Communicating More Effectively
217UÊPlan a response in case you are asked about your weaknesses or limitations. 
There is no need to list every ﬂaw that comes into your mind. Instead, you 
can mention one or two limitations, phrasing them in such a way that they 
are unlikely to be viewed as a problem that cannot be solved. For example, 
you can choose to focus on a minor limitation in your experience or train -
ing that is unlikely to be viewed as serious. Or, you can deﬂect the ques -
tion by talking about a limitation that you had in the past that is no longer 
a problem (something like, “When I ﬁrst started my previous job, I didn’t 
have much experience working with computers. However, over the past few 
years, I got a lot of computer experience, so that’s not an issue anymore”). 
However, don’t emphasize limitations that could be viewed as weaknesses 
in your character or a reﬂection of your work habits (for example, “I get 
angry easily” or “I’m very unorganized”), since a potential employers may 
view these as harder to change. Also, avoid answering a question about your 
weaknesses with a response about how you work too hard (for instance, “I 
tend to work too hard, so I need to remind myself to take breaks”). This is 
a very cliché response that employers will see through (no employer would 
see that as a weakness). For more ideas on how to answer difﬁcult interview 
questions, check out Ron Fry’s book, 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview 
Questions (2007).
UÊPrepare at least ten questions you can ask during the interview. Write them