Preparing for Tough Interview Questions
Why do employers always ask about failures and weaknesses? They're typically looking to understand how you handle stressful situations. Do you keep a clear head or become frazzled and overwhelmed? When questioned about our previous failures, mistakes, and weaknesses, we might sweat, panic, or shake. It can be intimidating to talk about our shortcomings. But let's face it, we all make mistakes.
Let's discuss genuine answers to these types of interview questions that show self-awareness and personal growth.
Preparing for Tricky Interview Questions
When faced with questions about failures and weaknesses in job interviews, it's important to respond thoughtfully. Employers ask these questions to understand how you handle stressful situations and to assess your self-awareness. Here are some strategies for addressing three common challenging interview questions:
1. What's your biggest failure?
To prepare:
- Think of a genuine failure from your past
- Focus on skills and processes, not personal conflicts
- Use the STAR-LG framework:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
- Learned
- Grown
Example response:
"As an event coordinator, I planned a conference for 5,000 attendees. On the day of the event, I discovered the conference rooms were double-booked 20 minutes before the first session. I quickly weighed options and found an available room. We moved locations, notified the speaker and attendees. Although attendance was lower than anticipated, we completed the session successfully. I learned to triple-check bookings for every project and am now better prepared to handle obstacles."
2. Explain a time you made a mistake at work
Approach:
- Show that you learn from mistakes and don't repeat them
- Use the STAR-LG framework
Example response:
"As an executive assistant supporting two VPs named Jimena, I accidentally mixed up their names on a train reservation. During my routine double-check, I caught the error with enough time to correct it without affecting the VPs. I've since completed numerous travel arrangements for both without repeating the mistake."
3. What is one of your weaknesses?
Preparation tips:
- Choose a genuine weakness that isn't critical to the job
- Identify a weakness you're actively working to improve
- Avoid false weaknesses like "I'm a perfectionist"
Response strategy:
- Lead with a positive frame
- Describe the weakness
- Explain how you're addressing it
Example response:
"An area of improvement I see in myself is my tendency to procrastinate. While I've never missed a deadline, I often focus more intensely as deadlines approach, leading to stress. To improve, I've been reading books on time management and implementing new practices like creating project timelines and scheduling milestones. I've already seen significant improvement and look forward to further strengthening this skill."
2. Explain a Time You Made a Mistake at Work
Recognize that you learn from your mistakes but don't repeat them. Use the STAR-LG framework for your response.
Example Response:
"As an executive assistant supporting multiple VPs, I had to handle travel for two VPs with the same first name, Jimena, both traveling to Europe in the same month. While double-checking reservations, I realized I had switched their names on a train booking. Thanks to my checks and balances system, I caught this error with enough time to contact the train station, cancel, and rebook the reservation under the correct name, leaving the VPs unaffected. Since then, I've completed numerous travel arrangements for both of them without repeating the mistake."
3. What Is One of Your Weaknesses?
Purpose of This Question:
- Employers look for red flags
- Assess your ability to acknowledge flaws
- Gauge your openness to constructive criticism
How to Prepare:
- Avoid using false weaknesses (e.g., "I'm a perfectionist")
- Choose a weakness that isn't detrimental to the job
- Identify a weakness that:
- Is a true area of improvement
- You're working to improve
- Isn't vital to the role
- Isn't associated with your personality
How to Respond:
Lead with a positive frame. Instead of saying "I'm really bad at…", say "An area of improvement I see in myself is…"
Example Response:
"One area of improvement I see in myself is my tendency to procrastinate. While I've never missed a deadline and my work consistently meets or exceeds expectations, I tend to focus on projects more as they approach their deadlines. This can lead to feeling stressed and rushed during the final days of an assignment. To improve my efficiency, I've been reading books on organization and time management, which has helped me implement several new practices. Now, I create timelines for projects and schedule milestones for completion. I've already seen a major improvement and look forward to further strengthening myself in this area."
10. Failing to Negotiate Repair Costs
Negotiating repair costs is a crucial part of the home-buying process that shouldn't be overlooked. The inspection report is your tool for leverage, providing a list of issues that need addressing. It's your opportunity to ensure necessary repairs are made or to negotiate credits at closing to cover these costs.
When reviewing the inspection report, pay attention to both major and minor issues. That charming chimney might need a complete rebuild, or the vintage plumbing could be on its last legs. Don't let the excitement of a new home blind you to these potentially costly problems.
The smart move is to discuss and document every repair before closing. Get agreements in writing and ensure they're addressed before you sign. If the seller is reluctant, consider negotiating a credit at closing to cover the costs. This way, you have funds set aside to hire your own contractors for the job.
If you're not comfortable handling these negotiations on your own, enlist your real estate agent's help. They have experience with these discussions and can ensure nothing important is missed.
By taking the time to negotiate repairs or credits, you'll be able to move into your new home with confidence, knowing that you've addressed potential issues and protected your investment. It's all about being thorough and attentive when it truly matters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking the time to understand each step of the home-buying process will pay off in spades. By being thorough and attentive—from reviewing loan terms to negotiating repair costs—you'll secure your dream home and enjoy peace of mind knowing you've made informed decisions. So go ahead, embrace this exciting journey with confidence and joy!