What's your weakness.. psychology behind this question..?

**HairyArsedBloke** · 7 August 2009, 09:31

I believe it’s not a test of your actual weaknesses, but a test of your methods of coping with idiotic interviewers who do not have the imagination to ask proper questions and have to rely on clichés such as that one.

However, I would guess ‘Frak off you twonk and ask a proper question’ is not the sort of response you would be happy giving.

**Stolly** · 7 August 2009, 09:36

"I have this strange intolerance of stupid questions in interviews"

Team the answer with some action like twitching or snapping your pen.

**Darren_Test** · 7 August 2009, 09:38

Originally posted by HairyArsedBloke View Post

I believe it’s not a test of your actual weaknesses, but a test of your methods of coping with idiotic interviewers who do not have the imagination to ask proper questions and have to rely on clichés such as that one..

But this question is so common that all interviewees will have a search in google to give same popular answer..

**AlfredJPruffock** · 7 August 2009, 09:42

If you'r even asked this kind of HRspeak - you can always look enigmatic and respond

'Sometimes Silence is the best reply ... '

**HairyArsedBloke** · 7 August 2009, 09:46

Originally posted by Darren_Test View Post

But this question is so common that all interviewees will have a search in google to give same popular answer..

Exactly, it's a cliché. Just like that other great cliché of entrapment questions, "have you stopped beating your wife", it does not warrant a direct answer. Don't be evasive , but rise above it; if you can get a subtle insult in, do so.

**FarangMau** · 7 August 2009, 09:47

Originally posted by Darren_Test View Post

Guys,

I never had a perfect answer for this question..
My recent answers for "weakness" questions were...

1. "I have no weakness that makes me unsuitable for this role...!!"
2. "Weakness is very relative term i.e. comparing one candidate to another, so I am not in a position to judge that"
3. "You guys are interviewing lot many people, so surely will be ale to measure weakness of any candidate, so leaving you guys to judge..!!"

All three did not work out (May not be just because of "weakness" answer..!!)

I don't believe in usual "perfectionist" or showing a "strength as weakness philosophy"..

But one thing that confusing me is relevance of this question..??

A. Are they really expect any candidate to speak about their real weakness during interview..??

B. What's interviewer want to listen or judge by the answer of this question..?

C. What's the psychology behind this question..? if there is some..or its become just a "usual pointless question" that repeated by all interviewers & expected by all interviewees..?

D. Will any one gives answers other than usual ones (i.e. "perfectionist" or showing a "strength as weakness philosophy") will be seen as rebel..?

Inputs please..Especially from guys who really asked these questions lot many times in the past...

Weakness = grammar = fail

**NotAllThere** · 7 August 2009, 09:51

"Let me just ask the voices in my head"

**Darren_Test** · 7 August 2009, 09:57

Originally posted by HairyArsedBloke View Post

Don't be evasive , but rise above it;

like..??how you wil answer this keeping in mind "Don't be evasive , but rise above it"

**Darren_Test** · 7 August 2009, 09:59

Originally posted by AlfredJPruffock View Post

If you'r even asked this kind of HRspeak - you can always look enigmatic and respond

'Sometimes Silence is the best reply ... '

bit more practical answer is..??

What's your weakness.. psychology behind this question..?