A typical job interview all too often includes at least one of those annoying interview questions like “What’s your greatest weakness?” or “What’s your greatest strength?” So odds are some form of the greatest weakness question will be aimed your way, as you sit in the interview Q&A hot seat — trying your best not to let them see you sweat!
OK. I admit I also sometimes use the weakness question (among others) when I do an interview. Not that there’s any one absolutely right answer I’m looking for. Asking about things like biggest weakness in an interview (and the way you answer the question) helps me see more about the candidate. Like how a person reacts, even when confronted by the obvious or mundane.
You can learn a lot about a person from seemingly simple questions. Each moment of an interview is your chance to show us what you might be like to work with. Interviews are about connecting as much as the ability to do the job.
Do you seem to judge the question — and in effect the interviewer? Maybe you make a quick face? Or do you throw yourself amiably & wholeheartedly into your answer and just do your best.
Interviewers often dig deeper
In fact, I was interviewing someone a while back. After only a few minutes, I knew he was probably going to get a second interview. But it’s my job to dig deeper, just in case. And also look for things that need to be explored in the next round.
Also, if I pretty much know they’re moving on, I like to give people (especially nervous ones) practice for the next interview. So in this case, I did turn to some of those standard interview questions, including “What’s your greatest weakness?” Always interesting to see how people react.
Again, it’s not meant to be cruel. It’s part of our effort to get to know the real you better.
Well, this guy gave me a good basic answer. But then my interviewee kept going. Trying to give me the most thorough and honest greatest weakness answer ever I think. Including several examples of how sometimes he gets caught up in the tiny details of a problem … almost to the point of obsessing.
Well, as you can see, he was displaying his weakness right before my eyes. Obsessing on giving a perfect answer. I actually got nervous for him. “Don’t tell me too much!” I wanted to coach. In any interview, it’s good not to turn your answer into a mini-series.
Help them feel good about you
Truth is, he was so sincere and talented he didn’t hurt himself with me by trying so hard to give a thorough answer. But that might not have been the case with all interviewers.
So when you get a question like this, just know that it’s ok to stop at the summary of the weakness like “I can get caught up in the details sometimes.” But then your follow-up should be something like you are aware of this. And you’ve been learning how to balance being thorough with the ultimate goal.
Also, have a great real life story from one of your jobs about your weakness. Your story should show both the weakness and how you conquered it — and have learned. (It’s always good to have stories prepared that you can turn to if appropriate for the question.)
So how long should your answer be?
Whatever you do, it’s probably best to keep your answer to this one fairly short. There are some interview questions where it’s good to expand your answer, so you can throw in cool stuff about yourself.
But this is usually not one of those questions — unless, as I mentioned, you have a good story to tell about how you overcame your greatest weakness. Or at least have been making progress.
Greatest weakness you overcame
One example would be if you had a fear of public speaking, worked on that fear, and wound up becoming a lecturer on some topic. Now that’s something an interviewer would like to hear. (Uh … please don’t use this story unless it’s real. Stuff like that can come back to bite you.)
But let’s be honest. Most people just throw in these questions to fill out the interview anyway. You get a good idea within the first few minutes of interviewing a person whether this is someone you want to seriously consider. And I doubt any interviewer is really looking to get you to reveal some deep dark weakness like “I steal office supplies” or “I’ve lied all over my resume and hope you don’t find out.” DOH!
But even if you make a great first impression, you can still trip yourself up with a bad answer. So while there’s no one right way to answer this interview question, it helps to come prepared. Come up with something good based on who you really are. And just know that some employers actually are serious about the question and want to see how self-aware you are. So always play it straight and real.
Also, always make sure your tale of weakness has a natural positive spin – like the one above or any good example from real life about how you turned some weakness around.
Summarizing greatest weakness tips:
Keep it short. Leave off with a positive thought. And then just shut up until you get the next question. If the interviewer pushes the question, try your best to specifically answer what was asked. Shows you’re listening. But again keep it short and stay as positive as possible.
Oh … and in case you’re wondering, the guy I interviewed gave a good second interview. So he moved on to the final interview — and got the job. But in the interim, an anonymous someone (ahem) clued him in about how to answer the dreaded weakness interview question — just in case he got asked it again. 🙂
More articles to help
Is Your Online Reputation Hurting Your Job Search?
What Are Transferable Skills?
15 Job Search Tips To Help You Get a Job
Please Help Me With My Phone Interview!
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview
What Is a Behavioral Interview?
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After
12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
10 Things I Look for When I Screen Resumes and Cover Letters
About the author…
Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.
Wilber says
Hi my name is Wilber I bearly just got out of high school, and graduated from Hamilton high. And now originally attempting Santamonica. I have an Interview on Tuesday and I’m nervous I’m not sure what should i take, I have no experience in interviews please help
Susan P. Joyce says
Hi Wilber,
Read the article, and then put to gether a list of your accomplishments. Maybe you earned badges as a boy scout or were recognized for excellent attendance in school. Perhaps you helped someone solve a problem. Think about what people have praised you for, and make a list of those things to help.
Research the employer so you know who they are and what they do (check the website).
Do more listening than talking in the interview.
Good luck with your job search!
Susan
Samreen says
Hello Ronnie
First of all , I would really like to thank you for coming to our rescue especially with these dreaded questions…:)
I would appreciate if you help me out with 2 possible worries of mine
1.I was working in a BPO as a process associate but left the job as i wanted a career in finance…currently doing my MBA and wanting to join a new company…how should I address this to my new prospective employer?
2.Coming to weakness,i can actually name 3 of them but i wonder if it goes against the role of an analyst…They are (a) Sometimes even if I know the answer,i dont speak out fearing it mite be incorrect (b) lil less assertive (c)inability to say no to people which does increase my workload,but thankfully i do work well under pressure
Thanks once again
chandlee says
Samreen,
1. Recommend you work with the career services office of the school where you are doing your MBA. They can help you position for a new opportunity and market your skills and education for a new job.
2. A good way to answer the weakness question is to make sure you answer it with a genuine area you could get better at — but to follow-up with an example that shows how you are improving in that area.
All the Best,
Chandlee
kumar says
Hi…! I have an interview tommorow in micro finance company in the post of telller…but im not well prepare for it….if they ask me tell about my weakness..then i would answer”i focused on the task and work hard to do it but didn’t get better result at the end” is this anwer would be better to tell them…
plz guide me to answer
chandlee says
Kumar,
You may not be asked a weakness question at all — it just depends. It’s hard to tell you what your weakness is when I don’t know you. Bu if you are applying for a job of teller — it’s better to have a weakness that doesn’t involve math or communication skills. So you might, for example say “I don’t write as well as I would like too as the jobs I have done in the past are primarily customer-focused. I have okay writing skills, but I have a long-term goal of improving them.” Good luck!
Chandlee
Nhez says
Hi! I have an interview tommorow and I don’t have any idea on what can i say about the question: what is ur greatest weakness.?any suggestion pls?its a big help for me…thanks…
chandlee says
Nhez,
As I don’t know you, I can’t give you an answer as to what the best answer to the question is. Recommend you get help from friends or former co-workers who can help you. Just make sure your answer includes a weakness — and how you approach it so it is not a problem for you on the job. No one likes to hear “my weakness is that I oversleep everyday.”
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Shipra says
Hi,
Thanks for the article!
I’m preparing for an interview, and was wondering if I could state as my weakness the fact that I can’t follow a day to day timetable, so I start any preparation a little in advance and make a weekly time table which offers me more flexibility and more satisfaction at the end of the day.
Does this sound okay?
Thanks in advance!
chandlee says
Hi Shipra,
I don’t know that I would recommend that answer as many jobs require you to be flexible with your daily schedule, though it sounds as though you do know how to plan for this. What might work better for you to say is that you find that some work projects take you longer than others — and that you allow time to take care of all of this through planning your weeks out in advance.
Good luck to you!
All the Best,
Chandlee
Ashley says
Hi, very nice article!
I was wondering if this weakness is acceptable as I know it is appropriate for me. I think that I plan too much. I want everything to go smoothly so I spend my time planning everything out which could potentially be a problem when (like most times) things don’t necessarily go as planned. I also have an example about a time when something did not go as planned and how I managed to turn it around without stressing too much. Good or bad?
Thanks in advance!
chandlee says
Ashley,
That sounds like a genuine and authentic answer to the question. Make sure you tell a story of an example of how you adapt to a changing situation, too — as you want the employer to see you are flexible.
Sometimes the question isn’t even asked at all!
Good luck with your interviews.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Lubo says
Hey
Thanks for an useful article.
just want to ask if telling a joke is appropriate on the interview. Let’s say in context of the greatest weakness I would say: When I was a child I was too high-headed…but I have no weakness anymore.
And then I’ll say that that’s my biggest weakness – to make jokes in a wrong time.
Thank you.
chandlee says
Hi Lubo,
That particular joke doesn’t seem appropriate to me. I recommend you share an example of a mistake you made in the past that isn’t “too bad” and how you learned not to make that decision again.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Jay says
I have job interview coming up at a web firm and want to be as prepared as possible. My biggest weakness is that I used to be quite introverted and shied away from contact with strangers.
But my previous workplaces had me in close contact with customers, first by phone, but later at face to face client meetings and I do feel I have gained more extrovert characteristics. I have also worked with it on a personal level, so I feel I have the best of both worlds now: the focus and drive of the introvert and the easy-going peopleskills of the extrovert.
Would you spin this differently?
Great article BTW!
chandlee says
Hi Jay,
That’s a nice answer. If you want additional information on how to present the introverted/extroverted situation in interviews, Google “interviewing for introverts” or “job search tips” and introverts — you’ll find a wealth of strategies and information.
Remember the difference between introverts and extroverts isn’t about liking to socialize or not. It’s about where you get your energy: Extroverts get energy from interaction with others. Introverts get energy recharging through internal activities or solitary ones. This means introverts are often more likely to be able to initiate and get projects done independently at work…Not a bad thing!
Good luck.
Best,
Chandlee
Jay says
Thanks for the speedy answer! You are right on the money with the energy, so I will work that in to my answer.
Colin says
i really like the answer i find my weakness is im not as strong in a interiviewie than i an as strong as in a job is this a good one to use?
Colin says
i have an interview had 2 in the last 8 weeks and no luck my cv is good and my interview skills are just plain awful i got asked my weakness before and froze its easy to get strenths i studied all day and came up with (im very head strong) that i try to get one picticular job done right and on time besides moving on to other jobs any good examples i can use are a weakness?? really need help? thanks
Nancy says
I have an interview tomorrow that I’m not very prepared for. I went over a few different things I could say as my “greatest weakness”, but I’m still unsure of which to say. I’m thinking of saying that I’m not assertive enough or that I tend to get disorganized easily, but I’m not sure that I’ve done enough in trying to change and improve those things about myself. Help?
chandlee says
Hi Nancy,
I don’t know your background or history but one way to answer that question is to say that you tend to focus on doing a job when you are hired — and that you feel one weakness is that you aren’t as strong an interviewer as you are in a job. Another way — which may play naturally is to say that you are very good at following directions but that sometimes you aren’t as assertive as you could be in speaking up when you have a question.
Good luck in your interview tomorrow.
Best,
Chandlee
mary says
I am a teacher assistance, I have a interview tommorrow .Idont know what to say ,when they ask me what is my weakness. please me.
chandlee says
Mary,
As I don’t know you, I can’t answer what your weakness is. Be genuine, state a weakness that you have recognized in your past — and how you have remedied it. If you can’t think of anything, ask your friends and family — who know you best — to help you think about it.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Leslie says
I am a bit nervous on how to answer this question. What do you think about saying this…
Some of my previous co-workers thought I was a bit shy…..they later found out that I was just so focused when I’m at work.
chandlee says
Hi Leslie,
That’s a fine answer to the question if it is true. But be prepared to be asked this question as a follow-up: What’s your second greatest weakness?
In my opinion, your answer to the weakness question should be honest but it should also show how you have taken steps to tackle the weakness.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Kai'Lana says
I always freeze up when they ask me for my 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses. I’m not the greatest al selling myself. I’m a 19 year old Nurse so the job market is tough to get into anyway and the fact that I have only had one job before graduating Nursing school and that was in a resturant makes professional interviews really hard for me. In fact I have another interview in about an hour and a half and this article really boosted my confidence. Thank you
Susan says
Hi Kai,
The best way to become unfrozen is to sit down, away from the stress of an interview and write down your 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses, following Ronnie Ann’s advice in this post and the other comments. Writing them down may feel silly, but it will help you think them through, in complete sentences, and make them easier to remember.
Then, practice saying them. Pretend someone has asked you the question, and say your answer. You may be reading the answer the first few times, but gradually you’ll get used to them, and you’ll know what you are going to say next.
As Ronnie Ann advises above, don’t go into too much detail about your weaknesses. And, most of the time you will only need to list one of them. But having more ready is a good idea, just in case you get asked for 3 of them.
The more often you go through the job interview process, the better you will get at it. So, don’t be discouraged. Don’t expect to be perfect at the beginning. Just know that you will get better at it with more experience.
To help with your experience gap, you might want to volunteer at a hospital, helping direct visitors to the appropriate section of the hospital or taking flowers to rooms or something similar. It will get you more comfortable in hospitals, and it will also help you make some contacts, too. Volunteering can be good for your job search, your resume, and your confidence. If you are in a big city where there might be a Veterans Administration hospital, that might be a good place to start.
Good luck!
Susan
Alex says
Hello Ronnie,
I have an interview tomorrow (Monday) and I’m really nervous because I haven’t prepared enough and I feel like I’m procrastinating now. I want to say that my weakness is that I get caught up in the details, but I’m not sure exactly how to back it up without hurting myself in the process.
The truth is that I did get caught up in the details in my last internship last summer, and I discontinued my internship due to my course schedule conflicts. I only worked for 2 weeks and I did not even mention it in my resume, but i did work 40 hours at the company so I think it was sort of significant. I was assigned to reconcile two spreadsheets and match the sales numbers using some excel formulas. I found the task very frustrating because I spent the entire two weeks doing this and kept failing to completely match it. I did, however, make progress as I was finding new mismatches and was able to discover some reasons why this may have been happening (this could be my positive spin). But ultimately, I was so frustrated that I decided not to go anymore.
Now, I want to say in my next interview that my weakness is getting caught up with small details and sometimes it’s frustrating to not completely understand the bigger picture. But how do i give it a positive spin while mentioning this experience? And should I even talk about an experience that I didn’t find important enough to put on my resume? By the way, this is a second round interview at an accounting firm.
Thanks,
Alex
Work Coach Cafe says
Hi Alex,
The positive spin is what you learned from the experience. Maybe you learned that you don’t need to be perfect – that no one is perfect – and it’s OK to ask for help understanding the “big picture” when you are up to your eyeballs in the details. Maybe you learned that Excel formulas can be quirky in very large spreadsheets so you’ve done some studying about Excel (if you have) – about how it treats formulas or that a newer version of Excel doesn’t have the same problem. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills as the positive from this situation demonstrating a weakness.
Given that you are interviewing with an accounting firm – getting caught up in details is probably a good “weakness” to have. Focus on the positive spin. Two Job-Hunt articles can probably help you here:
* Interviewing Expert Laura DeCarlo’s Answering the Greatest Weakness Question article and
* Job Search Mindset Expert Harry Urschel’s How Employers Hear Your Job Stories article.
You have learned something from this experience, and that is your positive spin! Just keep it brief as Laura suggests and remember how employers hear (and interpret what they hear) as Harry recommends.
Good luck with your interview!
Cheers!
Susan
Work Coach Cafe Team Captain
Alex says
Thank you so much for your quick response Susan. Those two articles greatly helped me and I think I now will be more willing to share and emphasize what I’ve learned from that project and how I should ask clarification questions before jumping straight into the project.
Thanks again,
Alex
Jamie says
You have a process of THREE formal interviews?
Ronnie Ann says
The number of formal interviews can vary. Different companies have different methods, and often the larger ones have a longer process. When I graduated grad school, one company called me in for 4 interviews and still had more for me to go. It was grueling. It was just how they did it. (I took a different job anyway, but not for that reason.)
Some try to get a bunch done in one day and then stop at that, but often even then they’ll call you back for at least one more. Where I worked last we did a phone interview and at least 2 in-person interviews – but maybe more if one or more of the big bosses wanted to meet them or if we wanted to see how they interacted with some of their peers. I was often the phone interviewer and the first person they met.
As much as the hiring process means to the job seeker, it is also a really big deal to the company. Hiring the wrong person can cost a lot of time and money. So some try to build in extra steps to get it right. But understandably that can make a job seeker nuts! All you can do is go with the flow and do your best.
sara says
Thanks so much for this advice ,i have an interview in saturday and i am so so worried i got very nervous and sometimes i forget the words what can i do for that
sara says
i say my weakness are iam curious ,emotinal ,quick to judge
Ronnie Ann says
Thanks for sharing that, Sara.
Both “emotional” and “quick to judge” might come back to bite you.
One way to handle that, in the example of “quick to judge” for instance, is to say that you have found times when you have been quick to judge, but this is something you’re working on since you know a lot can be learned by giving a person time to explain and giving yourself a chance to learn more before making any judgments. Then you can smile and say something like…not that I sometimes don’t still find myself doing it. But I try. (Helps make you seem real.)
Or something like that. 🙂 Shows you don’t just accept your weaknesses, but make an effort to work on them. Good luck!
Ronnie Ann says
About curiosity…intellectual curiosity is a strength. Just asking questions to bug people or be nosy is one thing, but in business, being curious enough to seek out solutions to problems or come up with new ways of doing this is a huge plus.
Ronnie Ann says
Hi Connie!
No need to be so nervous – although I know that alone won’t stop the nerves. 😉 The main idea is to make sure YOU know how good you are and come prepared with workplace stories that show it.
Here are some articles that talk about how to approach the interview. Hope they help.
Good luck!!
Connie says
I have a job interview coming up and I’m a bit nervous. I recently got fired from my previous job and I’m not sure how to handle the interview from that perspective. The question, “Why were you fired?” is what frightens me. I don’t want this potential employer to think I am not reliable. The reason is nothing based on performance or anything shaddy. What to do?
Ronnie Ann says
Hi Simon!
That’s a great way of handling the question. It feels real for you and at the same time shows how you turn it into a strength. Just one little thing…be careful about how you phrase the extroverted part of your answer. Your interviewer may be an extrovert. 😉 But your manner of handling things adds a lot to any team.
Thanks for sharing!
Ronnie Ann says
I see from your comment you are already aware of the way you phrase your answer, but I added that point about not bashing extroverts for others who might try a variation of your approach!
Simon says
I say my weakness is I’m slightly shy and introverted. I’m not the type of guy that would dance in a club or take part in a karaoke for example.
I can turn being introverted “weakness” in to a positive. I have been told I’m a good problem solver. I pause, think and stay calm, not getting worked up when something is wrong. When I have thought it through, I then get to the task. Whereas extroverted people can loose patience and either jump straight in and get it wrong or panic.
I do not word it like that in interviews, or talk about others, but I hope you get the general idea.
Ronnie Ann says
Love your comment, Gina. Right on!
~ Ronnie Ann
Gina says
Most people come up with the standard answer along the lines of being too dedicated or being a perfectionist. This can backfire as it may be a polar opposite of the culture of the company. It really is best to speak from the heart. Sometimes you get a candidate with a real off the wall response- as weird as they can be- I would rather have the truth than hire someone that ends up not fitting well because they were not genuine in the interview.
Ronnie Ann says
Thanks Catherine. LOVE your strength answer.
The weakness one is good too because it’s real and not one of those bogus “gee I work too hard sometimes” answers. And if you want to make it even stronger, maybe add something about how you’ve learned to work with it. Weakness answers are best if they have the actual weakness part plus our “redemption.” 😉
Best of all is to show you learned how to turn it into a strength now – or at least a weakness you are aware of and have learned to handle so it doesn’t get in the way of your performance and work relationships.
Thanks for all your comments. Your experiences and advice add a lot. Best of luck!
~ Ronnie Ann
Catherine says
My greatest weakness? I get impatient when I see people not working to their full potential. My greatest strength? My willingness to be flexible and follow through on the assignments given to me, to the best of my ability.
Ronnie Ann says
Thanks Chelsea. Much appreciated!
~ Ronnie Ann
Chelsea says
Hey, I liked this article so much decided to tweet it (scheduled to send on Tuesday night). http://twitter.com/trovit_us
Hope you don’t mind! (If so please respond and I can cancel it)
Ronnie Ann says
Hi again Ankit!
I will keep my reply uncharacteristically short…no. Really really really. No.
Hope that helps. 😉 Best of luck.
Ronnie Ann
Ankit says
will it be fine to write about a weakness in the resume itself . As may be will give an impression to the interviewer that the person is quite mature and bold….plz reply
thankyou
Mildred says
It’s really helpful for me especially the tips in answering interview questions!
thanks Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann says
Hi Charmaine!
Sorry for the delay. (I’m working a couple of free-lance jobs AND taking some classes.)
I think this is a GREAT way to handle the question. Shows you are being sincere and also that you took the initiative to address a weakness and make it into a strength.
Best of luck in your career!
Charmaine says
Hey. Your explanation is very descriptive and helpful. I was just wondering if you would recommend me answering the question as below.
I would say that my weakness is that I’m usually shy and it’s almost impossible to get me to open up. I’m usually the girl in the corner refusing to talk to anyone. Then I discovered my passion for debating. I realized that I could convey my ideas I just didn’t dare to. Now I’m still shy and a little introverted but when asked to speak I do not shy away.
Thank you very much.
Ronnie Ann says
Thanks Diane. Much appreciated. And good luck with your resume services. 😉
Ronnie Ann
Diane says
That’s one of the best descriptions I’ve read about why the “weakness” question is even asked. As you explain, sometimes it’s not so much about the answer as it is how you present yourself.
Ronnie Ann says
I apologize Catherine. I get a lot of spam and the way you wrote your comment and presented yourself made me think you were playing with me.
Clearly you have a lot of weaknesses that you don’t want to bring up in an interview! The good news is you are aware of many of your work weaknesses and need to work on them ON YOUR OWN. You won’t ever be able to do any job well or get ahead until you realize you have the power yourself to get past those small quirks and be more professional in the workplace. 😉
And of course, I offer some ideas right on this post about how to answer the weakness question. The trick is mentioning a not-too-bad weakness and then telling them how you are working on correcting it! Let them know you think it’s important to work on weaknesses and are making it your personal goal to face any weakness head on. No one is perfect, Cat, but if we act powerless to our weaknesses, we wind up being trapped by them!
The main thing is to take yourself and your STRENGTHS seriously enough to go into that interview presenting your very best to the employer. And then if you are lucky enough to get the job, work on your weaknesses one by one. Please know you CAN do that. And if you know it now in your heart, then you can go into the interview and handle whatever they ask.
Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
divya says
Thank you Mr.Ronnie Ann.
It’s very helpful for me.
Ronnie Ann says
My honor, divya. Makes me happy to read that. Just so you know…I’m a woman. Ronnie is my first name and Ann is my middle name. 😉 Good luck!!
Catherine says
hello that doesnt help? I’m not in school i finished 4 years ago and i have had jobs but I’m going for a really good job and dont know what to say
Ronnie Ann says
Dear Cat,
One day you will indeed have an interview and when you do, I hope you tell them how creative you are. 🙂 And please refer to this article at that time because it has your answers.
In the meantime, good luck in school or whatever you’re really up to!
Ronnie Ann
Catherine says
hello my names cat I have an interview and im absooulutely horrific at them and i know people get nervous but im beyond this because i have anxiety so when i stress i tend to have panic attacks and im really worried about going there and having one because i would really die for this job like i really want it and i have no idea wot to say in interviews or anything like whats your weakness oh i have panic attacks when i get stressed…no and i dont have anything to say because i have alot of weaknesses like i need to constantly be munching on food lol or i talk to much, i harass everyone at work to talk to me and get in trouble, im easily distracted, i type with only 3 fingers, i need to work on my punctuation, i talk to fast, and iknow i cant say any of these!!!!!!!!! wot am i to do!!!!!!!!!!! lol please help
Ronnie Ann says
Hi Kelly!
I like that answer a lot. If you give me permission, I might make it into a short post one day giving full credit to you of course. 😉
Thanks much for sharing. Your wisdom ALWAYS welcome here!
Ronnie Ann
Kelly says
An answer I heard a long time ago that I use on that question in almost EVERY interview is, “I don’t consider myself to have weaknesses, but instead areas to improve on…I’d have to say…probably that I’m a perfectionist. I am very hard on myself when it comes to doing a good job. However, while I do try very hard to work on accepting my own faults, it can also be a good thing because not only does it push me to do better, but I also set my goals pretty high. So, if I aim for 110% and comeout only getting 100% done, I’ve still done a great job.” Interviewers always smile and recognize my intellect, and I get the job.
Ronnie Ann says
Hello seemant!
I’m not sure what else I can say other than what is already in my post. Just remember whatever you mention, to turn it into a strength by telling how you overcame it or how you did something to make up for it that shows them what a good employee you would be.
Also, just make sure you take it seriously and don’t joke around with them, ok? Maybe you are pulling my leg just a little?
tauqeer says
Hi Ronnie, The articles are great and true help for anyone facing demons in searching for a job or preparing for an interview. To address weaknesses I believe we have to go back to our own life experiences and take out one thing we always believed was lacking and what one did to resolve that problem. That’s the approach which helped me identify my own and take measures to improve that part. Googling for weakness answers which are typical will never help a candidate stand out from the crowd.
Secondly, I just completed my third and final interview with a Company’s VP and she commended me on clarity of thought and also said they will make it a tough decision for me to join another company when I told her about joining an organization early next week. I know these are good signs but just wanted your opinion about the chances. its a great job full of challenges. In my 2nd interview with the director the interviewer also said something on the lines “I believe you are a good fit”.
what do you think?
seemant says
i want to know the weakness , how should i express my weakness in an interview. plz reply