Free Career and Job Search Advice

ergo · Newbie Joined: 10 Sep 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I have a weakness for computer applications such as power point, excel etc, however I am always afraid to confess this at an interview. How would you answer for Interview questions such as, “What are your weakness?”- Would you tell the truth? I don’t wish to sound naïve but I am always afraid that their next question would be one which a person with no weakness in computer applications is supposed to answer (and I wont be able to).
Help me out.
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lexa10881

The best way to respond to any question that is a negative is to make the outcome a positive. Plan your answer well in advance of any interview, so that your answer will come out smoothly and not detract from its content. You could have a response such as:

"Well, one of the things I like to do is work on the computer. I would say that my computer skills are above average overall. There are some applications I wish I could be an expert at, such as excel, but I am continuing to educate myself about them so I can do even better with them. Anything that I want to know more about I try to actively seek out education in. Constant improvement with excel is no exception."

Then, go on to something more positive. While you briefly touched on a weakness, you did not make yourself sound bad and instantly found a positive note to continue on without saying that you hate excel, take hours to make a simple document, etc.

Planning is key! This might help you when answering difficult questions:

http://www.cvtips.com/personal_strengths_weaknesses_interview.html

dorothea · Expert Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 123 Career Advice: +1/-0

If the position you're applying for involves using the programs mentioned by you, the you'd better start learning at least the basics about them because it is by no means good to declare those are your weaknesses. Sure, any weakness can be turned into a strength, but when it comes to practical things it is either you have it or not.

http://www.cvtips.com/hiding_weaknesses_in_CV.html

Randy · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 5:00 am Post subject:

Never forget, however, that the person conducting the interview probably knows LESS about such things that you already know. After having responded to an online ad recently by email with resume attached, one of her questions to me was, "Randy, are you comfortable using email and attachments?" I looked at her, holding my email in her hand, the one she'd received by email attachment. I didn't get the job. Beating your head on the desk is never a good response.....

ank06 · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 248 Career Advice: +1/-0

Well....if you say you have another weakness and eventually they ask you about the computer as well, you'd just say "You asked me what my GREATEST weakness is" Smile

. But this is not important. Randy is right, the person interviewing you might know less about computers than you do. Besides, there's always the option of training.
http://www.cvtips.com/become_computer_literate.html

Randy · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:56 pm Post subject:

quote="ank06"

...you'd just say "You asked me what my GREATEST weakness is" Smile

.

Oh, you're good! You've played this game before, haven't you? Wink

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