The purpose of the interview is to evaluate the candidate’s skill set and career history as part of determining whether the candidate is a good fit for the company’s team and culture.
The interview will also include small talk and internal conversations related to the candidate, his or her experience, and the scope of the open position.
During the interview process, you may be faced with some difficult questions. One way to do this might be to ask them more about what they perceive as their personal weaknesses.
How would you answer questions about what you can improve about yourself?
To help you navigate this thought-provoking question, two career experts shared their best advice.
Here’s how to be better prepared.
Why do interviewers ask about your areas of improvement?
It’s easy to tout your accomplishments and provide a list of reasons why a company should hire you, but companies also want to know about your shortcomings.
Employers need to know various aspects of their potential employees.
“A job interview is an opportunity for a company to understand whether you’re a good fit, not just for the company, but for the team,” says Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association in Washington, D.C. he told FOX Business.
“While it can be scary to think of a potential employer asking questions about areas you want to improve, they aren’t asking for it to sabotage your interview.”
Employers want to determine whether you are self-aware, have a growth mindset, and can be a good team player.
How can showing your vulnerable side help during an interview?
Instead of worrying about revealing your weaknesses, think of it as an opportunity to show humility and your true side when applying for a job.
Think of questions as a way for the interviewer to learn more about you as a person.
“Employers also value employees with high emotional intelligence,” Wahlquist says. “They want employees who are honest, transparent, self-aware and not afraid to show a little vulnerability.”
“Long after interviewers forget about degrees, awards, and resumes, they’ll remember the demeanor you showed during the interview.”
How would you share what could be improved about your career?
Focus on your self-improvement goals and commitment to continuous learning.
For example, Wahlquist recommended talking about improving and learning new technical skills, improving leadership skills as a team member and mentor, and improving time management skills to better balance work and personal life.
Also, be sure to portray yourself as someone who is willing to learn and is able to take feedback professionally.
“No one wants to work with someone who just wanders through life or who thinks they know everything,” Wahlquist says.
“The interview is your opportunity to prove that you are an intrinsically motivated, solution-oriented person who is looking for opportunities to take initiative,” he added.
“If you take the chance, you will be seen as someone most employers would want on their team.”
Why do you need to be so open about your weaknesses during an interview?
Try not to give common, trite answers such as “My weakness is that I can’t take on more work than I have to” or “I wish I didn’t have to work so much during lunch.” .
Being authentic is the best card you have to play.
“The person interviewing you is trying to learn as much as possible about you in a short period of time, so the more you can show that you’re a real person, the better.” said Bradley Aiello, director of career services at Universal Technical. Research Institute in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
He also said it’s important to acknowledge that you don’t know everything.
“If you can’t identify areas you want to improve or pretend you know everything, you can come across as narrow-minded or difficult to train.”
What else can you say about yourself that is unconventional?
If the situation seems appropriate, Aiello says it’s okay to talk a little about your life outside of work.
“Don’t be afraid to talk about difficult skills or hobbies that require patience and discipline,” he said.
“Playing an instrument, woodworking, physical fitness, sports, etc. all require dedication, patience and discipline to become proficient,” Aiello says.
“This can show the hiring manager that you are willing to work hard to get better. Be proud of these skills and be sure to talk about them.”
