Even the most experienced technical professionals and leaders can encounter a moment in an interview where a hiring manager zeroes in on what they perceive as a “fatal flaw.” Maybe you don’t have a formal computer science degree. Perhaps you've taken a non-traditional career path, spent time out of the workforce, or lack a specific certification like AWS or CISSP.
These questions can feel like a trap, but the key to answering them isn’t to go on the defensive—it’s to shift the conversation and reinforce your value.