Posted on Jul 7, 2016
How do you take advantage of your strengths and how do you compensate for your weaknesses?
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RP Members (Veterans and Service Members) looking for work or transitioning, here is another one of the top questions asked by employers during the interview process. This can be on the phone or in person.
How would you answer this question?
Looking for great responses, so they can be captured here for all to use and add to their toolbox!
How would you answer this question?
Looking for great responses, so they can be captured here for all to use and add to their toolbox!
Edited 8 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
Learn the art of creative conversation. Don't attempt to answer a question (or debate an issue) until you have satisfied the other person that you have really heard them. One of the most effective ways of accomplishing this is to repeat their point in your own words until they agree that it is what they said. Then pause a moment. People tend to appreciate thoughtful consideration, especially when you're responding to their request. Then answer concisely without wandering off point. Use examples only if they are precisely responsive to the issue and actually needed. Babbling on about unrelated, or even slightly related issues, appears that you are avoiding something or don't take their views seriously.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
CPT Jack Durish Excellent advice. Effective listening and understanding the questions asked is critical in the interview process!
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Speaking in the general rather than the specific:
Starting with weaknesses, one of the best techniques I've found for compensating them is through teamwork. Raising deficits up is always admirable, however, it's counter to the Economic Principle "Benefits of Specialization" where an absolute advantage can be gained by focusing on individual strengths of team members. Companies (and the military) already do this through staff structure, and it works.
By applying this concept to my weaknesses, I find someone who complements me in areas I lack, and vice versa, someone who I complement in areas where they lack. As an example, switching to the specific I have a solid Administrative and Operational Focus, and actively seek folks with Visionary capabilities.
Looking at the Company, I see it is looking to do X, Y, and Z in the coming years. I would be an excellent "partner" for someone leading one of those projects.
Starting with weaknesses, one of the best techniques I've found for compensating them is through teamwork. Raising deficits up is always admirable, however, it's counter to the Economic Principle "Benefits of Specialization" where an absolute advantage can be gained by focusing on individual strengths of team members. Companies (and the military) already do this through staff structure, and it works.
By applying this concept to my weaknesses, I find someone who complements me in areas I lack, and vice versa, someone who I complement in areas where they lack. As an example, switching to the specific I have a solid Administrative and Operational Focus, and actively seek folks with Visionary capabilities.
Looking at the Company, I see it is looking to do X, Y, and Z in the coming years. I would be an excellent "partner" for someone leading one of those projects.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS When the time is right I'll be reaching out to you. Still need for you to attend one of the Thursday night Webinars. You were signed up, but I don't think you made it. When you have a Thursday free and then you can put on your thinking cap and help us build Sponsor a Vet Life even stronger! All online from the comfort of your home! Yes, I'm throwing out the challenge for the future!
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
COL Mikel J. Burroughs I was and ended up missing it for something stupid and unforeseen (my fault). I'm trying to get my schedule back under control so I don't miss miss another when I sign up!
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS No worries Aaron. I'll be here whenever your ready. Like I said I value your opinion and if you didn't have so much going on right now with school I would be recruiting you very aggressively.
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I strongly believe in the importance of reinforcing your strengths and playing to them. The best way to compensate for weaknesses is to not take jobs for which those traits or characteristics are important.
People find greater satisfaction doing something that they are good at.
People find greater satisfaction doing something that they are good at.
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