How Your Star Sign Can Help You Land Your Dream Job

Preparing for an interview can be draining. You put so much effort into preparing responses, researching the company and looking your best, just to arrive on the day and be asked the world's worst interview question:

"What would you say is your biggest weakness?"

Now, if you are anything like me, you will be able to reel off a list of weaknesses as long as the month of January feels. I like many, many people around the world suffer from highly toxic negative self-talk, which makes it difficult to turn these thoughts into something you want your potential employer to hear.

Alternatively you could be at the other end of the spectrum; sat in front of the panel, ultra-confident, rummaging around through the archives of your full-to-the-brim knowledge box, searching for something to tell them.

Either way you look at it, your response could probably do with some thought.

What if I told you, that what you consider to be your greatest weakness; could also be your greatest strength? And sometimes, your greatest strength can be your biggest downfall?

Firstly, let’s take a look at what the panel are really asking here, and what they aren't asking.

The interviewer is not asking this question to see if you are perfection personified, or to make sure you won't bring the company down with your long list of inadequacies.

What they are looking to find out, is whether you value self-improvement, have a growth mindset and a healthy amount of self-awareness.

"I thought you were going to tell me whether my dream job is written in the stars?"

Ah, you must be an Aries. Don't be so impatient, we are getting to that. Or are you just eager to find out more?

Now, you could always run a quick google search and find some stock answers for this dreaded question; but you run the risk of having the same answer as other candidates, and all you're really telling the panel is that you know how to use a search engine. OK, boomer.

So let's look beyond our screens and up to the stars.

STAR SIGN: CAPRICORN

THE GOAT (DEC 22 - JAN 19)

I was born on January 16th, making me a Capricorn. What does this say about me, and how can I use it to answer difficult interview questions?

Star signs often have a number of traits and characteristics that are associated with them. And whether you relate to them or not, this exercise may just help you secure that dream job, or at the very least, learn to view yourself in a kinder light.

What my star sign says I am: hard-working

Capricorns are renowned for being ‘smart and hardworking’. According to the many teen magazine articles and horoscopes I have read, we always get what we set our minds to, both personally and professionally. Think about your answer like this:

"What would you say is your biggest weakness?"

“Being extremely hard working, I sometimes struggle to switch off. This has hindered me in the past as I have become physically and mentally exhausted towards the end of projects. I have addressed this recently by allocating short breaks for self-care throughout my day to avoid getting over-worked.”

What my star sign says I am: stubborn

Often when we hear the term stubborn, we think of someone who likes to get their own way, or perhaps is overly critical and controlling. Not great traits to wow your potential employer with. How about answering the question like this:

"What would you say is your biggest weakness?"

“Sometimes I have been described as stubborn by colleagues who don’t know me all that well. This is often a reflection of my tenacity, determination and ambition to achieve goals and targets on time. Throughout my career I try to ensure that I am always viewed in this way, as opposed to stubborn, through effective communication.”

What my star sign says I am: detail-oriented

Generally speaking, Capricorns are touted as practical, grounded and meticulous. Which is great, until you are asked what your biggest weakness is. Try thinking of if this way:

"What would you say is your biggest weakness?"

“In the past I have lost sight of the bigger picture because I am so focused on the smaller details. Over the years I have learned to recognise when good enough is good enough and work with partners and colleagues to get the job done.”

I try and take this attitude beyond the interview room, particularly when I am being hounded by my inner voice.

Whether you are looking to answer a difficult interview question, working on your own self-awareness or managing criticisms from others or yourself, try and frame the conversation in this way:

Strengths and Weaknesses are two sides of the same coin.

You may be a Taurus who has been stuck in the same job for years (your star sign says you’re loyal btw) or a Cancer whose star sign says they are overly emotional (I bet you approach challenging situations with compassion and empathy, am I right?) Whatever your star sign, whether you relate to it or not; you are who you are – not who you and others think you are - you just need to frame yourself in your best light.

You will be more confident and comfortable in your own self - and that can only lead to success.