How do you answer the job interview question of...

"Tell me a flaw about yourself."
"Tell me three things that you'd like to change about yourself."
"Tell me a bad habit of yours that you'd like to change."

All these questions are so open ended I usually don't know how to answer them. The first thing I do is throw back a question at them to give myself more time to think about the answer I'd like to give.

"Relating to my work habits or personal habits?" is something along the lines of what I'd ask, despite knowing that they're going to come back at me with a "either one."

The first question, I usually say that I'm too uptight and I don't know how to wind down and my mind is always on the job, even when I'm at home. Sounds like a reasonable answer to me.

The second one I've never successfully answered. I usually just ask to come back to it once I've thought a little bit and they generally forget to re ask the question.

The third, I use the same answer I give for the first.

What's some decent responses you guys'd use to answer these questions?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Yeah I'll definitely agree with the persistance. It's definitely a matter of persistance until you find the right job for you.

Just in case anyone was wondering, I've got a job. As a matter of fact, I'm typing this from work. I was just wondering how everyone else handled these situations. I'm going to be taking over the HR department here so I just needed some tips.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by katchum

So you're the HR consultant? Then you should ask questions like this: Can you give an example of...? People usually be very, very silent when you ask these questions...

Can you give an example of your directness?

Yeah, the 'examples of' questions are usually stumpers. I've honestly had over 100 job interviews and to be on the other side of the table is great. My tactic is to remember all those difficult questions that I hated answering, compile them and bang them out on any poor soul who has the misfortune of having to interview with me.

I'm pretty damn direct though in all honesty.

Also, I'm going to take over HR, I haven't yet. My official title is "Marketing Manager," however "Marketing Department" would be more accurate.

How ya doing, buddy?

I've actually said that too. I've used the neat freak and perfectionist cards.

One time the interviewer actually straight out told me "That's not a flaw." He kept a straight face and waited for a different answer.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?