Re: Interview questions (Was re: Tech Writing 101 - How to tie a shoe)

[John Posada <john -at- TDANDW -dot- COM>]

> >Things I object to? Well, at the top of my list is "What is your biggest
> >weakness?" What an absurd question.
> >
> >I've determined that I'm never again going to try to answer that question
> in
>

> As an interviewer, I wouldn't be too interested in a candidate who said (or
> implied) "Well I have no weaknesses. I'm good at everything."  Even
> extremely competant and talented people are better at some things than
> others, and by asking this question I'd be looking for a candidate to
> demonstrate enough self-knowlege to discuss his or her strengths and
> weaknesses intelligently.

The problem with a weakness (other than the inherent problems by definition) is
that weaknesses are subjective and change based on any number of factors,
including environment. What may be a weakness in one environment is a strength
at another. Therefore, how can I discuss the weakness without know more about
the environment?

e.g., a weakness at a company such as as a Big6 accounting firm (are there still
6 of them or is it now 4); "I prefer to think 'outside of the box' and am much
more comfortable when I can make it up as I go along (in more technical terms,
'I like to wing it')" may be a weakness where EVERYTHING is regulated and
mandated, yet be a super-strength at a startup in SilValley.

I interviewed at a position with the president of the company where she asked
what I thought my greatest weakness is. I told them that I go absolutely
balistic when I believe that anyone I'm working with is not giving 110% and I
will refuse to deal with that person." She wanted to crown my head with laurels
and offered me the position right there (which I refused because the money
wasn't there). Can you imagine the outcome if I was interviewing for a position
at JP Morgan, the investement banking outfit?

--
John Posada, Technical Writer
Bellcore, where Customer Satisfaction is our number one priority
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and he will sit in a boat and smoke cigars all day."
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