In a world where the importance of gut health has captured the attention of many, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Clara Latham, Co-Founder and Joint MD, Deeply Foods. Clara shares insights into the inspiration behind Deeply, the challenges she has encountered, and her career journey up until this point.
Clara’s professional background has seen her build brands which have both developed and lead in their individual categories.
She began her career working for healthy snacking brand Bounce, where for 7 years she worked across various sales and marketing roles; her achievements spanned winning and growing the health & specialist retail landscape, to being the brands spokesperson across PR and all major trade events and finally developing and overseeing the export strategy for the brand, in an International Key Account Manager position. Working closely with Bounce MD, they led the smart-snacking category to become the number 1 energy ball, with a Bounce protein ball now sold every 1.9 seconds globally.
Clara was subsequently appointed as Head of Sales at Seedlip, during which time she worked closely alongside founder, Ben Branson, to establish and develop the no & low spirits category. As Sales Director, she oversaw a 15-strong commercial department, and supported the business in gaining 7000+ distribution points globally, Seedlip emerged as the undisputed category leader, before being sold in just 4.5 years to alcohol drinks giant Diageo, in a successful majority deal acquisition.
Clara was shortly after head-hunted to lead the launch of Delevingne Sisters’ wine brand, Della Vite, in the role of GM. She lead the brands growth successfully through Covid, launching in the UK and US, before parting ways to focus full time on her Founder & MD role for Deeply.
Co-Founder & Joint MD, Deeply Foods
I’m a passionate foodie, born and bred Londoner, an extrovert – and have been working in the world of food & drink start-ups my whole career which now spans sixteen years. I live with my wonderful husband Ben and care deeply about my family & friends.
Deeply has been on the market for only a couple of months (we launched in September 2023) but I’ve been working on the development of the business and brand idea for over two years with my fellow founding team members.
After discovering just how impactful a thriving gut microbiome can be on our overall health, I was inspired to research and find out what it takes to truly build and maintain a healthy gut. The latest science now proves that consuming 30g of fibre per day is key and plays a fundamental role, yet in the UK alone, only 10% of us are managing to reach the daily goal.
At Deeply, we’re passionate about helping people bridge their fibre gap so we developed a range of powerful prebiotic fibre blends, which can be enjoyed as part of a repeatable morning ritual, a simple morning dose. Our recipes are proven to directly tackle many of the most common gut health issues (bloating, constipation, digestive discomfort) with a growing number of consumers now feeling the benefits and converting to the power of prebiotics.
Having worked at several really interesting and innovative start-up businesses, I love the fast-paced & entrepreneurial environment. Work has never really felt like ‘just a job’ to me, in fact, I’d go as far as to say my career has likely moulded a part of my personality. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some fantastic founders and gained a lot of experience and insight into what it takes to build a successful business.
The key was succeeding in developing a product & brand within a space that truly resonated with me. Given I’m always trying to optimise my health I knew I wanted to launch a brand within the health and wellness space. The positive impact I believe Deeply can have on people’s lives excites me hugely.
I met Mark years ago when he was MD at Bounce Energy Balls which was the first company that I ever worked at. For seven years I benefited from his great leadership and mentorship and experienced first-hand many of the business attributes I deem as important for the effective running of a company. We share a lot of the same values when it comes to building brands & teams. We reconnected several years later, both keen to start building something for ourselves from scratch, and the stars aligned for us to co-found a business together. Mark is incredibly hard working, very passionate about health, but most importantly he is someone that I can trust, which is a key attribute when looking for a co-founder.
It is still very early days, but I am incredibly proud and happy with the brand we have launched. The recipe, its proven efficiency as well as the name Deeply. I love that it’s packaged in innovative aluminium which is a key differentiator.
We’re already seeing lots of consumers subscribing to Deeply, which is a key part of our strategy – getting people to invest in a daily gut health routine. We’re also well on our way to better understanding who our target consumer (and shopper) is, which is a fundamentally important thing to define.
I’m also proud to see us winning significant shelf space in retail within the gut health fixture as the leading and only prebiotic brand. Deeply challenges the status quo within the category and it’s lovely to be able to see that in front of my eyes after years of it living only on a slide or within a strategy deck!
Lots of the usual start-up mayhem including supply-chain delays that pushed our launch back. We’re also faced with the everyday challenge of choosing what we must prioritise, as we’re currently only a small team. I do however believe that it’s mastering these challenges with the right level of resilience that will help us to differentiate & ultimately win over other companies. The other interesting challenge which is specifically relevant to this space is that no two people’s gut microbes are the same, which means Deeply can benefit people in entirely different ways. It’s a fun puzzle to put together, but it does add some complexity!
We want to be the leading household, premium prebiotic gut health brand, by 2030. We hope to be recognised for being a true leader in the gut health category, that is recognised for the genuine positive impact we have had on people’s lives and their health. I believe that prebiotics and fibre are a fundamental driver of that, and we hope to achieve enough commercial impact to make a notable difference.
A tricky question to answer as every role has been hugely beneficial. Before starting Deeply, I have worked at three fantastic companies. Seven years at Bounce, over four years at Seedlip and almost three years at Della Vite. At Seedlip I was employee 2, hired as Head of Sales and grew with the company from shortly after launch until post-acquisition to Diageo. The role gave me so much exposure to launching, growing, scaling, and selling a brand and we did it in four and a half years. It was undoubtedly a start-up success story and the experience I gained from being part of the leadership team that created a category, responsible for developing the commercial strategy and growing my team was hugely valuable. People often refer to a step in their career as being a transformational phase, so I would have to say that that was my time at Seedlip.
There are a range of people I’ve hired along the way and a good segment are from New Chapter. Sam Gummer was a New Chapter candidate, and he was my third hire into the sales team at Seedlip. Before being at Seedlip, he worked as an estate agent selling properties in Knightsbridge. He walked up to his interview, suited and booted, and pitched that he was passionate about moving into the food and drinks industry. He had no real industry-relevant experience, but he was super hungry, incredibly polite, and very ambitious. I felt that although he was a bit of a wild card, he was showing all the right attributes that we looked for and the right kind of behaviour and culture fit, so I went for it and offered him the job.
As Seedlip began to scale into the national retailer landscape, listing with the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, Sam was responsible for defending the Speciality channel and through a very focused strategy managed to maintain channel growth, which was against the odds. He executed it fantastically. Now he’s the Sales Director at Longbottom! What an amazing progression story. One of the many Seedlip alumni.
Fundamentally, everything is just put under a microscope when it’s your own business. I care a lot, and it’s just a unique and challenging experience. When you’re hiring at the start of the journey, the first people set the tone for the culture and performance expectations. You need doers, but also expertise which can sometimes be a challenge on start-up budgets. I have always viewed the budget as if it were my own, but in this case, it really is my own, it’s our livelihood. It’s a challenge but it’s exciting!
Linking to my previous point I think the biggest thing I have learnt so far, is that the highs are higher, and the lows are lower. It is more extreme, and my advice is to have the right support system around you. Whether that’s family, your partner, your friends, or mentors – people that you can bounce ideas off and trust. And also, always try to remember, you are still your own person, and your professional role however personal it can feel at times, shouldn’t define you.
Take a look at Deeply Foods below and explore the benefits prebiotics can have on your health.
With the advent calendar season just around the corner, the clock is ticking for those who haven’t yet secured their beauty advent calendar to start the countdown to Christmas. From jewellery to makeup must-haves, these beauty calendars will allow you to discover new favourites!
Let’s dive into our guide to the best beauty advent calendars of 2023, and hopefully, this can help you make the all-important choice.
It’s back again! MAC’s advent calendars over the last five years have been very successful. Here’s their 2023 Frosted Frenzy Calendar, including 16 full-sized products and 8 minis, perfect for any makeup lover.
Buy now from MAC for £170
Worth over £485
Another fragrance filled callendar is from Jo Malone, complete with colognes, bath and body miniatures, a full-sized scent, and two travel candles. Whether you’re a fan of Jo Malone London classics or eager to find new festive fragrances, this invites you to discover your next favorite scent.
Following the sell-out success of its first ever advent calendar, Sephora UK has dropped an even bigger beauty selection. This calendar is filled with 36 products, 23 of which are full-sized, from their most exclusive and best selling brands.
Buy now from Sephora for £189
Worth over £1000
The most affordable calendar on this list, Makeup Revolution’s 25 Days of Glam. Their popular countdown is back again and better than ever, with everything you need to from lip glosses to eyeliners and must-have accessories, the ultimate choice for a beauty lover.
If fragrance and makeup aren’t your thing, here is one of our top choices of Jewellery advent calendars this festive season. In fact Astrid & Miyu have a selection of three to choose from, all with best-selling pieces, exclusive jewels and amazing savings. Prices range from £395 to £995.
Buy now from Astrid & Miyu for £325
Worth over £600
Charlotte’s Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets unveils 12 doors, housing 2 full-sized products and 10 makeup and skincare minis. Act quickly if you’re eager to grab this calendar, as it’s likely to sell out soon!
Buy now from Charlotte Tilbury for £160
Worth £225
Thank you for reading our blog, if you’re not a beauty lover make sure to take a look at our food & drink advent guide!
If you’re looking for a new opportunity, check out our website to search our live job vacancies now!
Or
Get in touch for a chat so we can learn about you and understand what you want out of your career.
0845 200 741
info@newchapter.co.uk
Now that you know the most effective responses, from our previous blog, and have pinpointed your weaknesses, let’s tackle the hard part, delivering your answer to the interviewer. Here is our tips for answering the classic “What is your greatest weakness?” question.
Whilst practice doesn’t guarantee the perfect response in the interview, it certainly helps you feel more prepared and confident. Although we can’t predict whether this question will come up, it is commonly asked, so the chances are high. It’s normal to stumble or stutter over words, but it is crucial not to completely fumble your response. Doing so may come across as insincere or unprepared, especially with a question like this.
After you’ve drafted your answer, read it in front of a mirror or to a friend. Focus on your delivery and avoid sounding overly scripted. Ensure you’re comfortable with altering your wording and improvising at times; this will make your response sound more natural and less rehearsed.
We don’t want to dwell on our weaknesses; try to keep your answer short, ranging between thirty seconds and one minute. First, directly state your weakness, then use the remainder of your answer to explain what steps you’ve taken or put in place to overcome it.
Explain in simple terms the steps you’ve taken to improve. Remember, your interviewer likely has more pressing questions about your experience, and this answer isn’t as critical as you may think.
Their goal isn’t to intimidate or scare you based on your answer. Asking about weaknesses is simply a way to get to know you. They’re not looking for you to admit that you’re not right for the job – after all, you’re qualified; otherwise, you wouldn’t have made it to the interview stage. They simply want to gauge your self-awareness in identifying areas for growth and assess how you handle feedback.
Assuming you’ve practiced, this should flow naturally. Confidence is key when talking about weaknesses, it shows that you are ready to acknowledge your areas for growth. During the interview, be sure to maintain positive body language and eye contact whilst delivering your response. Boost confidence by highlighting and focusing on the progress you’ve already made.
Here’s the good news: hiring decisions don’t rely on your answer to “What is your weakness?” to make their final decision. If you’re honest and explain your commitment to improvement, this question will likely be low in your interviewer’s notes. So, take a deep breath, and we wish you the best of luck in your interview.
At New Chapter, we partner with companies in the FMCG & Retail industries. If you’re currently seeking a new opportunity, make sure to contact us on info@newchapter.co.uk or take a look at our current vacancies.
Alternatively, if you just need some specialist advice from experienced recruiters in your industry, we would love to help you out.
As the world comes together to celebrate World Vegan Day, we’re thrilled to have our Senior Marketing Manager, Katie Leuw, share her favourite vegan alternatives.
Today we are delving into the world of plant-based living, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about trying these alternatives. Here are her top selections:
Planthood is more than just a brand; it’s a destination for plant-based living. They’ve made it convenient for those who struggle to know where to start with vegan meals. Unlike recipe boxes, their chefs do the hard work, cooking from scratch. You just reheat and finish the fresh bits in under 15 minutes.
Indulgence meets health with The Raw Chocolate Company. Their range of raw chocolate treats is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. From bars and buttons to hot chocolate powder, they offer an alternative for every chocolate lover.
Known for their creamy oat milk, Oatly has taken the world by storm with their range of dairy-free alternatives. From barista-style oat milk for your morning latte to rich and indulgent oat-based ice creams, Oatly has proven that oats can be a versatile and delicious substitute for dairy.
Beyond Meat is at the forefront of the plant-based meat revolution. Their innovative products replicate the taste, texture, and aroma of animal-based meats, making them a fantastic choice for transitioning or seasoned plant-based eaters. Including chicken nuggets, burgers, sausages, and more, they offer an alternative for every meat eater.
Violife is a leading brand in the world of dairy-free cheeses. Their range includes an array of cheese alternatives that melt and taste remarkably similar to dairy cheese. According to Katie, their Epic Mature Cheddar tastes just like the real thing!
Nakd offers a delicious range of wholefood snacks made from all-natural ingredients. While their most popular products are their raw fruit and nut bars, they also offer Granola and Protein bars. Nakd provides an alternative to traditional sugary snacks that are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients.
These brands dedication to creating high-quality alternatives is not only changing the way we eat but also reshaping the future of food. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about plant-based options, we hope you can try one of these products and let us know what you think!
We are lucky to work with some of these amazing plant-based brands and offer great opportunities to become a part of their teams.
Check out our website to search our live job vacancies now!
Or
Get in touch for a chat so we can learn about you and what you want out of your career. 0845 200 741 info@newchapter.co.uk
We now find ourselves just under a week away from the spookiest night of the year, it’s time to prepare for your chilling celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party, or simply looking to enjoy a creepy cocktail, these Halloween recipes are sure to cast a spell on your taste buds. From a pumpkin punch to a witches brew, we have something for everyone this spooky season.
Dare to sip on the Vampire’s Kiss Martini, a concoction with bold flavors and a striking red hue. The perfect haunted drink this halloween.
This festive take on the Espresso Martini is the key to a perfect Halloween or any time of year. Pumpkin Spice Latte season only ends when you say it does…
Lucky or unlucky, whoever gets served one of these wicked black cat martinis will definitely be counting themselves lucky!
Did you think coloured Halloween cocktails had to be sickly sweet? Think again! This vivid green cocktail will bewitch your guests.
We have some spookily good job opportunities for you! Start carving out your next career today!🎃
Check out our website to search our live job vacancies now!
Or
Get in touch for a chat so we can learn about you and what you want out of your career. 0845 200 741 info@newchapter.co.uk
Securing a job that prioritises your well-being is more crucial than ever, given the increasing awareness of mental health in the workplace and the range of benefits now available. It’s important to consider not only the salary and job responsibilities but also the perks. These can significantly enhance your overall happiness and satisfaction in both your professional and personal life.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key mental health benefits to keep an eye out for when looking for your next opportunity.
Embracing flexible work arrangements, whether through adaptable work hours or the option to work from home, be it in a hybrid or fully remote capacity, can significantly improve work-life balance and alleviate stress.
Without the need to fit your life around traditional 9-5 office hours, you have the opportunity to create your own schedule. This means your work can align with your lifestyle, allowing more time to excel professionally. No commute or a reduced commute, saves money and also means you have more time for your hobbies.
Some employers provide wellness programs that include activities like yoga, meditation, or fitness classes. Incentives such as ‘gym lunches’ can be included in these programs, to establish a healthier work-life balance and promote overall mental and physical well-being.
Allowing employees the opportunity to exercise or simply get outside during the day can leave them feeling motivated and refreshed, therefore reducing the likelihood of that afternoon slump.
Numerous companies provide Employee Assistance Programs that extend confidential counselling and support services to both employees and their families. Additionally, many offer health insurance plans with comprehensive mental health coverage, including therapy, counselling, and psychiatric care. These programs serve as invaluable resources for managing stress, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
The culture of a company has a significant impact on your well-being. A positive and forward-thinking business, one that values open communication and teamwork, will create an environment where you not only thrive professionally but also feel heard, supported, and valued. Ultimately a company that prioritises collaborative teamwork and cultivates a positive office environment will naturally attract likewise individuals who share the same values.
Employers who prioritise your mental health will ensure you have access to allocated paid time off and encourage you to make the most of it. Having dedicated mental health days enables you to focus on your well-being without the financial worry. Companies that acknowledge the importance of these benefits tend to foster a healthier work culture. Allowing employees to reset and recharge, will ultimately enhance overall productivity.
Establishing transparent expectations is vital for preventing burnout and maintaining good mental health. When responsibilities are communicated clearly and workloads set realistically, it paves the way for a positive and less stressful environment.
On the other hand, an imbalanced workload creates a huge toll on mental health, leading to decreased motivation, increased exhaustion, and a ripple effect on the rest of the team.
As you start your job search, remember that your mental health is just as important as your professional growth and financial stability. Actively seeking positions that prioritise these mental health benefits means you are taking a significant step towards a healthier, more balanced professional journey. Always remember, your well-being matters.
Use our 2023 Salary Survey to gain insight into what benefits other FMCG companies are offering. This ensures you can stay ahead of the market and have a clear picture of what might be on offer to you.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and what better way to count down to the festivities than with an advent calendar?
This year, brands have gone all out, now with a huge selection of advent calendars that go beyond the traditional chocolate squares. From cheese to crisps to gin we have wrapped up the top picks for 2023!
Is your favourite christmas beverage a cold G+T? Look no further than the Fever-Tree advent calendar. With 12 days of gin and tonic combinations, it’s the perfect way to kickstart the festive season!
Isn’t it always Fizz O’clock somewhere? This offers a fun way to countdown to the big day or to gift to someone counting down to a special event!
Prefer a sweeter treat? The Naked Marshmallow Co. has released the world’s first Gourmet Marshmallow calendar, featuring 12 flavours tucked behind 25 doors. And if you enjoy them toasted, don’t forget to add their toasting kit to your basket!
Indulge in your love for Pringles! Enjoy 12 days of your favourite crisps in the lead up to ‘Crispmas’. Flavors include Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar, and Texas BBQ Sauce.
Prefer sweet over savoury? The Candy Kittens advent calendar holds a treat behind each door, and on day 24, you’ll find a full size bag to enjoy right before the big day!
Elevate your Christmas countdown with 24 unique brews and a selection of extra festive gifts! Ideal for those who want to try something new but aren’t necessarily big foodies!
Joe & Sephs have revealed their most magical advent calendar yet! Featuring 24 treats with 19 unique flavours, it’s the perfect snack to enjoy on your festive film nights.
Looking for something other than sweet treats? Consider indulging in a Cheese Advent Calendar, offering 24 days of mini creamy cheese truckles.
Looking for a simple, budget-friendly calendar, and not a fan of chocolate? This is the perfect option for you: every day you can tuck into some sweets!
Twelve unique gin tins for the lead up to Christmas – an essential for gin lovers this winter. It’s not just a calendar but could be given as a gift!
What better way to count down to Christmas than with a delicious flapjack flavour each day? Ranging from the classics to festive specials, there’s something for everyone!
Are you coffee obsessed? Get your daily fix in the countdown to christmas with this Nespresso Calendar. With its extensive selection of premium capsules, it’s the perfect gift or well-deserved treat for yourself.
This customisable advent calendar from Lindt allows you to select from their extensive range of flavours and you can create your very own festive treat box, complete with 24 Lindt truffles!
Indulge in full-size dark chocolate Nut Butter Cups, a treat perfect for both nut and chocolate lovers to satisfy your cravings in the lead up to Christmas.
Last but not least the dream calendar for the biscuit lover, a shortbread countdown! Each day brings a delicious shortbread treat, perfect for those winter mornings.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, we hope it can help you select your calendar for this festive season.
Make sure to stay tuned for our upcoming blog on the top beauty advent calendars 2023!
Check out our website to search our live job vacancies now!
Or
Get in touch for a chat so we can learn about you and what you want out of your career. 0845 200 741 info@newchapter.co.uk
In the ever-evolving world of FMCG, finding the right talent is crucial for success. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for a career change or a company in need of skilled individuals, New Chapter Consulting is your trusted partner in the FMCG and Retail recruitment landscape. With over 19 years of experience, we’ve established ourselves as the leading FMCG recruitment agency in the UK. We have recruitment specialists focused on key sectors in the FMCG and Retail sector.
New Chapter Consulting covers a broad spectrum of roles within these specialised sectors, including:
Marketing: Whether you’re looking for a Head of Category, an E-commerce Manager or a PR Manager, our community covers all areas of FMCG marketing professionals ready to boost your brand’s visibility.
Sales: Sales professionals are the driving force behind revenue growth. We have a community of incredible talent from Head of Sales through to Sales Executives. We connect businesses with salespeople who can build strong client relationships and drive sales targets.
HR: Human Resources is the backbone of any organisation. Our talented pool of HR specialists can handle your workforce needs efficiently.
Engineering: Whether you’re looking for a Head of Engineering, or an Operations Manager, our engineers are experienced and ready to take on a role within your FMCG business.
Operations and NPD (New Product Development): Efficiency and innovation are key to success. Our community of candidates in operations and NPD help businesses optimise processes and develop new products to stay competitive.
With over 19 years of experience, we’ve built a global network of talented professionals and have successfully matched them with businesses from around the world. We take pride in our personalised approach to recruitment, ensuring that every candidate and client receives the attention and care they deserve.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream job or seeking the perfect candidate to fill a role, New Chapter Consulting is here to guide you through the next chapter of your career or business journey.
Contact us today.
We recently launched our 2023 FMCG Salary Survey. Offering a competitive salary and benefits package aligned with industry standards is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in the fast-paced FMCG industry. A good salary and benefits package not only attracts candidates but also motivates and engages employees, leading to higher performance and success. Our comprehensive data and insights provide accurate benchmarks for salary negotiations and talent acquisition strategies.
The back-to-school period is renowned for being one of the busiest times in the stationery calendar, if not THE busiest! With so many brands and options available, I’ve put together a list of my top five favourite stationery brands. This includes the key players in the market as well as the up-and-coming brands to watch out for.
BIC is a global household name known for producing affordable and reliable writing instruments. Their iconic Cristal Ballpoint pens can be spotted in nearly every classroom.
My Top Pick: BIC 4 Colours Original
Karst is a B-Corp certified stationery company using only responsibly sourced materials for their products. Their paper, made from 100% sustainably recycled stone, is tearproof, waterproof and is the smoothest paper to write on.
My Top Pick: Softcover Notebook A5
Pilot is renowned for producing exceptional writing instruments. Their selection of products includes fountain pens, highlighters, and erasable ink pens, and are made to deliver one of the smoothest writing experiences on the market.
My Top Pick: V-Ball Grip 07 – Liquid Ink Rollerball pen
Colart stands as a global leader in art supplies, with a portfolio of brands and vast array of products. They are a firm favourite of artists worldwide, including Picasso and Degas, whilst their brand Snazaroo is popular for school fairs. Their commitment to sustainability has earned them a B-Corp Certification this year.
My Top Pick: Windsor & Newton Cotman Watercolours Sketchers’ Pocket Box
Tombow is a go-to brand for artists and calligraphers. Their versatile dual brush pens, available in a range of colours, are perfect for blending and creating intricate lettering and illustrations.
My Top Pick: Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Set of 12 Sunset Colours
Making the right investment in stationery can truly make all the difference during the back-to-school period. These brands and products are some of my favourites on the market now, but I’m excited to try out the new launches that this period brings. If you’re in need of support as a candidate or client in the stationery space, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To make an enquiry, email: katie.oleary@newchapter.co.uk or schedule a call with me here:
You’ve reached the interview stage at your dream company with your impressive CV. As you prepare for the interview, it’s crucial to research and prepare answers to common questions such as “What is your greatest weakness?” This planning will help you avoid responses that may hinder your success in the role and limit replies that may come across as insincere, such as, “I tend to work too hard.”
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the best answers to this crucial interview question, and with this planning, we hope you can secure that dream career.
When an interviewer asks, “What is your greatest weakness?” they are trying to gauge your self-awareness, honesty, capacity for self-improvement and ability to identify growth opportunities. Ultimately, it would help if you used this question to showcase how you’ve changed one of your weaknesses into a new skill or used it as motivation for a growth opportunity.
“Perfectionism” is not an answer when discussing your biggest weakness, as it doesn’t exist. While preparing your response, reflect on what you’ve learned and improved in your current role. Talk about early struggles in learning or improving skills and explain to the interviewer what you did to overcome them. Alternatively, use a personal weakness to make you seem more human, these replies don’t just have to be career related. For example, if you’re an introvert, mention how you prefer to avoid taking risks. Demonstrating not only your self-awareness but also that you understand how self-improvement and work performance are tied.
The job listing will typically provide a list of weaknesses you should avoid discussing, as these could potentially impact your ability to perform the role effectively. If you find it challenging to identify a specific weakness, read your past performance reviews, which will be relevant to your role. This can help you gather examples of your achievements and areas where you can improve.
Messy desks are common, and this is a relatable and easily fixable weakness. Ensure to note that disorganisation will not affect your job ability, but to perform at 100%, acknowledge that this mess can impact your efficiency. Therefore, working on keeping your space cleaner/tidier by putting time aside to get yourself together will improve your performance.
You can use this to demonstrate a new skill and your flexibility. If you feel that you prefer to take on and finish tasks yourself or had to activley learn how to delegate in your last role, you can use this as a weakness. Discuss a system you use to manage this; it displays initiative to the interviewer and successful implementation of a new process.
In your last role, if you hesitated to provide constructive feedback to coworkers without fear of hurting their feelings, use this to show how you turned your weaknesses into strengths. Mention an instance in your previous role where you helped a co-worker with feedback, and from this, you realised criticism, when delivered correctly, is helpful and kind.
Similarly, a lack of tactfulness when delivering feedback can also be a weakness. If you have a blunt and honest nature, it doesn’t always come across as intended, so you could talk about how you’ve been building better relationships in the workplace or doing a leadership course.
If your role is not centred around public speaking, this is great to use as a weakness. You can highlight that you don’t need to use this skill much in your role but feel it is essential anyway and how you plan to work on this, whether speaking in team meetings or techniques to help you relax and see that public speaking helps others. Displaying your wishes to improve skills not necessarily needed in your role showcases maturity and your dedication to self-improvement.
6. Weak Data Analysis Skills
7. Indecisiveness
8. Too Much Self-Criticism
9. Work-Life Balance Maintenance
10. Lack of Patience
Which can all be turned into positives, and added examples of how you have improved, or will work on these creates more meaning behind these posts.
Go through these areas of consideration and prepare your answer to this all important question.
And if you have decided you’re ready for a New Chapter, contact us on info@newchapter.co.uk or take a look at our current vacancies.
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