Interviewing someone for a job is not as easy as it looks. First, as the interviewer, you’re tasked with finding the person who will not only do the job well but also fit in well with the other employees. You have to make an evaluation of abstract qualities that can’t be found on a résumé. Because you have to repeat the process for every potential employee, you end up asking question after question, applicant after applicant. Still, interviewers need to be told something: “What is your biggest weakness?” is not a good question. It just isn’t. Now, job seekers have to understand that interviewers want to find some way to know what makes an applicant different from others. Asking questions that are seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see who can think creatively. Then what may be a proper way to respond to such a question? Honesty, with a twist(新手法) “‘What are your three strengths and three weaknesses?’ is a classic, but not too many people know how to answer this,” says Kenneth C. Wisnefski, founder and CEO of WebiMax, an online marketing company. “As an interviewer, we want to hear strengths that describe initiative(主动性), motivation and dedication. The best way to respond is to include these qualities into specific ‘personal statements.’” “Similarly, weaknesses should be positioned as a strength that can benefit the employer.” “I like to hear applicants state an exaggerated strength, and put an interesting twist on it. An example of this is, ‘My initiative is so strong, that sometimes I take on too many projects at a time.’” This answer leads with a strength that employers want —initiative —and still acknowledges that you’re not perfect. Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you’re being honest. Honesty, with progress When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you are a perfectionist will come across as insincere. Debra Davenport, author of “Career Shuffle,” believes citing(引用) examples are the best approach. “My preferred response for this question is to tell the truth without damaging the applicant’s image.” Davenport explains. “A better response might be, ‘I’ve had some challenges with work-life balance in the past and I realize that a life out of balance isn’t good for me, my family or my employer. I’ve taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I’m also committed to my overall wellness.’” The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you’ve thought beyond the answer. You’ve actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven’t completely overcome the weakness. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of “Creating Job Security Resource Guide,” recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk. “If you were doing the hiring, what would you be looking for? What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who would you be trying to weed out? If you can empathize (共鸣) with the interviewer, you can better understand what they want and need, and then frame your qualifications to meet their needs for the position you seek.” Once you consider what the goal of the question is and figure out what your honest answer is, you’ll be able to give the best possible answer to a tricky question. Job Interviews Tasks for a job interviewer ☆ Find the person both doing the job well and (小题1:) ▲ along well with other employees. ☆ (小题2:) ▲ abstract qualities of applicants by asking one question after another. (小题3:) ▲ to interviewees for replying to a tricky question ☆ Understand that the interviewers want to (小题4:) ▲ between applicants and that asking a question seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see an applicant’s (小题5:) ▲ . ☆ Be (小题6:) ▲ and inventive when asked about your weaknesses, and respond properly. ☆ Never (小题7:) ▲ you are perfect, which may be believed to be insincere. ☆Try to show that you’ve changed a lot (小题8:) ▲ you haven’t completely get rid of your weaknesses. ☆ Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes and have a better  (小题9:) ▲ of their needs for the job. Conclusion ☆ With the goal of the question (小题10:) ▲ into account and the honest answer in your mind, you will be able to give the best possible answer.