What Are Your Pet Peeves? Check Sample

Wherever asked about your pet peeves during an interview or a self-introduction, you need to provide a genuine and realistic answer with reasons why you consider such things or persons as your pet peeves. You need to provide honest and tactful responses that highlight specific things that bother you. Well, there are a lot of people who will provide the same response to this question, but the interviewer is more interested in the way to present and highlight your pet peeves in front of them. 

Pet peeves also known as pet hate are part of human nature and can sometimes serve as conversation starters or opportunities, offering you the opportunity to learn about one’s preferences and sensitivities. Some consider this question a little tricky, as one of the objectives of a personal interview is to know about the candidate’s negative aspects and things that bother them. Let’s dive deep into the aspects of what pet peeves are and how to answer them.

Also read – How to Answer, ‘What Are Your Salary Expectations?’

What Are Pet Peeves?

Pet peeves or pet aversion are specific actions, things, or situations that cause annoyance or bothersome or frustration to an individual. Pet hate are personal preferences that can vary from person to person. There are things which might bother some people, which others won’t find disturbing or annoying. Pet aversion can range from little annoyances to significant disturbances, and can often stem from one’s personal experience, values and sensitivities. Here are some of the common examples of pet peeves.

• Driving Slowing in the right lane
• Leaving dirty dishes in the sink
• Using electronic devices during important discussions or in movie theatres
• Playing loud music at scared places
• Talking loudly in public places
• Loud chewing or slurping of food

Also read – Mastering the Art of Self Introduction in Public Speaking

Tips to Answer Pet Peeves Questions

Whenever someone asks you about your pet hate, you need to come up with a realistic answer, where you are highlighting examples of how some things bother you and what is your immediate reaction. Here are some tips which you must consider whenever you are mentioning your pet aversion:

• Sharing your pet aversion during a conversation is nothing to worry about. But you must ensure that your response is diplomatic and try to avoid sounding overly judgmental or negative.
• Choose a few examples of your pet aversion and how they bother or make you feel uncomfortable. Try not to overwhelm the interviewer or listener with an exhaustive list.
• Explain why these things or situations bother you in brief. This can provide context and aid the interviewer in knowing what your perspective is.
• While pet peeves can be annoying, try to keep your tone light and humorous. This allows you to connect with the interviewer or listener on a more personal level.
• Show awareness of individual differences, as what bothers you might not affect others in the same way. This will demonstrate your understanding and level of tolerance.
• Choose peeves that are relatable to make your response more engaging and smooth conversation.
• Conclude with a positive statement about your ability to manage these disturbances and focus on what’s ahead.

Also Read: How to Answer, ‘What Are Your Greatest Strengths?’ 

Sample to Answer Pet Peeves

Here is a sample of how to answer this interview question:

“We all have our grievances, and there are certain things that do get on your nerves, especially when people talk loudly on their phones in sacred places or in a library. I really appreciate an environment where there is no disturbance and things are quiet, allowing me to concentrate on my activities and tasks.”

“One more thing that drives me crazy is when people don’t use indicators while driving. This is a major concern for me, as I’ve faced situations where near accidents happened. People need to follow traffic rules because, on streets, you never know when things might go south. I understand that everyone has their own reasons for doing things, and I try to be calm, patient and adaptable. For me, it’s all about finding a balance and not letting these things ruin my day.”

Also Read: How to Answer, ‘What is Your Greatest Weakness?’

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