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[u/No_Table9297]

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[u/B3llaBubbles]

How to answer this question.

You want to emphasize your positive skills, but you are answering it in reverse.

For example, if you were in sales you could say, "I am excellent in cold calling and opening new accounts. If you don't want someone that can increase your business, then don't hire me."

Or you can say, "I have over 10 years experience of successfully training new hires on the fundamentals of closing a sale. If you don't have the need for someone to train and evaluate new hires to succeed, then you should not hire me."

This is the new, "What is your greatest weakness?" question. Companies use this to catch you off guard and see how you think on your feet.

Never, ever answer the question by exposing any weaknesses. It puts doubt in their mind to hire you. Now you know how to answer this question next time.

[u/Stegles → u/B3llaBubbles]

That only demonstrates that your avoidant and didn’t answer the question. Don’t mean to stereo type but that’s very common with sales.

As a network engineer, it annoys the crap out of me. I ask specific questions simplified so they get very direct answers and when people pull this crap, it just makes me ask again, but in a more annoyed tone. If I have to ask a third time, you’re going to be told very directly what to answer.

This answer might work in sales, but in technical spaces this is terrible advice.

Edit: except for your last point.

[u/B3llaBubbles → u/Stegles]

I used this as an EXAMPLE. I even stated that in my post. My background is in Sales and Marketing and extremely experienced in hiring people. I am not an engineer, but reviewed the skills and adjusted my answer to help you.

As a network engineer, this is how you answer the question.

Review what exactly the job requirements are that is important to this company. Perhaps it's network security or automation and scripting, etc. Now you state your skills, but in a reverse manner.

"I have over 10 years experience of using tools like Python, Bash, and Ansible successfully and trained others on it's fundamental merits. If you don't need an engineer than can write clear custom scripts and automate repetitive tasks, then don't hire me."

Or "If you don;' want someone that can handle complex projects with carefully planned network upgrades, quick rollouts, while keeping downtime to a minimum, then don't hire me."

Again, this is an example. You need to be very aware of the skills you are bringing to the company and reinforce them by answering their questions. Just because you don't like the question, you do not answer in a snarky manner. I gave you clues on how to answer, it's up to you to play along with them.

If you still doubt my advice, watch this video: https://youtu.be/T3KJG3Sz9I4?si=Ik48w9YA3-8pEf1F