By michael vivar
When preparing for a job interview, many candidates gear up to answer questions about what strengths they'll bring to an organization.
Most inquiries by interviewers these days will include requesting a prospective employee to address their possible weaknesses. This may seem like a trap but it doesn't need to be.
Some ingenious rhetorical jujitsu can steer a conversation about flaws to highlight a wealth of potentials. The following tactics move a dialogue in a more flattering direction.
A slight shortage of qualifications shouldn't rule out one's candidacy. Emphasize a willingness to learn and not being set in bad habits.
Established companies have tried and true procedures they expect prospective candidates to assimilate to. It can be pointed out a fresh look introduces new efficiencies.
Sunk cost can be a problem when an endeavor goes over time and over budget. Inferring passion about long-term goals displays commitment. It is a fine line to walk.
When applying for a managerial job, the hesitance at issuing criticism may arise. One approach is to specify that deliberating to provide constructive criticism is more helpful.
This can be a situation where relative novices in professional environments may explain the value of learning from inexperience. It can be adapted to an amusing anecdote. Read the room.
This needs to be played off delicately but with confidence. It can be implied every aspect of a complex task is crucial. Any hesitation runs the risk of appearing disorganized.
Don't mistake brash meanness for being blunt. Associate the latter with kindly trusting colleagues to handle hard truths in order to strive for shared goals.
"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak." Sun Tzu, The Art of War