Why “Tell Me Your Weakness” is the most powerful question in an interview.
In a series of questions where you have to talk yourself up, “tell me your weaknesses” is probably the only one that allows you to be vulnerable. And vulnerability is the path to true human connection.
We get so nervous when someone asks us a question on weakness that we try to fall back on our strengths to answer it. We give silly answers like “I’m a workaholic”, “I’m obsessed with perfection.” We’re scared shitless to appear weak.
But this is the truth: Your flaws are more attractive than you think!
People love seeing raw truth in other people. “Humans are attracted to each other’s rough edges.” (From the Book: No More Mr. Nice Guy).
Truth 2: Vulnerability doesn’t always look attractive. If you appear solid and able before being vulnerable, it is humanising. People will sympathise. (That time when Naomi Osaka took a mental health break and we all fell in love with her.)
But if you don’t seem competent, and only show vulnerability, people are repelled. (We all have that friend who is always cribbing.)
So, after you tell the interviewer your grand achievements, admit you suck at something and build real connections.
