I recently applied for a new job (an engineering position) and although they don't start interviewing until after the 1st of March, I was wondering how you guys handle some of the interview questions. 99% of them you can answer honestly and be just fine, but what do you say to the "What is your worst quality?" question? I am not perfect, but I don't really have any bad work qualities (except posting here). What have you said in the past to that question?


Thanks,

Longneck

 

If it's an engineering jog you’re after...tell them you’re “sometimes too much of a perfectionist”! They should appreciate that.

 

Huntsman is right on the head.

Or you could say "I like to do a good job and sometimes when other coworkers don't, I get frustrated."

 

All good suggestions. Identify a characteristic that is not pivotal to the job you want, like those above. Then acknowledge that you have this "flaw" but talk about what you do to overcome it. For example, "I am impatient and I realize this. I make a conscious effort to take deep breathes when I feel myself loosing patience with others and to count to 10 in my head before I respond or speak out. I find this helps me be more tolerate in situations I might find frustrating."

Employers typically value an employee who recognizes deficiencies but also has a plan for effectively dealing with them. It shows problem solving ability and desire for self improvement.

 

Whenever I've been asked that question, in that situation, I just tell them, "I've never been very good in interviews, especially when it comes to the 'tell-you-what-I-think-you-want-to-hear' part. Once you've seen me perform on the job, THEN you'll know why you hired me in the first place."

 

Tell them something like "I have a problem feeling good about a project if I don't feel that it was my best effort" or something like that - make your "worst quality" an asset rather than a weakness.

XXL

 

"I'm my own worst critic "

 

A couple not to use is:

"I tend to bring my personal problems to work, and it usually leads to violent outbreaks for no apparent reasons"

"Pointing out flaws in others, like that giant growth on your shoulders"

 

Great responses guys, I knew I would get what I was looking for here.

Coulee,
I will write those on my hand, so I make sure I don't accidently say them.


Thanks,

Longneck

 

The big trick is to always ALWAYS answer a negative question as if it were a positive question. For example,

Q: What is your worst quality?
A: I think I do a good job of getting along with difficult people.

Another example:

Q: What did you like least about your last supervisor?
A: He always tried to maintain a comfortable working environment free of distractions for his employees.

Sooner or later, they'll get the message that their smarmy little trick isn't working.

Remember, you are interviewing them as well. I know it's hard to walk away in these times, but ... it just may be the best thing you can do.

For example, I didn't get a job once because I refused to discuss details of some patents I'd submitted for a prior employer. They hadn't been filed yet but they'd been given to the attorneys to file. I'd signed confidentiality agreements with the disclosure/filings in return for a bonus. I'm glad I didn't get the job now although at the time I wondered if I'd made a mistake.

Bob

 

That you're **** about detail. (Word it better though)


Get some good questions in as well. Don't know what type of engineer you are but...Ask about % of budget going torwards product development, expected company growth and career tracks offered for engineers --R&D,manufacturing,PD, management,sales positions etc...
Ask about the typical product development cycle -- these were the killers for me when they say production will be in Mexico or China and you're expected there for first off's. It'll give you an idea of what your next few years might look like.

Another good one is engineer turn over rate --"Ride the workhorse kill the workhorse syndrome" or bored to death /product babysitting job.

Note the average age of the engineers in the facility. If you have a lot of senior looking people thats a good thing. Especially if they are still active in engineering.


Good luck,

 

"Another good one is engineer turn over rate --"Ride the workhorse kill the workhorse syndrome" or bored to death /product babysitting job."

Turnover is a clear indication of job satisfaction. Also find out if they have a "Core" of employees that have been there forever while the "New Guys" turnover every year or two. Indicates some upper level "deadwood" that has no problem deligating all the work to underlings while keeping all the credit (and pay) for themselves.

You'll always get hit with "Where do you see yourself in five years?", during your question period hit them back with the same "Where do you hope to see the successful applicant of this position in five years?". Then make them explain how those goals can be attained. You might learn that this position is ALWAYS going to be entry level with no real hope for advancement (see workhorse saying above).

 

IMHO, the hardest interview question to answer is when they ask you why they should hire you. Here is where you have the opportunity to toot your horn and tactfully point out your good points (plenty listed above). Then turn the tables on them and ask them where they would like to see you in three to five years. Like dhermesc said, this will give you a little insite into the promotion potential of the job. If the interviewer doesn't have a clear idea, you need to press a little bit. Remember you will be spending a significant part of your life with this company, so the last thing you want to do in today's fast changing engineering field is to stagnate. That's the position that I'm in right now. Same 'ol same 'ol day after day. The powers that be here refuse to update out of the 70's era technology, literally!

Needless to say, here's another engineering type (mechanical designer) keeping his eye out for a better position. Since I have a position that pays the bills (barely, but I do like the folks that I work with) I am being VERY picky about who I work for, what I will be doing and how much I will be payed. I have already turned down four offers in the last two months. Two because because of the pay (or serious lack of), one where I didn't like the personality types that I would be working with and one because they refused to assist with the required relocation. Remember, whether they like it or not, if you have the education and experience you are a valuble commodity. A lot of companies today pay the lowest wages that they can get away with and it shows in thier employees (whom you will be working with, remember).

 

The one question I hated was, "how would you handle a coworker that you saw stealing from the company".

That was the only question that I was absolutely sure of the answer. I said, "I'm not a taddle tale, I believe people should be responsible for their actions, and this job isn't as a security officer".

They didn't hire me. Go figure, apparently they didn't want someone with morals to take the job, the company still has an ad in the paper a month later. I'll save their grace here. I'm sure they'll hit the bullseye with a great taddle tale. heheh.

The bottom line is, don't agree to one of their questions if you have to question your morals.

 

Funny this should come up

I just got called in for an interview myself
I applied for a local Mall Public Saftey Officer job, and they called me today, wanting me to come in for an interview.
I wonder what kinds of questions they'll ask ??
What should I wear ? Dress pants/sports jacket type deal ?