In these short pages, we provide a sample answer for each interview question in relation to the industry shown. We then analyse the answer, pointing out valuable information so that you can adapt the answer to your specific circumstances.

Information Technology - What Are Your Weaknesses?

Answer

Over the years, one area I noticed I was behind on was my public speaking. Over the course of my studies we undertook many projects and we were required to present our results to our classmates. I was always a very efficient team player throughout our projects and I collaborated well within the group, but when it came to presentation time I froze up. I couldn't even stand up in front of our own group and speak. I found it extremely difficult and I was anxious while speaking, but then I came across an evening hobby group in my local area that focused on presentation and public speaking skills. I've been involved with them for three months so far and last week I had my second 'stand up and speak' with them. We suggest topics as a group and speak about them the following week. The topics can be in relation to anything which makes it easier. The idea is to get us comfortable with speaking about topics we're comfortable with, which will help strip away our feelings of anxiety or nervousness. I think this has stemmed from my childhood as I was an introvert growing up and enjoyed playing my gaming console at home rather than going outside to play, but I am rectifying it now as best I can. My confidence has improved tenfold and I'm looking forward to my next 'stand up and speak', which is something I thought I'd never say!

Another problem I faced in the past is wanting to complete tasks single-handedly. I've had issues with asking for help and felt I could be showing weakness or an inability to get work done on my own. This made it difficult for me to complete some tasks and slowed down my productivity, but I now realise that everybody needs a helping hand at some stage. I have taught myself to be open about any issues that I face and have since found that some of my other colleagues' methods are very useful. I still try to crack a problem myself initially, but I turn to a colleague if I feel there is no other alternative.

Analysis

The Interviewee goes into great detail in the opening weakness and the detailed explanation is relevant and welcoming to hear. It was an interesting story and would make the listener empathise with the Interviewee. He/she explains things fully so that the employer gets a clear vision of what they're trying to get across. The effort made by the Interviewee to overcome this weakness is the highlight of the answer, but the personal story is vital and would win over the employer with ease. Public speaking is something that can be difficult for so many people and there's a good chance the employer was one of those people at some stage, too. If so, the employer would definitely empathise with the Interviewee.

This opening was quite large, and if you wanted to answer a question like this, then ensure its interesting and keeps the attention of the audience. You don't want to accidentally go off on a tangent and forget why you even started! Thankfully, this Interviewee didn't have that problem.

One thing that makes the Interviewee stand out from the crowd is the detailed information provided. He/she uses this opportunity to touch on their background story (childhood) and connects it well with the answer. The Interviewee opens up and people like that, especially in this circumstance as they stayed relevant to the topic. The employer would feel like they know them on a human level and they will remember them for it.

The Interviewee completes their answer with an 'if you need something done, you've got to do it yourself' type of attitude. They mention the disadvantages of that outlook and how it has affected them previously, and now that they've changed their approach they have the upper hand on their weakness. It shows the employer how they can adapt to new strategies and new ways of thinking instead of a narrow-minded approach. This goes a long way in any employment. 

Overall, the Interviewee comes off well. Speaking about a weakness like public speaking and going into detail as they did would make you feel nervous for them as it can be a touchy subject, but the Interviewee explains it in a way that makes you feel proud that they pushed through their fears and are bettering themselves.