缺点问题是求职面试中最容易见到也最叫人头痛的一个问题。而在眼下就业市场疲软的状况下，不适合的回答将减少你取得工作的机会。The weakness question represents the most common and most stressful one posed during interviews. Yet in todays weak job market, the wrong answer weakens your chances of winning employment.
Some people offer replies they mistakenly assume that bosses love, such as I am a perfectionist. That response will be used against you because you appear incapable1 of delegating, warns Joshua Ehrlich, dean of a masters program in executive coaching sponsored by BeamPines Inc., a New York coaching firm and Middlesex University in London.
A careful game plan could help you cope with the shortcoming query2 in a way that highlights your fit for a desired position. Job seekers who field the question well demonstrate that they can take initiative and improve themselves, Mr. Morrow says.
The key? Thorough preparation. Career specialists suggest you take stock of your weaknesses, focusing on job|related ones that wont impede3 your ability to perform your duties. Tony Santora, an executive vice4 president for Right Management, a major outplacement firm in Philadelphia, says an information|technology manager flubbed a 2007 interview by choosing a personal foible as his reply: My true weakness is that I am a terrible cook.
Rehearse your responses aloud, role play with a friend or videotape yourself || but dont memorize your words. As you review the video, look for aspects you would like to change so you can continue to get better as you practice, says Peggy Klaus, a leadership coach in Berkeley, Calif.
The IT manager changed his tune5 after practice sessions with fellow job seekers and a counselor6 in Cincinnati for Right Management. He instead said he worked such long hours that he found it difficult to stay current with world events. So, he spent 30 minutes every evening catching7 up at home.
When the manager pursued an opportunity at a global drug maker8, his revamped response really resonated with the interviewer, says Mr. Santora. The manufacturer hired the man.
Its equally important that you consider an employers corporate9 culture. While being interviewed by a start|up, you could say, My weakness is I get bored by routine, says Ben Dattner, a New York industrial psychologist.
Ideally, your reply also should exclude the word weakness and cover your corrective steps. Dubbing10 your greatest fault a window of opportunity signals your improvement efforts should benefit the workplace, says Oscar Adler, a retired11 Maidenform Brands sales executive and author of the book, Sell Yourself in Any Interview. For instance, he suggests, a salesman might note that he sold more after strengthening his facility with numbers.
When an interviewer pops this nerve|wracking query, your body language counts as well. The wrong nonverbal cues undercut your credibility. Certain candidates hunch12 over, glance furtively13 around the room or wring14 their sweaty palms. They sort of look like theyre being asked a question they cant handle, says Mr. Adler.
Maintaining eye contact, regular breathing and a broad smile impress employers that youre prepared for the weakness question, says psychotherapist Pat Pearson, author of STOP Self|Sabotage!
For the same reason, you seem thoughtful if you pause before responding. But dont wait too long. If youre going to take a minute, Mr. Morrow cautions, Ive just identified your weakness.
