In a job interview, claiming to have zero negative habits is not an excellent answer. That can portray you as egoistic. The interviewer is also not looking for a list of your insecurities and weaknesses. Instead, share with them some changes that can be positive with the good works.
How to answer, “What is the one thing you would want to change about your personality?”
A common question you would be asked in several interviews. Unlike the question “what are your weaknesses?”, this question focuses on how you overcome a flaw in your personality. Employers will get an idea of how well you know yourself and how adaptable you are in a dynamic environment. You can focus on the following points to better answer the question.
- Pick a trait out of the job description: Before answering the question, have a deep understanding of the job description and the qualities they require for the job. This way, you can steer clear from jeopardizing the opportunity by giving a negative impression of the job’s required traits. Pick something irrelevant, and you can work on it. For example, if you are interviewing for an IT job, saying that you are not great at public speaking is acceptable.
- A non-threatening weakness: Pick a defect that doesn’t affect your potential performance in the company. For example, an employer would not mind an over-organized candidate, but someone tending to zone out during work is lethal.
- Get positive: Mentioning one of your weaknesses may seem like a downer but, it is impressive to know your weakness and how you build yourself. Pick out the positive from the negative. Suggest how you are looking for ways to improve and develop your skills.
How to change your personality trait?
Making real and lasting changes can be exceedingly tricky. It requires immense work on your reactions, responses, weaknesses, and beliefs. You can enhance your communication skills and other abilities to have a stronger personality with the help of Personal Productivity Training. The following points would help you alter some characteristics of your personality.
- Learn new habits: Habits can be changed, so creating a new habitual response over time can cause small positive changes in your personality.
- Alter your disbelief: If you fixate on the negative side like you cannot change something about yourself, then you will never succeed. You need to believe that change is possible and can be done. This will push you into making gracious efforts.
- Focus on your efforts: Praise on your efforts rather than your ability. For example, instead of saying “I am so smart”, try saying “I worked really hard for it”. If you feel dissatisfied with certain aspects of your personality, put in the effort and work required and overcome those obstacles. It may become more challenging to change a part of you at a certain age.
- Act on the trait: Sometimes in life, you may feel the urge to change certain aspects of your personality. One fine day, you might think of it deeply and wish you could have handled the situation in a better way. You might hope to change your personality traits, but it is not an easy task. To bring yourself out of the problematic trait, focus on what you want to become and act on pursuing the matter. For example, if you wish to become more extroverted, engage in social activities and mingle. Tackle problematic traits of yours which you need to address with care. The traits you may need to develop may include being more patient and open to public speaking, avoiding unwanted high expectations, taking risks, and trying to be more extroverted.
In Conclusion
To answer the “change about yourself” question may seem tricky and there is room for it to backfire, even if you get the job. Keep your word on how you intend to improve yourself. If you answer you focus more on perfecting the results than the quantity of the work, your employers will look for perfection in your work. You are always held accountable for your answers, so be honest and realistic.
Read more Interview Tips: Tell me about yourself
Jan 25, 2024
