HR Interview FAQ 4 - What is your weakness?
In this FAQ series, we will discuss the most
commonly/frequently asked questions in an HR interview and ways to approach
them. Remember, the interview is an interaction between two equal people. Do
not think of it as the HR doing a favour for you. The HR is doing his job. The
job of HR is to find the right candidate for the vacant position. Your job is
to make him believe you are the one. It’s like a dance, isn’t it? It’s a smooth
waltz. You are sure to end on a sweet note if the two of you are in sync with
each other.
Q4 - What is your weakness?
If you are asked about your strengths, you can be sure of your next question. After all, theories state everything in the universe exists with its equal and opposite. Newton said it in his Third Law. In spirituality, there is yin and yang. In the practical world, there is male and female; hot and cold. So, if you have strengths, you are definitely bound to have a few weaknesses as well. It’s a very tricky question. We have always grown up hiding our weaknesses. But here we are, in a really crucial situation, having to reveal our weakness. Is it okay to have weaknesses and is it okay to admit it?
Even the greatest legends are not exempt from having weaknesses. Achilles, arguably the greatest warrior known to man, had his heel as his weakness. Superstar Rajinikanth is the most popular actor in South India, but he wouldn’t exactly qualify as a great dancer. Virat Kohli, arguably the greatest batsman of our generation is very tentative when facing balls swinging away from him during the early part of his innings.
Idea behind the question
The HR wants to know if you have done a self-analysis. If you know your weakness, it becomes very easy to work on it. If you admit your weakness, that is probably the very first step in overcoming it or at least getting the necessary assistance for it.
Recommended Answer
“I don’t really have any weakness”,
exclaimed one of the candidates. His body language was really weak when he said it. Such an answer comes across as harsh and arrogant. Such answers generally hurt the ego of the HR. After all, we are human beings and we do not like to have our egos bruised. Your aim is to get the HR on your side, not to take him on. I wouldn’t recommend such an answer if you aim to get the job. Donald Trump might possibly get away with a brash comment and still win the elections, but not everyone can!
Never the Naked Admission
It is best, to be honest, but at the same time don’t score a self-goal by just accepting your weakness. I learned it the hard way during one of my mock interviews in my pre-final year. When asked about my weakness, I replied,
“I am lazy!”
Little did I know it would turn out to be a big mistake. I had fallen into the trap set for me. My interviewers had a ball after that. Whatever I said after that sentence, fell on deaf ears. The interviewers repeatedly pointed out I was lazy by self-admission and they would never entrust me with any responsibility. So, never admit your weakness without attaching a positive note to it.
Combine your lessons and steps taken to overcome your weakness
Admit your weakness but tell them the steps you are taking to convert that weakness into your strength. In hindsight, I must have probably said,
“I used to be
a little lazy. But that has cost me a lot of great opportunities. So, I am
doing my best to come out of my laziness. These days, whenever I feel like
procrastinating, I make sure I push myself to immediately start something
related to the task at hand. That enables me to stay active and take the task
to completion.”
Refrain from giving emotional answers. Avoid talking about your personal life when revealing your weakness. Keep it on the lighter side and get over and done with the answer quickly so you get a move on in the interview.
Alternate
Method
A few days back, I attended an interview for a training assignment. I have done numerous classroom trainings, but I am just starting to learn the tricks of online training. The interviewer wanted to know how comfortable I was with online training. He was particularly interested in my comfort with ‘Microsoft Teams’ software which I have never used before.
“I should admit I am still adjusting to the new usual of VILT (Virtual Instructor-Led Trainings). I have taken only 12 sessions so far, but I am already comfortable with the ‘Zoom’ platform. I am sure, given half a day’s time, I should get comfortable with ‘Microsoft Teams’ as well.” I was honest, but at the same time ended my answer on a positive note.
Some other
examples of weaknesses you can mention are:
➢ Being a workaholic (Unable to spend time with friends and family, but still has a positive intonation you put your work first).
➢ Being too critical of yourself (Has
a positive intonation you strive for perfection every single time).
➢ Being unfamiliar with a programming
language/software/new technology and having just started to learn it (has a
positive intonation you are aware of the areas in which you need to improve and
you have already started to work on it).
Understand your weakness. Enhance your skillset in that area. You do not have to reinvent the wheel if you do not find the inclination to learn a particular skill set. You just have to find the right people/ tools to assist you eclipse your weakness.
Eg: If you are slow at typing, don’t worry. There is software available that can convert speech into text. If you are not good at grammar, don’t worry. There are certain apps available that correct your grammar and suggest perfectly good English sentences as you write. Don’t be scared to admit your weaknesses. Saying, “I do not know”, takes guts. It is nothing to be ashamed of. If you do not know something, look up the Internet or ask someone to teach you. You might look silly at first, but eventually, you will end up as the winner.
This is an excerpt from my book, "Cracking the
Campus Code". To know more about the book, click here.
Wishing you all the very best in your interviews.
Cheers!