August 7, 2007Ask Meryl: Interview weakness question

Interview weakness question

I have an interview question, one which doesn’t seem to fit the interview. What are your weaknesses and why have you left the place you are now?

Meryl Responds

That depends on the situation…

As far as the weakness goes, if it was me, I’d say I don’t spell well, and despite my best intentions and efforts, I still send things out with errors. I’d say that because it’s true, and if that’s a deal breaker, I’m not the right person for the job. Hopefully your weakness is one that you can work around.

Why you left the job – I’d imagine there’s a positive in the real reason somewhere. I’d tell the truth, but in a way that implies either 1) there was a problem that was situational and not a fatal flaw in you, or 2) there wasn’t a problem but it wasn’t a match and you believe the new position would be because (specific reason).

You could also consider the interview as a two way discovery process where you’re making sure it’s a fit for you, rather than approaching it like you need to do all the selling to them. So whatever the reason you left, be diligent to make sure this situation is different.

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4 Comments »

I, too, have found both of these questions difficult, yet I’ve also found that whenever I am honest and answer in a “casual” and “conversational” way, it seems to be most effective.

Regarding “weakness”, I try to change the interviewer’s choice of words to turn a “negative” weakness into a “positive” challenge. I also end the response in a positive light.

For example, when asked “What are [my] weaknesses?”, I usually start by saying, “One of my challenges is I have a hard time delegating. Since I am so passitionate about my work, it’s hard for me to let go. But I remind myself that the processes and workflow I’ve created will help my teammates produce quality work in a timely manner.”

Regarding the “why are you leaving/looking?” question, again, I find honest, conversational answers are the best. I also draw the interviewer into my “world” or “space” to allow them to internalize my situation, thereby creating an ally.

For example, “Our company is a small, fast-growing company, that is very customer-centric. As a result, we offer many types of training and help for our customers. When I started, I was the only eLearning / Trainer / Instructional Designer on staff. As my roles and responsibilities grew, I helped launch an independent internal training department, and I broke off into an eLearning development / designer role. The eLearning function is now up and running very well. I’ve trained and put in place some great designers and developers who are ready to continue what I’ve built. Now that that’s a well-oiled machine, I’m ready to face a new and exciting challenge.”

I hope this helps!

Judy

Comment by Judy — August 7, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
…weaknesses…continued, “I tend to work long hours and pay too much attention to detail to make reports perfect–my wife and kids would like to see more of me at home.” Here a weakness for the employee becomes a benefit to the employer.

Comment by Steve — August 8, 2007 @ 6:47 am
I agree with Judy - when stating your weaknesses, you want to add how you’ve OVERCOME them. (Not to pick on Meryl, but I wouldn’t say I still send things out with errors - I might say that I make liberal use of Spellcheck and have my peers/subordinates review important docs, etc.) For professional disciplines, you might, instead of a personal weakness, indicate which professional area you’ve had less exposure to.

As far as why you’re leaving - be honest, but POSITIVE. This is a 2-way interview, and you don’t want to leave a bad situation for one that’s just “different bad.” It’s certainly OK to be looking for a position with bigger challenges (as Judy outlined) or with more stability or growth potential. Interviewers frown on those who are leaving because they can’t get along with their boss or coworkers - no one wants to hire a problem child!

Bottom line - if you come across as a creative problem-solver, you’ll leave a good impresson. If you leave the interviewer thinking you’re a complainer, you won’t get the offer.

Comment by BAM — August 8, 2007 @ 7:44 am
BAM, you’re right about the importance of focusing on how you overcame weaknesses. I will tell you, I stand by my error comment because I do all those things and still have errors and if that was a deal breaker, it wouldn’t be the right job for me. But I do believe that what I do well, I do very well and redeems me for the right opportunity.

But I think I could apply your point by toning it down a bit.

Comment by merylrunion — August 14, 2007 @ 10:54 am