What to write in your resume are your weaknesses. What shortcomings can be indicated in a resume: recommendations and examples

Character is a set of distinctive qualities of a person. A person is born with a set of properties that determine his individuality. Some qualities are stable throughout life (this includes temperament), while others are formed in the process of activity and can change.

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Character has positive and negative traits, strong and weak sides which are reflected in behavior and actions. Which side will appear more depends on external factors and a person’s attitude towards them, his reactions.

Types and Traits

Character traits are formed from childhood. Conditions and environment, education and communication play an important role.

In the structure of interpersonal relationships, four groups of traits are distinguished:

In psychology, there is another classification of character types that divides traits by properties:

Individual differences between people are more pronounced in the emotional sphere and are associated with the characteristics of human feelings: what object or phenomenon is focused on, how a person expresses his attitude. Strong-willed qualities help you achieve goals, not be afraid of difficulties and be successful. Morality regulates the behavior and consciousness of people in all areas of life. Intellectual traits characterize a person’s mental activity.

Character and temperament

Temperament, being an innate personality trait, influences the formation of character traits. The development and manifestation of strengths and weaknesses depends on temperament. The social environment has a significant impact on the emergence of new qualities, leaving the properties of temperament unchanged.

Character is expressed in a person’s behavior and actions; the totality of his traits is divided into negative and positive. Temperament is manifested in manners and style and is not assessed as “good” or “bad”, it counteracts or contributes to the formation certain properties character.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each personality has strengths and weaknesses in its character. It depends on a person’s self-esteem, his attitude towards people and work which of them will be most expressed. Weak character traits hinder growth and development, while strong ones help to cope with difficulties, move forward and achieve goals.

Examples of weaknesses:

• Excessive emotionality, hot temper. Interferes with communication both in the family and in the team. Feelings of irritation, turning into anger, often spill out on loved ones. A person allows himself to shout at his interlocutor, even insult him. Conflicts occur.
• Pettiness. Giving of great importance trifles prevent a person from focusing on the main thing. Attention is scattered to individual, insignificant details, people worry about trifles, and are picky about others.
• Superiority over others. Arises from the desire to gain more respect. People who put themselves above others have an unrealistic view of themselves.
• Sloppiness. It reflects a person’s attitude towards himself and the world; it is a manifestation of disrespect for others.
• Touchiness. Unjustified expectations about other people's actions lead to resentment and create a desire for others to feel guilty. Touchiness can develop into bitterness.
• Distraction of attention. Inability to concentrate on a particular activity, common mistakes, inattention, which causes irritation among others.
• Lack of discipline. Frivolity entails failure to comply with certain requirements. In psychology, indiscipline is defined as a negative moral and ethical quality of an individual, expressed by a violation of accepted rules of behavior.
• Fussiness. Loss of self-control gives rise to erratic actions. Fussy people are constantly in a hurry to get somewhere, take on several things at once and often do not finish what they start.

People with strong character more energetic and successful thanks to an optimistic attitude. The list of strengths includes:

• Determination. This quality helps you achieve what you want, especially if you have self-confidence and perseverance.
• Responsibility. The ability to analyze a situation and predict in advance the consequences of your choice. Making decisions, being prepared for any outcome of events and correcting possible mistakes.
• Punctuality. Implies accuracy and systematic adherence to rules. Punctual people are disciplined and complete the tasks assigned to them on time.
• Politeness. Ability to communicate tactfully and respectfully with others.
• Fast learner. Significantly facilitates the process of self-development and improvement of one’s professional qualities.
• Organizational skills. Includes: aptitude for leadership, prudence, initiative, exactingness, determination. They allow a person to develop leadership qualities and competently manage a team.
• Strength of will. This is internal energy that is consciously activated and directed to achieve results. Helps you overcome difficulties and achieve success.
• Communication skills. The ability to easily establish contacts, sociability, positive interaction with others.
• Self-criticism. The ability to adequately evaluate one’s actions and admit mistakes, identify shortcomings in one’s own behavior.

Developing Strengths

Each individual is unique and knows what they do best. This is a talent that must be developed in order for the activity to be enjoyable. It is important to find a path to self-realization and do what brings joy.

When attention is given personal growth, then a significant point will be the assessment of capabilities. Psychologists advise:

1. 1. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and make a list.
2. 2. Choose what to work on, focusing on your strengths.
3. 3. Attend a seminar or training on a relevant topic.
4. 4. Engage in self-development through creativity or another hobby.

By constantly expanding his skills, a person strengthens strengths character, and corrects weak ones.

How to Deal with Character Weaknesses

Weaknesses are not negative personality traits, but traits that should be improved by constantly working on yourself. Daily planning will help with this. Actions according to the plan will relieve fussiness and teach discipline. The plan for the day can be changed, but always highlight three main points in it that must be completed. This way you will develop the skill of distinguishing the important from the unimportant and not wasting time on trifles.

We decided to prepare our own version of the analysis of the interview question for the general collection, perhaps some of our fellow recruiters will find it useful not only as an example of how to apply for a job on , but also in their work. And the topic is one of our favorites - the question about the weaknesses of candidates.

Applicants often consider this question about shortcomings to be provocative or tricky; they suspect the employer of wanting to find reasons for refusal, catching him at his word and other sins. Is it really? Let's try to figure it out.

Target

There are no ideal employees; there are those whose “peculiarities” the company can or cannot tolerate.

When asking the interview question: “What are your weaknesses?” or "What are your main weaknesses?", we want to evaluate:

1. openness,
2. adequacy of self-esteem,
3. self confidence,
4. ability for self-analysis and development,
5. ability to talk about uncomfortable topics,
6. flexibility and ingenuity,
7. presence of operationally critical deficiencies.

Restrictions

From the candidate's side

Training. Candidates now prepare for interviews as if they were preparing for exams. Thematic websites and forums, career consultants and coaches do everything to ensure that the applicant appears fully armed before the employer. Answers to standard questions are memorized to the point of bouncing off your teeth.

On the one hand, this is bad, because getting anything even remotely resembling sincerity from a candidate is becoming more and more difficult. But on the other hand, the majority of the “helpers” listed above strongly recommend not lying during an interview, which is good. In addition, if the candidate took the trouble to prepare for the conversation, it means that he is serious about his career, does not like to leave things to chance, and the vacancy is important to him. And this is a “plus” in his piggy bank.

From the recruiter's side

The temptation to play detective. In pursuit of the weaknesses and shortcomings of our future employee, it is easy to go too far. You should not make the interview focus on this aspect. The candidate may be left with an unpleasant feeling, which may affect his perception of the company as a whole and discourage him from further cooperation.

When it comes to weaknesses, it is important for us not only WHAT the candidate says, but also HOW he presents the information. This is precisely what gives us the opportunity to cope with learned and unnatural responses. Behavioral reactions, calmness or nervousness, lengthy or monosyllabic phrases, and the ability to give examples will say much more than the content of the answer.

To whom, when and how do we ask a question?

It is most logical to ask this question after the candidate has spoken about himself, his experience and achievements. It can be addressed to candidates for any vacancies. The ability to soberly evaluate oneself is important in every business. It is rather the expectations from the answers that should be ranked. Managerial positions require a much higher level of reflection than executive positions. Potential managers can be asked to give examples of professional failures, describe the conclusions drawn and steps taken to correct the situation.

Rules for evaluating the answers received to the question about the candidate’s shortcomings

Let’s immediately make a reservation that during an interview the answer to the question about weaknesses can and should be assessed in conjunction with what the candidate says throughout the interview.

Additional questions

People don't like to talk about their shortcomings with strangers. For this there are relatives, friends, acquaintances. Among strangers, such things are shared only with fellow travelers. Therefore, sometimes you have to help the applicant, guide him, rephrase questions.

1. What qualities might, in your opinion, hinder your performance? job responsibilities? How do you plan to deal with this? This formulation allows us to lead a person to the strategy that we agreed to consider correct - to be aware of our shortcomings and find ways to compensate for them.
2. Give examples of situations when your personal and professional quality prevented you from achieving your desired result? We check the accuracy of the information. If a person has come up with “beautiful” flaws for himself, it will be difficult for him to quickly come up with such examples. If the information is true, then examples will appear without problems.
3. What do you think, if we asked your previous manager now how you described your weaknesses? We give the candidate the opportunity to look at himself from the outside.
4. What professional and personal competencies do you plan to develop in the near future and why? In essence, this is the same question, only in a softer formulation. We get necessary information, and also find out the candidate’s expectations in terms of training and development.

Everyone has shortcomings. They are not only the flip side of advantages, but also potential for development. And this is also a fuse that does not allow a person to get involved in a business that is not at all his. A standard question at any interview: “What are your weaknesses?” can make the candidate himself think about how correctly he has chosen the area of ​​application of his strengths and protect him from the wrong career decision.

Questions asked during an interview are aimed at giving the employer or recruiter the most complete answer on three main points:

• ability to perform this work;
• desire to do such work;
• compliance with the company’s corporate culture.

Personal qualities are one of the main questions when meeting a candidate.

This information will help the employer or recruiter get an initial impression of the applicant not only as a specialist, but as a person.

Often questions asked with subtext are needed precisely to obtain information about the personal qualities of the candidate.

The employer undoubtedly wants to know whether your negative character traits will interfere with your performance functional responsibilities and communication in a team.

Which ones are worth mentioning and which ones are not?

Very often you can hear the question from candidates: what are the positive and negative qualities name at the interview?

Employers are interested in employees with character traits such as:

• determination;
• organization;
• initiative;
• diligence;
• creativity;
• goodwill;
• determination.

Tell us about them if you really have them. Give examples.

Often during an interview you are asked to name three negative qualities and three positive qualities. Think about this point in advance.

There is no need to say that you are professional, adequate, loyal, smart, charming. Other people can notice and name such qualities when talking about you, but not you yourself.

Never mention negative characteristics such as laziness, disorganization, short temper and the like.

In general, 3 negative qualities in an interview are, first of all, self-doubt, fear of the interlocutor and insincerity.

Do I need to repeat what is written on my resume?

The interview is conducted to get to know you personally and to check whether what is stated in your resume is true. Therefore, it is likely that the employer will ask you a question that has already been covered in your resume.

In addition, the employer may simply not read the resume thoroughly. When answering the question, tell everything in your own words. Depart from the templates, but be precise, but also do not allow any discrepancies in facts from the document.

It is unacceptable to answer a question with: “It says so on my resume.”

How to talk about positive and negative qualities

No need to be modest!

In case you think that you do not have any outstanding qualities, just tell them what you have.

For example: the ability to concentrate - you focus your attention on a specific task and complete it without distractions.

And high speed of work - you always complete a task as quickly as possible, without procrastinating.

You should not take the question literally: “Tell me, what are your personal qualities that are shortcomings?” Not the best The best decision, answering this question, proceed to detailed description your weaknesses.

It is better to determine in advance which of your qualities have double meaning.

At first glance, these are disadvantages, but if you choose a different perspective, they may turn out to be advantages. Think about the wording and present your weaknesses so that they look positive.

Sample answer: “I usually pay a lot of attention to detail, and I know that in some areas of work such meticulousness is not important and is not always appropriate. But I see that for the position for which I am applying, this character trait should be useful.”

If your employer asked you to share three weaknesses, you could list the following: “Intolerance – I can’t stand disorder. Irritability – slightly infuriating at the incompetence of employees.

I’m picky and meticulous – I don’t allow myself the right to make mistakes.” Here you can see that not very pleasant character traits turn into advantages.

How to talk about strengths and weaknesses.

Very often, recruiters ask for examples of strengths and weaknesses during an interview. This task can be played to the obvious benefit of the applicant.

Feel free to name your strengths. Try to tell more about those that will be useful for the vacancy you have chosen, or for the situation in the company. For example, maintaining the ability to work under stress. Support your words with examples from the past. Think about sample answers in advance.

What is a bad quality to mention in an interview? When answering a question about weaknesses, be careful and careful. There is no need to openly admit them to yourself. Instead, you can talk about minor gaps in areas that are not clearly required for the position.

Positive and negative qualities in an interview should equally present you in a favorable light. The main thing is to remember what shortcomings you can talk about at an interview, and what it is better to remain silent about.

If the recruiter insists on clarifying the weaknesses of nature, and not professional ones, then tell about 1-2, and those that cannot always be considered as weaknesses.

To be completely honest?

An employer asks you to name your weaknesses during an interview, what should you say? How to answer interview questions about weaknesses correctly?

To avoid the impression that you are not answering questions frankly, it is worth pointing out some shortcomings or gaps in knowledge, but most importantly, choose the right wording.

Honestly admit some of your shortcomings, name your shortcomings, but talk about them in a way that makes them seem more like positives.

If you have to say that you are not fully familiar with a particular type of activity, indicate only those areas that are not critical to the vacancy.

Think about your answers in advance. If you really want to get this job, then don't take the risk.

How to tell about yourself in an original way?

According to statistical studies, about 90% of applicants mention their responsibility, sociability and determination. It is clear that such qualities are unlikely to interest or draw the attention of the listener to them.

If you talk about general, common character traits that are undoubtedly positive, but everyone talks about them, it won’t hurt, but it won’t make you stand out from the general background of applicants.

You can take a different route: talk about rare qualities that match your character.

Better yet, provide examples of how these qualities were used, the positive role they played, or how they were viewed positively. By using this tactic, you have a chance to stand out and be remembered.

Remember that sometimes what is more important to an employer is not WHAT, but HOW you answer questions about personal qualities. Reasonable, logical, confident answers, as well as competent speech, are of great importance.

Demonstrate positive attitude, the ability to adequately respond to complex or personal issues, the ability to find compromises and the right solutions.

Successful interview! Moreover, now you know exactly what weaknesses you can point out at an interview and how to correctly talk about your shortcomings in order to make a favorable impression.

A person's weaknesses on a resume show how objective he is about himself. Rarely does anyone include such a clause on their own initiative. But if the employer himself provides a questionnaire to fill out, such a question may well appear there. We will tell you what weaknesses to indicate in your resume in order to both fulfill the requirement and not spoil your impression of yourself. We will also teach you how to turn them into advantages.

What shortcomings should be included in a resume: example

You shouldn’t write that they don’t exist at all. Ideal people do not exist, and people who are overly narcissistic are reluctant to be hired. But it is not at all necessary to list all the weak qualities of a person. Your job is to demonstrate that you are critical of yourself, not to reveal your vulnerability.

Win-win negative character traits for a resume:

• excessive demands on oneself and others;
• increased responsibility;
• pedantry;
• hyperactivity;
• shyness;
• incredulity.

All this is not very good for Everyday life, but for work it gives significant advantages.

Sample

Weaknesses in a resume: examples of transformation into strengths

Identifying your weaknesses is half the battle. Next you need to use them to your advantage. If there are free spaces where you can fill in the details, do so. Indicate why your shortcomings are good in your resume: for example, a distrustful person will not cooperate with dubious suppliers.

If the questionnaire is concise, then these questions will be discussed at the interview. It is better to prepare for it properly. And our cheat sheet (table) will help you with this. But even if you don’t plan to give explanations, it’s useful to know how your manager will perceive your shortcomings.

My weaknesses

Obvious shortcomings in a resume: examples

Some disadvantages are better left unmentioned. Especially if they are detrimental to professional duties. For example, the mentioned laconicism is good for an accountant or programmer. But a sales manager or teacher cannot be silent, otherwise the effectiveness of his work will decrease.

Therefore, strengths and weaknesses must be compared with the specifics of the profession.

Inappropriate Character Weaknesses on a Resume (Examples)

A good, well-written resume is a powerful argument in favor of hiring. It may become serious advantage, so you should start your job search by drawing it up. In the West, careerists keep their resumes throughout their lives, and add new lines as they improve their qualifications or change jobs. A document providing information about the applicant before the interview is part of business etiquette, which should not be neglected.

What you can and should write about yourself in your resume

There are basic points that must be spelled out. Indicate your strengths in your resume, avoid unnecessary things, only be informative. A resume is a brief summary of skills and qualities. From the first lines, show that you are a person with a serious character, focused on results. So what you need:

1. Personal information: full name, date of birth, marital status. If desired, you can add a photo.
2. Contacts. Please provide your phone number and address Email at the beginning of the resume. This will make it easier for them to find you when they want to contact you.
3. Desired vacancy. This item must be filled out.
4. Education. Indicate all institutions, courses, trainings that you have completed. School, university, attended a seminar on NLP - your knowledge base should be impressive. Be prepared to document each point.
5. Experience. Have you already held a similar position? Put this on your resume. To a person who does not have a single entry in work book, will be treated with suspicion.
6. Additional Information. Here you can talk about your hobbies, strengths and weaknesses. Carefully select personal qualities for your resume. It will be a plus if they prove useful in the position.

Professional skills and abilities

Describe yourself in your resume: Show the employer that you are qualified for the position. Possession computer programs, knowledge of languages, availability of a driver’s license - all this must be described in this paragraph. Place your resume skills and abilities in order of importance for your future job. If you have a specific, not-so-useful talent that you want to list, put it at the end of the list.

Personal qualities of a person

Education and experience are not the only evaluation criteria. Personal qualities for writing good resume Although they are not mandatory, they can play a decisive role in many situations. Imagine what kind of employee the director of the company wants to see? Do you have anything in common with him? positive traits, can you look competitive? Be sure to write about it, use your advantages!

Character strengths and weaknesses

Correctly selected good and bad personal qualities for a resume will help you get a job. If you cope with your responsibilities, character weaknesses will not be so important. Often the same trait becomes a trump card or interferes with work. Present your shortcomings as advantages in your resume and show your willingness to work on yourself. Determination is a character strength that is valued in a team.

What weaknesses can be indicated in a resume?

The employee’s task is not to scare you away, but to show that you do not suffer from inflated self-esteem. Be honest, but strongly negative personal qualities are inappropriate for a resume and should not be included. The second column of the table will scare away the employer. Character traits from the third will play a positive role for certain positions. Don't be cunning and don't try to present advantages as disadvantages. This will be conspicuous and reveal insincerity.

Examples: individualism is good for creative profession helps you stand out from total mass presenters or artists. When working in a team, on the contrary, you need to be able to become part of the team and take into account the opinions of others. A pedantic character will interfere with working quickly, but it is appropriate where quality comes first. Modesty will prevent you from communicating freely with clients, however, when the right approach will put the company in a good light.