You have no weaknesses!

I have been to a few job interviews recently, they usually follow a similar format, “describe a situation when you were required to do this?”, “what would you do in this situation?”, “what have you done to change health and safety that has made a positive lasting impact in the workplace?”, etc.

Then “what are your 3 strengths?” and “what are your 3 weaknesses?”.

What are your 3 strengths?

That is fine, my early Career was in IT, Computer and peripherals repairs and training customers to use them, So to me is a naturally strong skill.

I was trained at college about electronics servicing so electricity is another strong one.

I have worked in customer facing roles for most of my working life and I pride myself on my ability to get the best out of people, by encouragement and support as opposed to laying down the law, when you start laying down the law you have created a barrier and you may get compliance but with resentment, that compliance will go out the door when you do (but that’s a whole new article, Watch this space).

When it comes to weaknesses, that’s a different matter!

I understand the saying, “know your strengths and your weaknesses” but what is a weakness?

Something you are rubbish at? Something you can’t do?

In an interview you’re not going to say you are rubbish at something, this question will automatically put up a barrier, you are going to think “what can I say that will make them realise I know I am not perfect but won’t directly affect my ability to do the role?”

For example, it could be “I am not very clued up on fire”

If asked what extra support or training would you like to improve your ability to excel in this role, you have asked the same question but broken down the barrier.

In my example I could say “I understand the risk of fire, causes, prevention and fire regulations, from my Certificate and Diploma training, however, I would like more practical experience such as reading fire door labelling, fire extinguisher placement, cavity insulation and the more physical side of fire.”

As a weakness you may get “I am Autistic and may have meltdowns at work”.

If asking what support or training could have a result “I am Autistic and sometimes find situations overwhelming, I am generally good at “masking” but sometimes need time out to gather my thoughts and unwind, I have achieved this before by taking my lunchbreak spread out throughout the day.

Not knowing something, is not a weakness, having autism, is not a weakness, being unable to write, is not a weakness, having depression or being an introvert, etc. are not weaknesses, they are features and each have their value within the workplace, understanding and working with all employees no matter what their challenges can only benefit the company and the employee.

The value of inclusion is another article I may write later (watch this space).

You have no weaknesses, you are all unique, never put yourself down, no one else out there is as good at being you as you are.