What is the proper response to this interview question?
Sometimes I work so hard I forget to cash in my paychecks xD
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Turning a negative into a positive should still be superior. As for being old-fashioned and expected, I'd say it's the interviewer that can be characterized as such if they continue to ask the same old double-edged questions and expect any different. The whole thing is getting old. You're always better off sticking to tried-and-tested 'safe' answers because most often that's exactly what they want to hear, as well.
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HR is hired to hire people who can't be a trouble for the company they are ass licking
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/interview_questions
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Well mine is that, while not a perfectionist, if I see a problem I will have to force myself to let it go otherwise I'll keep at it until I fix it.
Not a lot of bosses want you spending 20+ hours to fix a $10 problem ... or worse yet for 0 billable hours.
Oh and remember to be smart but not smarter than your prospective boss ... bosses don't like to be reminded they're below average and your godlike.
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Not sure if its just common in my area, but every interview I've been to has asked this question along with "what is your greatest strengths."
It's one of the most commonly asked interview questions (which is just silly.)
Love the answer xD and thanks!
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it's a dumb question that too many interviewers ask because most interviewers don't know how to interview. They've heard that people ask the question, so they ask it.
It does have a useful purpose in that:
- it's open-ended, so the way a person answers can tell you a lot about that person
- it asks the person to be critical of themselves, so it lets you see humility/humbleness
- you never know what you may uncover
But there are much better ways to get the information out
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That's very true. My dad's boss interviews often and he tries to convince her not to ask that question anymore. She doesn't know why she asks it, just that it's a common question to ask.
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I prefer it in conjunction with "what is your greatest strength", and will flip it around if need be.
My greatest strength is that I'm lazy.
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- blank stare - - -
I don't mean that I don't want to work. What I mean is that I don't want to spend 20 minutes on something I can do in 15. And I don't want to do something over and over again if I can figure out a way to streamline the process. So because I don't want to waste my time,I figure out ways to be more efficient.
- blank stare - - -
-
And, since you asked, my greatest weakness is that I'm lazy. I don't want to spend 20 minutes doing something I can do in 15.
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For an interviewer that could sound like...
Ive done a lot of interviews...this question comes up everytime...so lets streamline the process so Im out of here quicker
Im not in charge of anything...but I wouldnt like that answer xD
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I'd never be that quick about it, I'd give more of a story. But that's harder to convey here.
It also depends on the kind of job you're interviewing for. A machinery operator would be sunk right then and there.
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My greatest weakness is not knowing how to answer the "my greatest weakness" question during an interview...
Lol!
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I rarely comment, but this "candidates should be at an equal level as interviewers" is a terrible attitude, and had to chime in. While I agree interviewing may be the worst - keep in mind that most of the time the interviewer doesn't want to be giving an interview. This is from the perspective of a business owner... you don't have to call them sir or madam. Call her "Ms. smith" and she'll tell you to call her something else. Show respect.
Interviews are 2 way streets (with a good company). You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Neither party wants a 'bad' match. Be yourself, and if they don't accept you - fuck 'em!! =D
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I've read it's a generation thing. The older generation usually likes the formal greetings but the younger doesn't. I'll go with your idea of being respectful and not to overboard unless they tell me what they like :)
thanks for the advice!
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heh, 'generation thing'?! I'm only in my 30s! *runs off crying
If you are serious about interviewing technique, there's a great book called 'Knock 'em Dead' by Martin Yate. He has one on resumes, coverletters, interviews, and general job hunting. I recommend him/them often.
And if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out =)
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haha if it makes you feel better I'm 23 and I still like to be formal. It feels weird to talk to a superior and not use respectful terms.
Thanks for the book recommendation and the help!
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What is the job? You should always be tailoring your resume and interview individually to suit each job application.
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Answer: "Having too much patience listening to people who talk too much. But I'm working on it!"
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my weakness is +100% fire damage, i'm a troll
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In a job interview the expected answer is really a significant weakness. Nobody's perfect and usually the companies want to hear that. :)
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One time I said 'internet pornography' and laughed. And nobody else laughed and then it got really awkward. I didn't really want that job though and I had a massive hangover anyway and probably also smelled bad as I'd just got back from a music festival.
Usually I go with 'managing my time' and talk about the how difficult it is balancing being a perfectionist with always meeting my deadlines. That has actually worked more than once.
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You may have failed the interview but you did it with style :P
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I believe that if something is going to happen you should at least make it look like you meant it to happen.
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laugh, and laugh alone.. the comment reminded me of this though it bears no similar experience except he might have been the only one to laugh.
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One time I said 'internet pornography' and laughed. And nobody else laughed
That's hilarious :D
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Thanks for the advice everyone :) 99% of them may have been jokes, but it helps lighten up the mood before my interview :P
Also that is one close poll
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I hate those kinds of "creative gotcha" questions and I hate to talk about myself or brag about myself. So I'd probably answer with "I'm too nice" or "I work too hard without taking breaks" or "I need to learn to delegate responsibilities better, I tend to want to do everything" or something along those lines, which are in fact true things I've been told by my managers in the past.
My old boss, his favorite interview question was "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"
He wasn't the one who hired me, so I was never forced to answer this question under duress, but he went around casually asking all of us in the department how we would answer it. My response was something like "I don't know, but I think these kinds of questions are really stupid. What do I know about trees? What do trees have to do with my job? Nothing, that's what! Do I look like an arborist to you?"
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Okay then, apparently I'm a Palm tree. :P
Happy and carefree, you are the coastal Palm Tree! Yours is a life made up of good times, and few things bring you more joy than the sight of a coastline. Others are immediately drawn in by your infectious energy and charisma. The phrase "beach bum" is a positive to you, not a negative - and you depend on the sunshine for happiness. Being cooped up indoors is your worst enemy!
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Hmm, I'd guess that's pretty accurate.
Apparently I'm an Evergreen Pine, and I'd agree, haha.
Hardy and stern, you are an Evergreen Tree - The Pine to be more precise! You are in charge of your own life, adapting to situations as you see fit and only invest in what you deem 'worthy of your time'. Others may see you as brash or bossy, but you are truly a hard worker. You tend to surround yourself with others of the same mindset, and leave behind those who hold you back or don't agree with your views.
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Mine actually does not describe me at all, in any way. It really couldn't be more wrong!
Happy and carefree, you are the coastal Palm Tree! Yours is a life made up of good times, and few things bring you more joy than the sight of a coastline. Others are immediately drawn in by your infectious energy and charisma. The phrase "beach bum" is a positive to you, not a negative - and you depend on the sunshine for happiness. Being cooped up indoors is your worst enemy!
More like...
Depressed and anxious, you are the non-coastal Paul Tree! Yours is a life made up of self-imposed stress, and few things are further away from your mind than the thought of a coastline. Others are immune to your personality and have probably already forgotten your name. The phrase "staycation" is a positive to you, not a negative - and you avoid the sunshine at all costs. Going outdoors is your worst nightmare!
:)
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Well now I know what the answer would be if I get asked - would it be appropriate to pat my crotch while giving the answer?
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Hmm, I know these quizzes are pretty flimsy, but that seems fairly accurate.
Kinda turned this a bit off-topic, so I hope Stefanig doesn't mind the bumps. :X
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I don't know. I have been put in positions of responsibility but it has always ended in disaster. I wasn't especially upset when earlier today I heard my brother was admitted to hospital after being attacked by venomous wildlife. People can always close topics if they don't want spam...
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So, I'm a Weeping Willow, then?
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Solemn and flowing, you are the Weeping Willow. Unique and beautiful, you rarely consider yourself these two things. Doubt and uncertainty seem to cloud your otherwise sharp mind. Others see in you what you cannot, which tends to strengthen your bond with family and close friends. You are quiet, reserved, and intelligent.
Not sure about intelligent rest all fit in :D
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Not bad for a tree test :)
Solemn and flowing, you are the Weeping Willow. Unique and beautiful, you rarely consider yourself these two things. Doubt and uncertainty seem to cloud your otherwise sharp mind. Others see in you what you cannot, which tends to strengthen your bond with family and close friends. You are quiet, reserved, and intelligent.
Also I don't mind the bumps at all :)
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As far as general interview advice my philosophy is try to relax. Don't worry about it. Don't feel like you need to be fake, don't think too hard about your answers. Have confidence in your abilities, your education and/or your experience, and know that they wouldn't even be talking to you if they didn't think you might be a good fit for the job. So, be yourself, be confident and good luck. :)
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So I have a job interview tomorrow. I've fully prepared for it except for one horrible and pointless excuse for a question. "What is your greatest weakness?"
Job interviewers know that most people lie on this question, and if they DON'T lie, they aren't answering it correctly. I've researched online but it's very split. A lot of people say to turn a negative into a positive. Others say that that is old-fashioned and expected, so what you are actually supposed to do is be honest about a small flaw but state how you have been working on that flaw.
So how would you guys answer that question?
gibEDIT: Thank you for everyone's answer. Sorry that I didn't respond to them all. I appreciate the serious and not so serious answers :P
I'm done with my interview but I'll leave this open for the giveaway and anyone else who needs similiar help :) The interview went alright. Not perfect but it's mostly my nerves that got in the way. I don't even remember half the things i said but I went the route of naming a small mistake and then tell them how I'm working on it. Thanks again for all your help :)
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