Staying positive to make an impression
Whatever the subject, especially if it involves talking about your mistakes, weaknesses, or underperformance, staying positive is an opportunity to shine and demonstrate that you are naturally confident. Everyone appreciates a collaborator with an affirmative temperament. We prefer someone who is constructive. Stay positive in all your behavior, including and especially in the way you express yourself.
To banish the superlative
It is better during a job interview to use simple, direct language and avoid any superlatives, excessive or hyperbolic statements. If you overdo it, you risk disappointing or boring your interlocutors.
To avoid being categorized wrongly, it is better to avoid using absolutes
Avoiding absolutes to avoid being mis-categorized
The use of absolutes, such as “My weakness is public speaking,” indicates that this weakness exists without condition, regardless of any circumstances, which implies that it is unlikely to change. It is better to be more cautious, less convinced on this subject, and talk about it conditionally, as being likely in certain circumstances, and describe it as possibly conceivable in such or such conditions. At this point, it is possible to estimate that what has hindered you in a specific context will help you succeed in a different environment.
Humanizing your answer to stand out
Your presumed “weakness,” if you acknowledge it, is mostly subjective. It is better to take a more measured and mature approach. For example, if you had to admit a weakness, it could be a lack of patience, a focus on reactivity and efficiency, a tendency that you also expect from others. You could add that while understanding that not everyone has the same level of skills, qualifications, or abilities, you expect everyone to do their best work, to explain your lack of patience towards a collaborator who is not doing conscientious work. By personalizing your response, you can show empathy and understanding, and stand out from other candidates who may give more generic answers.
You forget yourself to be better recruited
The most common mistake is to give detailed explanations about your professional background. Of course, you have to do it, but it’s better to forget about yourself and focus on the needs and requirements of your interlocutor. To do this, you should listen to them in the first place to understand their expectations and then put your presentation into perspective. Don’t talk about how great your background is, but highlight all the benefits that the company will gain from your strengths and skills. Whether you talk about a quality or a flaw, to be listened to, you should explain how this quality or flaw will benefit the recruiting company.
