What does the employer really want to know?
When you are asked about your weaknesses, the employer wants to know if you are qualified to perform the job. The hiring manager is also looking for indicators that show you can learn new tasks and handle new challenges. Therefore, this question is an opportunity to demonstrate that you have the right talents for the position.
How to answer “What is your greatest weakness?”
There are different ways to respond when asked in a job interview about your greatest weakness.
Option One: Discuss Non-Essential Skills
You can approach the question by analyzing the core skills and strengths required for the job you’re applying for and then provide an honest shortfall that is not essential for success in that role.
For example, if you’re applying for a nursing position, you might point out that you are not particularly skilled at delivering group presentations. In this case, it would be essential to emphasize your strength in one-on-one communication with patients while providing an example of your difficulty in delivering presentations to large groups. Similarly, if you’re applying for a writing position, you might focus on a skill that is not required for the role, as in the example below.
Example response:
Numbers have not always been my strength. However, as a copywriter, I can focus most of my time on the creative process of writing. In recent years, though, I have started to familiarize myself with the digital analytics tools used in the various websites and applications I write for, and I found that when you provide context, “numbers” can be very useful and interesting.
Why it works: This answer features a weakness that is not critical to success in this role. It also shows how the candidate has improved and upgraded their skills.
Option Two: Mention Skills You Have Improved
Another option is to discuss skills you have improved in your previous job or that you are currently working on enhancing. This shows the interviewer that you are committed to self-improvement.
Example response:
I have improved my sales skills in the past. As a product manager working with internal teams and not dealing with customers or prospects for sales, I do not do much selling in my role. However, because I frequently communicate with the sales team, I felt it would be beneficial to understand their strategies and tactics better. So, I took an online course in sales skills. I improved how I work with the sales teams, and now, when I participate in sales meetings, I have a better idea of what is going on, and I feel more effective in communicating with the sales team. This course has also helped me build skills that I use to “sell” my vision for the product internally.
Why it works: This answer works well because it clearly shows how the candidate has improved the skills necessary to perform the job effectively.
Option Three: Turning a Negative into a Positive
Another option for answering is to turn a negative into a positive. For example, the need to complete projects quickly can be turned into a positive, saying that you are a candidate who ensures that projects are completed on time. Or perhaps you find yourself so detail-oriented that you check every item in a spreadsheet and review every email twice.
Whatever you say, it’s important to indicate that you are aware of this trait and can prevent it from interfering with your productivity.
Example response:
I have a very strong attention to detail. Sometimes, this can turn into a tendency towards perfectionism. In the past, I found that this pushed me to double-check every item in a spreadsheet, carefully review emails to ensure I communicated clearly and concisely, or tweak presentation designs to make sure they were perfect. I have since learned how to allocate my time successfully and gauge which tasks require that level of precision.
Why it works: This response turns a potential negative into a positive by acknowledging the weakness while showing growth and learning in managing it.
It works: The interview candidate shows that they have time management skills to focus on a detail-oriented project.
More Examples of Better Answers
You can review more examples of answers to help you formulate your own response.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
Prepare to answer. It may be easier to respond when you have an idea of what you want to say. If you have difficulty thinking, reviewing examples of weaknesses may help.
Be honest. It’s important that your answer is genuine and aligns with your own circumstances. Among all the questions that may be asked in a job interview, this is not the question you want to risk appearing insincere.
Turn the negative into a positive. Frame your answer in a positive way so that what you describe is considered an achievement rather than a weakness.
What Not to Say
Don’t overdo it. It’s important not to dwell too much on your weaknesses or what you need to improve. You don’t want the interviewer to perceive you as an unqualified candidate.
Don’t say you’re perfect. It’s important not to come across as arrogant or insincere by claiming you have no weaknesses.
Keep it positive. You may have noticed that the term “weakness” wasn’t used in the examples mentioned. You always want to focus on the positive aspects during interviews.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
What is your greatest strength? – Best Answers
What are your strengths and weaknesses? – Best Answers
Which part of the job will be the most challenging for you? – Best Answers
What can we expect from you in the first 60 days at work? – Best Answers
Describe a difficult work situation and how you overcame it? – Best Answers
Key Takeaways
Be careful in how you respond: Remember that how you frame your answer to interview questions about weaknesses is just as important as what you say.
Focus on accomplishments: Try to shift the focus from what needs improvement to what you have achieved.
Write your answer down: You don’t need to memorize an answer. But if you write down some thoughts in advance, it will be easier to answer the question during the interview.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-your-greatest-weakness-2061288
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