Interviews

What Weaknesses…?

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Hopefully, this doesn’t come as a shock to you but – we all have a weakness or two. 

 

Most behavioral interviews include this dreaded question. If you don’t prepare for it – you’ll probably sound like this….

A weakness? Ummm I don’t….ahhh I mean, I am a perfectionist…and yea, that sometimes makes things…umm, take longer.

Well, that was a disaster. <face> <palm>

 

This should and can be an easy question to answer. First, think of an actual weakness or area you’d like to improve in. Second, how can you spin it to sound more positive? Thirdly, describe the weakness and explain how you are aware of the weakness and the actions you take to prevent it or ways you’re working to improve.

 

Here’s an example of a WEAKNESS that I discussed with a job seeker the other day…”I would say that my weakness is that I often have trouble saying “no” to people when they need my help. This often leaves me working late hours, getting burnt out faster or frustrated…and it’s my own fault! So, I’m working on being more aware of my to-do list and priorities for the week so that when someone asks me to help with something I’m able to say “yes” or “no” as well as give them a realistic timeline for when I could get it done.”

 

Having a weakness isn’t a bad thing. This question is to help the interviewer understand how aware you are of yourself and your abilities. If we can’t identify what we’re good at and what we could work on…how do we get better?!

 

Best of luck on your interviews!
-Cafe Career Coach
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Top 100 Career Blogs !!

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featured in Feedspot’s

“Top 100 Career Blogs“

 

“Giving you real-world advice to get positive results at work, in your job search, and accomplishing your long-term goals.”

 

 

Thank you to all of my readers and clients

who have supported Cafe Career Coach throughout the year.

 

If you’re still searching for a fulfilling career,
struggling through interviews
or trying to find a path within your current role
reach out to Cafe Career Coach today!

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Interviews, Job Search

What Are Hiring Managers Thinking?

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 When prepping for an interview we often review a standard list of questions, do some company research and possibly look up the hiring managers or interviewers LinkedIn profile to check out their background and identify an icebreaker, like, they love the Celtics and you’re a Lakers fan. HA!
I’m guessing you haven’t thought about preparing for what the hiring manager is really looking to find out about you during the interview…Why is this important? In my experience, it calms you down during the interview process and often prepares you mentally (and emotionally) for those unexpected questions…So that you aren’t thinking to yourself “Why did they ask me that?” “Are they trying to make me squirm?”
While there are some oddball interview scenarios, more often than not, you’re going to be interviewed by someone that is ultimately trying to figure out if you have the skills for the job, if you’re a cultural fit and do you really want to work there and for them? When you think about their thought-process, as they’re sitting on the other side of the table, this way it is much easier to relax and answer their interview questions.

 

I’ve worked with 100s of hiring managers and I have come to the conclusion that they’re all trying to figure out these 3 things about you…
  1. Prepared & Articulate. Do you have the skills for the job? Are you good at articulating past projects and work that you’ve done? Does it seem like you thought about and prepared answers or examples that are directly applicable to the job you’re interviewing for?
  2. Problem-Solving. How do you solve problems? Did you ask questions? Are you bullheaded or will you reach out for help before something goes wrong? Are you good at explaining how you solve problems to a group or to a manager/peers?
  3. Engaged. Are you energetic? Do you actually want this job and to work here? Have you researched the company and did you come with ideas to solve some of the companies problems OR are you curious about the problems they solve or the products/services they provide to the consumer?

 

Don’t forget, when you’re interviewing with a hiring manager you also want to interview them as well. If you’re going to directly report to this person you want to make sure you’d like working for them too! Ask them questions about their management style and what their expectations are for this role within the first month, 6 months and the first year.
If you remember one thing from this post, remember this, the hiring manager is trying to understand your thought-process and what it would be like to work with you and trust you to do work for him/her. When you approach interviews this way it often turns into an enjoyable conversation and less like a robotic exchange of strengths and weaknesses.

 

Best of luck to you all!!! Feel free to send C.C. Coach any questions you may have!
– C. C. Coach
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Career Advice, Interviews, Job Search

Don’t Fear Failure

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Interview not go so well?…
Our failures can lead to our greatest triumphs and revelations! As long as we don’t bury ourselves in defeat…
STUDY your losses and ask yourself…
“Why do I think the interview went poorly?”
“Did I answer all of their questions thoughtfully and thoroughly?”
“Were there specific questions that they asked me that caught me off guard?”
“Did I articulate my skills confidently and concisely?”
“Overall, what did I learn and how can I apply it to my next interview?”
Even when you think you “crushed it” there are always opportunities to hone your skills. After you’ve reviewed these questions and reflected on your interview it’s important to move on and use what you’ve learned to help you in your next interview. Focus on the solution.
My most recent job search showed me that each interview is an opportunity to improve and prepare for the next one. Throughout the process, I learned more about my strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. I was able to take a good hard look at my job search. I developed a clearer understanding of my non-negotiable’s and what was REALLY important to me. It enabled me to focus and ultimately find a job that aligned with my personal and professional goals. 
If you feel it’s appropriate, you can send an email to the interviewer asking for feedback. This is a great opportunity for you to end things on a positive note and get direct feedback! Don’t be discouraged if you can’t or don’t get feedback from the interviewer – you have all the tools to figure out ways to make your next interview a success.
Don’t Fear Failure! Use it to your advantage. 
“Every time I lose, it takes a really long time for me to lose again because I learn so much from it” – (TED Talk) Serena Williams 
Good luck on your interviews this week!
– C.C. Coach
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