O/T Job interview tomorrow need advice..

[Luvchefmic]

I know what to wear so that's not a problem there's always been a question in past interviews that I remember that always makes me inwardly cringe."What are your weaknesses?" what would you answer?

Thanks in advance and all prayers greatly appreciated

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

If I were you, I would think of something that is an honest weakness of yours, but one that doesn't make you sound like a psychopath. My answer to that question is that I tend to let the volume of work get ahead of me before realizing it and correcting the situation, which is usually by asking for help. I then say that now that I recognize that tendency in me I try to actively monitor it.

So whatever you say, think of a strategy that you can use to correct the weakness and share that with the interviewer as well.

Good luck! Job interviews are maddening.

 

[Planogirl]

Don't forget the infamous "where would you like to be in 5 years?" or "if you were a plant...". Crazy questions!

The weakness question isn't too bad if you use it to actually accentuate a strength of sorts. I think that it's important to find something that you tend to overdo. In my case, I sometimes over-analyze problems which slows me down a bit. I agree that you should mention a strategy that you use to keep from doing whatever your weakness is.

Good luck! Just smile and keep eye contact and ask questions!

 

[WantToGoNow]

My dh is in the proces of interviewing for jobs now and I'm glad I warned him of this question ahead of time so he had an answer prepared. My dh is a chemist and his response was "sometimes I use too long of words and people have a hard time understanding what I'm saying". This is not really a weakness - he has a good vocabulary, but sometimes those who do not do not know what he's saying.

 

[jedijill]

Don't forget the infamous "where would you like to be in 5 years?" or "if you were a plant...". Crazy questions!

The weakness question isn't too bad if you use it to actually accentuate a strength of sorts. I think that it's important to find something that you tend to overdo. In my case, I sometimes over-analyze problems which slows me down a bit. I agree that you should mention a strategy that you use to keep from doing whatever your weakness is.

Good luck! Just smile and keep eye contact and ask questions!

Actually as a hiring manager I tend to always ask about where someone wants to be in 5 years. I need to see if someone is just looking to stay for a small while before jumping to another job. If they are, then I don't want to waste time and resources on them. I need folks interested in growing and developing on my team.

Jill in CO

 

[imLissy]

I do the technical part of interviews, so luckily, I don't need to ask stupid questions like, what's your biggest weakness.
My answer is usually that I tend to get emotionally invested in my work and get upset when things don't go well, so I try to start early and plan everything out so I keep everything on track.

Some things that bug me as an interviewer:
-when people don't even try to answer a question. I prefer a bad answer to "I don't know"
-People that don't look me in the eye when they're talking to me
-When I ask if they have any questions and they basically start interviewing ME. Not a good idea to make the interviewer uncomfortable
-People who don't talk or give very short answers

I tell people I'm interviewing that it doesn't really matter if they don't know the answer to a question, we're just trying to see what they DO know, so I encourage them to talk as much as possible and concentrate on what they know.
For example, if the question is, what's a binary tree, if they don't know a good answer may be: "I'm not sure I know what a binary tree is, but I know what binary search is," and they go on to explain it.

 

[Bob NC]

Actually as a hiring manager I tend to always ask about where someone wants to be in 5 years. I need to see if someone is just looking to stay for a small while before jumping to another job. If they are, then I don't want to waste time and resources on them. I need folks interested in growing and developing on my team.

Jill in CO

When asked where I see myself in 5 years I usually respond, "In your job, it doesn't look terribly difficult."

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'd like to thank you all for taking the time to give me some input, even the sense of humor answers. Now here's something I didn't know & that was how to combine this thread with the thread I started on the Community Board asking for advice. After reading answers here and there I came up with this answer as one of my weaknesses:

" One of my weaknesses has always been impatience, especially with myself, to get something done. By working with the dogs I have rescued I am learning everday to be calm and assertive (like The Dog Whisperer) "

Not trying to sound corny or give a canned answer, after much soul searching this is my most truthful answer.

What say you?

 

[Gigi22]

As someone who has done a lot of interviewing I would like to speak up on behalf of interviewers. A job interview represents a significant investment in terms of both time and money on the part of the employer, and most especially the interviewer. From my experience, the interviewer wants all the candidates to do as well as possible. The interviewer is asking everyone the same questions, is usually not trying to create difficulties (unless that is the interview strategy--to create problems for the interviewee and see how he/she responds--in which case, this will become apparent very early on) and has to sort out the best fit for his/her business. So answer every question to the best of your ability, even if the question sounds slightly goofy. Getting off soapbox now.
Good luck with your interview!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I do the technical part of interviews, so luckily, I don't need to ask stupid questions like, what's your biggest weakness.
My answer is usually that I tend to get emotionally invested in my work and get upset when things don't go well, so I try to start early and plan everything out so I keep everything on track.

Some things that bug me as an interviewer:
-when people don't even try to answer a question. I prefer a bad answer to "I don't know"
-People that don't look me in the eye when they're talking to me
-When I ask if they have any questions and they basically start interviewing ME. Not a good idea to make the interviewer uncomfortable
-People who don't talk or give very short answers

I tell people I'm interviewing that it doesn't really matter if they don't know the answer to a question, we're just trying to see what they DO know, so I encourage them to talk as much as possible and concentrate on what they know.
For example, if the question is, what's a binary tree, if they don't know a good answer may be: "I'm not sure I know what a binary tree is, but I know what binary search is," and they go on to explain it.

I thank you for all your advice, most of it is common sense for someone like me who has been in the workforce over 40 yrs but still appreciated. Let me ask you though the question "Do you have any questions ? " Obviously I know it's not the time to ask about benefits, etc. But what do YOU like to hear? This position is for a hotel and I have stayed with the various brands that they own. I would love to work there.

 

[peekinglemer]

When interviewing for the position I currently hold, I responded that my weakness was chocolate chip cookies and that I couldn't just eat one. I was interviewing before a panel of 5 and this response ended up getting the interview a little off track as we all sat and talked about ...you guessed it...cookies.

When I was offered the job from H.R. the next morning I was told that other candidates had more experience then I did but the panel really liked me and thought I would be a good fit. So my advice would be to just go in and be yourself. You got the interview because your qualifications on paper made you a likely match, now they want to see what kind of a PERSON you are.

Good luck.

 

[jedijill]

When asked where I see myself in 5 years I usually respond, "In your job, it doesn't look terribly difficult."

I really hope that was a joke.

 

[jedijill]

I'd like to thank you all for taking the time to give me some input, even the sense of humor answers. Now here's something I didn't know & that was how to combine this thread with the thread I started on the Community Board asking for advice. After reading answers here and there I came up with this answer as one of my weaknesses:

" One of my weaknesses has always been impatience, especially with myself, to get something done. By working with the dogs I have rescued I am learning everday to be calm and assertive (like The Dog Whisperer) "

Not trying to sound corny or give a canned answer, after much soul searching this is my most truthful answer.

What say you?

I think that is fine. Personally, I never ask that question. I think it is corny and doesn't give me a good insight into what kind of employee/team member you will be.

One thing to remember, know something about the company position you are applying for. I hate when people I interview know nothing about the company--we are Fortune 100 and leader in the industry--no excuse not to know anything. Also, please ask questions! Not in an uncomfortable way but a part of an interview is to find out if YOU fit into the company's culture. An interview is not just a one-way street!

One last trick. I always start an interview with "Tell me about yourself." Be prepared to answer this. This question often brings subjects that I am not (by law) allowed to ask but it is amazing what people volunteer. This is not the place to reveal personal information like your health history or that you don't have a car or have 53 kids. You should be prepared to give some educational, technical, etc background without revealing personally detrimental information.

Good luck!

Jill in CO

 

[Luvchefmic]

When interviewing for the position I currently hold, I responded that my weakness was chocolate chip cookies and that I couldn't just eat one. I was interviewing before a panel of 5 and this response ended up getting the interview a little off track as we all sat and talked about ...you guessed it...cookies.

When I was offered the job from H.R. the next morning I was told that other candidates had more experience then I did but the panel really liked me and thought I would be a good fit. So my advice would be to just go in and be yourself. You got the interview because your qualifications on paper made you a likely match, now they want to see what kind of a PERSON you are.

Good luck.

Thanks for making me laugh and for giving me the extra boost of confidence I needed...Of Course I am qualified for the job ! I will just take a deep breath, say a short prayer and march in there with my head held high .....I Sooooo want a chocolate chip cookie now

 

[Luvchefmic]

One thing to remember, know something about the company position you are applying for. I hate when people I interview know nothing about the company--we are Fortune 100 and leader in the industry--no excuse not to know anything. Also, please ask questions! Not in an uncomfortable way but a part of an interview is to find out if YOU fit into the company's culture. An interview is not just a one-way street!

One last trick. I always start an interview with "Tell me about yourself." Be prepared to answer this. This question often brings subjects that I am not (by law) allowed to ask but it is amazing what people volunteer. This is not the place to reveal personal information like your health history or that you don't have a car or have 53 kids. You should be prepared to give some educational, technical, etc background without revealing personally detrimental information.

Good luck!

Jill in CO

Thanks so much Jill I DO know all about this company, I have stayed at their various hotel chains many many times which is why I want so much to work there....not counting the Disney Resorts...they are my favorite.

I will let you all konw how it goes

 

[riley2008]

I recently got offered a HUGE promotion. My boss is retiring and I interviewed with 3 Superintendents (school system). I am not qualified for the position (I don't think anyway) but I think I fit their idea of "potential" and I can be hired much cheaper.

I too got the "what are your weaknesses" question. I answered that I find that my greatest strengths can sometimes be my greatest weaknesses. For example, I enjoy working late - I get so much more done in the evenings after everyone else has left. On the other hand, I am NOT a morning person and I don't usually get anywhere early - on time yes, but not early. Also, I am assertive (not aggressive), but I will make my opinion known and I am not a push-over. I have no problems agreeing to disagree; however, that trait can sometimes be seen as curt to others who are more timid.

I see that in others too - a coworker is very thorough in her work to the point that she is not efficient. It takes her more that twice as long to get the same work done.

Sometimes it is hard to find that middle ground in maximizing our strengths, while minimizing them as weaknesses.

JMO

Good Luck!

 

[debbiecarr98]

I know what to wear so that's not a problem there's always been a question in past interviews that I remember that always makes me inwardly cringe."What are your weaknesses?" what would you answer?

Thanks in advance and all prayers greatly appreciated

Best of luck to you tomorrow!!

 

[meriface11]

I am in HR and I think there a a few goods ways to answer this questions. demonstrate something that you have worked on in the past and what you have done to improve upon it. we all have development needs--the important thing is to recognize not only where you need to improve, but to show that you know how to improve upon them. other way is if you can tie it into why you are interested in this particular position..."you can see my technical background is in ABC, and but i feel i need more experience in XYZ, which is why I am interested in working at Company A."

 

[greens_in_WA]

Good luck to you! I have an interview tomorrow also. My boss (long story) also suggested to be prepared for "what has been your biggest challenge?" ... how you handled it and what you might do differently in a similar situation....

 

[Luvchefmic]

Hey all, Well I went in & had my interview I didn't get the dreaded "what is your weakness/strength" per se...It was put another way "We all make mistakes, can you tell me a mistake you made on a job & what you learned from it"

I didn't even think about it, (& I think that's probably the key in any interview), just said the first thing that came to mind. I spoke about a filing mistake that I had made and admitted I had made this mistake because acting as a perfectionist and trying not to leave any unfinished work for my relief dispatcher I was working faster than I should have. A file was misplaced and caused more time wasted than if I had left some work to be done by the other person. I learned that when I start to feel overwhelmed or rushed that is the time to step back, take a breath, and regroup. I also learned that I don't have to do it all.

I felt very relaxed in the interview we went over my experience. and THEN BIG HUGS to 2 people in particular on this board. When I got the question "Why do you want to work here"? Those cookies came to mind I wanted to show that I knew all about this hotel & that I had stayed at some of their affiliates..one of them gives chocolate chip cookies at check-in. I said "When I think of stellar customer service with theme parks I think of Disney, when I think of this when it comes to a hotel the name _____________ (where I was applying) is the one I think of. I further said how I felt when I stayed at __________ that it was always a warm welcome, like coming home, and then mentioned the cookies at _________. I stated that _________ went above & beyond in making their guests feel welcome & I wanted to be a part of that.

This was met with a warm smile & lots of writing

When the interview was wrapping up she asked "Do you have any questions for me?" Now prior to the advice on this board I must admit I had stupidly in the past said something lame like, no......(always believing that this was NOT the time/place to ask about benefits, etc. so what else was there to ask? )

THIS time I was prepared I said that I was curious as to where I would be working, in an office? a cubicle? a seperate room? Long story short, she seemed a little surprised that I even asked, which made me feel like no one ever had.

Next thing I know the interview had NOT ended & we went on a "tour" we saw the laundry room, the break room, the supply room, and then she took me to where the dispatcher office was. I asked questions throughout (how many rooms, how many room attendants each shift, do you provide uniforms for me, et al......it felt natural & a comfortable conversation. She then left me with the dispatchers for about a 1/2 hr we clicked very well I believe , they showed me & explained the computer system, and the average day behind the scenes.

When it was done I walked to my car with the confidence of Chef Gordon Ramsay and the calm assertiveness of Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan.

Next week a decision will be made. In the meanwhile thanks again for all your help, I hope this thread can help someone else with those interview jitters and I'll let you know either way when I find out