Answering the TRICK Question is No Treat

By Susan RoAne, The Mingling Maven®

Job interviews can be dicey. What to say? How to answer? When to ask questions? But the most discomfort comes from the trickiest of trick questions: What's your greatest weakness? Interviewed by a reporter for a national paper on this very issue, I said, "Do NOT incorporate the question in your answer. Under no circumstances say," My greatest weakness is……" The reporter challenged me saying that it's a question that's asked. But I held my ground. We can't have a job interviewer hearing those words out of our mouths as a confirmation of a weakness that could keep us out of the running for the position.

We could instead answer, "one of the skills I have worked on is my ….." and then share an anecdote on how that newly acquired skill has been beneficial. Funny thing: when the article appeared she included my answer and attributed it to a male executive at a lingerie firm who may have said the same thing I did. The good news is that my advice was validated. The "Your greatest weakness" question is a tricked -up trap. Don't fall into it.

These are some tough times in our economy and job market. But people are still hiring.

• Knowing what to say and how to answer questions that can be anticipated is smart.
• If you have contributed to cross- selling of products between divisions at your company, say so.
• If you can demonstrate that you helped build client relationships, have an anecdote prepared to reflect your contributions.
• Be prepared, pro-active, observant and well-mannered.
• That will make the diciest of interviews with the trickiest of questions go more smoothly!

©2011SusanRoAne Reprint only with the permission of author susan@susanroane.com

Susan RoAne, an in-demand keynote speaker, is the author of How To Work A Room, What Do I Say Next? and How To Create Your Own Luck. She is the person who created the tipping point on the term, SCHMOOZE and is The Mingling Maven® who teaches people how to make small talk that yields big rewards. You can find her at 415 461 3915 or susan@susanroane.com.