"Name your strengths and weaknesses? - this is a question you will most likely be asked at any interview. And in modern resumes the column “Strengths and weaknesses” is simply missing. But if you’ve already decided to write about it, then let’s “present everything in the best possible way.” A universal rule is that even your weaknesses in your resume should be attractive to the employer. For clarity, let's look at a few examples.

Weaknesses in a resume (relative to the requirements of a specific vacancy):

• There is no work experience at all (but there is specialized education and a willingness to gain experience with “0”)
• No specialized education (but have work experience and a desire to develop in this profession)
• No knowledge of special programs (but there is a desire and readiness to master them as soon as possible)
• There is a small child (but there will be no more maternity leave, grandparents help with the child)
• Insufficient level of proficiency foreign language(but there is a desire and readiness to “pull it up” in the shortest possible time)

It’s definitely not worth writing about character weaknesses on your resume.

Strengths in your resume

Strengths on a resume are essentially your experience, education, knowledge and skills. There is no need to highlight any of this in your resume. It is better to emphasize during the interview that thanks to experience, education, knowledge, skills and your personal qualities you are a suitable candidate for the vacancy.

Character strengths can be mentioned in a resume. More often than not, these are all your personal qualities. Try to get away from the hackneyed “communication skills”, “punctuality”, “responsibility”, “dutifulness”, “high performance”. Describe your qualities in simple phrases. For example, “I easily find a common language with strangers,” “I take a responsible approach to solving the tasks assigned to me,” “I always complete the work efficiently and on time.”

During the interview, be prepared to share how your character strengths helped you solve a work problem.

In the forms of the vast majority of recruiting agencies and in the questionnaires of applicants in HR departments companies are asked to indicate their weaknesses. For what purpose is this being done, and isn’t it wiser to remain silent about such “cons”?

Practical psychology: why ask about shortcomings

The requirement to list negative character traits or personality weaknesses serves several purposes. This is a psychological trick of the recruiter, who expects to quickly and comprehensively analyze the characteristics of the candidate’s behavior, the properties of his psyche, human experience and communication skills. The ability to advantageously reflect imperfections, the ability to critically evaluate oneself, the tendency to introspection and awareness of shortcomings - these are mandatory attributes of a mature personality, which is characterized by responsibility, learning ability and the art of cooperation. Any reasonable person understands: ideal people do not exist. Someone's statement about the absence of shortcomings means an incredible phenomenon: the individual has reached the limit of his skills and does not consider further improvement possible.

An employee who is not ready to “grow” personally and professionally, or to learn new trends in the field of work competencies, will not attract the attention of an HR manager. In addition, if the applicant does not see weaknesses or is embarrassed to openly admit them, a psychologically savvy manager may suspect inadequately low self-esteem or, on the contrary, extreme pride, unwillingness to compromise and a tendency towards authoritarian communication. Detecting a candidate's integrity is low on a recruiter's list of goals. Anyone who thinks about this question will come to a clear conclusion: to reveal one’s soul to a stranger means to admit one’s naivety, passive submission, or narrow-mindedness.

You need to skillfully play up the topic of shortcomings, voicing only those that cannot harm your career and employer or can present the applicant in a favorable light.

Minus to plus, or turning bad character traits into advantages

Imagine a narcissistic egoist, try to understand his worldview. Any personal imperfection in the eyes of such a subject is seen as a funny little thing or an irreplaceable virtue. I remember the Eastern postulate about the relationship between good and evil, good and bad, positive and negative. Everything in the world is relative. For example, such a character trait as stubbornness can turn into perseverance, let’s call hot temper emotionality, and so on.

Selecting softer expressions in your resume will help smooth out negative characteristics, while leaving them in the category of shortcomings.

1. Search for a synonym whose meaning softens the perception of the property.
2. Selecting neutral shortcomings that cannot lead to failure in the labor field:
   • fear of travel, air travel and other phobias;
   • inability to drive a car;
   • computer helplessness – for professions involving manual labor;
   • overweight;
   • love for sweets;
   • shopaholism;
   • the tendency to make decisions and act according to one’s opinions;
   • inability to adequately respond to rudeness (if future profession not related to customer service);
   • distrust (or vice versa);
   • overdeveloped empathy;
   • meticulousness;
   • exaggerated love of order;
   • tendency to double-check facts;
   • slowness in making decisions (if this does not harm the work);
   • inability to accurately express one’s thoughts (provided that the applicant is not applying for the position of teacher, journalist, etc.);
   • age and lack of experience (if these points are not important for the employer);
   • tendency to get too close to people;
   • inability to conflict and so on.
3. Indication of character traits that in everyday life are considered rather a flaw, but turn out to be useful in work:
   • increased anxiety;
   • straightforwardness;
   • reliability;
   • excessive sociability;
   • persistence;
   • pickiness;
   • workaholism;
   • over-responsibility;
   • slowness;
   • tendency to self-criticism;
   • hyperactivity.
4. Selection of qualities related to profession. This approach must be applied in any case to avoid discovering a decisive flaw. Here it makes sense to show a selection of weaknesses using examples:
   • professions related to the scrupulous study of data that require concentration and attentiveness - accountant, lawyer, engineer, proofreader and the like. Suitable characteristics for them include distrust, adherence to principles, excessive meticulousness, increased anxiety (not for the level of a chief specialist), pedantry, straightforwardness, inability to lie, increased demands on oneself, modesty, difficulties in communication and self-esteem (not for the head of a department, lawyer consulting clients), hyper-responsibility, lack of diplomacy and authoritarianism (can harm a candidate for a leadership position if the organization has adopted a democratic style in relations with subordinates);
   • if your future work is related to communication (sales manager, store consultant, waiter, doctor, massage therapist, trainer, call center operator, etc.), you should adhere to a different list: hyperactivity, impulsiveness, restlessness, self-confidence, distrust, workaholism, excessive sociability;
   • Managerial employees need to write with caution about their shortcomings, focusing on the requests of the vacancy and collecting data about the future employer. Universal qualities are suitable: pedantry, straightforwardness, excessive tendency to introspection, love of little things, emotionality, workaholism, demandingness, distrust, making individual decisions, disposition to double-check facts, hypertrophied responsibility, formalism.

   There is no need to list the entire list of negative qualities. When selecting personality weaknesses for a resume, it is enough to indicate 2-3 points.

What not to indicate

There are features that are reasonably perceived negatively by any employer. These features should not be mentioned:

• laziness;
• lack of punctuality;
• love;
• inattention;
• commercialism;
• passivity in decision making;
• unwillingness to take responsibility.

Objective disadvantages

A special case consists of fundamental aspects of the work history, life history or health status, which may negatively affect the professional suitability of the applicant. Is it advisable to note such shortcomings or is it wiser to remain silent about them? Of course, if there is a corresponding column in the applicant’s application form, it is more rational to indicate truthful information, otherwise unpleasant information will be revealed during an interview or during a check by the company’s security service. If the employee’s exact compliance with certain parameters is important for the employer, it is better to find out this at the stage of sending the resume. Objective imperfections can be divided into the following categories:

• lack of experience or irrelevant (that is, useless for the position being sought) skills;
• unsightly aspects of the biography (long break in work experience, criminal record, etc.);
• inconsistency with the position in terms of age, nationality, citizenship, gender;
• significant deviations in health;
• bad habits.

Techniques for neutralizing objectively vulnerable points in a resume

1. Any flaw found in an applicant’s application form can ruin hopes for employment in a given company. Therefore, in such cases, it is especially important to duplicate the resume with a cover letter - additional document, which is attached to the main one and viewed first. Moreover, in many large corporations, especially subsidiaries foreign companies, the presence of a preliminary message is mandatory. The accompanying message is sent by mail or fax before the resume, and in the electronic version it is inserted into the body of the letter and contains a link to the attached file. This is an excellent way to “catch” the employer’s attention, an attempt in absentia to build a more trusting relationship and highlight your advantages. When the recipient proceeds to review the resume, a favorable beginning of contact with the “problematic” applicant will help smooth out the “sharp corners” in the main presentation. It is important that the applicant for the position is obliged to pay close attention to the preparation of a competent, logical, easy-to-read text cover letter. Here are a number of recommendations that will help when working on such an appeal:

• the letter must be concise, contain no more than 10 sentences, 3–5 paragraphs, occupy a volume of 1000–1500 printed characters (about ½ A4 sheet);
• clear organization of information will allow the employer to quickly read the message without spending a lot of time. Structure:

Examples of undesirable flaws in a resume

There are shortcomings that are not advisable to point out, as they can scare off the recruiter. Examples of such shortcomings:

• habit of being late;
• love of gambling;
• bad habits (cigarettes).

There are also disadvantages that in themselves are not so bad, but mentioning them may also not work in your favor. The undesirable list of shortcomings may include:

• excessive demands (you are not loyal and can provoke a scandal);
• habit of expressing your opinion (you do not know how to listen to the opinions of others);
• painstakingness, the desire to complete the work, despite the late hour (you do not know how to plan time).

To understand what shortcomings can be indicated in a resume, study all the requirements specified in the vacancy and try to imagine a psychological portrait of the person whom the employer wants to see in this position.

What shortcomings to include in your resume: list of examples

Psychologists and experienced recruiters advise that when listing shortcomings, select those weaknesses that may turn out to be strengths for future work. Examples of your shortcomings in your resume include the following:

• hyperactivity;
• pedantry;
• scrupulousness.

Pointing own shortcomings, try to turn them into advantages. Here are the shortcomings you can indicate in a manager’s resume:

• demanding of oneself and others;
• perfectionism;
• emotionality.

All these qualities can be used to your advantage, because all of them, ultimately, indicate that you are responsible for your work.

You can do things differently and reformulate your shortcomings, softening their meaning. For example, the same pedantry can be disguised with the words: “I like to get to the bottom of things and bring the work to perfection.”

Finally, you can list shortcomings in your resume that will have virtually no effect on your future job. You can report your fear of airplanes and spiders. If your job does not involve frequent flights, and you are not going to get a job as a manager, for example, in a pet store, then all these shortcomings will not compromise you in any way. This means that you can safely indicate them.

Strengths and weaknesses of a person very often you need to indicate it on your resume when applying for a job. So everyone begins to think about their weaknesses and strengths.

Human strengths

A strong character depends on a person’s strengths, so you need to know exactly what traits and qualities determine a person’s strong character. In most cases, it is this character that helps to succeed in career endeavors. List:

• Strong thinking;
• Learning ability;
• Professionalism;
• Discipline;
• Love for your work;
• Responsibility;
• Activity;
• Hard work;
• Self-confidence;
• Determination;
• Patience.

Many who wish to obtain a managerial position can indicate the following qualities:

• work to achieve the expected result;
• the ability to find new prospects for development;
• manifestation of initiative, activity;
• ability to persuade;
• ability to motivate;
• presence of leadership skills, you are ready to be responsible for any results and are ready to take risks.
• self-confidence, perseverance, courage;
• Every time you strive to develop your capabilities and self-development.

Very often people indicate in their resume such character strengths:

• courage;
• honesty;
• justice;
• reliability;
• responsiveness.

Weaknesses of a person

Before filling out the column, you need to think carefully about your answer. Remember that ideal people do not exist and managers always want to see how much a person can adequately evaluate himself. Several options for human weaknesses:

• reliability;
• difficulty in communication;
• excessive directness;
• slowness;
• love of formalism;
• restlessness;
• hyperactivity;
• fear of air travel;

If you want to get a job, then you need to think about your weaknesses and give an accurate answer. For example, an accountant can write:

• inability to lie;
• straightforwardness;
• distrust;
• self-esteem;
• integrity;
• responsibility;
• lack of flexibility in complex issues;
• modesty.

These examples can be used as a basis when creating your own resume. Already at the first interview you can see your desire to work and how sociable you are.

Each person has strengths and weaknesses of character that can play to his advantage or to his detriment. Especially when applying for a job or during an interview on which your future depends.

Human strengths

It is known that among us, ordinary people, there are no “saints”. And each person has his own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the first of them. In order to “shine” in live speech during an interview and live communication, think in advance about the qualities that you think are inherent to you.

Example good list human dignity:

• Communication skills;
• Determination;
• Integrity;
• Performance;
• Friendliness;
• Stress resistance;
• Responsibility;
• Punctuality, etc.

If you list at least some of the above traits and qualities, that's half the battle. If the manager sees how seriously you approach this issue, he will appreciate your ability to correctly express thoughts and convey the essence. You should not praise yourself and promise what you cannot fulfill.

For example, if you do not specialize in a particular industry, but you are asked provocative questions about a specific problem, it would be more honest to answer that you do not yet have such skills, but are striving and want to expand your boundaries and skills. Then the employer will be able to appreciate your honesty and desire to develop and climb the career ladder.

The future leader may ask you tricky questions, the answers to which will not be entirely convenient. Endurance and the ability to get out of difficult situations and is checked in this way by the candidate.

It doesn't seem right. But if you are applying for a good position with a high salary and you will be required to be able to communicate with people competently and without emotions, then you must have self-control and discipline.

A potential employer, through live communication, will be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses and draw conclusions about your personality.

The manager will also ask you about your strengths and weaknesses. You should not take this issue seriously and completely remove all the “skeletons” from the closet. It will be enough if you name some minor shortcomings: for example, shyness. This little vice rarely deters. Therefore, there is no need to worry about this.

To avoid embarrassment during an interview and personal conversation with a potential employer, make a list of your strengths in advance. It will be useful for you to analyze your mentality and character, thereby you will be ready for such a question and will not be confused.

Take a blank piece of paper and start writing down the qualities that you are proud of. For example, kindness, understanding, responsiveness, sociability, learning ability, etc. This is a kind of training. You will be able to objectively evaluate your pros and cons. And in advance, you can write a list of those qualities that you do not possess, but are trying to develop in yourself. This will give you a push and incentive to change.

Weaknesses of a person, their list

Now let's try to consider the weaknesses of human character. Most often, when trying to get a job, during the interview the employer may notice some shortcomings of the future candidate for the position. For example, he may be alarmed by inattention, absent-mindedness and slurred speech.

Consider a list of the most common human shortcomings and weaknesses:

• Indecisiveness;
• Emotional stiffness;
• Shyness;
• Timidity;
• Coarseness;
• Rudeness, etc.

When talking, try to tell your boss about your interests, hobbies, and a little about the family in which you grew up. In this way, you will win over the employer, and he will appreciate your aspirations and see that you are ready to do a lot for the sake of work. Honesty and unobtrusive frankness will benefit you.

Weaknesses in a resume

When writing your resume, be careful when indicating the reason for leaving previous work. For example, if it were conflict situations with employees, or disagreements with the employer. It doesn't matter why you quit. Do not write about the reasons for leaving; it is better to write about it discreetly. For example, you weren’t happy with your work schedule, or you had to change your position due to a move.

Also, try not to get personal and tell your future employer about your past work team. It is better to avoid inconvenient topics tactfully and carefully. At the same time, without losing composure and self-esteem.

Strengths of a person in a resume example

When writing your resume, be careful in indicating your strengths. For example, you should not write about character traits that you do not possess. It’s better to focus on the strengths of your character. For example, you could write the following traits:

• Determination;
• Curiosity;
• Stress resistance;
• Communication skills;
• Ability to get out of different situations;
• Active life position.

By listing these qualities, you will definitely make a positive impression on your boss, and your candidacy will be considered.

Strengths and weaknesses of a leader

Additionally, you may be asked what qualities and personal merits you would like to see in your boss. It’s worth thinking about the answer to this question in advance. For example, you can say what you want to see in a leader:

• Determination;
• Restraint;
• Responsiveness;
• Demandingness;
• Communication skills;
• Individual approach to employees;
• Decisiveness, etc.

You won't be asked questions like this for nothing. After all, every employer wants to see what the employee expects from his superiors. If you answer adequately and your potential boss likes you, you will get a permanent position.

Character strengths and weaknesses

Let's summarize. When applying for a job, you should think through your answers in advance to make a good impression on future employers. If you actively communicate, show your best side, emphasizing the strengths of your character, you will definitely receive promising job and desired position.