How would you answer this....

[BongleBear]

Q. What are your weakest points?

I've been told that this is often asked in interviews, and I'm not sure what the 'correct' way of answering it would be. I know they know no-ones perfect, so first is coming up with a weak point that's not disastrous and interview ending. Then I'd probably go with explaining what I've done to rectify this or try to improve.

Any ideas?

Cheers, BBear

[Sky Goose]

I said i was lazy at times, thought theyd appreciate a bit of honesty, apparently not !!

Went to an assesment (Tyrolean) with 45 of us doing interviews on the same day, I was the second last bloke, figured they had heard all the BS answers and would appreciate some honesty. I mean you cant rally be that lazy If youve completed an fATPL while holding down a full time job? They dont think that far ?

So to cut a long story short, dont tell them you can be lazy at times.

ie going to the boozer with your mates instead of studing ATPL theory, everyones done that right?

[haughtney1]

One thats helped get me a job in the past....

"im a bit of a perfectionist....I dont settle for second best"

Just explain that you tend to be a bit hard on yourself...and you find this can be a bit tough on you..as you never can be perfect:D

Its BS.....but BS that people like to hear....go figure:rolleyes:

[BongleBear]

I thought about the 'im a perfectionist' answer, I know it makes sense to say it (not that I am a perfectionist), but if I put myself in the interviewers position I don't think it's what I'd want to hear. I think they'd prefer a genuine weakness, and then to hear that you've done something about it- not "I'm a perfectionist"....."and to sort that out I've made everything perfect".

and what about this question......

Q When was the last time you made a mistake, and what was it?

I was thinking about an answer that was quite lighthearted, whilst genuine. Something that everyone can relate to, like missing a relatives birthday. Then saying "so now I've bought a personal planner".

Any comments on either questions?

Cheers, a-very-nervous-before-an-interview-BBear

[Keygrip]

Q. What are your weakest points? Answer; "Not fully knowing my weaknesses, Sir"

Q When was the last time you made a mistake, and what was it?
"Few seconds ago, Sir, answering the question that way"

[bertie777]

Love that last one! ;)

[jamestkirk]

agree with all of the above.

Remember, that when you give a weakness or two, be prepared to acknowledge it.

What i mean by that is: you know what it is, are aware of it and am conscious about not making it a factor i making decisions.

This is irrelevant of an airline interview and pretty generic.

Any HR department who knows thier potatoes will use, what is called a 'structured interview technique (usually).

This means that whatever answer you give to a quaestion like this, they will want to know a SPECIFIC example. If you cannot give this, the perception is of BS.

Pick your weaknesses before the interview and think of a situation where you made sure it did not influence an evenit, incident etc.

Purely because it's hard to think of those things at a moments notice.

Good luck at the interview, if that is why you are posting the question on the forum