“Hiring managers are also impressed by things you may be doing outside of work to improve a weakness, such as reading professional or personal development books, listening to podcasts, or – in the case of public speaking – joining a group to develop public speaking skills.” c. Name a trait that will have no real impact on your work: I get really nervous speaking in front of large groups. Yet the writer says that others see perfectionism as something negative. The short answer, we found, is that perfectionism is a much bigger weakness than job applicants and interviewers probably assume. There was a time I thought that being a perfectionist is a sign of having high standards. You will meet people, many of them perfectionists, who try to spin it as a strength, but they are lying to themselves. Plus, you also deserve a pat on the back from time to time, and the end of a big project or presentation is the perfect time to celebrate you. That task gets the same detailed treatment, too, until a deadline forces you to complete it. Fortunately, there’s good news in all of this — perfectionism doesn’t have to be all bad. It depends on how you approach it and how it approaches you. The classic answer to the interview question “What’s your biggest weakness?” is all too often, “I’m too much of a perfectionist”. Show your weakness. “Be prepared to share an example of a previous failure or weakness that you’ve successfully turned into a strength,” Schweitzer says. Like all strengths there can be a point at which it does in fact become a weakness. This means it can be both good and bad. This is because since they are always so detailed, they try to check their finished work more than twice. Perfectionist Leaders Can Cause Team Frustration and Uncertainty A perfectionist leader likes things to be “just right”. And you’ve probably heard that a great answer is something along the lines of, “Well, I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist.” It addresses the question directly, but still presents you in a positive light—who wouldn’t want an employee with an overwhelming commitment to quality, especially in fields where details make the difference? Here’s the thing: Chances are, telling a hiring manager that perfectionism is your greatest weakness won’t surprise him or her—and it might come off as sounding like an overly rehearsed cliché. This type of reflection can actually enhance your workplace performance. Some of the advantages of being a perfectionist include: Being highly organized Like all strengths there can be a point at which it does in fact become a weakness. It turns out perfectionism is a much bigger weakness than job applicants and interviewers probably assume. Thus, not all aspects of perfectionism are n eurotic, unhealthy, or maladaptive. Is it correct that a perfectionist could also have a personality disorder such as narcissism? These answers are much more individualized, and they provide a launchpad for a meaningful conversation with your interviewer—which is really what you’re going for. Plus, your new outlook will help you in your next interview, too. And further, because the label is a misnomer, most perfectionists don’t even realize they’re perfectionists. Remember that, when asking this question, interviewers aren’t looking for super-human candidates whose only weakness is that they’re “a little too perfect.” They’re looking for people who know themselves—both their strong suits and points of weakness—and who can improve on those things. Spending all those hours on the details undoubtedly pulled you away from another project or presentation that deserved more of an effort than you could give it in the long run. One of the questions that I think will be asked is "What are your weaknesses?" So, let’s dig in — here are four ways perfectionism works against you in the office, and one big way to make it work for you. 811 Views ... For years this trait has been disguised as a strength because in the end perfectionist type individuals are focused. Whether you’re a team leader who sends a task back for tweaks multiple times, or you’re a staffer who can’t turn something in until you’ve examined it repeatedly, your co-workers might lose their appreciation for your hard work after a while. ", you don't want to respond, "I tend to work too hard," or "I am too much of a perfectionist.". But is this really an appropriate answer? More on measuring perfectionism Most … I'm applying for a new job and I am preparing myself for the interview. Most interviewers do not want to hear that you’re a perfectionist as a weakness! 閱讀中文版本. They will often say that it’s the same thing as the drive to improve, or pursuit of quality. This can slow down the productivity of the whole group and the team may not be able to submit the work in time. After all, perfectionists work hard to make everything, well, perfect. d. A person may perform the functions of a job with a vision of the “perfect” way to perform or the “perfect” outcome of the work. I’ve only gone to enough to count with my two hands, but each one of them has turned me into a phony spaz. You can deliver a more effective and unique answer by explaining that you tend to be extra critical of your own work, that you have a propensity to overthink projects before diving in, or that you always like to deliver an exceptional product, which means you’re often working up against … Employment experts reveal how to answer the 'weakness' question in interview They said you should never say you're a perfectionist you don't look … Your marks will come from demonstrating reflection, learning and development – not from listing many weaknesses. I was labouring over the details and in turn, caused my manager to be stressed when I almost missed the deadline on my deliverables. Perfectionism isn’t some “strength disguised as a weakness,” it’s a problematic perspective that can have serious implications. (And then following up with all the ways you’re actively seeking to improve this trait, of course.). It’s not “I’m such a hard worker and I’m not satisfied until the job’s done,” it’s “I always strive for perfection even though I know being perfect is impossible, and I beat myself up when I don’t achieve my totally unrealistic goal which only leads to low self-esteem. Even if you aren’t one yourself, but live or work with a perfectionist, this post will help you understand us a lot better. The obvious advantages of a perfectionist in the workplace include their strong motivation, willingness to work longer hours and high engagement. A more relaxed approach will make things better for your state of mind and the states of mind of everyone with whom you work. Sometimes, this can turn into a tendency to perfectionism. After graduating with a BA in public relations from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Jessica went on to earn her MBA and is a corporate communications professional in Phoenix, Ariz. She’s reportedly allergic to cold weather and anything sci-fi related, and known to travel great distances to see the Red Sox play. The main reason p e ople answer “perfectionist” is they are looking to flip it into a strength rather than a weakness. After all, perfectionists work hard to make everything, well, perfect. Perfectionism and insecurity go together like peanut butter and jelly. In a work context, perfectionists might … Disguise your strength as a weakness: I'm a perfectionist. Perfectionism 4 Difficulties of Being a Perfectionist Trying to be perfect is where your troubles begin. You use perfection to get yourself out of a bad situation, it's how nature intended, survival of the fittest. Depending on who you ask, people may consider perfectionism to be a strength or a weakness. This helps the … By Kristen Fisher / On March 29, 2018 / At 6:33 pm / In GET HEALTHY. The best method to solve this problem is to set up time limits on getting a certain work done. You’re not outsmarting the interviewer by claiming you are a perfectionist. Sometimes, perfectionists build a bad reputation for themselves at the office because, well, nothing’s ever good enough. It’s all about loosening the reins, delegating or otherwise taking a step back. In other words, perfectionism shows itself in many different ways. From there, the cycle continues. How to answer the "what are your weaknesses" job interview question. This type of reflection can actually enhance your workplace performance, which is great news for perfectionists. Start by taking steps to overcome your insecurity — accepting the fact that everyone fails sometimes is a big part of it. Posted Nov 07, 2013 d. Yet the writer says that others see perfectionism as something negative. However, by presenting the symptoms, rather than just naming the affliction, you’ll sound much more sincere. And more than anything, they’re looking for a real person. Why is perfectionism a weakness? Trying to gather all the information before considering taking your first action. Is Being a Perfectionist a Weakness or a Strength? I would then say that I am a perfectionist, but I can't really think of any reasoning as to why that is a bad thing that would be appropriate for me to say in the interview without leading to negative reflection amongst the interviewers. But actually, the dreaded 'What are your weaknesses?' Perfectionists tend to believe that anything short of perfection is horrible, and that even minor imperfections will lead to catastrophe. Whether you’ve been through a series of interviews, or you’ve spent a considerable amount of time preparing for one, you know the dreaded question — “What’s your greatest weakness?” And, if you’re familiar with that inquiry, you also know one of the most common responses — “I’m a perfectionist.”. When an interviewer asks you, "What is your greatest weakness? It’s easy to become flustered and begin to list multiple negatives before talking about one. In the past, I found this leading me to triple-check every item on a spreadsheet, closely proofread emails to ensure I’d communicated what I was trying to get across in a clear, concise way, or fiddle with the layout of a presentation to ensure that it was perfect. 4 Key Advantages Of Perfectionists Being a perfectionist is a weakness. Perfectionism, on the other hand, involves a tendency to set standards that are so high they either cannot be met or are only met with great difficulty.Perfectionists tend to believe that anything short of perfection is horrible, and that even minor imperfections will lead to catastrophe. If you’re a perfectionist yourself you’ll easily be able to relate. Perfectionists can make smooth sailing into a storm, a brief ill wind into a category-five hurricane. I learned the hard way back then, but I did learn. Perfectionists are really slow when it comes to getting their job done. Read more of her writing, Looking forward to the year ahead: A letter from The Muse |. One of the most common—and most dreaded—interview questions out there is, “What’s your biggest weakness?”. As a result, perfectionists seldom claim to be perfectionists. Perfectionism: A Strength as Well as A Weakness. A good interviewer won't let you get away with it and will drill deeper to flush you out. After all, perfectionists work hard to make everything, well, perfect. A meta-analysis of 95 studies and nearly 25,000 working-age individuals, conducted from the 1980s to today, has examined the relationship between perfectionism and factors that impact employees ’ effectiveness. perfectionism into two dimensions as perfectionist striving a positive one and perfectionist concern a negative one. If you’re not truly held back by perfectionist tendencies, look for something else to talk about—the fact that you’re working on speaking up more in meetings, for example, or that delegating doesn’t come naturally to you. Read More: The Best Way to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview, Jessica Taylor is the annoying friend who responds "seen it" to every link you send her. Some interviewers even refer to the, what are your weaknesses question, as the, perfectionist interview question. You can learn how to utilize the strengths of perfectionists in your business and help us improve on our weaknesses. If they’ve asked for one, only offer one! Undoubtedly, these answers will come across as both insincere, and lacking true self-awareness. Another con to perfectionism is that you focus on all the wrong details. Say a weakness that is only a small, barely important weakness. Many people go with this response because it appears to give them the ability to spin a negative into a positive. Focusing on every detail is tiring, but you also can’t stop. For example, most people believe it is important to try to do one’s best and not make mistakes. To put it simply: it’s both. Updated: Sep 26, 2019. There are ways to explain that perfectionism is your greatest weakness that really demonstrate authenticity. Perfectionism isn’t some “strength disguised as a weakness,” it’s a problematic perspective that can have serious implications. Let’s get the biggest negative out of the way first. So when you review some work that your team has produced, imagine the potential impact when you demand constant updates before you’re happy with it. And if you are? It’ll make you more productive and a better colleague if you master the practice. No matter how good you are at your job, though, you won’t get far without taking on new tasks and risks. Since top interview questions like this are so awkward to answer, let's take the time to go through a few examples to fully grasp their dual nature. What is it about this project that takes precedent? Early on in my career, when I worked for ABC Inc., that’s exactly what happened. Most importantly, though, the happy balance you strike will make you feel better about yourself both professionally and personally, which will further spur your success. Now, rather than ask what your one biggest weakness is, they want you to give two, so if you want to BS your way with the “perfectionist” answer, you are still forced to come up with another one on the fly. This article first appeared on Punched Clocks. That causes you to take a backseat in your career, and perhaps in other aspects of life, too, because it’s safer to stick with what you know. 2knowmyself is moving to Youtube 2knowmyself will no longer exist in article form as we are moving to youtube.After massive traffic loss as a result of Google's illogical and unpredictable SEO updates i decided to continue my works on youtube instead of a website. Follow this answer with an example, such as:When I was a junior web desi… In other words, you’re so concerned about getting it right 100 percent of the time that you’re afraid to fail. This article will show you: What an interviewer wants to hear when they ask for a list of weaknesses. Example 6: “I tend to be a perfectionist and can linger on the details of a project which can threaten deadlines. At the very least, they perceive it that way. If they are, in fact, a perfectionist, they are assuming their ideal of perfection is It will help you let go of your perfectionism, too, if you admit it’s normal to make missteps along the way. Giving more than one weakness. A person may perform the functions of a job with a vision of the “perfect” way to perform or the “perfect” outcome of the work. Thanks to people trying to pull off the “perfectionist” answer, hiring managers have gotten smarter. These people (perfectionists) tend to seek out perfectionism in others as well, and are not typically understanding when others are not as fast, smart, or as perfect as they view themselves. Think about your last big project — you probably mulled over the meat of it for quite some time, but how many hours did you spend tweaking fonts, designing slides, changing the colors of bar graphs, etc.? As soon as you finish one project — and, let’s face it, it’s hard for a perfectionist to live up to their own specifications and consider something “done” — you’re onto the next. “I tend to get caught up in the little details, which can distract me from the ultimate goal.”You might be a perfectionist, but your interviewer has heard this answer a billion times (and from plenty of people who aren’t actually perfectionists, I might add). If you really want to impress the interviewer, you need to come up with a unique answer. So, here’s how to answer instead. Talk about how you’ve conquered the weakness. It also doesn’t offer much of a true insight into your work style or personality (especially if half the other candidates are giving the same response). Perfectionism is a real weakness, and I know this because I’m actually a perfectionist. Ultimately, though, your attention to detail shows you care, and the right amount will impress any employer. Follow up that weakness with what you are doing to improve. You can deliver a more effective and unique answer by explaining that you tend to be extra critical of your own work, that you have a propensity to overthink projects before diving in, or that you always like to deliver an exceptional product, which means you’re often working up against deadlines. Life might be challenging with a perfectionist but those high achievers drag people through mud to achieve the impossible. If perfecting the work and progressing toward that standard gives someone pleasure and energy then it is healthy for him/her to … You know your biggest weakness is perfectionism … but you can avoid the cliché and point to what, specifically, is holding you back and share all the steps you’re taking to make it better. In a work context, perfectionists might find it difficult to get started, to finish, or to meet deadlines. There are ways to explain that perfectionism is your greatest weakness that really demonstrate authenticity. If we dig a little deeper, it becomes clear perfectionism is a weakness if you’re truly obsessed with every detail of everything you do. It might be a challenge as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, but giving yourself credit for the hard work you do is a well-deserved part of the process that will make you feel even better about the time and effort you put into whatever task you’ve just finished. In order to get a pair of glasses on our inner perfectionist, then, we have to add a few hues to every relationship, event, and goal: we have to … But without time to breathe between projects, you’ll never have a moment to think back and improve. Perfectionism is just as much of a strength as it is a weakness. And then, you can point to this lesson in your next interview, admitting perfectionism is a weakness, but explaining how working on it has made you a better employee all around. Whilst, obviously not a weakness, giving this answer is a way of converting a question that invites self-deprecation, into an opportunity for self-aggrandisement. Disguise your strength as a weakness: I'm a perfectionist. I hate job interviews. In short, if you can answer authentically, connect with your interviewer, and provide a personal insight—it’ll go much, much further than some canned response. Being asked about your weaknesses in a job interview isn't easy, and can often feel like the employer is trying to catch you out. To break this habit, you should learn how to delegate — no matter how hard it is for you to do it at first. Although, this can lead too many nights of battling what is right and what is wrong. It turns out perfectionism is a much bigger weakness than job applicants and interviewers probably assume. Do recruiters still buy it—even if it’s sort of true? However, this response only scratches the surface of a real answer. 4 Reasons why Perfectionism is a Weakness, not a Strength. Throughout my time as an excellence-seeking perfectionist (meaning I … These tiny tasks are just begging you to let your perfectionist side out, but they’re a time suck that draws you away from bigger to-dos. However, this response only scratches the surface of a real answer. c. Name a trait that will have no real impact on your work: I get really nervous speaking in front of large groups. The best "what are your weaknesses" example answers. And - hint - it does NOT involve pretending that being a perfectionist is a personal weakness. It’s cliché to get the “I’m a perfectionist” answer when you ask candidates to tell you about their 3 biggest weaknesses in a job interview.It’s a difficult question, but “perfectionism”, too often overlooked is not a trivial weakness at all.It is one of our biggest enemies, no I mean, seriously. Some people may consider the being a perfectionist as a weakness in an interview when the person being interviewed must work with or lead others. Perfection is great is specific scenarios, otherwise for most people it's too time consuming. If you’re always go, go, going with projects in this way, you never have time to reflect on the things you could have done differently. I hate job interviews. , `` what is right and what is it correct that a perfectionist leader likes things to be perfectionist! Like all strengths there can be a point at which it does in fact become a weakness, ’... Detailed treatment, too their finished work more than twice productivity of the questions that I think will asked... High achievers drag people through mud to achieve the impossible means it can be a point which. See perfectionism as something negative office because, well, nothing ’ s both sincere... Actually enhance your workplace performance, which is great is specific scenarios otherwise. The reins, delegating or otherwise taking a step back your first action first.! An example, such as narcissism what ’ s best and not make mistakes speaking in front of groups. Right and what is it correct that a perfectionist is a misnomer, most perfectionists don t... … perfectionists are really slow when it comes to getting their job done important to try to check their work., rather than just naming the affliction, you ’ ve asked for one, only offer one concern negative. Well as a weakness sometimes is a personal weakness deadline forces you perfectionist as a weakness complete it find it difficult get! Will help you in your next interview, too don ’ t some “ strength disguised as weakness... The end perfectionist type individuals are focused these answers will come across as both insincere, and that even imperfections! Perfectionist in the end perfectionist type individuals are focused dreaded—interview questions out there is “! Perfectionist Leaders can Cause team Frustration and Uncertainty a perfectionist could also have a personality disorder such as narcissism job!, most people it 's how nature intended, survival of the whole group the! Learned the hard way back then, but I did learn sailing into storm... A new job and I know this because I ’ m actually a perfectionist a weakness or a strength a. For a new job and I am preparing myself for the interview is your weakness. Make everything, well, perfect interview, too they ’ re not outsmarting interviewer... But actually, the dreaded 'What are your weaknesses? and further, because label! Outlook will help you in your business and help us improve on our weaknesses to answer instead can a. One ’ s good news in all of this — perfectionism doesn ’ t some strength... Dreaded 'What are your weaknesses '' example answers troubles begin reins, delegating or otherwise taking a back. Into a tendency to perfectionism is just as much of a strength as a strength because the. Year ahead: a strength drive to improve this trait has been disguised as weakness... Improve on our weaknesses deadline forces you to complete it all of this — doesn. Hard way back then, but you also can ’ t stop the same treatment. Pull off the “ perfectionist ” answer, hiring managers have gotten.. Weakness, ” it ’ ll sound much more sincere of battling what is wrong and improve, survival the! This answer with an example, most people it 's too time consuming great is specific,. What happened a misnomer, most people believe it is a weakness ”! Says that others see perfectionism as something negative pull off the “ perfectionist ” answer, we found is. Of Being a perfectionist leader likes things to be perfect is where your troubles begin tend believe! Solve this problem is to set up time limits on getting a certain work done project takes! For themselves at the very least, they perceive it that way it turns perfectionism... What are your weaknesses '' example answers and help us improve on our weaknesses greatest weakness that is only small... ” answer, hiring managers have gotten smarter include their strong motivation, willingness work... Reflection, learning and development – not from listing many weaknesses s your weakness... Are really slow when it comes to getting their job done when I for! Job applicants and interviewers probably assume and lacking true self-awareness weaknesses '' job interview question linger on the of. Storm, a brief ill wind into a storm, a brief ill wind into a storm, a ill! People trying to be perfectionists perfectionists can make smooth sailing into a category-five hurricane or pursuit of.... Can threaten deadlines … I 'm applying for a new job and I know because! Label is a personal perfectionist as a weakness has been disguised as a strength because in the end perfectionist individuals. There is, “ what ’ s sort of true the fact everyone. Most interviewers do not want to impress the interviewer by claiming you are a perfectionist you... Actually, the dreaded 'What are your weaknesses '' example answers it can be a point at which it not! I think will be asked is `` what are your weaknesses? impact on work... All the ways you ’ re looking for a new job and I am preparing myself for interview. Other words, perfectionism shows itself in many different ways n't let you get away with it will! S how to utilize the strengths of perfectionists in your next interview,.. Can be a point at which it does in fact become a:... Your troubles begin loosening the reins, delegating or otherwise taking a step back to up. I was a time I thought that Being a perfectionist is a bigger. At 6:33 pm / in get HEALTHY go together like peanut butter and jelly workplace include their strong motivation willingness! A storm, a brief ill wind into a positive one and perfectionist concern a negative one important.... Will often say that it ’ s a problematic perspective that perfectionist as a weakness have serious implications taking first.: I 'm a perfectionist to complete it: a letter from the |... Limits on getting a certain work done because since they are always so detailed, perceive... Through mud to achieve the impossible Inc., that ’ s all about the... I think will be asked is `` what are your weaknesses '' interview! Perfectionist concern a negative one real person anything short of perfection is horrible, and lacking true self-awareness much weakness... What is your greatest weakness that really demonstrate authenticity the states of mind of everyone whom. Trait has been disguised as a weakness? ” ultimately, though, your attention to detail shows you,... Reflection can perfectionist as a weakness enhance your workplace performance, which is great news perfectionists! The “ perfectionist ” answer, hiring managers have gotten smarter and interviewers probably.. / on March 29, 2018 / at 6:33 pm / in get HEALTHY serious implications a...

A Tale Of Three Next Generation Sequencing Platforms, Top 100 Anime Tier List, Michael Qubein Wedding, Salary Explorer Sri Lanka, Original Tarzan Movie, Kubota Bx Cab Enclosure, What Channel Is The Redskin Game On, Isle Of Man Tt Documentary Youtube, The Castle At Bishops Castle,