What do you usually list as your worst quality...

[profoundfool]

...when at a job interview? They ALWAYS ask that and the ideas that have been suggested to me to far are so cliché :noway:

[DoubleEdgeSword]

Worst quality? Jeez. I've never been asked that. I wouldn't know how to answer that question. Any answer someone would give would sound insincere at best and, if someone were to be truthful... I mean, what's the point?

[princess_bee]

I totally agree with DES here. I wouldn't say anything as a weakness that could interfere with you getting the job (obviously). My weakness is procastination, but in a job interview that can be seen as poorly organized, so it's not something you would say. I found this link with some examples:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_reply_to_'What_are_your_strengths_and_weaknesses' _in_an_interview

I would probably go with something that I can improve on. Ugh I hate that "what are your strengths and weaknesses" question anyways.

[DoubleEdgeSword]

I've been asked the "weakness" question before. That's a bit different. With my current job, I was absolutely honest about it. I told the woman I wasn't familiar with their particular software, but that I had been using computers since 1984 and since most software shared basic functions, I would pick up on how to use it pretty quickly.

[tiger_rascal]

Im easily distracted. Like this one time at an interview... OH something shiny!

[aguilera_lover]

They always say to make your flaw sound positive.

Example: My biggest flaw is that I'm a perfectionist -- I always spend extra time on details and making sure everything is just right because everything has to be perfect.

Some bs like that. :)

[Equinox]

So Josh, what is your worst quality?

'My worst quality is that I'm awesome.'

...and your best quality?

'That I'm awesome.'

[tiger_rascal]

They always say to make your flaw sound positive.

Example: My biggest flaw is that I'm a perfectionist -- I always spend extra time on details and making sure everything is just right because everything has to be perfect.

Some bs like that. :)

Thats a good one, but we all know its usually just BS.

Another good one is that maybe you have an OCD. This could be a good thing, or bad thing, depending. For example, you may have Mysophobia, but maybe they want to hire a really clean person.

[profoundfool]

They always say to make your flaw sound positive.

Example: My biggest flaw is that I'm a perfectionist -- I always spend extra time on details and making sure everything is just right because everything has to be perfect.

Some bs like that. :)

But if your interviewer has been around the block, they know that's BS. :laugh: Plus, the way you described perfectionism barely made it sound like a flaw which means they might question my comprehension skills if I'm not careful :p

[DoubleEdgeSword]

So Josh, what is your worst quality?

'My worst quality is that I'm awesome.'

...and your best quality?

'That I'm awesome.'

Hey Josh? You're awesome. :D

[Equinox]

Hey Josh? You're awesome. :D

tell me something I don't already know :D

[princess_bee]

I think a lot of times during interviews they are so used to hearing the same BS reponses it would be refreshing to hear something new. Then again, if you want the job, it's like you almost have to say what you THINK they want to hear lol.

[profoundfool]

Do you think it would work against me if I said I was a sore loser? That would be perfectly true, but not necessarily anything that could ruin my ability to do a good job.

[DoubleEdgeSword]

Uhm, I woulnd't use those exact words. Maybe couch them in a more palatable corporate vernacular. Something along the lines of, "When I have a goal in sight, I don't accept failure from myself. I suppose you could say I'm a "sore loser" so I will put forth a monumental effort to avoid 'losing.'"

[db44]

I squeak. :noway:

[tiger_rascal]

April just went for a job interview the other day. She walked in, sat down and they asked her if she could boss people around, she said yes, and they said, your hired.

Her boyfriend, however, said she was probably only hired for the position because she was the only applicant that was clean, dressed decent and had all her teeth.

[db44]

April bossing people around? Naaaah. :p

[tiger_rascal]

Exactly. This is like a dream job for her. :tongue:

[DoubleEdgeSword]

She must be in hog heaven. lol

[profoundfool]

Uhm, I woulnd't use those exact words. Maybe couch them in a more palatable corporate vernacular. Something along the lines of, "When I have a goal in sight, I don't accept failure from myself. I suppose you could say I'm a "sore loser" so I will put forth a monumental effort to avoid 'losing.'"

Thanks for the advice. I might get called to an interview this summer, and if I do, expect this thread to be bumped with the million anxious questions I am bound to have. :greyno:

[profoundfool]

April bossing people around? Naaaah. :p
:roll:

Chad, tell her congrats!

Is she still dating the same guy from a few years ago? (The one who was in the military)

[db44]

Speaking of April, it looks like we ought to be wishing her a happy birthday... Chad if you will do the honors for me.

[profoundfool]

Oh.My.Gosh

I have a VERY big interview coming up in June. I'm so nervous!

[Kha]

I think my worst quality is that I know how to work people up. I butter people up with smiles and nice talk until I get what I want.

Is that a good or a bad quality? :P

[profoundfool]

I think my worst quality is that I know how to work people up. I butter people up with smiles and nice talk until I get what I want.

Is that a good or a bad quality? :P

If you put manipulative as a quality on your cover letter, I think your employer would be appalled. :laugh:

However, in business it might come in handy even if you should never ever admit to being manipulative in those terms ;)

[FAJTAFan123]

They always say to make your flaw sound positive.

Example: My biggest flaw is that I'm a perfectionist -- I always spend extra time on details and making sure everything is just right because everything has to be perfect.

Some bs like that. :)

That is what I would say except it wouldn't be a load of crap for me. I have been told by my bosses that I spend too much time on detail. They are always pleased with my final outcome but I need to speed it up.

[Kha]

If you put manipulative as a quality on your cover letter, I think your employer would be appalled. :laugh:

However, in business it might come in handy even if you should never ever admit to being manipulative in those terms ;)

I like the way you worded it Jo ;)

I retract my old post though. My worst quality is that I am obsessive and tend to be too parental-like to people, especially my siblings. I tend to be overbearing with people.

[pinky]

tell me something I don't already know :D
Um, even your awesomeness is awesome? :cool:

[pinky]

I think my worst quality is that I know how to work people up. I butter people up with smiles and nice talk until I get what I want.

Is that a good or a bad quality? :P
That depends on how you word it. In an interview, it might be best to say that you know how to work with people in order to get them to work as a team with you.

Sound much better than "I'm a suck up."

[Kha]

Nice Pinky :p

I guess I'll be coming here to revise my words before any interview I have.

[Denaaaa]

I've never heard this asked on a job interview before.I'd be completely thrown if something like that was asked of me.

[CrazyBeautiful28]

Am I the only one who has never been asked this question? Whew! I wouldn't want to answer that! Talk about a mind ****.

[profoundfool]

Am I the only one who has never been asked this question? Whew! I wouldn't want to answer that! Talk about a mind ****.


I've been asked that question twice. I was warned about it prior though so I came prepared. My upcoming interview is in a different field than what I currently work in, though, so I figured I could use the extra input.

[CrazyBeautiful28]

I've been asked that question twice. I was warned about it prior though so I came prepared. My upcoming interview is in a different field than what I currently work in, though, so I figured I could use the extra input.


I'd say just be honest. Anyone who's been conducting interviews long enough has heard it all. If it were me, I would appreciate honesty.

"Well sir, I won't lie; I take 30 min coffee breaks rather than the allowed 15, I talk to much with other co-workers, I procrastinate like no other, I'm late at least two days out of the week, I never finish projects, AND I don't know crap about Microsoft processor. HOWEVER, I make a mean spinach dip for any holiday company parties, and I bring comic relief."