Good Negative Qualities to Say During an Interview

Everyone has a good negative quality. Yes, it isn’t a popular subject and it thus brings a lot of questions. However, some negativity can be a gift on some occasions. In this case, as you read through, we will be discussing some good and negative qualities of interviews.

Good Negative Qualities

Let’s talk about interviews a bit before we list good negative qualities, it’s worth learning about the mistakes that people tend to make while answering this question.

1. Refusing to Answer

Some people choose not to answer this question or say that they can’t think of a single weakness applicable to the job.

To a hiring manager, this answer means that the candidate came unprepared and is afraid of saying the wrong thing or even worse, hiding something.

2. Masking a Positive as a Negative

Some people answer this question in a way that tries to make them look good. For example, they may say “I care too much for my work, so working overtime is okay for me” or “I tend to work especially hard at times, and that’s what my previous employers liked about me.”

Remember: recruiters are wise to these tricks, and it gets old.

“A 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. “It’s an old trick that no one buys anymore, so avoid it.”

3. Revealing a Critical Weakness

Some job seekers confess weaknesses that can potentially hurt their chances of succeeding in the role. 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.

What You Must Do in an Interview

Now, let’s go over some things you should do when talking about your negative qualities in a job interview.

1. Keep in Mind What the Company Needs

Remember: Your potential employer uses this seemingly innocent question to suss out your ability to perform your responsibilities.

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.

2. Explain How You Want to Improve Yourself

You should have an improvement plan for each quality you identify as negative during the interview. This shows your commitment to eliminate the impact of that quality on your work and improve yourself as a professional.

What Are Your Negative Qualities?

We all have things we simply don’t like, don’t do well, or prefer to pass off to others. Take personal stock of yourself on both a personal and and be honest about how you see yourself, or even how others perceive you, in terms of less-than-perfect qualities. For example:

1. Time Management

If time management is your weakness, then you can say that you’re controlling it by using reminders, alarms, and calendars on digital devices you have.

2. Getting Stressed Around Deadlines

While it’s reasonable to worry a bit because of an approaching deadline, getting too worked up about them can be seen as a negative. You can say that you’re battling this issue by setting reasonable deadlines instead of ambitious ones like you used to.

3. Being Too Critical Of Yourself

Maybe you’ve been too critical of yourself, especially at the beginning of your professional career — generating too much negativity can be seen as a weakness. But today, you choose to actively pause and celebrate your accomplishments, which helps with self-esteem.

4. Shyness

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.

If shyness is indeed your negative quality, you can say that you’re managing it by taking an improv or professional speaking class that requires you to talk a lot.

5. Procrastination

Oh, sweet procrastination. So many people have this problem — maybe you do, too — and it is not a good one for work.

If you say that procrastination is your negative quality, assuage the hiring manager’s worries by saying that you’re managing it by creating daily schedules to hold yourself accountable.

Keep to what is right you will be a step away from success. Do not forget to share it with your friends after reading it.

CSN Team