And then, yous've finally got your foot in the door at your dream company. You've submitted the perfect resume and made a lasting impression during the phone screen. All in that location's left to do now is to win over the hiring manager in the contiguous interview.

As a well-informed candidate, you're doing your research on the company and preparing your answers to the well-nigh important interview questions you tin can think of — the almost notorious of them all being: "What is your greatest weakness?"

Free Kit: Everything You Need for Your Job Search You don't want to respond, "I tend to piece of work too hard," or "I am too much of a perfectionist." That can hands come across as scripted and insincere at best and lacking in cocky-sensation at worst.

Alternatively, you don't want to respond with weaknesses that volition prevent y'all from succeeding in the role. For example, if you lot're applying to be a projection managing director, you don't want to acknowledge that you're "non very good with time direction."

Fortunately, there are ways to respond this question that volition help you demonstrate your value equally a candidate. Here, nosotros've cultivated some incredible answers to the mainstay, "What is your greatest weakness" question — and don't worry, these answers aren't "perfectionism".

How to answer What are your greatest weaknesses?

  1. Cull a weakness that will non forestall you from succeeding in the role.
  2. Be honest and choose a real weakness.
  3. Provide an case of how you lot've worked to improve upon your weakness or larn a new skill to gainsay the event.
  4. Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to wait to others to provide y'all with the resources necessary for growth.
  5. Don't be arrogant and don't underestimate yourself.

i. Cull a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the function.

When an interviewer asks, "What is your greatest weakness?" they desire to discover out:

  • Whether you have a salubrious level of self-awareness
  • Whether you can be open and honest, specially nearly shortcomings
  • Whether you lot pursue cocky-improvement and growth opportunities to combat these issues, as opposed to letting these weaknesses hold you dorsum

Ultimately, you'll want to use this question to demonstrate how you've used a weakness equally motivation to learn a new skill or grow professionally. Anybody has weaknesses — your interviewer doesn't expect you to be perfect.

If y'all're applying for a copywriting position with little necessity for math skills, you might admit, "I struggle with numbers, and don't accept much experience with information analytics. While math is non directly tied to my function as a writer, I believe it's of import to have a rudimentary understanding of Google Analytics to ensure my work is performing well. To tackle this weakness, I've been taking online courses in information analytics."

An answer like this shows the hiring manager that you recognize your areas for growth and are able to human action on them without being told to do so. This kind of cocky-starter mental attitude is a plus for about whatsoever team.

two. Be honest and choose a real weakness.

The answer "perfectionism" won't cut it when talking about your biggest weakness because it's not a real weakness. Perfectionism tin never be attained — it's a fear-based design that leads to short-term rewards like getting the job done early on and exceeding expectations. However, in the long-term, trying to attain perfectionism leads to burnout, low-quality work, and missed deadlines. Exhaustion is i of the biggest contributors to decreased productivity, turnover, and depression employee engagement — all of which cost a company money, time, and talent.

Instead, cull a existent weakness. Underneath the want to do perfect work may lie a weakness of trust. Perhaps yous don't trust that you'll be able to make mistakes on the squad, so you strive to do everything perfectly. That's a real weakness that you can definitely overcome.

3. Provide an example of how yous've worked to improve upon your weakness or larn a new skill to combat the event.

Hiring managers don't expect you to overcome your weaknesses completely overnight. Everyone has areas they must constantly work on to keep them sharp. Think of it this way — if you've dedicated six months to working out, you won't be able to stop one solar day and maintain your progress. It's an ongoing process that you lot have to work at.

four. Call back about weaknesses in your own personal life.

If you humanize yourself in the interview, it'll let your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you in the time to come. It'south non but nearly weaknesses that pertain to the job. For example, if you are an introvert and you notice your preference for repose time stops you from taking risks, this is a relatable weakness. When you demonstrate your self-awareness this fashion, it shows you sympathize that self-comeback correlates to work operation.

five. Call up of where you'd like to exist and what support you lot need to get in that location.

Overall, growth is a function of life. Think about people you look up to that may be related to the field that you're in. Ask yourself what grapheme traits those people have and what work y'all might need to do in lodge to get there. By providing an case of how you're working to improve your area of weakness, you'll give the interviewer a glimpse into a few positive attributes about your sensation, including that:

  • You know how to identify and mitigate issues that come up.
  • You've constitute a helpful solution to a problem that yous and perhaps others on the squad face up, which means y'all can be an immediate resource to the team.

  • Yous demonstrate self-awareness and an power to take feedback from others.

More often than not, you're going to demand to look exterior of yourself to overcome a weakness. Whether y'all look to your supervisor, the HubSpot Weblog, or a mentor for help, the simple human activity of seeking help demonstrates self-awareness and resourcefulness — two skills that are hard to teach, merely valuable to larn. Tapping into your resource shows the interviewers that you lot can solve problems when the reply is non nevertheless clear. That's a character trait that has a place on any squad.

Briefly share an example of a time when y'all asked someone for aid in an area that y'all've identified as a weakness. This gives the hiring squad a clear film of how y'all'll piece of work with the team to rest out that weakness.

6. Don't be arrogant and don't underestimate yourself.

The most important affair y'all tin exercise when responding to the question "What is your greatest weakness?" is exhibit confidence in your answer. (If lack of confidence is your weakness, keep reading.) Even if you lot're non the well-nigh confident person, I'm going to assume you're at to the lowest degree honest with yourself. If you've identified an area of weakness and you lot're sure most it, permit that balls shine through in your answer. At that place's no need to feel embarrassed about something you're genuinely not good at equally long equally you're working to become improve.

Before you commencement expressing a genuine weakness to your interviewer, get comfortable with the types of answers that brand hiring managers desire to work with you. Take a look at the post-obit examples and discover a few that fit your personality and piece of work style. Then, practice reciting them aloud so they come naturally to yous.

Ready? Here are examples of how you lot might respond "What is your greatest weakness?" and why they work.

List of Weaknesses for Job Interview

  1. Lack of Patience
  2. Lack of Organisation
  3. Trouble with Delegation
  4. Timidity
  5. Lack of Tactfulness
  6. Fear of Public Speaking
  7. Weak Data Analysis Skills
  8. Indecisiveness
  9. Harsh Self-Criticism
  10. Micromanaging
  11. Talkative
  12. Problem with Work-Life Residual

1. Lack of Patience

Sample Answer:

"I don't have much patience when working with a team — I am incredibly cocky-sufficient, and so it'southward difficult when I need to rely on others to complete my piece of work. That's why I've pursued roles that require someone to work independently. All the same, I've too worked to improve this weakness past enrolling in team-edifice workshops. While I typically work independently, it's important I learn how to trust my coworkers and ask for outside assist when necessary."

This answer works because the weakness — the inability to be patient when working with a team — doesn't hinder your ability to perform well in the role, since it's a task that doesn't rely on teamwork to succeed. Additionally, you display an eagerness to develop strategies to combat your weakness, which is a critical skill in the workplace.

two. Lack of Organization

Sample Reply:

" I struggle with system. While information technology hasn't ever impacted my performance, I've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere with my efficiency. Over time, I've learned to ready aside fourth dimension to organize my physical and digital space, and I've seen it ameliorate my efficiency levels throughout the week."

Enough of people have messy desks. This reply works considering it'due south a relatable and fixable weakness. You lot notation that disorganization doesn't interfere with your ability to do your job, which is critical, but you also acknowledge it might make you less efficient. To ensure you're performing at 100%, you mention personal steps y'all've taken to improve your organization skills for the sake of cocky-improvement lonely, which suggests a level of maturity and self-awareness.

three. Trouble with Delegation

Sample Answer:

"I sometimes find information technology difficult to consul responsibleness when I feel I can finish the task well myself. However, when I became manager in my concluding function, information technology became critical I acquire to delegate tasks. To maintain a sense of control when delegating tasks, I implemented a project management organisation to oversee the progress of a project. This system enabled me to improve my ability to delegate efficiently."

This respond allows you to demonstrate an ability to pursue a new skill when a role calls for it and suggests you're capable of flexibility, which is critical for long-term growth. Additionally, you are able to showcase a level of initiative and leadership when yous mention the successful implementation of a new process that enabled you to succeed in your by office, despite your weakness.

4. Timidity

Sample Answer:

"Oftentimes, I can be timid when providing effective feedback to coworkers or managers, out of fearfulness of hurting someone'southward feelings. Nonetheless, in my last function, my coworker asked me to edit some of his pieces and provide feedback for areas of comeback. Through my experience with him, I realized feedback can be both helpful and kind when delivered the correct way. Since and so, I've get better at offering feedback, and I've realized that I tin use empathy to provide thoughtful, productive feedback."

This answer works because you've explained how you were able to turn a weakness into a strength through real-world feel. Typically, timidity can be seen as a flaw in the workplace, especially if a role requires someone to provide feedback to others. In this instance, you lot're able to demonstrate how timidity tin be used as a strength, through thoughtful reflection and practice.

5. Lack of Tactfulness

Sample Answer:

"My blunt, straightforward nature has allowed me to succeed over the years every bit a team manager, considering I'm able to get things done efficiently, and people often appreciate my honesty. However, I've recognized my bluntness doesn't always serve my employees well when I'm delivering feedback. To gainsay this, I've worked to develop empathy and deeper relationships with those I manage. Additionally, I took an online leadership management course, and worked with the professor to develop my ability to deliver feedback."

Frequently, facets of our personalities can aid us in sure areas of our work, while hindering the states in others. That'south natural. However, you must demonstrate an ability to recognize when your personality interferes with the functions of your part, and how you can solve for that.

In this example, you first explain how your blunt nature allows you to be successful in certain situations. Then, you lot mention that y'all empathize your bluntness can be seen as a lack of empathy and provide examples of how you've attempted to solve this upshot. Ultimately, your sensation of how yous might be perceived by others shows a level of emotional intelligence, which is a critical asset for a team leader.

half dozen. Fear of Public Speaking

Sample Answer:

"Public speaking makes me nervous. While I don't demand to do much public speaking in my role as a web designer, I still feel that it's an of import skill — peculiarly when I want to offering my stance during a meeting. To combat this, I spoke with my manager and she recommended I speak at each team meeting for a few minutes nigh our project timeline, deadlines, and goals when developing a website for a customer. This practice has enabled me to relax and see public speaking as an opportunity to aid my team members practise their jobs effectively."

In this case, you mention a skill that isn't applicative to the part, but i which you nonetheless accept been working to improve. This shows your desire to come across more than business needs than necessary in your current office, which is admirable. Additionally, information technology'south impressive if y'all can testify y'all're willing to accomplish out to your manager with areas in which you want to improve, instead of waiting for your manager to suggest those areas of improvement to you. It demonstrates a level of ambition and professional maturity.

7. Weak Information Analysis Skills

Sample Respond:

"I'grand not great at analyzing data or numbers. However, I recognize this flaw can preclude me from agreement how my content is performing online. In my terminal role, I set upward monthly meetings with the SEO manager to discuss analytics and how our posts were performing. Additionally, I received my Google Analytics document, and I brand information technology a point to analyze data related to our blog regularly. I've become much more comfortable analyzing data through these efforts."

In this example, y'all're able to show your desire to become above and across a job description and actively seek out skills that could be helpful to the success of your company every bit a whole. This type of company-beginning mentality shows the interviewer you're dedicated to making yourself a valuable asset, and try your best to sympathise the needs of the whole section, rather than but your role.

8. Indecisiveness

Sample Answer:

"Sometimes I struggle with ambivalence and making decisions when directions aren't clear. I come up from a work environment that always gave clear and direct instructions. I had such a strong team and leadership that I oasis't had much exercise making decisions in the heat of the moment. I'm working on this by leaning more into my experience and practicing listening to my gut."

This answer works because yous're demonstrating that y'all can both follow a leader and sharpen your leadership skills. It's alright to non know what to do in the moment. Admitting that you lot relied on strong leadership shows that y'all tin exist a follower when needed, but knowing when to pace up is important, too. With this reply, yous're showing that you'll step up if a state of affairs calls for decisiveness.

nine. Harsh Self-Criticism

Sample Answer:

"My inner critic can be debilitating at times. I accept pride in producing good work, only I experience like I struggle feeling satisfied with information technology, which has led to burnout in the past. Nevertheless, I've started to push button back confronting this inner voice past taking care of myself earlier and afterward work. I'yard also learning to recognize when my inner critic is right and when I need to dismiss it."

This answer works considering your interviewer may relate; we all accept harsh inner critics. It'southward also effective because 1) It shows that you're willing to work on your weaknesses exterior of work, not just during business hours, and 2) It demonstrates your inner critic may have valid points. Discerning when to dismiss it is cardinal to prevent burnout and increase productivity. Realizing how the inner critic may inhibit expert work ethic demonstrates your willingness to grow and exist an effective worker.

x. Micromanaging

Sample Respond:

"I used to work in industries where I had to cultivate a solid work ethic in my employees. This style of training has been so ingrained in me that I've forgotten to discern who may need that coaching and who does not. I've been reading books on effective delegation and team building to work on this shortcoming. One technique that works for me is assuring myself that if I establish clear expectations, and then my squad will follow. I've also learned to trust my team members."

This answer works all-time if you've been in a leadership position before and are applying to a managerial role. All the same, yous tin nonetheless apply information technology to past experiences where you did have to show leadership. This reply shows that while y'all may exist used to running your crew or squad a specific way, y'all're willing to admit when your method isn't the near constructive. Showing your flexibility demonstrates your ability to grow.

xi. Talkative

Sample Answer:

"I enjoy developing a relationship with my coworkers past engaging in conversation, and that'southward a great team-edifice skill. Still, I have a habit of carrying on a conversation to a point where it may distract other coworkers. I have learned since and so that there are other ways to connect with my coworkers, and that if I'm asking about their mean solar day, I need to keep it cursory and redirect myself dorsum to my piece of work. "This answer works because it shows you're aware of how your talkative tendencies may exist distracting in the workplace. It takes a lot of courage to admit that. It as well shows you are willing to develop a relationship with coworkers but not at the cost of productivity.

12. Trouble Maintaining a Work-Life Remainder

Sample Reply:

"I've struggled with work-life residue, especially after I started working remotely during the pandemic. This increased my stress levels to the point where my productivity was at an all-time low and I didn't bring my best self to work. Because I want to continue working remotely, I've started adding more structure to my day and instituted a precipitous commencement and end time. I've already seen improvements in my levels of focus during work hours."

At offset, this might seem like a "strength" weakness — pouring yourself into work is great, correct? That means you lot dearest your job. But if information technology impacts your productivity and your relationships with coworkers, that is not so great. This reply works because it doesn't just say, "I work a lot, so my home life suffers." Information technology says, "I work a lot to the point of burnout, and I've realized that I need to construction my twenty-four hour period." If you've struggled with piece of work-life balance bug in the by, information technology'south important to country how you're restoring that residuum and how it has impacted your piece of work.

At that place'due south Forcefulness In Every Weakness

Regardless of whether yous're bad with numbers or you tend not to speak up in group settings, in that location'due south a strength behind every weakness. The strength is in how y'all work to overcome it. Leaning on your teammates who excel in those areas is a dandy way to testify that you'll piece of work well on the team and that you know how to use your resources to solve problems. Taking professional development courses shows that you're willing to piece of work toward improvement. No affair which of these answers y'all share with the hiring squad, they'll be more happy to help you grow and exceed the expectations of the office.

Editor's annotation: This post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

  Apply for a job, keep track of important information, and prepare for an interview with the help of this free job seekers kit.

Apply for a job, keep track of important information, and prepare for an interview with the help of this free job seekers kit.

Originally published Dec 14, 2021 7:00:00 AM, updated March 09 2022