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Saturday musings...what would you consider to be your weakness(es)?

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    Saturday musings...what would you consider to be your weakness(es)?

    We may not be employees, but employers can't help but ask us permie style questions at interview. As a contractor I don't like to consider myself as having weaknesses. When I go to see a medical specialist I'm not expecting them to have any weaknesses. As a contractor I am giving you the benefit of my expertise and specialism built up over a period of time (I am currently working with a team lead who keeps trying to have career development conversations with me, but that's another story...). Sometimes I am asked about strengths but it's the weaknesses question that irritates me. How have others responded to this?

    #2
    Honesty is mine....
    When freedom comes along, don't PISH in the water supply.....

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      #3
      Can't say I've been asked that at interviews for contracts. I'd probably stupidly say something along the lines of I provide a professional service to clients and have no weakness that will affect the overall delivery of that service, knowing I shouldn't say that, but can't help myself these days.

      Alternative could be to get all angry and should "f***** stupid permie questions ya c***s" before pausing for a few seconds and quietly announcing "I have no weaknesses" with a smile .

      Otherwise it would be to give a weakness that's normal to have, ie, "In a new environment I am quiet in meetings until I settle into the environment". Might not help as a PM or meeting intensive roles but for most roles that's probably acceptable.
      Could say you work too hard and don't know when to break away from the office but if they have any sense they'll see through that BS

      Nobody is really going to give a true weakness away that will put the interviews off, will they? I'm not going to say "if I'm bored it'll go into one ear and out the other".

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        #4
        Originally posted by TestMangler View Post
        Honesty is mine....
        I don't think honesty is a weakness.

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          #5
          No-one is perfect, we all have weaknesses. Even if you don't want to admit them to a potential client or co-worker, you should at least admit them to yourself. Knowing your weaknesses is a sign of maturity.

          Rather than get uptight about being asked this question, why not be prepared for it and come up with a well considered response that's tailored to the key challenges common to the role you're going for? When stating your chosen weakness make sure you have a way of countering that weakness, for example: "I am often quiet in meetings until I get to know the team....this gives me opportunity to observe the team dynamic, and understand the challenges and opportunities." Turn that frown upside down!

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            #6
            My only weakness is posting on CUK.

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              #7
              Originally posted by BrilloPad View Post
              My only weakness is posting on CUK.
              Now hang on a minute.

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                #8
                Apparently the best answer is to say that you're a bit of a workaholic & you tend to throw yourself into things a bit too much.

                That bit of advice came from the Executive Job Club circa 1993. Anyone ever go to one of those?

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by Big Blue Plymouth View Post
                  Apparently the best answer is to say that you're a bit of a workaholic & you tend to throw yourself into things a bit too much.

                  That bit of advice came from the Executive Job Club circa 1993. Anyone ever go to one of those?
                  Nope because I was way too young.
                  "You’re just a bad memory who doesn’t know when to go away" JR

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                    #10
                    I tell them that I lie in interviews.

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