the dreaded "describe your weaknesses" interview question

[woodguy]

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Frankly, if they're going to ask such a lame, unimaginative question, they deserve a stupid, unimaginative answer.

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I've managed a few businesses and hired a bunch of people over the last 10 years.

I ALWAYS ask that question to see how creative the person is, and how good they bullshit on the fly (i.e. I work to hard gets a bad score from me)

My goal in asking that question is not the hear an answer, but to see how they react to being asked that question.

Regards,
Woodguy

[Alobar]

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I had sex with your wife.

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His wife is in a coma

[tbach24]

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I had sex with your wife.

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His wife is in a coma

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Giggity, giggity, giggity

[Analyst]

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"Kryptonite."

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Honestly, I'm going to use this the next time this question comes up from a prospective boss (HR people don't count). Interviews are very much a two-way street - why should you want to work at that company/for that person? This response would be a great way to tell if the interviewer has a sense of humor, and if they don't then I'm not particularly interested in working for them.

[Sooga]

12 year olds.... i can't get enough of em.

[Rhone]

Good answer. And I think your point that "how" you answer the question is more important than what you actually say is true for a lot of other interview topics as well...

[BadBoyBenny]

Don't pick a personal trait. I always say lack of experience. I know that the interviewer is holding my resume in front of her so she already knows whether I actually lack experience relative to the other candidates or not.

[Yeti]

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I once said "has anyone ever actually answered that question honestly?"

The guy laughed and said "prolly not" then sat there and waited for my answer

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I think this, followed by 'i'm a bit shy at first, but ok once i get to know everyone. and i realise i lack a little experience but am eager to get some on-the-job training' or some-such is pretty much perfect.

[mackthefork]

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"I'm half-black, and overcoming adversity in the workplace has always been tough, but my attorney has helped me a great deal with the discrimination lawsuits."

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Nice.

Mack

[NutzyClutz]

Well I'm still looking for work... I answered
I'm somewhat impulsive, I'm not the kind of person that will wait for nine people to ok it before reacting.

Although I try to motivate people individually, I can't understand when person purposely makes mistakes/doesn't try/ wastes time. It would seem that day goes faster if you work instead of waste.