>>3. What’s your greatest weakness?<<
As an interviewer, I got tired of asking this question relatively quickly, since most people expect it and have canned responses (”I care too much”, “I’m a workaholic”, etc).
Instead, I ask “What are you most often criticized for”. I want to see if the candidate has the ability to self-identify their own faults and shortcomings. No place for egomaniacs who think they’re perfect.
"Well, my last boss got kinda sick of all the time off I had to take to see my Parole officer....and, of course, all his repeated visits to inspect the workplace for weapons and to make sure all my restraining orders are being followed."
“As an interviewer, I got tired of asking this question relatively quickly, since most people expect it and have canned responses (”I care too much”, “I’m a workaholic”, etc).”
Funny thing about all of this is, I have been asking these same bad questions for 20 years. And for the last 20 years my first question has always been, “before we begin, what questions do you have for me?”
That tells me whether the candidate is prepared for the interview. If they aren’t, then asking them if they prefer corn or wheat breakfast cereal and why is strictly for my amusement until I conclude the interview.
If the candidate is prepared, I will never ask one of those questions because we are now engaged in dialogue which to me is a more meaningful tool to ascertain a candidates qualifications.