Negative Qualities That Can Get You Passed Over. Bad qualities. Remember: Your potential employer uses this seemingly innocent question to suss out your ability to perform your responsibilities. Now, letâs go over some things you should do when talking about your negative qualities in a job interview. She specializes in business, finance, workplace/career and education. Publications she’s written for include Southwest Exchange and InBusiness Las Vegas. Plus, powerful adjectives are added; not only did you come up with ideas, but they were good ones! If you answer this question with an alarming, “I really hate cranky customers,” or, “I can’t stand working with anyone under 50,” you’re demonstrating two things: you may have some personality traits that are incompatible in a young, customer-focused organization, and more importantly, you don’t appear capable of using good judgment in a professional setting. Instead, a creative approach to admitting human shortcomings can position you as an honest and forthright candidate. An easy way to do this is by slipping a few simple phrases into your next job interview. The non-verbal cues make up 60% of our communication and can say more that verbal cues. Make it a positive one. Maybe youâve been too critical of yourself, especially in the beginning of your professional career â generating too much negativity can definitely be seen as a weakness. Donât talk about getting your masters and moving up, or promoting quickly in the company. I shouldâve prepared for this better, Some people answer this question in a way that tries to make them look good. If it’s a project that’s in my personal area of expertise, I’ll offer that up at the beginning, and trust that if I’m asked to lead the effort, it will be because the group as a whole thinks I’m best suited for the role. Thanks for finding us! I am a professional procrastinator. If time management is your weakness, then you can say that youâre controlling it by using reminders, alarms and calendars on digital devices you have. To help you with how to go about portraying the same, this article talks about 5 good negative qualities that you can mention during your job interview. If you have an interview that's coming up soon, there's a good chance that the interviewer will ask you this question. We all have things we simply don’t like, don’t do well, or prefer to pass off to others. Perfectionism is a quality that could have positive and negative interpretations. While itâs reasonable to worry a bit because of an approaching deadline, getting too worked up about them can be seen as a negative. Hereâs what you can do to make answering this question a lot easier for you. If time management is your weakness, then you can say that youâre controlling it by using reminders, alarms and calendars on digital devices you have. For example, if somebody in a sales role says they’re not much of a people person, the hiring manager may question their ability to adequately perform their daily tasks. While being honest is great, being too honest in this case will hurt your chances of getting the job. In fact, keep your answers free of any strongly negative words or phrases, such as problem, fired, failed, I couldn't, I didn't want to or overwhelmed. That is ⦠Remember: recruiters are wise to these tricks, and it gets old. During the interview, you answer all of the questions from the hiring manager with ease. While there’s nothing wrong with shyness in itself, the modern workplace often requires you to interact with many people, so employers may consider it a weakness. Time Management. Being Too Critical of Yourself Maybe youâve bee⦠Good luck! Before we list good negative qualities, it’s worth learning about the mistakes that people tend to make while answering this question. So practice and prepare as much as you can beforehand. If time management is your weakness, then you can say that youâre controlling it by using reminders, alarms and calendars on digital devices you have. Top 10 qualities and responses to look for when interviewing a potential job candidate. There is a major difference between hearing and listening. Be Positive Throughout the Interview. Copyright © 2008â2021, Glassdoor. Do your research before the interview to get a good grasp of the employerâs culture and environment. Getting Stressed Around Deadlines Lack Of Focus. 1. Tell 'em some fakes about yourself like "I am a straightforward person". As you practice for your next interview, keep word choice in mind. The key to discussing negative qualities in an interview is to always counter your response with an acknowledgment of what you do to make up for whatever the “deficit” is you’re discussing. I have to admit I sometimes miss small details, but I always make sure I have someone who is detail-oriented on my team." How to Answer Questions Like "What Kind of Worker Are You? Take personal stock of yourself on both a personal and professional level and be honest about how you see yourself, or even how others perceive you, in terms of less-than-perfect qualities. Interview Answers: How Do You Handle Conflict? Getting stressed around deadlines For example, they may sayÂ, âI care too much for my work, so working overtime is okay for meâ orÂ, âI tend to work especially hard at times, and thatâs what my previous employers liked about me.â, âA hiring manager has heard hundreds of people saying the same things to them and trying the same dance,” says Jim Cousins, an HR expert from, . 4. But today, you choose to actively pause and celebrate your accomplishments, which helps with self-esteem. Worst Qualities to Say in an Interview: Being asked tricky questions in an interview is a very common thing. The answer is multi-faceted. Article by Entrepreneur. Good negative qualities to say in an interview Time management. If you say that procrastination is your negative quality, assuage the hiring managerâs worries by saying that youâre managing it by creating daily schedules to hold yourself accountable. You can say that youâre battling this issue by setting reasonable deadlines instead of ambitious ones like you used to. If youâre someone who doesnât like bragging about yourself, these kinds of questions can be difficult to answer. ... many employers miss clues during the interview that a job candidate will eventually fail as an employee. Nov 18, 2015 - Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview. You might say, "I tend to be a perfectionist, which occasionally causes me to put extra pressure on myself on projects." Abby Blackmore, head of operations at Impero, says you shouldnât hesitate to ask the employer about it during interview: âCandidates should always remember itâs a two-way conversation. How do I say that Iâm not good at something without looking bad? âItâs an old trick that no one buys anymore, so avoid it.â. We work with a number of guest contributors, so if youâre interested in writing for us please contact us. Know trends and stats that you can discuss during the interview. Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview. If time management is your weakness, then you can say that youâre controlling it by using reminders, alarms and calendars on digital devices you have. @ wildflower Many job coaches say that is the wrong answer. The art of listening One of the first skills of a conversation, let alone an interview, is the art of listening. This question is a way to break the ice and make you feel more comfortable during the interview process.However, some people might find thisâand other interview questions about youâslightly stressful. Donât list someone who wonât say good things about you. Getting to know about yourself: Yes, thatâs right. I have a perpetual habit of posing perplexities and being severely antagonistic to people. Negative qualities? How do I say that Iâm not good at something without looking bad? I’m a very outgoing person, and I know I can sometimes rub people the wrong way by being overly-friendly. Negative qualities? This will prove your mettle and show your recruiter how composed you are and how well you can handle tough situations. Pay attention to your intuition! I shouldâve prepared for this better, you think, as your heart starts to race. I’ve been known to stress out around deadlines, but I’m combating it by setting reasonable deadlines rather than ones that are so ambitious they’re impossible. Time Management If time managementis your weakness, then you can say that youâre controlling it by using reminders, alarms and calendars on digital devices you have. 3. Youâll impress the interviewer and move yourself that much closer to being hired. "I give too much importance to my result and I may become selfish for this." Perhaps this the most common and famous interview question of all interview question. Pick the boss that liked you best. Honestly, but with an upswing. Oh, sweet procrastination. Tell me about yourself. Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview | Glassdoor. To determine which negative qualities or professional weaknesses you should say, research the position you want to get and determine which qualities would not have a significant impact. When I work in a team environment, I tend to want to jump in and take charge, but I am learning that a collective approach is almost always the most successful route to take. The most important thing to do is to be honest and be yourself when answering these job interview questions. Some people choose not to answer this question or say that they canât think of a single weakness applicable to the job. This shows your commitment to eliminate the impact of that quality on your work and improve yourself as a professional. During the interview, you were at ease but I want to share with you dismissive qualities to say while you are interviewed. This shows your commitment to eliminate the impact of that quality on your work and improve yourself as a professional. Getting asked what your weaknesses are is never easy, but with a little research and practice, you’ll be prepared. âWhat do you consider your biggest negative quality?â. If time management For example, a person may be inclined to work too had. Quite often, people get nervous and end up fumbling for answers. Never tell about your failures which might impact on your interview. If you donât prepare a good answer to this question, you may very well encounter this scenario. During the interview process, you want to highlight as many of your strengths as possible. Good negative qualities to say in an interview Time management. 2. And if youâre looking for the latest in employer solutions and advice, we recommend our Talent Solutions Blog. In this example, you have seemingly indicated that your perfectionism is negative ⦠I allow my imagination to wander far too often, this usually ends up a disadvantage and places me in awkward positions.. like on the floor.. Good qualities⦠What to Say in a Job Interview. Getting Stressed Around Deadlines While itâs reasonable to worry a bit because of an approaching deadline, getting too worked up about them can be seen as a negative. And, as always, if you make a mistake during your interview, don't fret. Being too ambitious (in this question) can look brown nosey. How to Pass a Pre-employment Personality Test. To determine which negative qualities or professional weaknesses you should say, Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview, 5 Common Interview Mistakes You Can Fix Right Now, How Low Self-Esteem At Work Can Kill Your Chances For Success, Engineering Cover Letter Example & Expert Writing Tips. Getting asked what your weaknesses are is never easy, but with a little research and practice, you'll be prepared. If possible, the job applicant should phrase the "worst" quality as a positive. During the interview, you answer all of the questions from the hiring manager with ease. If you are one of those people, there is ⦠Some people answer this question in a way that tries to make them look good. It's better to have an awkward conversation with a former boss than a bad reference. While thereâs no universal formula to successfully answering this question, there are definitely things you can do to increase your chances of impressing the recruiter/hiring manager â and eventually, getting that desired job. We cover everything from job seeking advice, product / feature announcements, to the latest company headlines. Lisa McQuerrey has been an award-winning writer and author for more than 25 years. For example, if somebody in a. By all means, avoid the cheesy and unprofessional response of, “I just work too hard” or, “I demand perfection of myself and everyone around me.” You won’t appear sincere, and chances are good the interviewer has heard these tired lines many times before. Ideally, you can explain your “weaknesses” or “negatives” in a way that assures them you know about and are continually working to improve in key areas. Putting your skills on paper is one way to show you're a qualified candidate, but talking to the interviewer about your qualities is a sales tactic that lends itself to proving you're a good fit for the job. I do struggle with time management on occasion, but I combat it by faithfully using electronic alarms, a detailed calendar and by always building in an extra 30 minutes of “makeup” time at the end of each day. While this may be a negative for the person's personal life, it can be a positive for the person's employer. Some job seekers confess weaknesses that can potentially hurt their chances of succeeding in the role. Good Qualities to Say You Have at a Job Interview. While being honest is great, being too honest in this case will hurt your chances of getting the job. To a hiring manager, this answer means that the candidate came unprepared and is afraid of saying the wrong thing â or even worse, hiding something. 1. ', How to Identify a Weakness for a Job Interview, How to Interview Someone With Attention to Detail Questions, How to Answer Areas That Need Improvement in an Interview. In most companies, there are several supervisors who can legitimately be called your âboss.â There are a number of negative qualities that can take you from being in the running to out the door, even if you have the necessary qualifications. Remember: Your potential employer uses this seemingly innocent question to suss out your ability to perform your responsibilities. Being detail-oriented is typically a good thing, but if youâre someone who tends to spend too much time on the specifics of a project, it could also be considered a weakness. How to turn negative qualities into positives during an interview ... be at the top of your pre-interview to-do list. The hiring manager wants to see if you recognize and are willing to admit your frailties. If you're not sure what a former employer will say about you, ask. ", Interview Questions on How to Communicate & Interact With Coworkers, Forbes: The Five Worst Interview Questions - And How to Answer Them, CNBC: Suzy Welch: What to Say When a Job Interviewer Asks, 'What's Your Biggest Weakness? I want to share with you negative qualities to say during an interview You should have an improvement plan for each quality you identify as negative during the interview. Do your best to stay calm and collected, even if you're still angry about being terminated. I’m never unprofessional, of course, but it's one of the reasons I think I’m so successful in roles where I work one-on-one with customers. You should have an improvement plan for each quality you identify as negative during the interview. Your words during an interview convey an impression of you and your abilities. You don't want to be too positive, but you should avoid code words that hint at performance, motivational or attitude problems. It only takes a second - see whoâs viewing your profile and monitor your reputation. For example, they may say âI care too much for my work, so working overtime is okay for meâ or âI tend to work especially hard at times, and thatâs what my previous employers liked about me.â. You can say that youâre battling this issue by setting reasonable deadlines instead of ambitious ones like you used to. You do not want to look like a person who holds a grudge. Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview. It can be counter-intuitive to put yourself down or to admit to personal failings, but the question’s negative connotation doesn’t require an outright negative response. What? Good Negative Qualities: You have got an interview at an awesome company, and you are eagerly waiting to tell them why youâre so excited about working with them. While your main focus in an interview is to impress the hiring manager with your most stellar professional attributes, there’s always that one dreaded question: What are your weaknesses? Refusing to Answer. For example: "I pride myself on being a 'big-picture' guy. In crafting your response, it’s important to understand why a hiring manager asks this question. Posted: (3 days ago) Good Negative Qualities to Say in an Interview. That inner voice we all have guides us to make good ⦠The hiring staff truly does want to know what you see as your own red flags. It's never a good idea to say anything negative about your former employer during an interview, no matter what the circumstances. Some people find it difficult to focus on one thing for a long span at a time. Glassdoor ® is a registered trademark of Glassdoor, Inc. What? Home > Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview. A person who refuses to admit they have any areas of their professional lives to improve upon isn’t a candidate who is willing to take direction or grow. Youâve got an interview at an awesome company, and youâre eagerly waiting to tell them why youâre so excited about working with them. The interviewer wants to see how you handle a tough-to-answer question that forces you to examine areas you know need work. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate more on professional traits. The key to discussing negative qualities in an interview is to always counter your response with an acknowledgment of what you do to make up for whatever the âdeficitâ is ⦠âTell me about yourselfâ is the gateway to just about anything to wish to say which is why it can be tricky. If shyness is indeed your negative quality, you can say that youâre managing it by taking an improv or professional speaking class that requires you to talk a lot. âItâs an old trick that no one buys anymore, so avoid it.â, Some job seekers confess weaknesses that can potentially hurt their chances of succeeding in the role. Time Management. So how do you answer this tricky question? âA hiring manager has heard hundreds of people saying the same things to them and trying the same dance,” says Jim Cousins, an HR expert from EssaySupply. The best part about such a question is that it ⦠So many people have this problem â maybe you do, too â and it is definitely not a good one for work. 1. Some people choose not to answer this question or say that they canât think of a single weakness applicable to the job. Just do the best you ⦠By sharing that you focus too much on details, youâre showing your interviewer that youâre capable of helping the organization avoid even minor mistakes. Handle negative questions with a confident stance. Good Dismissive Qualities: You need to attend an interview at an incredible company, and you are so eager to tell them why youâre excited about working with them. Some negative qualities can be described as having positive benefits. 1. When you interview for a job, be prepared to answer questions about your strengths and weaknesses as a job candidate. Good Negative Qualities to Say in an Interview: Time management; Procrastination; Getting stressed near deadlines; Shyness; Being too strict to yourself; List of Good Negative Qualities: 1. For example: Once you can admit what your personal shortcomings are – no matter how great or small – you can develop a strategy for admitting them in a way that actually benefits you. Good Negative Qualities to Say in an Interview. They say that the best way to answer that question is to focus on the job youâre being hired for and doing a good job there. Every employer will have their assessable scale to analyze the traits of the candidate by asking such questions. The good news is that it is possible. To a hiring manager, this answer means that the candidate came unprepared and is afraid of saying the wrong thing â or even worse, hiding something.