The Dumbest Interview Question?

It's debatable

It is often a point of contention as to exactly what the dumbest interview question is; however, I find that more often than not I default to "What is your weakness?" as being the dumbest question asked at most interviews.

That being said, it is also an almost universal standard for any interview and interviewers generally believe that the topic of perceived personal weakness must be explored. Subsequently, the question must be recognized as inevitable, and it must be addressed.

Why? Because it is very likely that you will be asked, "What is your weakness?", and, two, because it is potentially a very risky question to answer.

Why do they ask it?

For the most part, interviewers still ask this question for two reasons. 1. They always have, and 2. Because they feel a need to ask something about what you perceive to be YOUR weak area or areas.

The problem with this reasoning is that the "What is your weakness?" questions becomes a minefield for you. There are endless articles written about how to answer the question in a positive and constructive way; however, each person's life is unique and there is not likely to be a cookie cutter answer for a question about YOUR personal weakness or weaknesses.

So it becomes a high risk question. Do you actually want to plan and prepare for how you are going to tell your potential employer that you are deficient in some manner?

How do I answer?

There are many articles out there that offer suggestions on how to answer the old "...what is your weakness?" question. These suggestions tend to cover the gamut from;

• turning your "negative" into a "positive",
• the Confession and Recovery method,
• choosing an inconsequential or irrelevant weakness,
• denying that you have any weaknesses,
• and even - refusing to answer

Occasionally, a writer will offer something a little more dynamic, and possibly daring. As an example, Liz Ryan, a contributor to Forbes Magazine Online offers an answer that shifts the frame;

“That’s a great question. I used to worry about things that I don’t naturally do well. I used to read books and take classes. Over time I realized that I’m here on earth to do certain things that I’m good at, and not to invest my time and energy getting better at things that millions of people do better than I do. I should focus on my strengths, like building databases and using Excel. So, these days I focus more on building on strengths and don’t think about weaknesses.”

A pretty good answer; however, are you the type of person who can pull off "dynamic and daring" with authority and confidence?

Another alternative

At tqSkills, we maintain a very strong focus on "Employability". Employability is best explained as a "skill", as opposed to employment, which is a job. And being able to successfully navigate the behavioural interview is one step toward better employability. 

In tqSkills' Acing the Behavioural Interview™, we begin with the Employer by suggesting that they remove the "What are your Weaknesses?" question from their interview process. We're not saying the question needs to disappear, we're simply saying that the Employer might consider making it less threatening and more relevant.

In our interview process we do ask;

• "Please tell us what strengths you believe you bring to this job?"

That is then followed with;

• "...and, of course, whenever you are asked about your strengths you will typically be asked about your weaknesses. We would prefer to have you think about your Opportunities for Improvement should you see yourself on this job. What would you like to be better at?"

The difference is subtle; however, it opens the door to discussing potential personal and professional growth opportunities; as opposed to trying to find a "deficiency" that you MIGHT be able to sell with a positive spin.

But I'm still most likely going to be asked "What are your weaknesses?"

Yes, that probably is true. Change will come; however, like all change it tends to come slowly. So, when I'm asked the dumbest interview question, this is what I respond;

" ...well, I'm a human being and I guess that I have weaknesses just like everybody else; however, in terms of the requirements of this job I do not believe that I have any fatal flaws that would prevent me from successfully fulfilling the duties of my position". 

This answer admits that I have flaws like everyone else; however, I do not see any of my "natural flaws" as having a negative impact on the job for which I am applying. 

Stephen G. Largy is the President and Senior Consultant at tqSkills. tqSkills are training and advisory specialists in Disabilities in the Workplace, Workplace Accommodation, Creating Inclusive Workplaces, and Employability. Visit tqSkills at www.tqskills.com