How to Answer "What Is Your Biggest Weakness?"

 

"What is your biggest weakness?" is one of the most commonly asked job interview questions, and probably one of the most difficult to answer. Surely, you do not want to talk down about yourself, since it gives off a bad vibe. However, you can't just say you don't have one; nobody is perfect. So here are some helpful tips in approaching this stressful question:

#1: Be prepared.

Again, like mentioned before, everybody has flaws. Hiring managers want candidates to acknowledge that they have weaknesses or things they can work on and potentially overcome. If you have a hard time thinking up of a weakness, create a list–things you are great at, and others that you may need more help with.

#2: Keep it relative to work.

Stay on topic and keep it work-related. You want to remain professional, so avoid irrelevant answers and make sure the weakness you mention is applicable to the role you are applying for.

#3: Don't mention essential skills.

Although you want to mention a weakness that is closely related to you work, do not state skills that are crucial to the job. For example, you definitely do not want to say that you are bad at juggling multiple tasks when you are interviewing for a restaurant server or hosting job.

#4: Remember the S.T.A.R. method.

The S.T.A.R. method stands for: Situation or Task, Actions and Results. First, think of a situation or task where you faced a problem. Then, point out what actions you took to deal with it. Lastly, discuss what the end result was, and analyze whether or not you made an improvement or came to a resolution.

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The 5C's for the Perfect Candidate

Recruiting potential employees for your business never comes easy. There are several factors and considerations to think about when looking for the perfect candidates. Fortunately, to make it easier for you, here's a checklist of five characteristics to keep in mind the next time you are hiring:

1. Competent

This is still the first factor to consider. Does the potential employee have the necessary skills, experiences and education to successfully complete the tasks you need performed?

2. Compatible

Can this person get along with colleagues, and more importantly, can he or she get along with existing and potential clients and partners? A critical component to also remember is the person’s willingness and ability to be harmonious with you, his or her boss.

3. Commitment

Is the candidate serious about working for the long term? Or is he or she just passing through, always looking for something better? A history of past jobs and time spent at each provides clear insight on the matter.

4. Character

Does the person have values that align with yours? Are they honest; do they tell the truth and keep promises? Are they above reproach? Are they selfless and a team player?

5. Culture

Every business has a culture or a way that people behave and interact with each other. Culture is based on certain values, expectations, policies and procedures that influence the behavior of a leader and employees. Workers who don’t reflect a company’s culture tend to be disruptive and difficult.

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Best Interview Questions to Ask Potential Candidates

What are the best questions to ask potential candidates in an interview? We have asked some of the best restaurant groups in the country and these are the questions that they feel give them the most insight on the person they are interviewing. Try them out, see what kind of results you get.

1. "Describe an episode in your work history involving an unhappy customer. What went wrong, and how did you handle the situation? What did you learn in the aftermath?"

This questions is designed to test the candidate's problem solving skills. It will also give you a good sense of their teamwork, diplomacy and tact.

Weaker candidates may launch into a story in which a boss or coworker let a customer down, and the candidate in question swooped in to save the day.

You are looking for candidates that tell the truth and let the interviewer know that they take responsibility for their own mistakes and they know how to learn and grow from failed projects and poor decisions.

2. "If you have to choose between cutting a corner to meet a deadline, and missing a deadline in order to attend to a detail, which do you usually choose and why?"

You are looking for a candidate that chooses the option that best fits the circumstances at the time. The candidate should explain their typical decision-making strategies so you can gain a broad sense of who they are and how they approach tricky problems.

3. "Would you describe yourself as more of a leader or more of a follower?"

You can learn a lot about a candidate from this question. Many will go for the easy answer. If they say "leader," this may suggest they don't follow instructions or work with teams very well. And if they say "follower," they sound obedient but unambitious. Either might be appropriate/inappropriate depending on position.

What you are really looking for is for the candidate to explain when you typically choose one role and when you tend to choose the other. Your will need to read between the lines and gain the information to make your decision.

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Avoid These Job Interview Mistakes

 

Going into a job interview is always nerve-wracking. Even before you enter and meet the hiring manager, you have to physically and mentally prepare. Previously, we have given you some tips for the question and answering portion of interview, but here are some other common practices you must steer clear of:

#1: Do not state how nervous you are.

No matter how much your nerves get to you, do not let your interviewer know. They know that everybody gets nervous, so admitting to it makes you look unprofessional and unqualified. In addition, it gives off an impression that you will not be able to handle the work environment and stressful situations.

#2: Do not go into your interview without doing research.

Make sure you do your homework prior to going into any interview. Find out everything you can about the business, its leaders and even who you will be interviewing with. Knowing such information will be only advantageous for you when being asked questions. It also proves that you are invested in working for the company.

#3: Avoid replying with one-word answers.

Hiring managers want to hear stories about your experiences and skills. You need to elaborate and expand on your responses. For example, when asked about your past position as a server, describe your role and what you learned on the job.

#4: Do not go in question-less.

At the end of the interview, you will most likely be asked 'So, do you have any questions for me?' You definitely do not want to end the interview with just a 'No'. Prepare at least three meaningful questions in advance to ask. Do not ask obvious or overused questions. Instead, try 'What do you most enjoy about your job?' or 'What makes the company different from its competitor?' to create a personable conversation.

It's relatively easy to fix these bad habits, as long as you prepare beforehand. Take these pieces of advice with you when go on your next job interview, and good luck.

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Effective Body Language for Job Interviews

Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words. - Deborah Bull

Job interviews are comprised of two parts—the verbal and the non-verbal. Not only do you have to speak well, you also have to present yourself in a proper manner.

Oftentimes, interviewers pay more attention to the way you are expressing yourself through body language than to your actual words.

So here are some tips to effectively use body language for your next job interview:

#1: Make a strong first impression.

It has been said that hiring managers already have a hiring decision in their minds within the first 10 seconds of meeting you, so project confidence from the start. When entering the interview room, walk in with a steady stride, with a straightened out neck and back.

#2: Greet your interviewer with a firm, handshake.

Handshakes are extremely crucial. They can neither be weak, nor overly aggressive. Try and practice with a partner to get a sense of what is an ideal grip.

#3: Monitor your gestures and eye contact.

Limit yourself to a small amount of gesturing. Nodding in approval and quick hand gestures to demonstrate are fine, but don't over do it. Eye contact is also important to maintain an on-going conversation, but you do not want to stare down your interviewer.

#4: Avoid excessive movements.

Similar to gesturing and eye contact, keep movements to a minimum. Fidgeting and swaying in your seat are definitely not professional-looking.

#5: React to your interviewer’s body language.

If you notice that your interviewer shows a reaction, try to respond to it. For example, if you see that he/she has a puzzled look or facial expression, may be that signifies that you should repeat or explain further to clearly convey your message.

Take these tips into consideration for your next job interview, and you'll be sure to impress your interviewer.

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