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 is 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 an 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 say, "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 trip- over, tricked -up trap. Don't fall into it.

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

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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.

Please contact her for permission to use this article.