A genuine question from a grad student soon applying for full-time roles—what's the best answer you’ve come across (or secretly hope to hear) for “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses”? I’m sure there’s something that stands out to HRs or hiring managers beyond the usual.

likeupliftingsmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Being real stands out. We know no one is perfect but the ability to be real and vulnerable is valuable.

like

Perhaps think of how you would handle this question if you were Speed Dating. This is SPEED DATING: The Get a FT Job Edition.

Where are you from?
What is a unique life experience you can share (for me, I grew up in Western North Dakota, but moved to Maui for a year as a kid, then back to ND. This shaped who I am as a person.)
Why did you choose the education/career path you did?
Are you reading/watching anything interesting?
What do you most want to achieve in your career?
Have you had a mentor or coach who changed your life?
What is your favorite color?
How do you perform in a team setting; give an example.

I graduated college in 2003 and have been working since I was 9 years old. These are the kinds of things I think of, when someone asks me to tell them about myself.

For "What are your strengths and weaknesses," it can be helpful to have a specific example of a situation that went wrong, or a mistake you made, and what you did to improve the situation or fix what went wrong. This shows you are humble enough to recognize you aren't perfect, AND that you are solution-oriented and capable of fixing problems on the fly. This is what that question is trying to ferret out of you.

like

Warehouse

In the end they want to see your passion - so showing what you have worked on and what excites you makes you stand out to employers

I have an issue with people who cannot effectively describe their weaknesses.

Everyone always has room for improvement in the workplace. I interviewed an intern several years back who (when I asked the strengths and weaknesses question, in a slightly different way- i.e., what are you good at? What are you not so good at?), his response was- oh- I’m good at everything.

I didn’t hire him, but someone else did. Honesty is the best policy when looking for a new role.

Related Posts

Hi all,
Wanted to know the range of salary for consultant specialist role? Yoe 10+

Hi Sharks!
Question for Data Engineering project managers. And applying for the same role as above.
I come from only Project Management and scrum background. I have a client interview and expected to ask stuff on Azure. Could someone help me out what level should i prepare? DP-900?

like

Alvarez & Marsal Have interviews with A&M for Associate position in the Automotive and Industrial sector. The recruiter said I would have fit and technical rounds. Does anyone have any idea on what to expect for the technical or how to prepare for it?
Alvarez & Marsal

like

A few months ago I posted my resume here and a couple people said it was too long, 4 pages. I took a step back and was about to change it. Reading it I realized, those four pages truly captured ME and my experience.

Not even 2 weeks after I decided to trust myself, I was offered a Director position in the field I love!

I share that to say, take time to learn yourself. So you know when to take the advice of others or when to TRUST YOU!

Post Photo
likeuplifting

Lady 🐠- any recommendations for a good OBGYN?

I know I am opening up the doors for a troll feast, but finding a good doctor can be difficult- WOM is the best option and I can trust people here more than the average yelper.

Hi, I was curious if anyone had any jobs or companies that had a position with a mix of consulting/healthcare/pharmaceutical. I currently work in clinical operations and research, and would love to jump or learn into a tech side company with pharmaceutical exposure. Not sure if these are out there but figured I’d see!

like

Hello Fishes :) I am looking forward to change my domain from customer service to HR. I have one year exp as CS and operations analyst in Natwest. I'm looking for a role in Talent Acquisition, Kindly refer me if there is any openings in your organization

like

BCG really disgusted for you to not provide any feedback on my interview after multiple emails.

like

Wanted to know how many rounds of interview will be there for kpmg mumbai for ITGC it auditor role

like

Please suggest case study questions that can be asked during interview..PwC AC Finance Transformation

likehelpful

I was asked in pwc sdc interview to come to bangalore location once i get selected. Can i still request for wfh?

Just had an interview with Netflix and at some point I mentioned “GAFA” (even joking that it’s probably GAMA now) and completely forgot they’re in FAANG 😬

Will this be one of those moments I remember when going to bed for the rest of my life? Yes.

funnylike

Joined Accenture Strategy team! Happy to help if anyone needs a referral:)

like

Hi! I have an interview with a MBB coming up but still feel very unprepared especially with making the frameworks and solving cases in full. Would asking for additional extensions reflect negatively or is it better to just try my best? Thank you.

Kindly help on how to prepare for etl developer Interview for Morgan Stanley.
Questions asked and How should I prepare to get through ?

Thanks for your help Morgan Stanley Infosys Amazon IBM Tata Consultancy Goldman Sachs Wells Fargo Mindtree

like

Bain & Company What is the timeline for experienced hiring for Bain & Company ? Interested in making a move from Parthenon, but not sure if I should be targeting a specific window. If anyone is willing to chat, please let me know!

like

Did you/can you negotiate comp for experienced entry level consulting roles? Have consulting experience from non-MBB firm, but was hired for the entry role.

Hi People! I need a referral in Eli Lilly.

Currently in ZS as DAA! Almost 2 YOE but total work ex 2.5 yr.

Hey Guys, I have cleared all the rounds for SDET position of a company.I have 2 years and 7 months of experience in Manual, Automation and API testing.How much CTC should I ask.I have HR discussion tomorrow.Please help your fellow mate.Thanks in advance.Accenture Tata Consultancy Deloitte Infosys

Hi all,
I need your favour here.
Do anyone has job referral for Business Analyst profile?

About me: 3.4yrs of workex-
Worked as a Sales Manager and across sales-Ops. 75% Team management+ 25% Data analysis and interpretation
Want to shift towards more data driven role.
I know advance Excel and SQL fundamentals.
Last drawn Ctc: 14lpa fixed

Any leads/suggestions would be helpful.

Thankyou :-)

like

More Posts

Hello fishes
Need 11 likes to enable DM
Please help🙏
Thanks in advance 😊

like
like

Where do you usually get your morning coffee? Live downtown and trying to find a new go-to, but also just like checking out new places!

How to ask manager for onsite opportunity?

like

Any one in southern Michigan looking for a position? Due to a retirement an opening will posted for a high school Spanish teacher at Western HS in Jackson county, MI.

Feeling lost in my career (10 yoe, 9 in consulting). Anyone feel this before and how did you get through it (career coach, books, etc)?

likefunny

Hello, Everyone!

I hope you are doing well! What are some other websites where I can find legal job opportunities? I have tried using Robert Half, Adams and Martin, and Indeed, but I have had no luck in finding legal job opportunities.

Thank you so much in advance!

like

This is my amputee foster for the week, Tracer aka wobbles. She’s hobbling along happy as a clam with 3 legs and no doubt she’s a little badass. Please foster if you can!

Post Photo
like

This is a community to commiserate with other unemployed fish, share job opportunities, tips, etc... I hope it makes everyone in this situation feel less alone.

likesmart

Lot of these posts are hypocritical. Shootings have been happening in the US for decades and BOTH parties have failed to pass significant/meaningful gun control legislation even when they held majority and/or control both congress and the white house. It's not just Republicans. We are ALL failing out children.

likefunny
like

How is LTI work-life balance?

Want to have an workout accountability bowl...I feel like I will workout if I can come back & share my progress. Anyone else feels this will be beneficial to them?

like

Why is everyone freaking out? I was told it's just like the flu.

likefunny

Good evening all,
With my partner we are considering making a move to the countryside of Switzerland, with a gorgeous RE project offering incredible views on immaculate mountains and lake. However, it is far away, and will require 1h+ train/car commute vs. 10 min biking right now. We are scared it will bite us back at some point, although COVID helped w/ remote working being a new norm. The project will be done 2024, so I hope to have a more relax job by then. Any similar experience to share?

like

Do you think that we're looking at another lockdown soon?

like

Getting disability rated…I retire next year and seeing the doc for all my issues. They’re listed in Genesis under my active issues. Does that automatically count for when I retire or do I need to get appointments addressing these issues again after meeting with the VA?

Is it true for Assoc 602 level who hasn't completed one year, can't have S. My managers(functional and local) gave this reason for my OOO?

My functional manager personally messaged me later and said his recommendation is SOS but they cannot work past through the rules of less than 1year

like

Question on how to proceed. I have an action that is required to be heard within 30 days. It was filed 3 months ago and hasn't even been assigned a judge. I've emailed the clerk a few times requesting a docket number so I can at least serve D's. Yet absolutely nothing. Is this common in New Jersey? I think I'm going to submit a formal letter to the court but what else can I do?

like

PCP, HP, lease.... Which are the best ways to buy?

I'm looking to get a car for about 30k £.

Any tips?

like

Additional Posts in Interview Tips

Hello. I have a job interview coming up. When asked the question by the interviewer, “Why do you want to leave your current employer for us?” What is the best answer?

like

I hope I don't sound foolish, but I was asked to "please attach a CV?" What is that?

like

Hi - I have an interview with Johnson & Johnson for a Leader role. There seems to be multiple interviews with multiple people in the organization. Hoping to get some insight on this process from those who have been through it as it sounds like a great opportunity. What do they look for? How can I ace the interview?

like

What are your thoughts about putting an explanation for the current gap (as in, I haven’t been working for several months) on your resume, LinkedIn profile or cover letter? If you think it should be included in one of these places, how would you do it?

like

I recently had an interview with BNY for an Analyst role located in DE. The interview went well and I was informed by the recruiter that the team was interested. They asked if I was willing to relocate immediately, and I told him that my decision would be best made if I see an offer. I have not yet received a follow up after this(coming on two weeks) so I know that I've been ghosted. My question is, was I wrong to ask to see the offer before making a decision?

like
like

Hi,
My current company is going out of business next week. I am rushing to get my next job lined up (probably won’t happen in time but I’m trying my best). My question is: should I be honest about why I’m looking for a new job? Is it wrong to not share this info during my interviews? Is this situation going to affect my interview process somehow? Please share your thoughts and wisdom! Thanks!

like
likesmart

Looking for a summer 2023 internship, in finance/at a financial institution. Worked at RBC as a PM last summer, would love to return, but would be open to a joining a different firm. Any tips or exciting opportunities are greatly appreciated!RBC CIBC TD Omers BMO National Bank

like

in live hirevue interviews, can they tell if you switched tabs? I have a few notes on my computer id like to refer to if possible

like

Has anyone at Amazon been hired in through a temp agency first? I have been offered a 9 month contract to cover for an employees medical leave--wondering if I would have a better chance getting hired in?

Any specific and actionable advice on how to better articulate your experience in interviews? I feel like I have been working on projects that are above my pay grade and my job descriptions (which my Manager also validated) but I have a hard time when it comes to selling myself in interviews. Any tips/advice is appreciated!

like

I’m a healthcare admin professional looking to transition into a new role & I’ve just updated my resume but I’m afraid it’s too long. I’ve even taken irrelevant experience out & it’s still about 3 pages long. How do I shorten 10 years of experience to ONE PAGE???? Helpppp lol

like

Elevator pitches: what are your best tips, examples and resources for crafting a really good one?

like

Has anyone lost a job opportunity because your counter offer was too high?

like

I applied for a role a few days ago and found the relevant hiring manager today via LinkedIn. Should I send a follow up mail/introduce myself to this person. Would it leave a good impression or come across as desperate?

Btw, the person is in a “Talent Acquisition” position at the company.

like

What is the average time now to hear back from interviews? Are people just getting ghosted or is there feedback?

like

Does KPMG send you a rejection email? Did my last round last week Friday and haven’t heard back. Followed up with the recruiter and she said she’s following up with the team

like

I’m new on the job search and still employed. I’m looking to grow further in the logistics industry. While I look for work, it’s a bit discouraging seeing how hundreds of people apply for positions I see on LinkedIn. I still apply because you never know and AI plays a huge effect in selections. Should I even bother applying when there are more than 100 applications?

like

Had an interview for an associate position at Citi. Interviewee was based in London and I’m in NYC. The only interview time that worked was 6am. I was barely functioning and feel like I truly messed up in my answers because I couldn’t not think clearly. I have another with the head of the division next week again at 6am (pre determined before this interview). It was also hard because the division’s core work is private enough that there was not much prep I could do beforehand. Tips?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal