How to Answer “What Are Your Weaknesses?” Like a Pro!
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Ah, the classic interview question: “What are your weaknesses?” Just reading those words might make some of us feel a little nervous.
After all, it seems counterintuitive to discuss your flaws when you’re trying to present your best self!
But here’s the good news: this question doesn’t have to be a stumbling block.
With the right approach, we can turn this potentially tricky question into an opportunity to showcase self-awareness, humility, and our desire to grow.
Let’s walk through some effective ways to handle this question like a seasoned pro.
Together, we’ll turn that dreaded moment into a confident, genuine response.
Why Interviewers Ask About Weaknesses
Before we jump into crafting the perfect answer, it’s important to understand why interviewers even ask about weaknesses in the first place.
No, they’re not trying to trip us up or make us uncomfortable!
Instead, they’re looking for a few key traits:
Self-awareness – Do we know ourselves well enough to understand our own areas for growth?
Honesty – Can we answer this question openly and honestly without dodging it or giving a cliché response?
Willingness to improve – Are we actively working on our weaknesses or simply letting them be?
When we keep these goals in mind, the question feels less intimidating and more like a chance to show that we’re reflective, honest, and committed to self-improvement.
Now, let’s dive into how to frame our answers with these elements.
How to Choose a Weakness to Talk About
One of the first things we need to do is choose a weakness to discuss.
But not just any weakness!
The goal is to pick something that’s honest and authentic but won’t make the hiring manager question our ability to do the job.
Here are a few tips for picking the right weakness:
Go for Real, but Not Essential to the Role
When choosing a weakness, we want it to be something genuine but not a critical skill for the position we’re applying for.
For example, if we’re applying for a project management role, saying we struggle with organization might not be the best choice!
But maybe something related to public speaking or perfectionism (if managed well) could work better.
Avoid Overused Weaknesses
Many people default to responses like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” While these aren’t necessarily bad answers, they’re so commonly used that they’ve lost their impact.
We can stand out more by choosing something a little less predictable, as long as it’s honest and relevant.
Choose Something You’re Working On
The best weaknesses to discuss are those we’re actively working on improving.
This not only shows self-awareness but also a proactive attitude toward personal development.
For instance, if time management is an area we’re working on, we can share what steps we’re taking to improve it.
Structuring Your Answer: The Three-Part Formula
Answering the “What are your weaknesses?” question doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, we can follow a simple, three-part formula to craft a response that sounds honest and professional.
Here’s how it works:
Identify the weakness – Start by naming the weakness directly and concisely.
Keep it simple and avoid over-explaining.
Explain how it affects you – Briefly describe how this weakness impacts you or your work.
This adds authenticity to your answer.
Discuss how you’re addressing it – End on a positive note by explaining what steps you’re taking to improve or manage this weakness.
Let’s break down each step a bit more.
Part 1: Identify the Weakness
To begin our response, we simply need to identify the weakness in a straightforward way.
This doesn’t need to be an elaborate explanation—just a sentence or two to introduce it.
Here are a few examples of ways to start:
“One area I’m working on improving is my tendency to be a bit too self-critical.”
“I sometimes find myself getting overly focused on small details.”
“Public speaking has always been a bit of a challenge for me.”
It’s honest, direct, and to the point.
Remember, this is the opener, so we don’t need to go into great detail here.
Part 2: Explain How It Affects You
Now, we’ll briefly explain how this weakness impacts our work or interactions.
This adds authenticity and shows that we’re aware of its effects.
Here’s how we could build on our initial statements:
For self-criticism: “Sometimes, this makes it difficult for me to celebrate my accomplishments or feel fully confident in my work.”
For detail orientation: “While attention to detail can be a strength, I sometimes spend too much time on minor aspects of a project, which can affect my efficiency.”
For public speaking: “When I’m asked to present in front of large groups, I occasionally feel nervous, which can make it harder for me to convey my message as confidently as I’d like.”
By acknowledging how the weakness impacts us, we demonstrate self-awareness.
But we want to keep this part brief—we don’t want to dwell on it too much.
Part 3: Discuss What You’re Doing to Improve
Here’s the real opportunity to shine.
By explaining the steps we’re taking to work on our weakness, we can leave the interviewer with a positive impression.
Here are ways to continue with each example:
For self-criticism: “To work on this, I’ve started practicing self-reflection techniques and celebrating small wins along the way.
I’ve also been working on recognizing areas where I’m improving instead of focusing solely on what I could do better.”
For detail orientation: “To manage this, I’ve started setting time limits for tasks and focusing on prioritizing the most important details.
This helps me maintain efficiency while still delivering high-quality work.”
For public speaking: “To improve my public speaking skills, I’ve been practicing in smaller group settings and seeking feedback.
I’m also considering joining a local Toastmasters group to get more comfortable speaking in front of others.”
By ending on a proactive note, we’re not only showing self-awareness but also our commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
Examples of Weaknesses (and How to Discuss Them)
To give us a little more inspiration, here are a few common weaknesses and some ways we might frame them in an interview setting.
1. Self-Criticism
“One area I’m working on is my tendency to be a bit self-critical.
Sometimes, this makes it difficult for me to appreciate my own accomplishments.
To address this, I’ve been working on self-reflection techniques to help me acknowledge my progress and maintain a balanced perspective.”
2. Difficulty Delegating
“I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks, especially if it’s a project I’m deeply invested in.
I’ve been working on this by reminding myself that collaboration leads to stronger results and practicing trusting my teammates with tasks I’d usually take on myself.”
3. Getting Stressed Under Tight Deadlines
“I occasionally feel stressed when working under tight deadlines.
To manage this, I’ve been practicing time management techniques and breaking down large tasks into smaller steps.
This helps me stay focused and reduces the pressure of a looming deadline.”
Tips for Answering Confidently and Naturally
Knowing what to say is important, but how we say it can make all the difference.
Here are a few tips for delivering our answer with confidence:
Practice but Don’t Memorize: It’s great to practice our answer beforehand, but we want to avoid sounding rehearsed.
Memorizing our response word-for-word can make it sound robotic.
Stay Calm and Positive: Remember, everyone has weaknesses.
By staying calm and focusing on our growth, we come across as confident and self-assured.
Be Honest and Specific: Vague answers can sound insincere.
By being specific and honest, we show that we’re truly aware of our growth areas and are actively working on them.
Turning Weaknesses into Strengths: The Real Goal
Answering this question isn’t about pretending to be perfect or hiding our flaws.
Instead, it’s a chance to show the interviewer that we’re real, reflective, and committed to self-improvement.
When we approach the question this way, we not only feel more confident but also make a positive impression that goes beyond our resume.
Conclusion: Embrace the Question with Confidence
So, the next time we’re asked, “What are your weaknesses?” let’s take it as an opportunity.
By choosing a real but manageable weakness, explaining how it affects us, and sharing the steps we’re taking to improve, we can answer this question with confidence and authenticity.
And remember, we’re not alone—everyone has areas they’re working on.
This question is just one more way to show that we’re a great fit, not because we’re perfect, but because we’re always willing to learn and grow.
Here’s to turning our so-called weaknesses into strengths that make us stand out!
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