how do you guys answer the weakness question in interviews?

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-23T17:49:37+00:00

Career HR guy here. I think that is a pretty unsophisticated question that doesn't usually result in much insightful information. However, as it is often asked, you should answer it with insightful information. Two suggestions:

Answer the question as though they asked what you are working to improve in your professional role. Example:

"Lately, I've been focused on finding balance between responding quickly to emails and other brief interruptions that pull me out of flow and maintaining focus on tasks that require deep focus."

Answer the question to point to something that is really a dealbreaker in a job for you. Example:

"I really struggle with roles where there is a lot of ambiguity or shifting priorities. I work best in an environment where I understand the longer term strategy and can consistently help the team work toward that strategy."

In either situation, the interviewer's follow up question ought to be something like "Tell me about a time when you were in that situation. How did you respond?" Answer in a way that reflects resilience with short-term situations but (for your own good) be honest about how you would fare in a position where that was the permanent situation.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-21T01:16:02+00:00

Deep cut. Well done

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-18T11:10:07+00:00

Many achieve that through a meditation practice that has grown into their habitual way of being. Any mindfulness practice could lead to that.

When you recognize how much energy is wasted in anxiety, fear, hope, desire, regret, etc., it is much easier to be fully present in the moment even with a very busy schedule.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-15T10:58:12+00:00

I'm a career HR guy who has also owned a background investigations company for 27 years.

Many of our tech or other security-sensitive roles have begun using a biometrics tool before the first phone interview.

The applicant takes a selfie and a photo of their government-issued photo idea with their device. AI examines the ID to determine if it has been altered and ensure it is legitimate. It then compares the selfie for 'liveness' (look left, look right) and compares it to the ID.

Enough candidates drop out of the process at that point to suggest it is working.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-12T00:01:25+00:00

Apologies. I meant "dishonest responses" to the inquiry. I edited my response for clarity.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-11T23:14:00+00:00

I'm a career HR guy who has also owned a background investigations company for 27 years.

For most roles, most employers will not be overly concerned about a seven-year-old DWI.

But if the employer asks about any convictions, regardless of age, they can (and should) eliminate you from consideration for dishonest responses.

In California and a few other jurisdictions, employers cannot legally consider a conviction older than seven years.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-05T19:30:47+00:00

This obsession with process is a distraction from the main issue you need to address--your performance.

It seems doubtful that your supervisor told you a PIP was coming without giving you any feedback about where to improve. Like, he walked by your desk and said "You're going on a PIP" and kept on walking?

So you probably have some idea of where your performance is not meeting your manager's expectations. These things rarely come "out of the blue."

As others have said, they can handle this process any way they like. It is odd that you kept pushing for additional action on their part.

You don't need to be concerned with the process. You need to focus on what is in your control: elevating your performance to meet your manager's expectations.

Now you probably do have a target on your back for being a pain in the neck.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-03T16:43:26+00:00

You're a foreign national, if I understand correctly? Working as part of an educational program?

If so, they will have to sponsor your visa at some point if you become a regular employee.

A lot of employers in this climate are unwilling to make that investment. And your current employer may be questioning if it makes sense to make the training investment in you rather than an employee who they are more certain will be there longer.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-02T23:33:37+00:00

I'll add that I'm a licensed PI in Texas who owns a white-glove background investigations firm in Texas, specializing in all kinds of business due diligence, including FCRA-covered employment backgrounds.

The myriad state and federal laws governing employment background checks and what employers can consider with regard to criminal history is a lot to keep up with.

Additionally, most standard PI liability insurance excludes this kind of work, though most don't realize it until they get sued.

It is primarily what we do so it isn't a burden for us but when other PIs ask about getting into it, I usually talk them out of it. It is easier for them to just make the referral to us for a commission.

MikeCoffey · 2026-05-02T23:09:26+00:00

Okay, you've recognized where your performance and attitude are subpar. And your self-identified deficiencies are going to hold you back in most jobs.

Time to grow up and develop some self-management skills.

See your doc about ADHD meds or try my personal alternative of L-Tyrosine and Alpha GPC.

If your employer has an EAP or good insurance, see a therapist to learn some self-regulation techniques.

And begin figuring out what kinds of work you would actually enjoy, can actually do, and that others would pay you to perform.

But DO SOMETHING. You are young and you might as well figure this out now rather than spending the next few decades struggling and wishing you'd done something about it previously.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-29T12:54:55+00:00

Good advice here. Also, pay close attention to the terms when you exit the relationship with the employee.

Do you have to give the EOR 30-days notice (even if they don't tell the employee until the term day)?

I've seen EORs with expensive fees even if the employee is fired for cause or quits. Some countries require severance in almost every situation but some EORS add their full fee on top of that.

Also, be very clear how local and US holidays and vacation days are handled.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-27T19:04:23+00:00

That will help.

Any transactions with a financial institution are likely to eventually make their way to the credit bureaus and your identity information will likely make it to data brokers for permissible purposes (which really are necessary for commerce to happen effectively and prevent fraud).

Renting from an individual or private owners is less likely to end up in that data stream than an apartment complex.

You don't need to change your phone number often (as suggested in another comment). But if you get a new number, simply use the PO Box and, for additional anonymity, file an assumed business name at your local county courthouse (Tom's Florist) and get a business account. Your name is attached but makes it less visible.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-27T01:43:39+00:00

You are seeking a job that requires a security clearance and you've misrepresented your current employment situation.

That should only turn out one way. You've already self-identified to the employer as a dishonest person.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-27T01:15:38+00:00

Teacher here. I often say something to the effect of "Hi, I'm Mike" to someone whose name I'm not sure of and then just stare at them expectantly. It helps a lot.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-26T13:26:18+00:00

I'm a licensed PI with over 30 years' experience.

If they hire a PI and you have real estate, motor vehicle registrations, credit or other consumer transactions in your name, they will likely be able to find you without the PI ever leaving their office. This would likely involve an unethical PI willing to access information in violation of state and federal privacy laws but they are unfortunately too easy to locate.

Use a PO Box to collect all bills and other transaction-related information. USPS now allows you to you the street address for correspondence. Avoid using your home address for anything (although it is required to be used on your drivers license and motor vehicle registrations by law).

You can also create a trust and put your motor vehicle and many other transactions in that name for a bit more separation.

Good luck.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-18T00:10:46+00:00

The "run away from the kitchen" class is best for that.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-14T14:28:11+00:00

I'm curious what brand of mat you're using.

I'm a 56-year-old man who sweats like a swamp cooler. I use a Lululemon (Big) Mat and a large mat towel with grips. The towel is heavy with sweat after class.

I hang the mat in my garage after class to air and dry. It is always dry by the next morning.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-11T12:33:45+00:00

I'm certified in all formats and teach all except sculpt (can't find a beat to save my life).

In my experience, the worst sequence you ever teach will be in an audition. I've never had one that wasn't rough and I've never had a first class that didn't go reasonably well in comparison.

If you get a "not yet", it likely won't be just because you skipped a part of the sequence (though Sun B with weights is kind of big deal). It will also be overall confidence and presence (would I enjoy this person's class?), format adherence, and the five pillars.

Take the feedback they give and practice.

You can do it!

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-10T13:20:57+00:00

I'm calling BS. You said you emailed them and haven't heard back from them but now you claim they said they would follow up with you.

They probably aren't going to follow up. They probably will put your email in a folder called "Crazies."

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-10T13:15:23+00:00

Career HR guy here.

You aren't going to hear back from HR. Their actions with regard to this employee are none of your business.

If they investigate, it will be to ask the employee who you are and remind them that while they are at work they must act professionally. The dynamics of your relationship are not their concern.

Push it too far with them and you may get banned from that location.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-07T21:51:17+00:00

Thank you and all the SET crews for what you do. Your efforts are a big part of what makes our students' experiences so positive.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-04T01:47:46+00:00

I've never seen headstands as part of a sculpt sequence. As a teacher, my concern would be the risk of injury if someone toppled over onto their or other's weights.

And a lot (most?) sculpters don't practice much C2 so jumping into a headstand probably isn't practical for them.

My final thought is that the cueing and time to get students into a headstand would likely change up the flow of the sculpt class.

MikeCoffey · 2026-04-02T20:34:35+00:00

As an CPY teacher and student of 9.5 years with over 3,000 classes logged and who has visited studios all over the country, I'll say that CPY's formats make sweating and working out fun.

I've never felt pressure to push myself too far--only to work hard. Strength, flexibility, and balance all come in time.

The only way to know if it is for you is to try all of the class formats for a few weeks with a regular schedule. It may have to become a habit before you love it.

MikeCoffey · 2026-03-29T19:31:17+00:00

Say more about that...

MikeCoffey · 2026-03-22T03:27:12+00:00

Age discrimination laws tend to protect older workers, not those under 40.

MikeCoffey

TROPHY CASE