It may seem like a great idea to continue rehearsing the answers to these tough questions over and over again until you get them perfect, but for the moment, take a break. I could always use more experience with negotiation techniques and strategies, specifically in a face-to-face setting. Offer examples. Someone suggested that acting classes might help so Ive signed up for a course at my local college. With practice, you will find it much easier to halt overthinking in its tracks before it becomes a more serious problem. Assuming the worst and jumping to incorrect conclusions can lead to arguments and conflicts with other people. What are your weaknesses? My three biggest takeaways about single-tasking: its far less stressful, I can focus on should dos instead of could dos and it boosts my creativity. Ruminatingor rehashing the same things over and over againisnt helpful. Regardless of what weakness you choose, what really matters is how you Actually, I ended up enjoying it.. Phew, thats that out of the way. Its been really helpful to brush up on what I learned in college, and get more practice, by attending the workshop series at our local union center. Also, explore different types of overthinking, the effects on your mental health and relationships, and how to stop overthinking things in your life. Tell me about yourself the dreaded opening interview question that most candidates will face at some point in their career. Not preparing enough. Make a list of all your possible weaknesses. That much-dreaded job interview question could actually be the best winning chance you never expected. Overthinking can create an endless cycle of stress and worry, which can ultimately cause you to feel less prepared, motivated, and confident. But 'What are your weaknesses?' Difficulty falling asleep may contribute to more worrisome thoughts. Regardless, they want to hear a definite example and a little more self-reflection on how your weakness has affected you. As touched on earlier, make sure the weaknesses you mention: Keeping a master list of your weaknesses handy for cherry-picking in each instance is useful for the same reason we recommend a master list of strengths Overthinking impairs the quality of your sleep too. This question is popular primarily because of its effectiveness at getting the candidate to think deeply about themselves. 2021 Sep;47(9):1327-1342. doi:10.1177/0146167220965303. Instead, be truthful and let the interviewer know what areas youre working on improving. On the hiring line, under close scrutiny by near-strangers whose impression counts for everything, an ill-conceived response could be a showstopper. If youre shy, you could use your ability to listen carefully and pay attention to detail to become a great listener and problem solver. In addition, avoid very vague or general answers that dont give any relevant information. Here are a few ways to stop overthinking. Dont say that youre perfect. Research suggests that overthinking is associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I enjoyed working at my previous job but ultimately decided to leave because of the companys direction. Find a middle ground and be assertive without being overwhelming. Overthinking involves thinking about a certain topic or situation excessively, analyzing it for long periods of time. In many cases, youll find that what youre thinking of as huge, decision-impacting mistakes arent things you really need to address. When asked about yourself, the best way to answer this question is to give a brief overview of your career journey. It released in Its perfectly normal to review and learn from an interviewbut taking that too far can distract you from your goal of getting a job and, instead, cause a whole lot of stress and anxiety. Many employers use this question in the screening process to determine if you are engaged and interested in their organization. You can create a profile on the website, and then ZipRecruiter will send you job recommendations based on your profile. When it comes to talking about weaknesses in a job interview, candidates tend to fall into one of two traps: 1. A perfect basic canvas, Job-winning templates to showcase professionalism, dependability and expertise, A current and stylish feel for forward-thinking candidates in innovative fields, A bold, original feel perfect for artistic fields and contemporary companies. All products and services featured are independently selected by WikiJob. Youve answered the question. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Before forming your interview answers about weaknesses, it's important to reflect on the areas where you can improve. Stop being a perfectionist. This is an important part of the hiring process, so it can be helpful to think about your strengths and weaknesses ahead. Find her on Twitter, rehearsing the answers to these tough questions over and over again, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and company, prepared for any and every behavioral-based question. Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses you can use in your HR interview: 5 Strengths for HR Interview to Land Your Dream Job Clarity Determinate Organization Skills Patient Polite and Honest 5 Weakness for HR Interview to Land Your Dream Job Perfectionist Introverted Stressing too much to complete work before the Then we took the 10 worst questions and looked for expert advice on how to tackle them. Next, you want to pivot your interview answer to the positive and share the specific steps you are taking to work on things you need to improve. Try asking someone who knows you well (such as a friend or colleague) to be really honest about your areas of weakness. Is Overthinking a Weakness? Talk about what you do to compensate for that weakness or any training you have taken to overcome it. For all the face-saving mistakes your employer can thank you for catching in time, missed deadlines or unfinished projects may be casualties of your obsession with thoroughness and correctness at any cost. That may cause you to feel anxiouswhich may make it even harder to fall asleep. When you find yourself overthinking, challenge these thoughts. Research: Attractive applicant more likely to get a job? Tailor your response accordingly and it will come across as off-the-cuff, confident and fluent. I got bitten by one as a child and now I cant stand being around them. Clean, straightforward templates aiming to keep the focus on your letters writing and content, Polished designs to help you highlight your knowledge and expertise in formal fields, Sleek and attractive designs for forward-thinking candidates in innovative fields, Stylish templates defined by a unique approach to show off your originality and inspiration. In this blog, we'll show you how to answer it and provide examples of great responses. It can be difficult at first, but learning to call out your own overthinking can help you learn to replace negative thoughts with more helpful ones. And most of that conversation will stay focused on your strengths as an ideal candidate. A brief distraction can give you a break. Being able to articulate your weaknesses honestly, and then explain how you are working to improve upon them, can demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the job. If that was ever the case, it sure didnt seem that way anymore. This is not a weakness that reveals anything about you professionally. If youre indecisive about everything from what to eat for dinner to which hotel you should book, you might be overthinking things. Many people leave their last job for a variety of reasons, but there are a few key things to keep in mind when answering this question during your job interview. Be brief in your response. You can also talk about your education if you have an advanced degree or significant experience in a specific field. Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact resume rules employers look for. Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. After beginning a career in management, Katie realized she wasnt doing what she loved and determined it was time for a major career transition. In the same way your most directly relevant strengths should always be tailored to the position and employer, so should the specific weaknesses you choose to mention (or not) in any given interview. However, it can often play a role in the development and maintenance of several mental health conditions. 4. Answering with something like I just dont do enough exercise sounds like youre dodging the question. Or maybe you get upset with yourself for not seeing red flags soonerbecause you believe they should have been obvious! Instead, welcome the opportunity to tip the scales in your favor by framing weaknesses as strengths. Overthinking, on the other hand, fuels uncomfortable emotions and doesnt look for solutions. Cognitive distortions, humor styles, and depression. Self-help strategies like distracting yourself and challenging your thoughts can help. They show initiative in how they are tackling this weakness head-on and provide clear evidence that their efforts are paying off. Realize that you cannot control everything. For example, if you are interviewing for a position as an accountant, stating that you are bad at math would create a negative impact on your chances of getting hired. Are you currently working with your manager to improve your public speaking abilities? Up to this point, your qualifications and personal attributes have been emphasized from all the right angles. Research confirms what you likely already knowrumination interferes with sleep. There are many potential mistakes that can be made in a job interview, but some are more common than others. At the end of a job interview, you can usually breathe a sigh of relief. So its harder to fall into a deep slumber when your brain is busy overthinking everything.. Behaviour Research and Therapy. Psychological Science. Before suggesting which are good weaknesses for a job interview, here are some general thoughts on how to go about it. Explain how you will continue to develop and grow once you join the company and in your new role. Pretending to be is neither realistic nor credible and will do yourself no favors. Finally, try to provide some concrete evidence of improvement. Everyone overthinks sometimes. Research suggests that people who extend themselves such compassion are more likely to use adaptive coping strategies. Again, though, it shows some self-reflection by recognising the issues that this approach can cause. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. All Rights Reserved. I think its the greatest invention ever and has many potential uses, even if slide presentations are not a job requirement. Our strengths help us navigate our weaknesses, so its a fine strategy to weave one into your answer. They may also contribute to success in the workplace. Opinions expressed are those of the author. It could be because your answer was particularly good and interesting, or it could be because it lacked something. If youre having trouble even thinking of a weakness to base your answer on, here are some examples of weaknesses that might ring true for you: Indecisiveness. It can also lead to relationship anxiety, and behaviors like constantly needing reassurance or attempting to control other people. WikiJob 2007-2023. Soc Sci Med. Arriving late. This is an answer thats honest and shows a good degree of critical self-reflection. Obviously, you wouldnt want it any other way nor would prospective employers. Ive found it really helpful to implement new work plan deadlines at the front end of research-intensive projects. 2010;21(4):484-488. doi:10.1177/0956797610363555, Rnic K, Dozois DJ, Martin RA. Its so frustrating that you werent able to think of this answer just an hour ago. (With Examples), Aptitude Test: Free Practice Aptitude Tests (2023), Answering the Interview Question: Tell Me About a Time You Failed, How to Answer the Interview Question: "What Was Your Biggest Setback? You might also be interested in these other WikiJob articles: Or explore the Interview Advice / Interview Questions sections. Its a technique you should be familiar with and practice. Unless youre applying for a job working with animals, this weakness is just irrelevant. You might even convince yourself that thinking about something for a really long time is the key to developing the best solution. As you meditate, work on focusing on your breath. Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. Take the necessary steps to move past this interview, and youll be even stronger for the next one. 2013;122(2):339-352. doi:10.1037/a0031994, Thomsen DK, Mehlsen MY, Christensen S, Zachariae R. Ruminationrelationship with negative mood and sleep quality. My positive attitude is definitely one of my strengths. While your answer should be honest, you do not want to reveal a weakness that would severely hinder your performance. Some common examples of weaknesses for a job interview answer include: Self-critical Too sensitive Overly competitive Perfectionist Stubborn Disorganized Rather than disguising a strength as a weakness, use this as an opportunity to address skills or personal characteristics you could improve. And, your brain might even develop a solution for you when you stop thinking about the problem. It only makes sense that youre going to have a more developed, succinct answer in mind when the question has been marinating in your head for an hour or two. When you register or purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. And that puts a whole lot of pressure on you to nail the interview. Practice for Balancing Equations: 1st and 2nd Grade, Repeated Addition as Multiplication: Math Foundations. Dont get caught out by the follow-up question. 2022 Mommy Bear Reviews. All rights reserved. However, discussing your weaknesses is important in order to get a sense of how you can improve as a candidate. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Identifying and addressing an area of challenge demonstrates growth and maturity. But lets be real nobody is perfect and neither are you. Im much more comfortable digging deep into the data and providing the analysis, rather than talking it through with a client. And while its important to be truthful in your answers, you also dont want to give the interviewer any ammunition to use against you later on. Overthinking often stems from dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about things that you cannot change. Perhaps youve completed a relevant course or joined a class or group. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation. Remember, the key is to select a weakness that isnt fundamental to your ability to perform the role and then to demonstrate that youre proactive about fixing that weakness. Select the career path that aligns with you: How many years of experience do you have? And it may get your mind focused on something more productive. In fact, the longer you think about something, the less time and energy you have to take productive action. Introspective insights into your self-improvement goals could give you an edge over other candidates sharing taken-for-granted strengths in common. Even the best people have their own quirks, which can be a source of weakness. You may be delaying your decision-making because you are scared of facing the consequences of your decisions. Common areas that might be applicable include: If you find it tricky to assess your own personality, ask someone else to help. Some interviewers will ask you to describe strengths and weaknesses in two separate stand-alone questions. If youre like most people, you probably think of your weaknesses as negative traits that need to be hidden during a job interview. This is sometimes in the realm of work ethics gone overboard. Id become intrigued by the extra details that emerged when digging deeper into research sources, and then overwhelmed by the possibilities for enriched end-product quality. After all, who is? Expertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. ", "Is there any area of your skill set that you feel still needs work? Im scared of dogs. Preparation and practice are the best ways to get yourself ready for the big day. They took positive steps to improve those skills and offer a solid example of the progress they have made. Whether you are aware of My weakness is that I just hate getting up in the morning. This website uses cookies to improve user experience and perform analytics and marketing. If youre overanalyzing, it may be because the interview was for either your dream jobor the only career possibility you have on your radar right now. Here's how to recognize the signs that you're overthinking. Related: Top 16 Interview Questions and Thats still a genuine weakness, but its one thats largely negated by the role you have applied for. For example, if your worry is that you came across as nervous or jittery, youd find that itd probably be better to simply let it pass than awkwardly explain it (I know my palms were sweaty when we shook handssorry about that!) in a thank you note (more on that here). Youll get a response like this if they think you are reluctant to talk about a real weakness. Can you think of any weaknesses that might come up when applying for a job? WebThis approach to talking about weaknesses in a job interview lends itself to an infinite number of hard or soft skills the more specific the better. If you have several viable options going at any given time, youll feel much more confident about your prospectsand less likely to keep analyzing every word in that one interview. When asked about weaknesses in an interview, many candidates feel unprepared or unsure of how to answer the question. Think about what the interviewer is trying to get out of the question. Two possible angles are described below, with examples. That means you can talk about them without degrading your ability to do the work. A weakness that isnt critical and that is easily fixed: In the past, Ive tended to want to complete one project in its entirety before moving onto another. Maybe, for example, you want to be able to think better on your feet, so you dont stumble over your words when youre asked an unexpected question. Since leaving my last job, Ive had the opportunity to interview with several other companies and am much more confident in my abilities. Being too aggressive or too shy. 8. I was still nervous but I felt that the presentation went well. As with any job application strategy, it depends on the hiring situation. Your email address will not be published. ", "Have any difficulties or issues arisen in your current role? It released in However, they can be answered positively and even present you in a favourable light if you remember some key points. Plus, thinking about all the things you could have done differently, second-guessing your decisions, and continuously imagining worst-case scenarios can be exhausting. Think honestly of times in your nursing Also, try to focus on weaknesses that are not essential to the job for which you are interviewing. Be sure to answer each question thoughtfully and honestly so that the interviewer can get a good understanding of who you are and what your goals are for career growth within the company. He further mentioned, "Because, by large, I am a nice guy, but sometimes people take that niceness for weakness and they misunderstand that. Ask family, friends, or even past employers about the areas in which you could use some improvement. 7. Answer Tell me about yourself with a past, present and future structure. Again, be specific and share how this new role will enable you to further grow. This can provide clues about your judgment and analytical abilities as a proactive problem-solver. Addressing your weaknesses in an interview can feel tricky. WebRedirecting to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-of-the-ivory-tower/201905/9-strategies-for-overcoming-overthinking. Designed & Run ByRehash Media, LLC|Privacy Policy, How to Address Your Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview, 20 Most Common Interview Questions And How to Answer Them, How to Make a Strong Reference List for Your Resume, Qeepsake: Exclusive Interview with CEO Jeff McNeil. Being disorganized can be one of the acceptable weaknesses for a job interview, especially when applying for a remote job. Its a problem a lot of people can relate to as its only natural that we want to see our work completed and followed through before switching focus. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. When candidates are doing their best to make a good impression, the interviewer asks them to talk themselves down. Every thought you have will not be truthful, accurate, or even realistic. 2016;147:170-183. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.10.044, Michl LC, McLaughlin KA, Shepherd K, Nolen-Hoeksema S. Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. Its always tough to know what to expect during a job interview. When you are trying to find your strengths and weaknesses, it is important to keep in mind that no one is perfect. For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. Above all, they are interested in your desire and capacity to improve and develop. Did I really think it made me better or smarter at getting more things done faster? By focusing all your energy on what you could or should have said, youre only bringing more stress on yourself. This means that your weakness needs to be something that you could feasibly improve through personal effort. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts. Its made a huge difference in avoiding the stress and exhaustion of late-stage editing. Unsurprisingly, not many candidates answer this question well. You could waste a lot of time thinking your life would be better if youd only taken that other job or not started a business. Interviewers are looking to discover your weak points to see how you'll address them. Interviewers often ask this question to know about a candidates approach to finding new employment. This is the million-dollar question how do you pick a good weakness to talk about in your interview? April 24, 2023 6:38 pm CT. Heres a throwback for New Orleans Saints fans. It always happens: You think of the perfect answer to a question that stumped you just minutes after you finish the interview, and youre able to verbalize it flawlessly in the car on the way home. 8. Overthinking is about dwelling on the problem, while problem-solving involves looking for a solution. BIRCI-J. Research has found that a 10-minute meditation can be an effective way to stop intrusive thoughts and worry. It also shows that youre willing to address your weaknesses and that you can remain calm under pressure. Here are three suggestions: Emphasize the positive, avoiding negative words like failure or inept. WebFirst, it shows that you actually read the job description and know about the company you are interviewing for. If you're wondering whether you are overthinking a particular situation or concern, there are a few things you can look for. Overthinking can be viewed as both a strength and a weakness; it is, therefore, not a strong answer to give when asked about your weaknesses at interview. Sifting through job boards, sending out resumes, and preparing for interviews can take up hours of your day that you might not have to spare. I am not implying that I cant meet deadlines. Here are some ways to help you stop overthinking: Pay attention to the way you think. Tie your answer to the prospective employer and role. This potential follow-up is the reason you need to prepare more than one weakness. Dont try to put on a brave face and pretend like you dont have them that will only hurt you in the long run. You probably wont get far if youre applying for an accounting job and your weakness is that youre awful with numbers. Another way to identify your weaknesses is to ask for feedback from others. With the 2023 NFL draft in sight, its a good time to look back on Drew Brees 2016 appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, in which the future Hall of Famer read back some of the strengths and weaknesses that pro scouts had written down in his draft profile. If you dont talk about anything that sounds like a plausible weakness, you come across as disingenuous or, worse, deluded as to your lack of shortcomings. Or, you might be fantastic with people, but struggle with organization. In some cases, overthinking can be helpful, but in other cases, it can be harmful. (2023 Guide), How to Answer the Interview Question "How Would You Describe Yourself?" Imagine a storm is coming. There can be a fine line between strengths and weaknesses For instance, if the position requires lots of teamwork and regular interaction with management, a good weakness to use might be that you find it difficult to stay motivated in roles where you feel isolated, or those in which you cant learn from those around you. Share steps you are taking to improve. Make sure you know about the company and the job youre interviewing for. When you overthink, you have a hard time getting your mind to focus on anything else. 1. Next time you get asked about your biggest weakness in a job interview, give these tips a try. Answering well requires walking a tightrope. The interviewee makes sure to stress that they are not too timid to speak up at work at all, which could be a concern. You should be prepared with questions and concerns regarding the position, your salary expectations, etc. Eur J Psychol. Furthermore, this answer shows no willingness or proactive drive to resolve the issue. 3. A related problem child of being detail-oriented is overthinking and rethinking projects past the point of manageability. Fixable. Remind yourself that your thoughts are not facts. Dont focus on your weaknesses in a negative way instead, try to frame them as areas that you are working on improving. 2017;91:72-77. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2017.01.012, Chwyl C, Chen P, Zaki J. Beliefs about self-compassion: Implications for coping and self-improvement. Job interviews are a delicate balance between making a great first impression and answering the in our dedicated article on the STAR technique, To check that you dont have any critical, "What would your employer or colleagues describe as your biggest weakness? Maybe youre not very patient, or maybe youre not very good at public speaking. Everyone. The following are my top tips for tackling this seemingly awkward job interview question. Capturing far too much unplanned content at this stage made the editing ordeal a nightmare. When you describe your weaknesses, provide some realistic approach that you have been trying to overcome these through a systematic process. Such behavior can harm your relationships with others. One quick glance gives me a color-coded snapshot of all my commitments. Make sure there is no diminished impact on your ability to fulfill essential or important job requirements. Not Focus on the things you can change. By using our website, you consent to all cookies in accordance with our, Weaknesses: What to say when interviewers ask. Unless youre applying for a job where you will be working in almost total isolation, this kind of answer will ring some major alarm bells. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As long as youre not talking about a tough or failed course that could scuttle your chances of being hired, feel free to mention anything that has no direct bearing on your candidacy. Once more making sure to avoid disqualifying deal-breakers for this job, its not as hard as it may seem to frame your weaknesses in that context of striving to do better. Many of these are caused by cognitive distortions, which are negative or distorted ways of thinking. Show your initiative and growth mindset by breaking down the precise actions you are taking to overcome your weaknesses. Knowing what the employer is looking for is the best way to avoid pitfalls and turn the question to your advantage. While interviewers certainly pay attention to the small things, it can help you get past that tendency to overanalyze if you simply take a step back and try to look at the big picture, rather than get lost in the details: Did you feel a good connection between you and the interviewer? Its important that for each weakness you prepare to talk about, you have a relevant example ready to help you describe your weakness and demonstrate how you attempted to overcome it.
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