"What is your biggest shortcoming" or "Talk about your shortcomings" has almost become a routine question when asked by HR, but for most job seekers, this is a "fatal question" , often at a loss. First of all, let us understand why interviewers often favor this question? This question is a trap, yes! Shortcomings, self-evaluation, or being in front of the interviewer, so many conflicting factors come together to make this question reveal the devil's atmosphere from head to toe, because it can reveal many problems. For the interviewer, there are two main purposes for asking this question:
First, to examine the candidate’s psychological quality and way of thinking in difficult situations or emergencies;
Second. Examine the candidate’s self-awareness level.
However, knowing that these are not the same thing, what should we pay attention to and how to do it? A more successful answer to this question must achieve at least the following three points:
1. In fact, your shortcoming can be regarded as some kind of advantage;
2. Shortcomings can be easily improved.
3. Avoid perfectionism. There are no perfect people and perfect interview skills in this world, so don’t package yourself as flawless in your high-pitched speeches.
Now that you know what to avoid when answering this question, the following will teach you what aspects you should pay attention to:
1. Avoid being labeled. No matter how you answer this question, there will be more or less shortcomings in it, but we should try to avoid the interviewer from labeling you negatively with this shortcoming. It is best to be able to convert this shortcoming into an advantage or a factor that fits and matches the position you are applying for. You apply for a finance job, and then you say that your shortcoming is carelessness. Does such an answer kill you instantly? You apply for a sales job, and then you say that your shortcoming is that you are not good at social interaction. Does such an answer kill yourself? You apply for a management position, and then you say that your shortcoming is that you are easily influenced by the words and deeds of others. Is this answer too speechless?
2. Be as real and sincere as possible while showing your own personality. If your answer is "I think my biggest shortcoming is that I am kind and easy to be soft-hearted..." or "My biggest shortcoming is that I work too hard and don't know how to balance work and life. I used to stay up late and work overtime, and my body couldn't bear it and I fell ill... ..." and other such answers are not only a test of the interviewer's IQ, but also an insult to one's own IQ.
Next, here comes the key point of the answer. When talking about your own shortcomings, try to avoid shortcomings in outlook and character. Ways of thinking can be an alternative, but not a priority. It is best to focus on knowledge and skills, because these two points have a lot of room for improvement and are fast. However, this does not mean that you can just say it. Today you went to interview for a financial position, and you said that you are not very good at math and have weak financial knowledge. The result is that you will die miserably. Next, I’m going to teach you the secret of horoscopes. Please remember! Speak high and far away. Speak high and far away. Speak high and far away.
What does it mean? Execution, collaboration, team leadership, strategic thinking, and overall perspective are abilities that gradually improve. As a grassroots employee, if you have the ability to execute, you are a good employee. As for the lack of strategic vision, it doesn't matter. It's more the CEO's business. It does not mean that the capabilities at all levels cannot be interoperable, but that each level has its more important focus. If you are applying for a grassroots position, the following example sentence can be used as a reference, "My execution ability is good. I can usually complete the tasks assigned by the leader. It is not a problem for me to rush to KPI. But because of this, I rarely take the initiative to think deeply. I have learned a lot, more about actions. How to look at work from a higher perspective and how to think about strategic layout, I still need to strengthen this kind of in-depth study."
Looking further: Techniques. If you have a specialization in your profession, find a professional ability deficiency that is far away from your own job.
If you are applying for a financial position in a securities company, you can say: "For so many years, I have developed in depth in the financial field, and my understanding and study of industry knowledge and business details are not enough. I have also realized this, and I have applied for the securities qualification. In fact, I want to make up for this shortcoming, which will definitely be beneficial to my financial work.”
Finally, let’s talk about language and expression skills. choice on.
Compare the following sentence patterns:
1. My shortcoming is the lack of strategic thinking.
2. I feel that in terms of strategic thinking, we need to strengthen learning and continue to improve. Which of these two sentences do you think is more pleasant to listen to?
Finally, all job seekers should remember that job seekers and interviewers are equal. They choose each other and achieve each other. Don’t feel inferior to the interviewer just because you need a certain job. Be brave and careful. It's very important not to be timid as soon as you hear the question.