How to respond to the question: What Are Your Weaknesses? in an interview
We can all still agree that interviews are nerve-racking moments for everyone, no matter how excellent your public speaking skills are. In the barrage of questions being asked during an interview, there are some key questions that are always common and most people either secure that job or lose it with the way they choose to respond to them.
When faced with the dreaded Whats your weakness? question in an interview, it can feel like walking a tightrope. The goal is to balance honesty without shooting yourself in the foot, and humility without appearing overly self-critical. How then do you do that like a pro?
- Be honest, but strategic
This question isnt about listing your flaws like a confessional before a therapist. Instead, you want to select a real weakness that wont cripple your chances of getting hired but shows youre self-aware. Avoid generic answers like Im a perfectionist or I work too hard instead, try something more authentic, such as, Ive struggled with time management in the past but have been working on improving it by using productivity tools and setting clear priorities. Research other responses to key questions and get strategic responses to them which you can practice until it become part of your vocabulary. - Show growth and progress
The key to answering this question well is to demonstrate that youre actively working on your weaknesses. Employers arent just interested in hearing what youre bad at, but they want to know how youre improving upon the said weaknesses. For example, if public speaking isnt your strong suit, you can say, I used to feel uncomfortable speaking in front of large groups, but Ive started attending workshops to build my confidence, and Ive seen real progress. A commitment to improving and becoming better demonstrates that you arent just comfortable with listing the issue as a weakness, rather you recognise it and you are proactive to improve upon it. - Relate it back to the job
Keep in mind the job youre applying for when choosing which weakness to highlight. Make sure its not something thats critical to the role. For instance, if you’re applying for a data analysis position, avoid saying youre bad with numbers! Say that and consider your chances of getting that job next to none. However, if its a skill youre unlikely to use day-to-day, its a safe bet. - Keep it short and sweet.
When answering this question, less is more. Theres no need to dive into deep details. Provide a concise and thoughtful response, then pivot back to your strengths or emphasise how youre a great fit for the role.
In conclusion, mastering the “Whats your weakness?” question is all about preparation, framing, and being strategic with your responses. Its an opportunity to show your self-awareness, your capacity for growth, proactiveness, and your readiness to take on challenges in a professional setting.
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