What the Employer Really Wants To Know
When you’re asked about your weaknesses, the employer wants to know whether you are qualified to do the job. The hiring manager is also looking for indicators that show you’ve been able to learn new tasks and handle new challenges. So, this question is an opportunity to show that you’ve got the right assets for the job.
How To Answer “What is Your Greatest Weakness?”
There are several different ways to answer when you’re asked during a job interview what your greatest weakness is. Even though the question is about weaknesses, your answer should always be framed around the positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee.
Option 1: Discuss Non-Essential Skills
One approach to answering this question is to analyze the key skills and strengths required for the position you are interviewing for and then come up with an honest shortcoming that is not essential for success in that job. For example, if you are applying for a nursing job, you might share that you are not particularly adept at conducting group presentations. In this case, it would be critical to underscore your strength in one-on-one communication with patients while providing an example of your difficulty with presentations to large groups. Likewise, if you’re applying for a position as a writer, you could focus on a skill that isn’t required for the job, as in the example below. Why It Works: This response features a weakness that isn’t critical for success at this job. It also shows how the candidate has improved and upgraded her skills.
Option 2: Mention Skills You Have Improved
Another option is to discuss skills that you have improved upon during your previous job or that you are actively working on improving. This shows the interviewer that you’re committed to self-improvement. If you use this strategy, be sure not to mention anything that you improved upon that would be critical to the position for which you are interviewing, as you don’t want your qualifications for the job to be questioned. Why It Works: This response works well because it clearly shows how the candidate has improved upon the skills needed to do the job effectively.
Option 3: Turn a Negative Into a Positive
Another option for answering is to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to complete projects can be turned into a positive; e.g., you are a candidate who will make sure a project is done on time. Or perhaps you find yourself with an attention to detail that leads you to triple-check every item on a spreadsheet and proofread every email you send twice. Regardless of what you say, it is critical to indicate that you are mindful of this trait and capable of preventing it from interfering with your productivity. Why It Works: The candidate is showing the interviewer that she has the time management skills to focus on a detail-oriented project.
More Examples of the Best Answers
Review more examples of answers to help you frame your own response. Why It Works: The candidate is mentioning a weakness and showing how he solved the problem. Why It Works: This response shows that meeting deadlines and getting the work done accurately are both important. Why It Works: The candidate’s response shows that he established time management skills that enable him to effectively do the job. Why It Works: This response shows that the candidate can handle delegating work and managing a project, which are required skills for leadership and management roles. Why It Works: This response shows the candidate’s successful shift from working on one task at a time to multitasking.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Prepare a response. It can be easier to respond when you have an idea of what you want to say. Be honest. It’s important that your answer be authentic and tailored to your own circumstances. Of all the questions that you are likely to be asked in an interview, this is not one where you want to risk coming across as disingenuous. Turn a negative into a positive. Frame your response in a positive manner so that whatever you portrayed as needing improvement is seen as an accomplishment rather than a weakness.
What Not To Say
Don’t go overboard. It’s important not to talk too much about your weaknesses or what you need to improve. You don’t want the interviewer to perceive you as a candidate who isn’t qualified. Don’t say that you’re perfect. It’s important not to come across as arrogant or dishonest by claiming that you don’t have any weaknesses. Keep it positive. You may have noticed that the term “weakness” isn’t used in the sample answers. You always want to focus on the positive when interviewing.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
What is your greatest strength? - Best Answers What are your strengths and weaknesses? - Best Answers What part of the job will be most challenging for you? - Best Answers What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job? - Best Answers Describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it. - Best Answers
Focus on Accomplishments: Try to shift the focus from what needs improvement to what you have accomplished. Write a Response: You don’t need to memorize an answer. But if you write out a few ideas beforehand, it will be easier to answer the question during the interview.
