On Job Interviews — Positive Thinking Is Key
I’ve often alluded to my epic lack of education when it came to office politics
during my corporate days.
I never really accepted that political maneuvering was more important than hard work. Bad move and an extremely sophomoric thought process.
Even after a particularly nasty and mind-boggling political struggle with a manager — concluding with my resignation –
I went into a promising interview continuing to ignore the significance of what it means to be politically savvy.
When that all important behavioral interview question was raised: “What are your weaknesses?”
I proceeded — with what I thought was a valiant approach — to commit two (maybe three) universally known interview “101″ no-no’s:
“I refuse (!) to participate in office politics, engage with people who do…and I just don’t understand how it all works.”
In one of those mortifying moments in which you wish you could pull the words back in your mouth, here is what the interviewer probably heard:
- She is inflexible — (read negative)
- She just insulted her last company and her management
- She is unable to give a positive and specific spin on her negative experience…AND
- She is not suitable for an advanced position with a premier company…she’s too thin skinned.
Morals of this story? Politics IS an important element of life in corporate land.
When asked what your weaknesses are — there is only one approach:
Put your energy into your strengths statement — what you have to offer. Then let the interviewer know that although you may not be perfect, you are working on any shortcomings you have.
And practice, practice, practice!
Tags: career-job-search, career-plans, interviewing-tips, Job-interview-skills, office-politicsRelated Stories
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