How to Answer: What is your least favorite personal trait, and what are you doing to improve yourself in that area?
18. What is your least favorite personal trait, and what are you doing to improve yourself in that area?
How to Answer
If you had to pick one trait about yourself that you are not overly proud of, what would it be? The interviewer would like to get a great idea of the 'real' you. Talk a bit about something that you are working on within yourself, but avoid mentioning a trait that would disqualify you for the position.
Some of the most common personality traits that people dislike include:
- Being a 'know-it-all.'
- Conceitedness
- Rudeness or arrogance
- Dominating conversations
- Dishonesty
- Moodiness or being temperamental
- Irresponsible
- Co-dependent
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Answer Example
"I try to be a good person, but sometimes I can be unintentionally sharp with my comments. My friends say it's my Polish upbringing but either way, I would never want someone to feel uncomfortable around me. I am very conscious of my words now."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Admin Example
"There are many wonderful traits that I will bring to your organization but, like everyone, I have a couple of traits that I would like to improve on. It was brought to my attention recently that I am too brief when giving instructions. I was training a temp and missed some steps because I assumed she already knew what to do. I am consciously trying to be more thorough in situations like that."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Manager Example
"I am on my phone a lot, on my personal time. Even when I am not working, I am checking my emails or taking client calls. My children have started to pick up the same habits, so for that reason, I am working on being more present, and in the moment when it is family time."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Marketing Example
"One personal trait that I would change about myself, if I could, would be the fact that I dislike reading. I love to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and take advantage of other educational resources; however, to sit still and read a book is difficult for me. I promised myself that I would read more, starting with one new book per month."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Retail Example
"I tend to take rejection too personally which is something that I am working to improve. When working in retail, it isn't a good look to have your feelings hurt too often! I am thickening my skin a bit. I like to take the feedback that I receive and improve myself as much as possible."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Sales Example
"I know that sometimes I can turn to humor at inappropriate times. It's a little quirk that I have been working on improving. This situation does not happen in a professional setting as much as it does in my personal life."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018
Teacher Example
"At times, I get very wrapped up in my work and forget to reciprocate a favor or say thank you. I am very grateful to my friends and family and have started to exercise more verbal gratitude."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 7th, 2018