Some common examples of weaknesses for a job interview answer include: Self-critical Too sensitive Overly competitive Perfectionist Stubborn Disorganized On the one hand, overthinking can help you to make better Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. The interviewer can easily follow your scenario from start to finish, getting all the important details along the way. Being able to articulate your weaknesses honestly, and then explain how you are working to improve upon them, can demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the job. Our newsletter is on its way. Capturing far too much unplanned content at this stage made the editing ordeal a nightmare. When you overthink, you have a hard time getting your mind to focus on anything else. I think its the greatest invention ever and has many potential uses, even if slide presentations are not a job requirement. If you have several viable options going at any given time, youll feel much more confident about your prospectsand less likely to keep analyzing every word in that one interview. Am I taking steps to improve in that area. Dont try to put on a brave face and pretend like you dont have them that will only hurt you in the long run. Up to this point, your qualifications and personal attributes have been emphasized from all the right angles. Maybe youre not very patient, or maybe youre not very good at public speaking. Actually, I ended up enjoying it.. By asking this question, they are looking to see if you have taken the time to reflect on your own abilities and whether or not you are someone who is willing to work on improving yourself. This candidate shows no humility and more importantly no evidence of self-reflection. And while a little healthy self-reflection can help you learn from your mistakes, rehashing and second-guessing is a form of mental torture. It released in Overthinking is about dwelling on the problem, while problem-solving involves looking for a solution. Rather than sit and think about a problem for endless amounts of time, you can distract yourself for a bit. In many cases, youll find that what youre thinking of as huge, decision-impacting mistakes arent things you really need to address. Tell me about yourself the dreaded opening interview question that most candidates will face at some point in their career. I look forward to the weekends so I can have a lie-in without worrying about getting up for work. Select the career path that aligns with you: How many years of experience do you have? It also displays a critical lack of self-reflection and can easily come across as arrogant. After all, youre looking at a problem from every possible angle. However, before you start panicking, its important to understand that weaknesses are just that- weaknesses. Imagine a storm is coming. Being too aggressive or too shy. Badmouthing your old boss or company. Also, explore different types of overthinking, the effects on your mental health and relationships, and how to stop overthinking things in your life. Consequently, Im excited about all of the opportunities that are currently available to me.. Why didnt I say delegation when she asked about my strengths? Instead, welcome the opportunity to tip the scales in your favor by framing weaknesses as strengths. Ruminatingor rehashing the same things over and over againisnt helpful. Assuming the worst and jumping to incorrect conclusions can lead to arguments and conflicts with other people. Common areas that might be applicable include: If you find it tricky to assess your own personality, ask someone else to help. When it comes to talking about weaknesses in a job interview, candidates tend to fall into one of two traps: 1. Have some perspective. Be prepared for follow-up questions. Overthinking can be viewed as both a strength and a weakness; it is, therefore, not a strong answer to give when asked Are you suffering from impostor syndrome? Your email address will not be published. No one is perfect, so dont try to pretend that you are be honest and realistic about your weaknesses. I dont want this to hold me back, so Im trying to build my confidence in public speaking. There were about 50 people there and normally I would have been terrified at the thought of standing up in front of them. Finding a way to break out of this cycle can often help relieve some symptoms of these conditions. The interviewee makes it clear that they were not being actively unpleasant to colleagues, but were aware that their communication skills needed work and this was creating some negative feeling at work. Dwelling on your problems, mistakes, and shortcomings, increases your risk of mental health problems, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.. By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Here are some other common weaknesses wearing a work ethic disguise: Here are some ideas for describing weaknesses related to work ethic. Build professional cover letters in a few simple steps by using our free Cover Letter builder. Or maybe you get upset with yourself for not seeing red flags soonerbecause you believe they should have been obvious! When Im giving feedback to colleagues I try to be very honest but I have learned that sometimes my comments come across as brusque. He also reacts to multiple earnings. 6. A mental health professional may teach you skills that will help you stop obsessing, ruminating, and dwelling on things that arent helpful. Two possible angles are described below, with examples. For example, when you dont fall asleep right away, you might imagine that youll be overtired the following day. ", "Tell me about a time when you let your team down". Ask yourself what your weaknesses are and how you can address them. Do not involve abilities that are essential or important to this job, Reflect your motivation to overcome or minimize the impact through corrective actions, Creating attractive charts and graphs for presentations and reports, Legal and regulatory updates in the industry, Personality types and communication styles in the workplace, Working too many hours or struggling with professional/personal life balance, Difficulty focusing on one task or shifting focus to another, Spreading yourself too thin by not setting realistic limits (often a people-pleasing behavior), Impatience and frustration when things dont progress smoothly or on schedule, Competitiveness that undermines your co-workers contributions. While this method would typically be used when talking about your positive traits and achievements (after all, thats mostly what you want to be doing in an interview), its still useful when talking about your weaknesses. Meanwhile, on the work front, Dino Morea was recently seen in Akhil Akkineni's Agent. Weaknesses Her background includes writing about human resource and career development topics for employees and association members in various business and nonprofit sectors. The company was planning on making drastic changes that I didnt agree with and felt would negatively impact my work environment. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Understand that theyre asking for your weaknesses but take note of how exactly they posed the question. With practice, you will find it much easier to halt overthinking in its tracks before it becomes a more serious problem. Strengths and weaknesses are important components of any job interview. A more generic weakness that can be used for any role, with evidence of proactivity: At the beginning of my career, I found that I was overwhelmed with the level of work expected of me. How to talk about weaknesses in a job interview, Lists of weaknesses for a job interview with example answers, Key takeaways for discussing weaknesses in a job interview. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. But thats usually not the case. This form of overthinking happens when you base a rule or expectation for the future on a single or random event from the past. 9. Even the best people have their own quirks, which can be a source of weakness. Sahak Manuelian, Wedbush Securities head of equity trading, joins 'Closing Bell: Overtime' to discuss today's market weakness and finding opportunities in stocks. While some people believe that overthinking may be helpful since it involves looking at an issue or problem from nearly every viewpoint possible and anticipating future events, the opposite is true. When discussing your weaknesses, be honest and give specific examples rather than general statements. And each time, it gets a little worse. However, discussing your weaknesses is important in order to get a sense of how you can improve as a candidate. 2013;122(2):339-352. doi:10.1037/a0031994, Thomsen DK, Mehlsen MY, Christensen S, Zachariae R. Ruminationrelationship with negative mood and sleep quality. Stay humble. Knowing what the employer is looking for is the best way to avoid pitfalls and turn the question to your advantage. Practice for Balancing Equations: 1st and 2nd Grade, Repeated Addition as Multiplication: Math Foundations. Answer Tell me about yourself with a past, present and future structure. Weaknesses can be difficult to identify and even harder to discuss. Embracing the upside of interview questions about weaknesses goes hand in hand with anticipating them and being prepared. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Then we took the 10 worst questions and looked for expert advice on how to tackle them. Weakness Interviewers cant help but be impressed by your openness to self-challenge on a path of learning, growth, and improvement. Weaknesses Overthinking is different from problem-solving. It does seem a little perverse. Im comfortable speaking up in team meetings and will happily give presentations to my colleagues at work. of Weaknesses: Job Interview Answers and Examples Research confirms what you likely already knowrumination interferes with sleep. In my last role, I performed really well and can't see where I could have improved. Overthinking makes it harder to fall asleep. Until thenand aside from thatgive yourself a break. Ive come a long way, with plenty of support and practice. (2023 Guide), How to Answer the Interview Question "How Would You Describe Yourself?" If youre struggling to come up with any weaknesses, its probably not because youre perfect. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. Instead of dwelling on that interview as a make-or-break opportunity, get right back into job hunting and start looking for more open positions that interest you. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Its a way of structuring any example-based response you give that ensures all the key components are there. Schedule some time for reflection. interview You may opt-out by. Sponsor Mommy Bear and Feature Your Brand! The interviewer might ask you to elaborate or describe further weaknesses. It is useful at this stage to have a thorough look at the job description. 3 Times You're Overthinking Your Interview (and 3 Times You're Not Thinking About it Enough) I used to think I was the only person who overthought job Dont risk it. Show your initiative and growth mindset by breaking down the precise actions you are taking to overcome your weaknesses. Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. This question is popular primarily because of its effectiveness at getting the candidate to think deeply about themselves. The best resume & job tips from our career experts will now be sent your inbox every 2 weeks! This is done to see how a candidate handles a While interviewers certainly pay attention to the small things, it can help you get past that tendency to overanalyze if you simply take a step back and try to look at the big picture, rather than get lost in the details: Did you feel a good connection between you and the interviewer? Overenthusiasm for certain writing projects used to find me falling off track, despite. Once more making sure to avoid disqualifying deal-breakers for this job, its not as hard as it may seem to frame your weaknesses in that context of striving to do better. Being cocky or arrogant. Overthinking can also take a serious toll on relationships. So, how do you answer, What is your greatest weakness? How do you avoid mistakes when discussing weaknesses with a recruiter or hiring manager? Baby Center Courses Review: What Is It All About? If it was a real weakness, consider how you worded it. When interviewing for a job, keep in mind that the interviewer wants to know what you are good at and where you could improve. This shows a lack of interest in the position or company and can make it seem like the candidate is only interested in salary and benefits. You should be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your work experience, and why you want this particular job. Is Overthinking A Weakness Interview Question [With Answers This approach to talking about weaknesses in a job interview lends itself to an infinite number of hard or soft skills the more specific the better. Finally, try to provide some concrete evidence of improvement. My hope is that the example inspires you as you prepare for your next job interview. 10 Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Designed & Run ByRehash Media, LLC|Privacy Policy, How to Address Your Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview, 20 Most Common Interview Questions And How to Answer Them, How to Make a Strong Reference List for Your Resume, Qeepsake: Exclusive Interview with CEO Jeff McNeil. 5 Best Answers to "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" For example, if you are interviewing for a position as an accountant, stating that you are bad at math would create a negative impact on your chances of getting hired. You want to appear humble and willing to admit when youre not perfect, but you also dont want to make yourself sound like a complete disaster. Perhaps you found it difficult to manage your time. Or, maybe you want to prepare a wider arsenal of anecdotes to share, so that youre prepared for any and every behavioral-based question they could throw at you. For instance, if the position requires lots of teamwork and regular interaction with management, a good weakness to use might be that you find it difficult to stay motivated in roles where you feel isolated, or those in which you cant learn from those around you. Those job duties were straightforward and clearcut, and the solo workload was never too onerous. 2010;21(4):484-488. doi:10.1177/0956797610363555, Rnic K, Dozois DJ, Martin RA. From the fresh graduate to the most experienced CEO. When youre overthinking you might feel like your brain wont shut off. Here are a few to consider. Over and over and over. Practice mindfulness. With greater control over the course of discussion, you decide when and how to shift direction from negative to positive. The goal is not to clear your mind, but rather to focus it on something and practice redirecting your focus whenever your thoughts wander. Take the necessary steps to move past this interview, and youll be even stronger for the next one. How to Answer the Weaknesses Job Interview Question This question can be difficult to answer, as it depends on your own individual values and motivations. Frame your weaknesses in a positive, proactive context as works in progress, emphasizing corrective steps with successful outcomes. Positive attitude. Some people view weaknesses as negative qualities, but they can actually be helpful in identifying areas in which you need to improve. Its important not to talk too much about your weaknesses or what you need to improve. On the one hand, overthinking can help you to make better decisions and avoid making mistakes. This weakness could be particularly concerning to an interviewer so, if you really want to mention this at interview, make sure you show evidence of self-reflection and mention the steps you are taking to address this or how you have begun to use it to achieve a positive outcome. Make sure there is no diminished impact on your ability to fulfill essential or important job requirements. The downside is procrastinators can get so anxious about doing things right that they do nothing at all. And most of that conversation will stay focused on your strengths as an ideal candidate. April 24, 2023 6:38 pm CT. Heres a throwback for New Orleans Saints fans. Overthinking, on the other hand, fuels uncomfortable emotions and doesnt look for solutions. Introspective insights into your self-improvement goals could give you an edge over other candidates sharing taken-for-granted strengths in common. Everyone overthinks sometimes. Calm the jitters and impress the hiring manager with preparation. I got bitten by one as a child and now I cant stand being around them. Ive found it really helpful to implement new work plan deadlines at the front end of research-intensive projects. But lets be real nobody is perfect and neither are you. Obsessing about every little thing other people do and say can also mean that you misunderstand what they are trying to convey. If you feel like your brain is on overdrive, talk to your physician. Stay humble and show that youre interested in learning more about the company and the position. Positive perspectives: what you say about weaknesses can work in your favor, Ways to frame weaknesses in a strong context: a look at two angles with examples. There are many potential mistakes that can be made in a job interview, but some are more common than others. 4. Read on to find out how you can tackle this tricky question and turn your greatest weaknesses into your greatest interview strength. Or they might want to see how you think on your feet under pressure. 3 Times You're Overthinking Your Interview (and 3 Times You're Even if youve done your research and feel confident about your qualifications, there are bound to be a few common job interview questions that catch you off guard. Its so frustrating that you werent able to think of this answer just an hour ago. What constructive feedback have you received from your supervisor or direct reports during one-on-one meetings? for How To Stop Overthinking at Work These will tell the interviewer that you cant think on your feet. May be less job-specific but generally important in most occupations to varying extents, Learned and developed at school or on the job, Largely innate or developed socially and institutionally, reflecting personality and behaviors, Ease in delegating tasks, saying no or asking for help, Well organized in setting goals and balancing priorities, Spontaneity, flexibility, adaptability or risk-taking, Giving / receiving directions, constructive feedback or assistance, Physical strength, stamina, coordination, flexibility, speed. BIRCI-J. Pick out all the key skills and requirements and make sure that the weakness you choose does not apply to any of them. But if you tend to overanalyze, youre going to find yourself spending the next three full days coming up with list after list of ways you want to improve your interviewing skills. Be positive. Answering with something like I just dont do enough exercise sounds like youre dodging the question. I could always use more experience with negotiation techniques and strategies, specifically in a face-to-face setting. Addressing your weaknesses in an interview can feel tricky. Telling interviewers about your greatest weaknesses is a tricky topic, to be tackled in this blog as follows: You might be asked to identify your single greatest weakness, or several in the plural. Someone suggested that acting classes might help so Ive signed up for a course at my local college. Honesty and authenticity are your best friends when job searching. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how you can stop dwelling in a negative mindset. Of course, everyone will tell you that you should learn from your mistakesand you absolutely should. With the 2023 NFL draft in sight, its a good time to look back on Drew Brees 2016 appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, in which the future Hall of Famer read back some of the strengths and weaknesses that pro scouts had written down in his draft profile. Not preparing enough. This type of overthinking involves thinking things are worse than they are. A related problem child of being detail-oriented is overthinking and rethinking projects past the point of manageability. April 24, 2023 6:38 pm CT. Heres a throwback for New Orleans Saints fans. Unless youre applying for a job where you will be working in almost total isolation, this kind of answer will ring some major alarm bells. Some common strengths that are looked for in a job include: being organized, having good time-management skills, being able to work independently, being attentive to detail, and being a team player. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Remember, the key is to select a weakness that isnt fundamental to your ability to perform the role and then to demonstrate that youre proactive about fixing that weakness. Many people can identify with a fear of public speaking. Pick a weakness that is relevant, not crucial to the job and fixable. Sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the job by emphasizing your skills and accomplishments. All rights reserved. As long as youre not talking about a tough or failed course that could scuttle your chances of being hired, feel free to mention anything that has no direct bearing on your candidacy. Pinpoint that one thing, and make that the target point of improvement for your next interview. Instead of accepting that different outcomes are possible, you might assume that certain things will "always" or "never" happen. Be sure to answer each question thoughtfully and honestly so that the interviewer can get a good understanding of who you are and what your goals are for career growth within the company. You have to be brutally honest with yourself about what you are good at and what you need to work on. Addressing your weaknesses in an interview can feel tricky. Youve answered the question. Do you have a mentor or executive coach? Heres an example that shows the difference between overthinking and problem-solving: Problem-solving can lead to productive action. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. In a previous workplace where I took for granted that multi-tasking was a virtue, it suddenly dawned on me to question that whole notion. I would say that I can be too direct. Studies have found that improving your interpersonal skills can help stop you from overthinking since these skills have a large effect on this particular habit. When you register or purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Dont badmouth your former employer or coworkers. Why do job interviewers ask about weaknesses? weaknesses Your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist who can help you put an end to overthinking. How to answer Tell me about yourself in an interview (with examples), The worst job interview questions, revealed, Weakness example: Job-specific hard/soft skill, Sample weakness: Interpersonal communication ability, Weakness example: Perfectionism, overthinking, too detail-oriented, Sample weakness: Multi-tasking can be a minefield, How to answer almost any interview question. Also ill-advised: Id rather not say, or Hmm, Id have to give that more thought.. Thats why more and more people are turning to ZipRecruiter to help them find their next job. This can come across as unprofessional and might not reflect well on you in the eyes of the interviewer. Sometimes it makes it quite awkward when I have to meet someone who I know has a dog. me about your greatest WEAKNESS (THE REAL 2022;5(2):10632-10642. doi:10.33258/birci.v5i2.4876, Ainsworth B, Bolderston H, Garner M. Testing the differential effects of acceptance and attention-based psychological interventions on intrusive thoughts and worry. Rather than disguising a strength as a weakness, use this as an opportunity to address skills or personal characteristics you could improve. Unconscious-Thought Effects Take Place Off-Line, Not On-Line. So its harder to fall into a deep slumber when your brain is busy overthinking everything.. weakness If you attended a job fair, you can tell them, I was attending a job fair when I saw an advertisement for this position. Above all, they are interested in your desire and capacity to improve and develop. Ask yourself if they are realistic. 2016;12(3):348-362. doi:10.5964/ejop.v12i3.1118, Michl LC, McLaughlin KA, Shepherd K, Nolen-Hoeksema S. Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. They just want to know if you can be honest and if you are aware of your own shortcomings. If youre not the best at math, you could use your strong critical thinking skills to figure out solutions to complex problems. Unless youre applying for a job working with animals, this weakness is just irrelevant. Its important that for each weakness you prepare to talk about, you have a relevant example ready to help you describe your weakness and demonstrate how you attempted to overcome it. So now consider the weaknesses question as a golden opportunity to stand out from the rest. Dont say that youre perfect. Ask for input from a friend or co-worker if you get stuck. Before forming your interview answers about weaknesses, it's important to reflect on the areas where you can improve. Thats why Ive taken a few online courses and am constantly picking up new tips from YouTube tutorials. Stars, 16 Agency Leaders Explore The SEO Trends Impacting Their Work In 2023, 15 Smart Ways To Address High Employee Turnover, How Vietnam's Entertainment Industry Can Increase Its Global Reach, 6 Best Practices For CEOs And Professional Leaders Using LinkedIn. Rather than trying to nimbly turn your weakness into a strength, I recommend being transparent. Tie in a strength. Maybe, for example, you want to be able to think better on your feet, so you dont stumble over your words when youre asked an unexpected question. Stressful events, depression, and anxiety can make people more prone to overthinking, and then this overthinking contributes to worse stress, anxiety, and depression. So besides seeking more insight into your fitness for the position, recruiters want some indication of self-awareness and integrity. Perfectionism springs to mind as a classic blessing-and-curse example. Keep your comments positive, even if you hated your last job or boss. Learning how to reframe them in a more positive way can help relieve the tendency to overthink. Its made a world of difference in my productivity, effectiveness and energy. It can also play a role in mental health issues like anxiety and depression, so it is important to find ways to break out of such destructive thought patterns. Next time you get asked about your biggest weakness in a job interview, give these tips a try. For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. One way to do this is by doing some self-assessment. Interview weaknesses is a common type of interview question whereby a candidate is asked to list a weakness. WebRedirecting to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-of-the-ivory-tower/201905/9-strategies-for-overcoming-overthinking. Explain how you will continue to develop and grow once you join the company and in your new role. For example, you may be a great public speaker, but have a hard time with numbers. And procrastination is not always a matter of a stalled start. can be intimidating. After beginning a career in management, Katie realized she wasnt doing what she loved and determined it was time for a major career transition. Im much more comfortable digging deep into the data and providing the analysis, rather than talking it through with a client. Ask family, friends, or even past employers about the areas in which you could use some improvement. They show initiative in how they are tackling this weakness head-on and provide clear evidence that their efforts are paying off. Verywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. or soft skills. Start by thinking back to your previous roles, projects, school or volunteer work. Overthinking impairs the quality of your sleep too. Preparation and practice are the best ways to get yourself ready for the big day.