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Manager
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Mentioning weaknesses in the recommendation letter [#permalink]
 29 Nov 2006, 18:24
The person doing my rec needs some help about talking about my weaknesses. The question specifically asks for 3 weaknesses and the examples.
So should he give half BS answers that don't sound too bad. Or should he give some actual weaknesses that would put me in a bad light?
half BS answer: He has a tendency to procrastinate on some of the tasks. Or takes on too much work and then asks for help.
Actual Weakness: He has very bad interpersonal skills or he is not a team player
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Manager
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If you mention "Poor Interpersonal Skills" as a weakness, you are a gonner. All weaknesses need to be spun in a positive light -- showcasing how you were once weak and how you addressed those weaknesses.
Example:
"XYZ is currently learning in the area of people management. Although he had little training in this area, he has made rapid strides and recently completed ABC project by involving peers he had no authority over. His potential while not fully realized appears to be promising."
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Manager
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That's the thing. I read all the interview books about the weakness qeustion. If they ask me directly, then I could say what I've done to correct it or at least improve on.
It's hard for my boss to say something. Does he say a weakness and then say that I've improved and it is no longer a weakness?
Or does he flat out say a weakness that is not to damaging?
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Manager
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I think it is pretty clear from the example I gave what I think you should do.
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GMAT Club Legend
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
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saturnring11 wrote: I think it is pretty clear from the example I gave what I think you should do.
I'd agree w/ saturnring.
Discuss the weakness, show how you are aware of it and are actively working to address it, and note your improvement, while impressive, still requires additional work.
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Director
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Quote: So should he give half BS answers that don't sound too bad. Or should he give some actual weaknesses that would put me in a bad light?
It doesn't have to be one or the other. As the example by saturn showed, it can be something that you are mediocre at (maybe because of a lack of experience), something that’s important, but also something that you can reasonably improve upon. Don't have them write about something that makes your character look bad (not a team player), or something that will make it difficult for you to succeed or contribute in school (poor interpersonal or analytical skills). Do you have average time management skills? Are you just learning how to manage staff? Do you have a tendency to defer to more senior team members? What improvement opportunities show up on your reviews? Those are all legit things but they don't "put you in a bad light."
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