my 30s, and a lot of the jobs i'm going for (i changed careers) tend to be difficult for me to go for because a lot of the hiring managers are my age or slightly younger. They don't want someone more decorated than them, or quite possibly, my image is not what they want... Or even worse, as you had alluded to, they're afraid of someone who is empowered and has more of a self-defining individuality and work ethic.

What happened to just telling the truth instead of trying to misrepresent oneself? And do employers asking such questions really expect to hear the truth? If not, why ask the question? I have usually struggle to get to interview; but once there, I'm usually offered the job. I find that what works best (for me) is just to try and relax, be myself, be honest, and treat it as if it were a friendly conversation.

This approach really could show the interviewer you're being sneaky and adding in another strength when they want to know about a weakness and how you recognized and approached the problem.

@CornpopBunghole

9 жыл бұрын

Exactly. I think the key here is you have "Recognized and approached" the problem. That's the kind of person you want to work with every day, not a fake person unwilling to admit what stinks about their personality they needs some work to improve. Why do people have to be robots. Can we just be human?

I believe this is the first time I have commented on a youtube video. You are so refreshing and I really appreciate your time. Thank you.

To that question, I answered well I'm slightly dyslexic and caffeine exacerbates the effects so I have to avoid caffeine when there is any critical data entry work. I think I shocked the interviewer. He said, "Wow, Someone why doesn't think they are prefect? OMG!!" He honestly said I was the first interviewee who actually was aware of my own faults.

Thank you, Aimee! This is a great tip. I knew to mention how I had remedied the weakness but never thought of actually following up immediately with a strength.

My awesomeness is my weakness

@crystalwalton3244

8 жыл бұрын

+Nic Nichols right

I always struggle with this question because I can't determine if punctuality or motivation is my biggest weakness, so I guess by default that makes indecision my biggest weakness... Be sure to maintain eye contact, the reaction is priceless!

Thank you Aimee, great advice. I hadn't thought of structuring my answer like this, really helps!

So, you are saying that when you would like to hire new talent, they could never confirm that people have weaknesses? Recently I had an application, they asked me: 'What is your biggest weakness'? Honestly I told them my weakness... Because of this they trust me because I am confident eneough to say that I do have a weakness... Everyone is perfect people? My advice: to be honest. Good luck!

I don't speak much Spanish. That's a pretty big weakness these days, at least in the U.S.

She reminds me of Keira knightley...thanks for the video..its really helpful!

@lilmixerrr774

10 жыл бұрын

Right the resemblance is mind blowing, she's truly one of a kind

@typhooni8

9 жыл бұрын

beat me to it.... by 7 months

my biggest weakness? my strength!

This is very helpful! More than once watching this is an absolute​ must for me. I've got an interview for a dream job on Thursday and I couldn't be more nervous.

"I generally hate work and would rather be doing just about anything else." or "I hate bs'ing my way through stupid insulting non-relavent questions." Which one should I use?

For anyone worrying about an interview right now, these are the modern day questions that I was asked recently and i hope it helps! Remember it is more than normal to feel terrified XD 1. tell me about yourself - personality, future, e.g where you're studying 2. biggest strength and weakness? 3. why do you want this job? 4. How did you find out about this job? 5. For this specific role, I was asked what makes good customer service 6. where do you see yourself in the next five years? 7. any fears or health issues? I would also recommend researching where you want to work and having some questions prepared so you feel that little bit more confident! good luck

My weakness is the frustration I sometimes show when I see a lack of enthusiasm for a job well done.

My biggest weakness is sweets. That's not a lie lol.

I get nervous in interviews which is just sad because I know I could really contribute my skills to the companies I've applied for. But I feel as though the interviewers sense my nervousness and just pick other candidates.

My biggest weaknesses : (1) I'm a detail guy but sometimes I'm far too detailed and it uses up too much time. I'm trying to work on this by being less detailed with things that aren't of great importance. (2) When troubleshooting technical issues that I can't solve the same day, sometimes I will be thinking about the problem while at home in the shower or eating dinner. I'm trying to work on this by setting reminders in my email or using One Note to noting on what the problem was, what I did, and if there is any deadlines that I should to be aware about.

Having had the pleasure of your acquaintance via youtube, I must say Aimee you are certainly a star and fantastic to watch. I am sure and right in saying that you speak from your heart and your strenuous work to assist people find success is marked by unsurpassed efficiency and excellence. You are simply best out of the rest so well done and I hope to work with you in the future...

My interviewing days are over I hope, but saying that, this video and advice is honestly the best I've heard or read in the last 35 years in the job field both on the interviewee and interviewer roles that I've played. It is the examples that I found were something new and believable, and I would have hire Aimee if her other answers were as good. Well Done Aimee. Aimee, you are well suited for these videos.

Hi Aimee, I used your techniques to deal with this interview question the other day on my assessed interview and passed with great feedback! So thank you very much for this! Lewis

Well, one of my weaknesses is being really hard on myself when I make a mistake. Even my supervisor used to tell me, "Yad, you're being too hard on yourself, this mistake is fixable. Don't worry about it". And I would still feel bad for a few days. lol

Great video, you provided a great example that applies directly to me. Thank you so much for sharing.

Would be more useful if you actually gave examples -statements like "I am sure you know what not to say" aren't particularly helpful, I have interviewed plenty of people that don't.

You should choose a 'weakness' that is not a detriment to the job that you are applying for, such as ice skating, marathon running or juggling. This way you are being 100% honest.

Interesting direction for this question. I will be looking for a position around April so I will keep this in mind.

Good suggestions and I love the flow. I agree with the idea that you have to show how you're working on it, or how you're overcoming it. Just like you are saying, have a good example of what you're doing, or have done, to correct the behavior. Knowing is only 1/2 the battle.

Great advice!!!!! I'm definitely the perfectionist one - but I can turn it to - "In the past I have somewhat of a perfectionist issue (hard to take the "different" view of others), but being placed in groups for most of my classes throughout my last two years of college I have learned to work with others"... Wonderful :-)

You're the best! Such good advice!!!

This is excellent. Best advice I have seen on this question.

Thanks a lot for your tips they might come really helpful

thank you so much! I have an interview coming up in a few days and this is really straightfoward and helpful! XD

I think it is important for interviewees to know that it is ok to have a weakness. It is also important to know yourself and know how to overcome those weaknesses.

I truly appreciate your support to me, to tackle my interview on Friday next week pray for me to pass my interview i was having weakness in talking to public but i have overcome it by trusting what i will say, interaction with colleagues and giving presentation in public, many thanks to you.

Interviewer: What is your biggest weakness? Me: Job interviews...

Lol the first time I heard this question while in an interview I thought I had to be honest too so I said "well, I would say my biggest weakness is being too polite.. I oftentimes don't judge a person well enough and so when a person hurts my feelings, I just brush it off to avoid conflict rather than confronting them head on." I didn't get the job lol so maybe that was wrong.. I would rather go with the textbook answer than go on a limb and say something like that because at least then they would know you've researched how to do well in an interview and tried lol

@jasminerahmel7548

8 жыл бұрын

+newguy33X I just read your comment and it made me laugh so hard!

I LOVE your accent! thanks a lot for the useful tips. Cheers from Mexico.

This question basically asks "What are you not good at, what skills do you need to develop or improve?" If you can answer this honestly, it means you are developing your skills and are aware of your own abilities. It can also show you are proactive, as you can mention what training or development plan you have in place to improve in those areas.

@TheLivingDeadOne

9 жыл бұрын

kathryn moore Oh brother. Is that what it means? I would honestly think these are all "Behavioural" questions. Thats my weakness. I have a great deal of patience when it comes to pertanent issues. But if you give me a hard time with bullshit, I find myself explaining to the bullshit (drwn into an arguement) I've been handed, then I ask, Why did I just answer to that nonsense. You may not understand what I mean, but I have been subjected to grown children in the workplace. And I am still reelling from it.

Great advice. Thanks!

Amazing person : ) God bless you Aimee

This is one of those questions no one should bother asking

That was great. Now I know exactly what I should say!

The best video for this question !!!

very helpful thank you. tomorrow we will be going to have a Job Interview for our school final project. I'm now confident of what i'am going to answer for my weakness question.

Thank you really good advice

I found this to be extremely helpful!

My biggest weakness is I cant stand bullshit and stupid interview questions. I once heard when I went to school, "If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why"? I find these questions stupid.

Give a real weakness? Never...Not unless you want that to be the first thing the interviewer thinks about when your name crosses their mind. If I hire an employee I do not want them answering the real weakness of my org when talking to clients. It's more of a test at how well you can effectively dodge the question. Telling your interviewer that you have struggled in the past with public speaking is a losing strategy.

You're a genius.I liked your video and it helped me a lot.Thank you.

Thank you Aimee, that really helped me :)

Lovely Amiee, that was very beautifully covered. Thanks :)

You are great :) Thank you! :) I have an interview tomorrow for a campaign... I pray that I do well. :)

Thanks for big help for me.

awwwee. I really felt that good luck last words... Thanks

Thank you Aimee for this helpful tip. I recently had an interview and thought the whole "perfectionist" being a strength and weakness combo would surely win her over and i didn't get the job obviously. But not at all discouraged, i will stay positive and know that a position will come through. Thanks so much =)

Your conversations contains lot of Energy and Logic.Its good

She is awesome!!

this was really helpful, thank you!

Thank you very much for this interview tip, I have not often been asked about what my biggest weakness is during my previous interviews. However, I have been assessed during the interview about how I would cope working in a busy hospital environment. Is this a method that interviewers use to assess a candidates strengths and weaknesses?

Love it..excellent tips and very helpful. I am going for an interview in a weeks time. Btw, you look like Keira Knightley.

My biggest weakness is cheesecake. Is this an appropriate answer ?

I'm 39 years old and I'm dyslexic. My learning curve is, in general, longer than the average person. With time I learned to overcome some difficulties and compensate this problem with a great deal of effort. Should I mention it on a job interview? Could the interviewer think that I have cognitive problems, although that's not the case? How to explain that I'm pretty able to perform complex tasks to someone who may not know this kind of disturb?

Thank you so much!!!

My biggest weakness is that I'm just not very confident which honestly sucks in interview situations..

great advice! thanks so much!! :D

Public speaking is my weakness too! I am going to use that as my weakness and to show how I have improved I will say I took a public speaking class and passed with a good grade and feel much improved now :)

@Cassandra6

9 жыл бұрын

***** Lol I did use that as a weakness and I didn't get the job. At least I know now what not to say..

@MrPittman101

8 жыл бұрын

+Cassandra, wow that is sad. The smallest variation can make the biggest difference.

@Cassandra6

8 жыл бұрын

XOLANI SANGWENI It really can, you have to be very careful about what information you reveal in an interview

im have a depression issue going on. is it good time to apply for some jobs while i have depression and i have not worked a job in over 4 years. so depressing i do not know what to do anymore. i have an appointed this thursday. i need some advice please.

my biggest weakness is kryptonite - Yes i am superman

Love this and the other videos you presented great information. Please, share some advice on how to KILL it on the interview, over 50 years old? I do not want to ramble on with the situational interviews. I was beat out on 5-6 interviews by a younger person, with no experience, and missed out on two amazing jobs. PLEASE HELP ME OUT! I am 6 months on my search and really frustrated. Thanks!

We should try to be honest and tell the fact but you should be true to yourself be yourself and you should know there is probation period as well so how you can hide the secret will be revealed soon and your career will have negative impact than positive. So try to be proactive and try to overcome your weaknesses be prepared and than apply

Thanks for the interview tips. They are right-on-time, b/c I'm job searching.

how is that a weakness if you already have overcome it? come on

@zhenyiliu3990

9 жыл бұрын

TheRock2013 Exactly. The question being asked is "what IS your biggest weaness", not "was".

Thanks, Miss. It was really helpful.

Thank you for this!

I get very nervous like I stutter really badly when I'm on the spot

Thanks for sharing!

Good points.. thank you

And you think "The recruiters don't watch these videos"!

In your video, you asked us to use past tense. If the interviewer asks what is your weakness now not past, how can I answer it?

there is nine competencies that are general in all jobs most people dont have all of them but to be successful an any job you need them therefore its best to pick one of these and tell them you want to improve on this

it is excellent and very useful...thanks