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tough interview questions

What are your weaknesses?

Bite-sized video advice guide with Davina Forbes, Recruiter for PR and Communications Jobs

Of all tough interview questions, this is one of the most dreaded. It’s often used to legitimately find out where you think you need improvement or often just to throw you. A bit of prep will help you sail through answering...



Not got time for a video? Check out the main points below...

No cliches
"Nobody’s perfect and your potential employer knows this. So it’s really important not to come out with a cheesy answer like, “I’m too much of a perfectionist” or “I work too hard”. They’ll see it coming a mile away and you’ll lose points. It’s all about balance. Giving the interviewer something that’s acceptable and believable, but that won’t harm your chances at landing the job! A good way to plan for this question is to identify first an area where you feel you need improvement – potential skills gaps, areas where you lack experience etc – and to put a positive spin on it."
 
Here are a couple of good examples
“I’ve not yet had much experience managing a team, but in my last PA job I had to deal with people across the business at every level and with external suppliers. I think this has given me the experience I need to take on this challenge.”
 
“Working in a production job for the last 3 years, my experience with digital roles is limited. But I’ve attended a load of courses and have been designing websites for my friends for free to bring my skills up to date.”

 
And remember, for any interview…

  1. Make sure you do your research beforehand, not only on the company but also your interviewer. Check out their LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook profiles.
  2. Try to find out the dress code of the organisation you’re interviewing at, if it’s a creative agency where the staff dress casual you don’t want to turn up suited and booted.
  3. Come with your own questions for the interviewer, not only will this impress them and show your interest in the role, but it will also make the decision making process easier for you should you receive an offer.
  4. Plan your journey in advance, being late for an interview even by a few minutes is the ultimate sin and could well be a big factor in the decision making process for your prospective employer.

For more interview tips, check out our other career advice videos here. Or if you liked what Davina had to say contact her here to find out more about PR roles including communications, digital PR and press officer jobs.

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