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The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

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Re: The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

#11

Post by wruza »

anigbrowl wrote: post #2

Your greatest weakness isn't the technical edifice that you are least knowledgeable about - which will be constantly changing anyway due to the advent of new technical paradigms and the obsolescence of skills you once relied upon. Your greatest weakness are the character flaws that reliably lead to poor decisions. For example (not based on you in any way) you might be an impatient person. When you're starting out and…

Sorry, but this seems like shitton of fake psychology. Maybe I'm too straightforward, but I can never tell anything about person's mind without giving him a chance to work 2-3 months before making full contract. Interview should cover overall sanity (i.e. basic mental health) and area knowledge/exp, otherwise you present your company as bunch of 'progressive idiots'. People are happy when you don't ask them things they're naturally unable to understand.

People who can win bogus interview have skill to win bogus interview, nothing more. I just can read your or someone else's tip comment and go apply seriously with that in mind. On 10th try I'll master it.

Re: The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

#12

Post by omginternets »

Am I the only one who kind of likes the proposed answer?

Sure, it's technically oriented, but a) there's no reason it can't be derived into something non-technical and b) it shows the absurdity of the question with tact and diplomacy. Not to mention that it still manages to actually answer the question!

I'm not a recruiter, but to me, point (b) is a sign of clear intelligence and social grace. Frankly, I like working with people like this.

Re: The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

#14

Post by solipsism »

Some of us have weaknesses that can't just be overcome. They are continual struggles and probably always will be. You work hard to counteract these natural tendencies.

I'd go as far as saying everyone has these. The question is intended to tease out whether you're aware of yours and whether you actively work to counteract it.

Re: The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

#16

Post by bitJericho »

squozzer wrote: post #15

One answer I've been mulling for my next interview is something like the following: I lack whatever skills or traits are needed to advance at my current job. That's why we're having this conversation now.

And what skills are those? Your phrasing is pretty shallow if that's all you got!

Re: The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

#17

Post by anigbrowl »

rahrahrah wrote: post #9
anigbrowl wrote: post #2

Your greatest weakness isn't the technical edifice that you are least knowledgeable about - which will be constantly changing anyway due to the advent of new technical paradigms and the obsolescence of skills you once relied upon. Your greatest weakness are the character flaws that reliably lead to poor decisions. For example (not based on you in any way) you might be an impatient person. When you're starting out and…

> Your greatest weakness are the character flaws that reliably lead to poor decisions. For example (not based on you in any way) you might be an impatient person. When you're starting out and tackling relatively simple problems, this is no big deal. But as you graduate to working on more ambitious and complex endeavors, it could turn out to be a major limiting factor. But now you've given them an actual serious weakn…

I'm not telling them to say that in the interview. I'm telling them that's what the interviewer is trying to discover and filter out - as you've just demonstrated.

I haven't given anyone such a weakness. That's what weakness is; a strategic disadvantage.

Re: The Simple Answer to the Interview Question: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

#18

Post by anigbrowl »

wruza wrote: post #11
anigbrowl wrote: post #2

Your greatest weakness isn't the technical edifice that you are least knowledgeable about - which will be constantly changing anyway due to the advent of new technical paradigms and the obsolescence of skills you once relied upon. Your greatest weakness are the character flaws that reliably lead to poor decisions. For example (not based on you in any way) you might be an impatient person. When you're starting out and…

Sorry, but this seems like shitton of fake psychology. Maybe I'm too straightforward, but I can never tell anything about person's mind without giving him a chance to work 2-3 months before making full contract. Interview should cover overall sanity (i.e. basic mental health) and area knowledge/exp, otherwise you present your company as bunch of 'progressive idiots'. People are happy when you don't ask them things th…

I can never tell anything about person's mind without giving him a chance to work 2-3 months

I would enjoy such a relaxed pace.

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