overthinking as a weakness interview
Make sure you know what the interviewer is really asking so you dont get caught out. And last week, in an interview with CNBC News, he said 75, 80, 85 percent and 75 to 80-plus percent. In a telephone interview the next day, Dr. Fauci Whatever your weaknesses may be, make sure to focus on them and avoid talking about anything related to the job you are interviewing for. so be sure to prepare for both. Pick out all the key skills and requirements and make sure that the weakness you choose does not apply to any of them. When asked about weaknesses in an interview, many candidates feel unprepared or unsure of how to answer the question. You should be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your work experience, and why you want this particular job. It also displays a critical lack of self-reflection and can easily come across as arrogant. These will include mandatory job requirements that come with the territory of being shortlisted for the position. Everyone. In the same way your most directly relevant strengths should always be tailored to the position and employer, so should the specific weaknesses you choose to mention (or not) in any given interview. Failing to sell yourself properly. And while its important to be truthful in your answers, you also dont want to give the interviewer any ammunition to use against you later on. Kaiser BN, Haroz EE, Kohrt BA, Bolton PA, Bass JK, Hinton DE. I am not implying that I cant meet deadlines. Answer Tell me about yourself with a past, present and future structure. Difficulty falling asleep may contribute to more worrisome thoughts. Be positive. This potential follow-up is the reason you need to prepare more than one weakness. Share steps you are taking to improve. Since leaving my last job, Ive had the opportunity to interview with several other companies and am much more confident in my abilities. It is important to be aware of your weaknesses before an interview so you can prepare yourself for any questions that may come up. or soft skills. I got bitten by one as a child and now I cant stand being around them. ", "Have any difficulties or issues arisen in your current role? Unless youre applying for a job where you will be working in almost total isolation, this kind of answer will ring some major alarm bells. However, I realise that experience working with clients directly would be a big help to the way I present my analysis so Im very keen to improve that aspect. Stars, 16 Agency Leaders Explore The SEO Trends Impacting Their Work In 2023, 15 Smart Ways To Address High Employee Turnover, How Vietnam's Entertainment Industry Can Increase Its Global Reach, 6 Best Practices For CEOs And Professional Leaders Using LinkedIn. At the same time, interviewers recognize the subjective limitations of the question itself, what are your weaknesses? Negative introspection is uncomfortable for most people at the best of times, in familiar company. Its important to be honest when identifying your weaknesses. Ask for input from a friend or co-worker if you get stuck. Some interviewers will ask you to describe strengths and weaknesses in two separate stand-alone questions. But, when youre overthinking, you might find yourself replaying a conversation in your head repeatedly or imagining something bad happening many times. Build powerful resumes in only 5minutes with our easy to use Resume Builder and get hired faster. 2016;12(3):348-362. doi:10.5964/ejop.v12i3.1118, Michl LC, McLaughlin KA, Shepherd K, Nolen-Hoeksema S. Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. You can say something like, I am motivated by a desire to achieve new challenges to advance my professional career.. Either way, both versions of this commonly asked job interview question have one and the same objective to show hiring managers another side of yourself that hasnt come to light yet. Finding a way to break out of this cycle can often help relieve some symptoms of these conditions. "Thinking too much": A systematic review of a common idiom of distress. Signs of overthinking include: Overthinking can happen for several reasons. Of course it feels good when bosses or coworkers appreciate and value my contributions, but Im also aware its a weakness to have trouble saying no to their requests. This is a BETA experience. Stop being a perfectionist. You want to appear humble and willing to admit when youre not perfect, but you also dont want to make yourself sound like a complete disaster. It means starting the project earlier but avoiding the bottleneck that used to occur later. I look forward to the weekends so I can have a lie-in without worrying about getting up for work. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. They just want to know if you can be honest and if you are aware of your own shortcomings. Or they might want to see how you think on your feet under pressure. What constructive feedback have you received from your supervisor or direct reports during one-on-one meetings? You can also search for jobs on your own, or apply directly to companies that interest you. The interviewer wants to know what your real weaknesses are, so be honest and upfront. I dont really have any weaknesses, to be honest. Realize that you cannot control everything. Instead of berating yourself for things you might regret, try working toward being more accepting and compassionate of yourself. There are many reasons why an employer might ask a follow-up question. This website uses cookies to improve user experience and perform analytics and marketing. 4. Overthinking often stems from dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about things that you cannot change. Here are a few examples of how the interviewer might follow up on your answer: This could be because your answer sounded more like a strength dressed up as a weakness or it could be because your weakness sounded a little vague. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Did I really think it made me better or smarter at getting more things done faster? It doesnt tell the interviewer anything and will either sound like youre oversharing (which could become awkward) or that youre dodging the question. You should be prepared with questions and concerns regarding the position, your salary expectations, etc. Its a repetitive cycle that can be tough to break. With the 2023 NFL draft in sight, its a good time to look back on Drew Brees 2016 appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, in which the future Hall of Famer read back some of the strengths and weaknesses that pro scouts had written down in his draft profile. If possible, give specific examples of times when you have struggled with a particular weakness. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist who can help you put an end to overthinking. Ask family, friends, or even past employers about the areas in which you could use some improvement. Not being able to answer common interview questions. The weaknesses you choose should ideally be: Not fundamental to the job. Here are three suggestions: Emphasize the positive, avoiding negative words like failure or inept. Until thenand aside from thatgive yourself a break. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation. Always keep the STAR method in mind when describing your weaknesses in an interview. For example, if youre applying for a position as a server, dont say that your weakness is that you have trouble remembering orders. Rather than trying to nimbly turn your weakness into a strength, I recommend being transparent. All products and services featured are independently selected by WikiJob. in our dedicated article on the STAR technique, To check that you dont have any critical, "What would your employer or colleagues describe as your biggest weakness? If you're wondering whether you are overthinking a particular situation or concern, there are a few things you can look for. If you can be open and honest about your flaws, then the interviewer knows that you are capable of being truthful and that you have a good sense of self-awareness. Explain how you will continue to develop and grow once you join the company and in your new role. ", How to Answer Interview Questions About College, How to Answer the Interview Question: "What Are Your Hobbies? Let go of the notion that its a set-up for sabotaging your best efforts to impress hiring managers a trick or a trap. Talk about how youve transformed your weakness into a strength. Not Above all, they are interested in your desire and capacity to improve and develop. I took part in a leadership course where we talked about the best ways to provide feedback and how we should tailor our communication style to different people and situations. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Am I taking steps to improve in that area. Positive perspectives: what you say about weaknesses can work in your favor, Ways to frame weaknesses in a strong context: a look at two angles with examples. My hope is that the example inspires you as you prepare for your next job interview. Dwelling on your problems, mistakes, and shortcomings, increases your risk of mental health problems, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.. They may also contribute to success in the workplace. 8. This approach to talking about weaknesses in a job interview lends itself to an infinite number of hard or soft skills the more specific the better. But what if you could turn them into a positive trait that you can be proud of? When you have another interview lined up, you can use this as a learning experiencebut for now: When you overanalyze, you often get stuck on the details: Did she smile at my story because she thought it was funny or because she thought it was stupid? Schedule some time for reflection. One of the ways to choose a relevant weakness is to research the role thoroughly. The ideal candidate will have both strengths and weaknesses that match the job. Of course, everyone will tell you that you should learn from your mistakesand you absolutely should. On the one hand, overthinking can help you to make better decisions and avoid making mistakes. Avoiding these mistakes will give you a better chance of getting hired. Frame your weaknesses in a positive, proactive context as works in progress, emphasizing corrective steps with successful outcomes. No one likes the dreaded weaknesses question at a job interview. We surveyed 2.000 Americans to determine the worst questions you could get asked when interviewing for a job. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I wear my feelings on my face. You should choose a weakness relating to relevant professional competencies. It not only demonstrates that you can deliver a good answer, but that you can think on your feet and have good communication skills. Otherwise, this is the time to just be honest. What skills and technology expertise are you hoping to develop in your next job. Others pose it as a two-birds-with-one-stone question.In the latter instance, leading with your weaknesses can be advantageous. But if you tend to overanalyze, youre going to find yourself spending the next three full days coming up with list after list of ways you want to improve your interviewing skills. In my last role, I performed really well and can't see where I could have improved. 4. Clean, timeless templates with a classic balanced structure. And, your brain might even develop a solution for you when you stop thinking about the problem. Weaknesses can be difficult to identify and even harder to discuss. Here are a few ways to stop overthinking. Your answer should show self-awareness and a willingness to address your weaknesses. You can also talk about your education if you have an advanced degree or significant experience in a specific field. Unless youre applying for a job working with animals, this weakness is just irrelevant. Why didnt I say delegation when she asked about my strengths? But it can certainly be tricky to think about your own weaknesses. The hardest part is over! It might even be a goal youve already acted on, but in an area where more knowledge and experience would be beneficial. I have been a restaurant server, a tutor, and a health aide in the past decade, all jobs that require plenty of energy and endurance. Instead, focus on weaknesses that dont have anything to do with the job itself. In fact, the longer you think about something, the less time and energy you have to take productive action. My work quality and efficiency have improved at the same time. If youre having trouble even thinking of a weakness to base your answer on, here are some examples of weaknesses that might ring true for you: Indecisiveness. Tell me about yourself the dreaded opening interview question that most candidates will face at some point in their career. Not asking questions at the end of the interview. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Debbie moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba as a young adult, settling into that vibrant prairie hub for a life and career chapter spanning four decades. This can provide clues about your judgment and analytical abilities as a proactive problem-solver. The following are some common job interview questions that may be asked when interviewing a potential employee. Personality and Individual Differences. Keep in mind the mutually exclusive difference between perfectly honest and honestly perfect. The first is desirable in the hiring scenario we are describing, while the second sounds dishonest. This is done to see how a candidate handles a After beginning a career in management, Katie realized she wasnt doing what she loved and determined it was time for a major career transition. Instead of going over something in your mind again and again, you can start to take the steps necessary to resolve the situation. However, interviewers can gain a huge amount of insight from this simple question (or a variant of it). Cognitive distortions, humor styles, and depression. Overall, did you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and company? Study: how do cover letters differ around the world? Read this article to master this question, and then search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. This can come across as unprofessional and might not reflect well on you in the eyes of the interviewer. Here are common examples of abilities or qualities that are not required or important in every job. Such behavior can harm your relationships with others. If overthinking is taking a toll on your well-being, consider talking to a mental health professional. 2013;122(2):339-352. doi:10.1037/a0031994, Thomsen DK, Mehlsen MY, Christensen S, Zachariae R. Ruminationrelationship with negative mood and sleep quality. Interview Questions: What Is Your Ideal Work Environment? Being able to articulate your weaknesses honestly, and then explain how you are working to improve upon them, can demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the job. Even the best people have their own quirks, which can be a source of weakness. Our strengths help us navigate our weaknesses, so its a fine strategy to weave one into your answer. It can also find you unable to stop when enough is enough. Common areas that might be applicable include: If you find it tricky to assess your own personality, ask someone else to help. Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact resume rules employers look for. In addition, avoid very vague or general answers that dont give any relevant information. And that puts a whole lot of pressure on you to nail the interview. I believe my greatest weakness is that Im more productive when working on my own as I can easily get distracted by others. My positive attitude is definitely one of my strengths. For example, if your worry is that you came across as nervous or jittery, youd find that itd probably be better to simply let it pass than awkwardly explain it (I know my palms were sweaty when we shook handssorry about that!) in a thank you note (more on that here). Just put down everything, big or small. Not preparing enough. Whether you are aware of A related problem child of being detail-oriented is overthinking and rethinking projects past the point of manageability. Answering with something like I just dont do enough exercise sounds like youre dodging the question. These questions can help the interviewer get to know you better, as well as see where you might be compatible with the company and its culture. After all, youre there to show them how capable you are, not to talk about what youre bad at. is a minefield of a question and there are plenty of answers that really wont do. 4. Its a technique you should be familiar with and practice. Pinpoint that one thing, and make that the target point of improvement for your next interview. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. By asking this question, they are looking to see if you have taken the time to reflect on your own abilities and whether or not you are someone who is willing to work on improving yourself. Keep in mind that different people may have different opinions about your weaknesses. WebThe fact is that we all have weaknesses, so don't be afraid if this question comes up in an interview. Verywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. ", "What is the biggest regret youll have on leaving your present job? So I decided to read up on the subject and try alternatives. Mention the steps youve taken. Gradually Ive become more comfortable reaching out to coworkers or managers when I have questions or feel overwhelmed. Whats even likelier are the strengths youll have in common with most of those same competitors, if not everyone else being interviewed. He further mentioned, "Because, by large, I am a nice guy, but sometimes people take that niceness for weakness and they misunderstand that. Or, maybe you want to prepare a wider arsenal of anecdotes to share, so that youre prepared for any and every behavioral-based question they could throw at you. Here are a few questions to support you in identifying and communicating your weaknesses: While you want to be honest with your answer, you also want to avoid highlighting a weakness that may cause the recruiter or hiring manager to second-guess your qualifications and abilities. Over and over and over. But what can you do to get away from that habit of dissecting every little word, gesture, and facial expression from your interview? When you register or purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. by Mommy Bear | Jul 30, 2022 | Finance and Employment | 0 comments. 2. Find a middle ground and be assertive without being overwhelming. You got the interview! Most job applicants can think of a talent, trait or tendency worth learning or developing, now or down the road. If the job involves thinking on your feet and using your initiative, your weakness could be that you become frustrated when you are expected to adhere to strict protocol at all times. If it was a real weakness, consider how you worded it. It is important to ask these questions to help you to understand the details of this job, and also help determine what your future responsibilities may be as a part of this position. When you try to sleep, you might even feel as though your brain is on overdrive as it replays scenarios in your head and causes you to imagine bad things happening. However, before you start panicking, its important to understand that weaknesses are just that- weaknesses. Think about what the interviewer is trying to get out of the question. 2. Capturing far too much unplanned content at this stage made the editing ordeal a nightmare. Maybe you found leading a team more difficult than you expected. This is still a plausible weakness and something that you can work on, but for this role, it could become a positive and suggests that you are well suited to the job. Consider alternative scenarios. Research suggests that people who extend themselves such compassion are more likely to use adaptive coping strategies. Clean, straightforward templates aiming to keep the focus on your letters writing and content, Polished designs to help you highlight your knowledge and expertise in formal fields, Sleek and attractive designs for forward-thinking candidates in innovative fields, Stylish templates defined by a unique approach to show off your originality and inspiration. Strengths often reflect positively on an individual and can give them an edge in the competition. Are you currently working with your manager to improve your public speaking abilities? With less pressure to portray only your super-hired self, you get to lighten up slightly but not in any comedic sense! You may be delaying your decision-making because you are scared of facing the consequences of your decisions. That comes across as genuine and shows that the candidate is proactive and self-reflective. Answering well requires walking a tightrope. One of the hardest job interview questions that applicants struggle with is discussing their real weaknesses. When Im giving feedback to colleagues I try to be very honest but I have learned that sometimes my comments come across as brusque. Is this weakness fundamental to the role Im applying for? Why do job interviewers ask about weaknesses? Im able to say yes, no or maybe without hesitation, or any sense of guilt for letting anyone down. Thats why Ive taken a few online courses and am constantly picking up new tips from YouTube tutorials. To make sure Im completing my tasks on time when working on a team project I make a list of priority tasks with their deadline to keep myself on track. In many cases, youll find that what youre thinking of as huge, decision-impacting mistakes arent things you really need to address. And it may get your mind focused on something more productive. Here are just a few possibilities for discussing your weaknesses during a job interview. Identifying and addressing an area of challenge demonstrates growth and maturity. I enjoyed working at my previous job but ultimately decided to leave because of the companys direction. 6. In this new role, I will continue to be incredibly mindful of my facial expressions. Prepare carefully for this opportunity to show deeper dimensions of your worthiness as a serious job contender. WebRedirecting to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-of-the-ivory-tower/201905/9-strategies-for-overcoming-overthinking. Ruminatingor rehashing the same things over and over againisnt helpful. Practice mindfulness. Ask yourself what your weaknesses are and how you can address them. It helps keep your examples concise and engaging. So besides seeking more insight into your fitness for the position, recruiters want some indication of self-awareness and integrity. Its so frustrating that you werent able to think of this answer just an hour ago. Counterfactual Thinking: Why We Dwell on What Could Have Been, Please Help Me: What to Do When You Need Help, How to Stop Overthinking With Bestselling Author Jon Acuff, Victim Mentality: Definition, Causes, and Ways to Cope, What Can Help When You're Feeling Hopeless, Friday Fix: 5 Mental Strength Exercises You Can Do From Your Couch, What Is Gaslighting and Signs It May Be Happening to You, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, "Thinking too much": A systematic review of a common idiom of distress, Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults, Ruminationrelationship with negative mood and sleep quality, Unconscious-Thought Effects Take Place Off-Line, Not On-Line, Cognitive distortions, humor styles, and depression, Improving interpersonal skills to overcome the negative effects of overthinking in the disruption era, Testing the differential effects of acceptance and attention-based psychological interventions on intrusive thoughts and worry, Beliefs about self-compassion: Implications for coping and self-improvement, An inability to think about anything else, Fixating on things outside of your control, Replaying a situation or experience in your mind, Cultivating a strong support system made up of people who can provide encouragement and love. Someone suggested that acting classes might help so Ive signed up for a course at my local college. Those job duties were straightforward and clearcut, and the solo workload was never too onerous. When youre overthinking you might feel like your brain wont shut off. Practice for Balancing Equations: 1st and 2nd Grade, Repeated Addition as Multiplication: Math Foundations. Dont badmouth your former employer or coworkers. If you have several viable options going at any given time, youll feel much more confident about your prospectsand less likely to keep analyzing every word in that one interview. Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. The outline now reflects the full extent of research already done beforehand, with a strict cutoff. While this method would typically be used when talking about your positive traits and achievements (after all, thats mostly what you want to be doing in an interview), its still useful when talking about your weaknesses. If that was ever the case, it sure didnt seem that way anymore. Overthinkers could also be seen as careful perfectionists that take the time to consider all aspects of a decision so they don't miss anything. Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses you can use in your HR interview: 5 Strengths for HR Interview to Land Your Dream Job Clarity Determinate Organization Skills Patient Polite and Honest 5 Weakness for HR Interview to Land Your Dream Job Perfectionist Introverted Stressing too much to complete work before the Are you suffering from impostor syndrome? My goal is simple: to help people find jobs they LOVE. Or maybe you get upset with yourself for not seeing red flags soonerbecause you believe they should have been obvious! ON THE WORK FRONT FOR DINO MOREA. Here are just a few This type of overthinking sets you up to worry about unrealistic worst-case scenarios. Perhaps youve completed a relevant course or joined a class or group. So I could be a Shaybani Khan for a day." Then, either way, write and send that thank you note. My blogs and articles consistently perform well and reach the top of Google searches. Her background includes writing about human resource and career development topics for employees and association members in various business and nonprofit sectors.
