Dated 17th Nov 2004
I am a pharmacist and used to work as a medical representative. I recently attended an interview where they asked me about my strengths and weaknesses. I answered but it did not sound effective. How do I deal with this question?
Anton Darsy
United Arab Emirates
Provide one or two strengths that are work-related and give the interviewer an example that proves you have that strength. For example, "I have the ability to train and motivate people." Support the statement with a proper example like I discovered that a major reason for the high employee turnover was lack of proper training and low morale.
To try to resolve the problem, I developed a training programme that helped workers perform their jobs better and got them motivated to do a better job.
Don't answer this question by claiming that you have no weaknesses. Confess a real weakness that you have, but choose one that isn't particularly relevant to the job you're seeking if you can.
Do not answer with phoney weaknesses such as "I'm a slave to my job." Just state the weakness, tell the interviewer how it has harmed you in your work life, and what steps you have taken to overcome it.
Why do you want to work for this organisation? What do you know about this organisation? What's the best way to handle this question?
Rajasekhar
Hyderabad
Find out as much as you can about the organisation and give the reasons for wanting to work for the company. You might consider they have exciting products or service concepts, or an outstanding training programme, or present great opportunities for personal development.
The more you know about the organisation, the better armed you will be to make a considered choice. Your research impresses the interviewer for your interest in the organisation.
In one of the interviews I attended recently, the interviewer said: I'm still not really sure if you are suitable for this job. I was really taken aback; what is the best way to deal with such critical questions?
Sudhipta
Kolkatta
Don't take this question at face value. Although the tone of the question may sound critical and uncertain, the interviewer is really asking you to finally convince him once and for all that you are the right person for the job.
The actual purpose of such questions is to see if you are easily intimidated and defeated by blatant negative criticism. The interviewer wants to test how determined you are - to really discover how much you will fight to get this job.
So, tackle the question head-on. Don't let the way it is phrased knock your confidence or poise. A better way to deal with the question is to ask him: "What makes you think so?
This simple question will force the interviewer to reveal why he may think you are unsuitable. Usually, he will refer to a lack of some skill or lack of experience.
Or, by asking such a question the interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life outside of work and this also shows that you are less susceptible to stress and have a healthy and happy life.
In fact, the interviewer will probably be quite deliberately vague as his question is really a request for you to finally convince him that you are right for the job.
Nevertheless, use what he says as an opportunity to emphasise again all the main reasons why you believe you can do the job.
This question, if you use it rightly, is simply another opportunity to impress the interviewer.
When you do that, the interviewer will be impressed not only by your answer but also by the way you turned an apparently negative question around and skilfully used it in such a positive way.
What is the motive behind sending a covering letter along with the CV?
Nisha Rolla
Secunderabad
When sending your CV to a recruitment agency, you should include a covering letter to let them know what kind of work you are looking for.
In a way, you are helping them out, so that they will help you out in return. By carefully writing your desired career goals, you can save them the time required to gather that information from you.
Such letters facilitate easy communication when you meet them, as you would have already mentioned your desired career goal.
If they don't have the job you are looking for, then ask them what kind of jobs that they have and show your interest, in other words be flexible.
When you originally contact an agency, you should state your preference between permanent and temporary work and give an idea of what kind of job you are looking for.
It should be noted at this point that if you state specific job titles, then you might be limiting the possibilities. For instance, after you mention specific job titles something else may come along that you would like, but not be offered because you didn't specify it. If you don't have the experience for a particular job, then it may be worthwhile keeping your options open for possibilities that may lead you to an ideal job.
However, if you are experienced in any particular field, stating exactly what you want to do from the start will be more beneficial, as you are less likely to be offered something that is inappropriate for your experience.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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