An interview serves as a means to evaluate a job candidate's skills and career accomplishments to ascertain their potential fit within a company's team and corporate environment. It involves a blend of casual conversation and professional discourse concerning the candidate, their background, and the requirements of the available position. During an interview, one may encounter challenging questions, including the task of elaborating on personal weaknesses.
How should one respond to such an inquiry? To better equip individuals to tackle this thought-provoking question, two career experts have shared their valuable advice. Here's how you can enhance your readiness. Why do interviewers pose questions regarding areas of improvement? While showcasing accomplishments and presenting reasons for hire is straightforward, companies also seek insight into candidates' areas of development.
"Job interviews serve as opportunities for companies to understand if you’re a good fit for their team as well as their company." (iStock / iStock)
Employers need to know various sides of a potential hire.
"Job interviews serve as opportunities for companies to understand if you’re a good fit for their team as well as their company," Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at the American Staffing Association in Washington, D.C., told FOX Business.
"It can be intimidating to think about potential employers asking about areas that you would like to improve, but they’re not asking it to sabotage your interview."
Employers want to determine whether you're self-aware, whether you have a growth mindset, and whether you can be a good team player.
How can showing a vulnerable side help you during an interview?
Instead of worrying about divulging your weaknesses, consider this an opportunity to show humility and your genuine side during your job application.
Consider the questions as a way the interviewer can learn more about you as a person.
"Employers also strongly value employees with high emotional intelligence," said Wahlquist. "They are looking for employees who are honest, transparent, self-aware — and who are not afraid to show a little vulnerability."
"Your interview is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are an internally motivated, solutions-oriented person who looks for opportunities to take initiative." (iStock / iStock)
"Interviewers will remember the attitude a candidate presented in an interview long after they forget about degrees, awards, and resumes."
How do you share what you can improve about your career?
Focus on your goal of self-improvement and a commitment to continuous learning.
For example, Wahlquist recommended you talk about improving and acquiring new technical skills, improving your leadership skills as a team member and a mentor, and improving your time management skills to better balance your professional and your personal life.
Also, be sure to portray yourself as eager to learn and able to take feedback professionally.
"No one wants to work with people who are just coasting through life or who think they know it all," Wahlquist said.
"Your interview is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are an internally motivated, solutions-oriented person who looks for opportunities to take initiative," he added.
"Seize the opportunity, and you will be seen as someone who most employers would love to have on their teams."
Why should you be so open about your weaknesses during an interview?
Try not to recite trivial or cliché answers, such as, "My weakness is I don’t delegate work as much as I should" or "I wish I didn’t work through lunch as much."
Being genuine is the best card you have to play.
"If you’re not able to identify areas you want to improve, or you pretend to know everything, you may come off as closed-minded or difficult to train." (iStock / iStock)
"The person interviewing you is trying to get to know as much as possible about you in a short period, so the more you can show who you really are, the better," said Bradley Aiello, director of career services at Universal Technical Institute in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
Also, he said being able to admit you don’t know everything is important.
"Business leaders want someone they can train and develop," Aiello told FOX Business.
"If you’re not able to identify areas you want to improve, or you pretend to know everything, you may come off as closed-minded or difficult to train."
What are some other non-conventional points you can bring up about yourself?
If the situation seems like a fit, Aiello said it’s acceptable to share a bit about your life outside of work, too.
"Don’t be afraid to talk about hard skills or hobbies that require patience and discipline," he said.
"Things like playing an instrument, woodworking, physical fitness or sports all require dedication, patience and discipline to improve," Aiello said.
"This can show a recruiter you are willing to put in the work to get better. Take pride in these skills and be sure to talk about them."