interview - what to say when they ask you of your bad traits

[CiderMonkey]

In job interviews they often ask what are your bad traits..

..what is a good reply? Obviously you don't want to say that you are lazy and chatty!!

[lizwizz]

Tell them you're a perfectionist!

[Buenchico]

Tell the interviewer about something (real or fictitious) which used to be a failing but which you've worked hard to overcome.

e.g: "I know that, in the past, I've been rather poor at delegating responsibility. I suppose that's because I've wanted to ensure that everything has been done to the same high standards which I've always set myself. I've come to realise, however, that it's important to show trust in my colleague's abilities, so I hope that I'm much better at delegating responsibility than I used to be."

That's a rough version of what I used the last time I was asked the question - and I got the job! It won't help much, however, if the job you're after doesn't involve delegating responsibility. In this case, try turning it around to something like this:

"Well, I used to be rather hesitant about asking questions but I think that my self-confidence has improved and I don't think that I'd have any problems seeking advice if I worked here".

Note that both those statements provide an opportunity for pointing out positive qualities. The first one says "I always demand high standards from myself and others". The second one says "I'm now a self-confident person with a willingness to seek out information to help me do my job well".

Hoping this helps,

Chris

[charliebaps]

Are you married Chris? You are so lovely to all of us questioners!!

[Cheekystar]

again following on from what Chris said, think of a something maybe out side of worj tat you can relate it too, but don't put yourself down

[Cheekystar]

apologises for my awful spelling then!

[joko]

don't say your a perfectionist!!

this is like manure to an interviewer - they can smell this old cliche a mile off!!

[buildersmate]

A weakness can be perceived as an overdone strength. So if you are good at interacting with people, some might see you as chatty. And so on. That's one way to go about it.

It's really a logical rationale behind the way Buenicho explained his idea above.