How honest is too honest for interviews?

[BlackThought]

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It seems that we have walk a fine line for interviews in trying to 'be ourselves' and at the same time taking into consideration what they want to hear.

The whole 'weaknesses and strengths' question is a example of this. If I try to be honest and say that one of my weakness is that I get distracted at times, and outline ways I'm working on it, do I come off as a flake? But at the same time, twisting certain traits into weakness can be a stretch at times and comes across as being scripted and cliched.

It's frustrating to trying to be yourself but having to rethink everything you say before you say it. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

 

[schoet87]

All I can do is mention how I handle the "weakness" question.

I am honest with my answer, divulging that I get frustrated easily when I don't immediately understand a concept and will put off getting help for the sake of pride. I do, however, emphasize that I have gotten much better at seeking assistance in learning a complex concept.

I feel very comfortable providing this response and never second guess it. Why would I? Having shortcomings is only human, and addressing them is a sign of a mature adult.

I also think "weaknesses" such as "I am the leader of too many clubs and have trouble managing them all" or "I spend too much time volunteering" don't say a word about anybody's character.

To each, their own.

 

[shootingstar7]

I go for the weaknesses that can be strengths...hardheadedness, too hard on myself etc. Left the ugly truths about myself at home 🙂

 

[BlackThought]

Also, for internationals, when they ask the question, "Where do you want to live after Dental School?", and you plan going back home how does that answer/honesty affect the interview?

 

[steveymcdubs]

I got hit with "Do you play video games?" while we were discussing my knack for tinkering with things.

Completely caught me off guard. I answered, "A bit." I'm still not sure if there were looking for a "No" or looking for honesty.

 

[toastybread]

It seems that we have walk a fine line for interviews in trying to 'be ourselves' and at the same time taking into consideration what they want to hear.

The whole 'weaknesses and strengths' question is a example of this. If I try to be honest and say that one of my weakness is that I get distracted at times, and outline ways I'm working on it, do I come off as a flake? But at the same time, twisting certain traits into weakness can be a stretch at times and comes across as being scripted and cliched.

It's frustrating to trying to be yourself but having to rethink everything you say before you say it. Maybe I'm over thinking it.

I see the weakness question as a "how have you grown" question. Tell them your weaknesses straight up - but emphasize what strengths you have gained from compensating for that weakness. I always thought it was bull**** when people turned their weakness into a strength because rarely are they one and the same.

For example: I get frazzled when I'm presented with multiple projects at once. To compensate, I began to prioritize things which helped me develop better time management skills. Obviously my response would be more elaborate than that, but I think you know what I mean.

 

[journeybegins]

Think of an interview as a first date.

Be honest, but not too honest that makes your date run in the other direction. lol..

 

[jimmy714]

As far as the weakness question goes...

DON'T do a "weakness that's also a strength", since it'll lead to a confusing answer.

They want to hear an honest weakness, AND THEN a follow up of how you have been trying to improve on it (concrete examples).

 

[emersonkelly]

As far as the weakness question goes...

DON'T do a "weakness that's also a strength", since it'll lead to a confusing answer.

They want to hear an honest weakness, AND THEN a follow up of how you have been trying to improve on it (concrete examples).

If we tell the honest answer about our weakness it may create negative impression in recruiters; so we should tell them what we are doing to improve it then they gets impressed!! 😕

 

[qnzbabi91]

Too honest would be saying that you don't really want to go to that school, and its just your backup. Everything else goes. The interview that I was more open at went much better than the one at which I was reserved. They liked a person with a personality.

 

[debyeh77]

As far as the weakness question goes...

DON'T do a "weakness that's also a strength", since it'll lead to a confusing answer.

They want to hear an honest weakness, AND THEN a follow up of how you have been trying to improve on it (concrete examples).

totally agree.

 

[goffdent]

I tend to be really lazy.. I facebook all day at work, I procrastinate.. horribly. I shower once a week at best. I tell inappropriate stories at the water cooler. I sleep half the workday. I have poor time management skills. I'm chronically late to everything and I always have an excuse. I can't multitask. I work horribly with others. Where can i sign?