Vent: I tried to be super honest in a job interview and it went off the rails

Had a final interview last week for a project manager job. The hiring manager asked about my biggest weakness, so I decided to ditch the usual 'I work too hard' line and told the real truth: I get really nervous presenting to big groups and my voice sometimes shakes. I figured being open showed self-awareness. His face just went blank, he said 'Hmm, that's a core part of this role,' and the vibe totally died. The whole call ended like 10 minutes early. I learned that being totally transparent can backfire if you pick the wrong flaw to share, especially one that hits a key job duty. Has anyone else picked a 'real' weakness that actually cost them an offer?

3 comments

3 Comments

ruby45025d ago

That's a tough spot, picking a weakness that's basically a main part of the job. Do you think you could have framed it as a past challenge you're actively working on, instead of a current truth?

kim_west25d ago

Wait, they actually said their weakness was a core part of the job? How does someone even get hired after admitting that? I'd be shocked if the interviewer didn't end things right there.

the_wren25d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly depends on the job and how they said it. Like if it's a sales role and someone says they're too pushy, that could actually be a good thing in some offices. Maybe the interviewer liked the honesty.