If your biggest weakness is answering the question, "what's your biggest weakness?" in a job interview then you've come to the right place. And no, the correct answer is not that you're a perfectionist.
Along with providing the best beauty hacks and dance routines, TikTok has also become a hub of quality careers-focused content. With 1.4 billion videos under the hashtag #careers advice, 447.4 million under #jobinterview, and 327.8 under #interviewtips (via PostBeyond), the platform is the first point of call for young people preparing to land their dream job.
From what to do if you're late for an interview, to explaining those gaps your CV, this is your foolproof guide to nailing that interview, courtesy of TikTok's finest #jobfluencers.
What to do if you're running late
According to Raquel Toussaint a.k.a @raquel_toussaint, a Human Resources professional who provides HR tips on TikTok, here are the steps you need to take if you're going to be delayed for your interview.
Call in advance to explain why you're late.
Reiterate that you're excited for the interview.
Give an ETA and reassure the company that you'll keep them updated with the situation.
So... tell us about yourself
It should be the easiest question to answer. After all, we know all about ourselves, right? However, by assuming we know the answer to this question and not preparing sufficiently, our mind often goes totally blank. Here's what TikTok recommends, starting with what not to do.
Raquel warns against getting too personal when you answer this question. If you're married and love travelling that's great, but does your potential new employer need to hear this yet? Probably not.
On the other hand, here's what you should say. According to TikTok sensation and career coach, Lianne (@wanderlustlicareercoach), you should answer this question by focusing on your accomplishments and metrics relevant to the role, starting with your most recent experiences. She also provides the following example:
Why do you want to work for us?
Although the job's salary may be the driving factor in your motivations, it's best to keep quiet about that one. At least that's according to Jackie Caves a.k.a @jackiecaves, who says, "From a business standpoint, there's a risk in hiring someone whose only in it for the salary."
She explains that it's really important to "dig deep" and "find your why." She also notes that employers really like to hear when candidates are genuinely passionate about the company. So, it's time to work out exactly really inspires you about the role. Be genuine and it will pay off.
Why are there gaps in your CV?
Obviously, there's often a two word answer for this one: the pandemic. Although this is accurate and may suffice when chatting to enquiring relatives, it's probably not going to slide with potential employers. Luckily, Jackie Caves is also on hand to explain this one.
In one of her videos, which has a cool 15.7K views, she explains exactly how to answer this awkward question.
First, emphasise what you have been doing during that gap. And that does not, I repeat does not, mean boasting about "completing Netflix." Explain what skills you've developed instead. Have you completed an online training course? Let your employer know that you've been proactive and have taken the initiative during this period.
What are your weaknesses?
According to Ariel Nui a.k.a @nui.views, this question is actually a really great opportunity to highlight your strengths, without compromising on the honesty of your answer.
For example, if one of your professional weaknesses is that you work too slow, your answer could sound something along the lines of...
"I'm very meticulous and detail-orientated, so I feel that sometimes I spend too much time on certain projects. But I started using a timer to track the work that I do and it's been helping a lot."
Ariel's top tips for answering this question are:
Be genuine but smart in how you respond.
Talk about how you're already productively working on your weaknesses.
Throw in some of your strengths too.
What are your salary expectations?
For this one, you need to strike a balance between "I'll take anything, please, please just hire me," and "I want 100K. Preferably now." According to Rhona Pierce a.k.a. @how2levelup, these are the best tips for negotiating your salary, without alienating your potential employer.
Do your research and negotiate with facts.
Focus on the value that you bring to the table.
Know your worth.
Finally, you need to finish strong by asking the interviewer a few questions of your own. Sarah a.k.a @tiktokjobtips outlined her top five questions that she's previously been asked in interviews. They are...
What is the history of this position?
Which part of this position has the steepest learning curve?
What could I do to exceed your expectations?
How is the feedback process structured?
How will you know you hired the right person for this role?
Once you've got these interview questions sussed, all you need to focus on is getting a pre-interview mani and wait for the job offers to come rolling in.
