We all have weaknesses, but what are you supposed to say when an interviewer asks you about your weakness in a job interview? You mustn’t just tell them something generic like “I’m too hard on myself.” That answer is so cliche! At the same time, you want to be honest. Finding out what your weaknesses are before going into an interview can be intimidating. However, you don’t have to censor yourself completely!
This article will provide exclusive details on answering your biggest weakness interview question when looking to land your dream job.
How To Answer What Is Your Greatest Weakness
When talking about your weakness, try to focus on a specific example of how you have improved. This tells the interviewer that it’s something that you’re trying to work on and shows them that this is an area in which they can help train you rather than just another box for ‘weaknesses’ – my biggest weakness has been my tendency to be too modest when I’m good at my job.
Do you know your weaknesses?
Make sure not to generalize by saying, “I am a perfectionist.” This doesn’t tell the employer anything other than what everyone already knows, so don’t bother mentioning it at all! Instead, think about how your perfectionism helps you do great work or why being detail-oriented is important in your field. Perfectionism is my greatest weakness. I am a perfectionist, and it sometimes holds me back from finishing things on time because my standards are so high.
It’s also important not to mention any huge red flags like drug use or embezzlement – my greatest weakness is communication; sometimes, my ideas come across as too blunt, and people don’t understand what I’m trying to say.
If you find it difficult drafting up an answer, try focusing on something that’s not job-related, like saying that you’re bad at public speaking or hate math – my weaknesses are things that are unrelated to the job I am interviewing for.
1. First of all, don’t try to hide your weaknesses. Honesty is key in an interview, so be upfront about what you’re not good at.
2. If you feel the need to lie or mask any of your weaknesses, then don’t bother looking for this job in the first place – because every successful candidate needs to show self-awareness and be willing to take constructive criticism to improve themselves.
3. Second, frame your weaknesses in a positive light. For example, “I’m not very good with numbers, but I’m excellent at problem-solving.” or “I sometimes struggle with time management, but always manage to get the work done.”
4. Finally, be prepared to give specific examples of times when you have struggled with your weaknesses. This will help your interviewer understand how you handle difficult situations.
“What Is Your Greatest Weakness” Answer Samples
One most common interview question is, “What is your biggest weakness?” Here are some answer examples that will help you stand out:
“I’m a perfectionist, and I always want everything to be just right.”
“Sometimes, I work so hard on a project that I don’t take time for myself.”
“I get nervous in social situations.”
“I have a lot of energy, and it can sometimes be difficult to calm me down.”
“I’m a little bit shy.”
“I get impatient when I have to wait in line or for someone to do something slowly.”
“I find it difficult to say no to people.”
“I have a lot of ideas, and it cannot be easy to focus on just one.”
“I sometimes take on too much work.”
“I’m very passionate, and sometimes my emotions get the best of me.”
“FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS CANNOT BE EASY when I have to talk in front of people.”
Bottom Line
In conclusion, when discussing your weaknesses in a job interview, it is important to be honest while also putting a positive spin on things. You want to showcase that you are aware of your shortcomings and improve upon them. Additionally, be prepared to offer some solutions or ways in which you could mitigate the impact of these weaknesses if hired. By following these tips, you can feel confident in discussing your weaknesses and can increase your chances of getting the job you want.