Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn’t want me to know? Job Interview Question and Answer!

Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn’t want me to know?

The question “Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn’t want me to know?” can be tricky to answer as it is designed to catch you off-guard and reveal something negative or embarrassing. However, you should not panic and respond with an inappropriate or irrelevant statement. Instead, use this opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills.

Here are some tips on how to approach this question:

Stay positive and professional: Although the question asks you to reveal something negative, do not fall into the trap of disclosing a personal flaw or weakness that could affect your job performance. Instead, focus on something that is not related to work but still shows your personality, values, or hobbies. For example, you could say that you enjoy playing video games in your free time, but you would not want your colleagues to know how competitive you can get.

Use humor wisely: Humor can be a powerful tool to break the tension and create a connection with the interviewer, but it can also backfire if you joke about sensitive or controversial topics. Make sure your humor is appropriate, lighthearted, and relevant to the question. For example, you could say that you have a phobia of spiders, but you would not want your boss to know that you screamed like a little girl when you saw one in the office.

Show self-awareness and growth mindset: Another way to handle this question is to share a past mistake or challenge that you have overcome and learned from. This approach shows that you are willing to admit your faults, take responsibility for your actions, and improve yourself. For example, you could say that you used to struggle with public speaking and had a few embarrassing moments in college, but you have since joined a Toastmasters club and developed your communication skills.

End on a positive note: Whatever response you choose, make sure to end on a positive note that reinforces your qualifications for the job and your enthusiasm for the company. You can also ask the interviewer if they have any specific concerns or questions about your background or experience that you can address.

Overall, the key to answering this question is to be honest, professional, and strategic. Use this opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and values in a way that aligns with the job requirements and the company culture.