I'm a PW + F/U Job + Strengths & Weaknesses

bsidebella

I have a phone interview next week!! YAY! It's not for the synagogue - I still haven't heard from them - it's for ... wait for it ... waaaait fooooor iiiiit .... 

A RADIO STATION!!!! 

It's an administrative assistant position, but the job also will be involved with the events and promotions departments. I got the call today!!! FAIRY DUST YOU GUYS!!!! MAKE IT RAAAAAAAAINNNN!!!!! 

Anywho, I have a question. You know when they ask you want your weaknesses are for a job, or your least attractive quality? I think that is such a terrible, unfair question! I mean, what could you possibly say is a weakness? 

I think the last time I was asked that question, I said that my weakness is that I tend to hyperfocus - when I'm given a task, I tend to zero in on that task and it's very hard for me to deviate. Which is true - but that makes it sound like I can't multi-task - but I CAN multi task! So frustrating!!!

So guys ... when you're asked that kind of question, what do you say? Also, any advice for me pertaining to this question or my interview in general?! 

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_im-pw-fu-job-strengths-weaknesses?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:6b891dd4-2f4f-4cf8-9485-f457bab23cbfPost:09dde76a-11c2-4261-8686-b058c894c5da">I'm a PW + F/U Job + Strengths & Weaknesses</a>:
[QUOTE]I said that my weakness is that I tend to hyperfocus - when I'm given a task, I tend to zero in on that task and it's very hard for me to deviate. Posted by bsidebella[/QUOTE]

The key is to not stop at just that. Because, you're right. It makes you sound like you can't multitask and get stressed out when you have to juggle priorities.

What you need to do is to be able to explain how this was an issue, you recognized it, acted on it, and improved your work habits because of it. If you can do that, then you've shown that you are self aware, eager to improve, and someone who takes action to make things better.

If you give some kind of bullshiit answer like "I'm a perfectionist", they will see right through it and it becomes a worthless answer.

lunarsongbird

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_im-pw-fu-job-strengths-weaknesses?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:6b891dd4-2f4f-4cf8-9485-f457bab23cbfPost:a83e31f8-d942-4a69-9af6-442c34d7da1c">Re: I'm a PW + F/U Job + Strengths & Weaknesses</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to I'm a PW + F/U Job + Strengths & Weaknesses : The key is to not stop at just that. Because, you're right. It makes you sound like you can't multitask and get stressed out when you have to juggle priorities. What you need to do is to be able to explain how this was an issue, you recognized it, acted on it, and improved your work habits because of it. If you can do that, then you've shown that you are self aware, eager to improve, and someone who takes action to make things better. If you give some kind of bullshiit answer like "I'm a perfectionist", they will see right through it and it becomes a worthless answer.
Posted by cew515[/QUOTE]

So true...Cew is right on spot.

As an interviewer- this is my favorite question. If someone can follow through with cew's advice- it shoes me that candidate has potential to grow with the company, because they are constantly trying to learn and better themselves.

Peaseblossom55

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited for you!!! yay!! I will be sending more fairy dust and prayers your way.  

thejucheidea

I always say that I'm very shy initially and that I get socially anxious when surrounded by too many people -- it's actually the reason that I have my own room at work. I also warn them that I'm a weepy one but that I can maintain my crit until I get away from patients. Apparently none of these were considered negative in my field. I guess Cotillion worked in my favor because I can fake any positive emotion, heh.

ravenray

YAYA good luck!!!

kellyt89

I've heard that the big thing with that question is explaining that you know it's a weakness and giving examples of how you're working to turn it into a strength. It shows that you can be flexible and are willing to always be growing professionally.

I hope this is coherent, I'm KUI. If not, just disregard.

LOTS OF FAIRY DUST COMING YOUR WAY!!! I'm crossing my fingers for you!!

becunning2

I've got my fairy dust for you!!! I also think it's about picking a flaw that's true, that you've worked on, or otherwise turning it into a positive. The one I pick is that sometimes I can be impatient because I am very excited about the end goal and I know what I need to do to get there, but I have worked on being aware of x, y, and z to make sure that my enthusiasm for the end goal doesn't result in a or b. (forgive me for the lack of specificity--on my phone!) yay!

Swazzle

Yay Bside!!!!! That's great news! Keeping my fingers & toes crossed & sending job-getting vibes your way!  Also, I'm dying to know what radio station, you can tell me when you get the job

I agree with PP, turning your weakness around because it's something you've worked on correcting makes it seem like you're up for learning & bettering yourself. 

GOOD LUCK!!!!

GreenPepperBurger

Good luck!

And I agree - give an actual negative quality. Not some positive-disguised-as-a-negative.