What's a good answer to the interview question "what is your strongest fault?"?

Something like: "I spend too much time concentrating on a problem's solution. I don't like to leave a problem open ended, without resolution." Then give an example.

Depends on how desperate you are for the job.

It seems to me that the interviewer would like to know if you are honest enough with yourself that you acknowledge your weaknesses, but has expressed it terribly wrong. He/she probably read somewhere that in order to strengthen yourself, you must first acknowledge your weaknesses or your fault.

If you really want the job, say something like "I am perhaps too honest that some may call me gullible" or "I am too assertive that I need to be more empathic" or something positive about yourself but make it like I need to control this "positiveness".

If you are not so desperate for the job, then ask the interviewer what what do they mean by "strongest fault"? The two words contradict each other. A fault is a weakness, yet it is associated with strength. It does not even qualify as an oxymoron although the asker may be just a moron.

The choice is yours........

My strongest fault has always been trying to handle everything on my own. Realizing when to ask for help is something I have learned to do, though I do still like to think I can do it all, I know my limits or know if the deadline is due it does not belittle me to ask!

Best of luck to you on your interviews! Be confident, listen to the questions carefully and consider them carefully before answering. When I used to interview people I would watch for "pat" answers, liked it when they laughed or smiled often, when they made eye contact and liked it when they did not pop off an answer but considered it and answered with a lot of thought. I did not care for the person who talked over me, wanted to share too much personal info, was only interested in the benefits, time off, perks, vacation time and pay raises, or who kept trying to sneak peeks at their watch as if I were inconveniencing them! I also liked the person who had done basic research on the company and knew a little about it and what we did, why and for how long. It just showed they were interested in us and they took the time to find out what they were steppping into.

I tell the potential employer that I don't take criticism very well. That I take my work very seriously and when criticized I tend to take it personally. This tells the employer that I'm honest enough to admit a fault but at the same time it says I'm a hard worker that cares about my work.

Employers aren't stupid and they aren't going to fall for the workaholic lines. Its too cliched.

I know for a fact they dont really give a crap about your personality. They want to know what benefits them

1. Make it work related such as, "I don't have experience and such and such program" or "I am new to this aspect of the job"

2. Put a positive spin on it, ".... However I am a fast learner and am eager to expand my skills"

"I'm a workaholic incapable of taking lunch breaks" Who needs strengths with a fault like that?

The bite marks in my tongue have had medical attention!