| What is your greatest weakness? | | | | in the job. |
| No one likes admitting to weaknesses, but this is a | | | | And your greatest strength? |
| favourite interview question, and one you need to be | | | | Many people have much more difficulty finding a |
| prepared for. | | | | strength than admitting to a weakness, but if you are |
| This is not the time to confess your deepest secrets | | | | asked to supply the latter, there is a good chance you'll |
| or expose embarrassing mistakes you have made in | | | | be asked for a strength as well. So be sure to |
| previous jobs. You should choose an area in which | | | | prepare something. |
| you don't have quite as much experience or | | | | Which aspects of your present job are you naturally |
| confidence as you'd like - something which you will | | | | good at? Is there anything about your work which has |
| have the opportunity to work on in the job for which | | | | been praised by managers or commented on by |
| you are applying. | | | | co-workers? |
| It should not be something which you are expected to | | | | If you are just leaving college, which skills did you |
| have already mastered, but something which will be | | | | develop as a student or in other activities such as |
| useful for the post and can be developed over time. If | | | | voluntary work - being a team player, researching |
| you will be expected to give regular presentations, for | | | | information, communication skills? |
| example, saying that you find this difficult won't go | | | | You should also relate your chosen strength to the job |
| down well. However, if this isn't expected at your level, | | | | you're applying for. What is it that the interviewers |
| but would be once you've moved up the ladder, you | | | | want and that you know you can deliver? |
| might say that you find it a bit nerve wracking and | | | | Your strength needs to be based on reality and should |
| could do with more practice. | | | | be strong. This is your chance to shine, to bring your |
| Check the job description and person specification for | | | | best qualities and abilities to the attention of the |
| essential and desirable skills and be sure to choose | | | | interviewers. Saying you're quite good at working in a |
| something which is non-essential. It could be that you | | | | team won't cut any ice. You must illustrate your |
| are unfamiliar with a particular software package | | | | team-working skills with an impressive example, |
| which only plays a small part in the job. | | | | something the panel will remember when they come |
| Once you have decided on your weakness, be sure | | | | to make their decision. |
| to emphasize your willingness to improve and your | | | | Preparation is the key to answering interview |
| awareness that you will have the opportunity to do so | | | | questions - make sure you do it. |