The dreaded interview question: Whats your worst quality?

Arkitech

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2000
8,356
4
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I have an interview this afternoon and I've been going over some of things I might get asked but I can't think of a good response if they ask me what my weakest quality is. Any suggestions?
 

Mnementh

Golden Member
Jul 16, 2003
1,063
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"I'm too much of a perfectionist, people think I go too far in pursuit of it sometimes"

Thats always a good one.

Mnementh
 

LOLyourFace

Banned
Jun 1, 2002
4,543
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I've come up with a perfect answer that my campus practice interviewer liked (he was a real employer for a financial corp. btw)

"Sometimes I focus too much on single task. It is due to the passion I have to get the job finished all the way but this could also hinder things when it comes to multitasking."

I think it's a pretty good answer because it shows you're a very diligent person and the flaw it brings out isn't half bad considering you just convinced your employer that you're dedicated.
 

RaynorWolfcastle

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
8,968
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those answers are all so canned, then again so is the question. I've been asked that question once, and I said I procrastinated occasionally... I still got the job *shrug*. I think they're more interested in the way you react than your answer, since that's gonna be a load of crap anyway.
 

Ryuson99

Golden Member
Feb 9, 2004
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The easiest way to answer this question is by stating something weak about yourself and turning it into a positive by the time you are done talking.

you can say something like:

"I think one of my biggest weakness is not leaving a clients PC until all the work has been acomplished even if their is some other work of higher priority, but I think as of now that is no longer a problem as I have learned to prioritize all of my work and accomplish those that are or more importance and crucial to the company."
 

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,754
599
126
Originally posted by: RaynorWolfcastle
those answers are all so canned, then again so is the question. I've been asked that question once, and I said I procrastinated occasionally... I still got the job *shrug*. I think they're more interested in the way you react than your answer, since that's gonna be a load of crap anyway.

Yeah, I never know what to say to that question either. I'm inclined to just be up front and give a real weakness I have and hope that they respect me for being honest instead of giving the canned "I'm a perfectionist" or "I lick to much boot" response. On the other hand, they might be those stupid asses who buy that crap and when I give a real response they go "Oh man, procrastinates sometimes? Geeze, most people don't do that...he's not the right man for the job."

LOLyourFace has a good response, because it could really be taken either way.
 

RaynorWolfcastle

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
8,968
16
81
Originally posted by: Nebor
"I'm thinking about stealing that pen off your desk right now."
That one works better if you actually go through and steal his pen while he asks you what the hell you're talking about. When he asks for his pen back, insist that you have no idea what he's talking about, and that it's your pen.
 

biostud

Lifer
Feb 27, 2003
19,462
6,517
136
Be honest, unless of course it is REALLY bad. Make a laugh of yourself, then you can use self-irony to turn it around to a good thing. They will forget about your bad quality and se you as a 'fun' guy.

What do you think your worst quality actually is?
then we might be able to turn it around to something good,
 

AFB

Lifer
Jan 10, 2004
10,718
3
0
Originally posted by: Vortex22
You get bored easily and always need work to keep you occupied.

This is mine, I always get lazy unless I have a lot of work.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
Originally posted by: RaynorWolfcastle
Originally posted by: Nebor
"I'm thinking about stealing that pen off your desk right now."
That one works better if you actually go through and steal his pen while he asks you what the hell you're talking about. When he asks for his pen back, insist that you have no idea what he's talking about, and that it's your pen.

I like the way you think, fella.
 

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,754
599
126
Originally posted by: Nebor
Originally posted by: RaynorWolfcastle
Originally posted by: Nebor
"I'm thinking about stealing that pen off your desk right now."
That one works better if you actually go through and steal his pen while he asks you what the hell you're talking about. When he asks for his pen back, insist that you have no idea what he's talking about, and that it's your pen.

I like the way you think, fella.

Reminds me of the Simpson's episode where Mr. Burns has the million dollar bill and Fidel Castro asks to see it. LOL.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
Originally posted by: PingSpike
Originally posted by: Nebor
Originally posted by: RaynorWolfcastle
Originally posted by: Nebor
"I'm thinking about stealing that pen off your desk right now."
That one works better if you actually go through and steal his pen while he asks you what the hell you're talking about. When he asks for his pen back, insist that you have no idea what he's talking about, and that it's your pen.

I like the way you think, fella.

Reminds me of the Simpson's episode where Mr. Burns has the million dollar bill and Fidel Castro asks to see it. LOL.

Mr. Burns, he is the president of Cuba. I think we can trust him.