What Are Your Weaknesses? How To Answer This Tricky Interview Question
91All but the most virgin of interviewees know that when preparing for a job interview that there are a collection of typical job interview questions that will almost for sure be asked in your interview. And because you want to do well and get the job, you should have some idea how you are going to answer these questions before your interview begins. It's about planning and thinking ahead.
One of these typical questions that you'll probably be asked is: "What are your weaknesses?" This can be a tricky question to answer and can take you off guard if you're not prepared. Who wants to blab on about their faults to a potential employer and the person making the hiring decision? Won't it just make you look bad?
Well, because you are probably going to have to answer this question whether you like it or not, here is how I recommend you go about it:
First off, do some brainstorming
In being truly 100% honest with yourself, ask yourself: what ARE your weaknesses? Spend a bit of time brainstorming some ideas and if you're the "list type" (I'm not), even go ahead and write them down if it makes you feel better.
This step is just between you and yourself though. It's NOT about beating yourself up, picking yourself apart or trashing yourself. It's just about the first step in trying to answer the interview question. Remember that we all have our weaknesses and faults, even those who appear to be perfect (they're not).
Examples of relevant weaknesses
- shy
- workaholic
- procrastinator
- disorganized
- not good with Microsoft Office (or any other specific, relevant skill)
In order to not damage your self-esteem, try to keep the list relatively short and manageable, let's say about 5 weaknesses. Try to keep them related to what may actually be relevant to the job you're interviewing for, too. For example, if you can't stick to a diet or have no luck in the dating world, do not use these as they're not the kind of thing your interviewer is looking for.
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There are two approaches. Choose one.
You may have heard the recommendation many will tell that when asked what your weaknesses are, to actually state one of your positive qualities and try to disguise it as a negative thing. This is approach #1 and one that I don't particularly like.
A typical example of this approach would be to say that you're a perfectionist and can be really hard on yourself. Now c'mon, to me, most employers are going to view this as a positive thing so in effect you cheated the question by answering this way.
My opinion is that when asked for a weakness, you should give an honest to goodness true weakness of yourself, not a positive one disguised as a negative. This is approach #2 and I think of it as a more honest approach. Many employers will appreciate your honesty in answering the question truly and for real with none of the nonsense from approach #1.
More on the honest approach
The key here with the honest approach is to yes, choose a real weakness of yours and yes, make it relevant but if you can, talk about one of your more minor weakneses. Everyone is going to realistically have more than one weaknesses that they could in theory talk about but it doesn't mean that you have to choose your worst trait.
It's common sense, but...
"Honesty is the best policy." - Unknown
Depending on the job, you might choose to talk about how you're a bit on the shy side, for example, but that you're very easy to get along with and once you get to know your co-workers, the shyness goes away. This is what I generally use for an answer in my interviews. Yes, be honest and state one of your real weaknesses but make sure to still put a positive spin on it like I did in this example.
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@onceuponatime66, I agree that weaknesses are part of what makes us human. It is from my own weaknesses that I feel allows me to often relate to others better and to cut others slack for their wrongdoings because I know that I'm not perfect either. This makes me a stronger person, so yes!
Thanks for reading!
PurpleOne, yes I agree. It does make us more tolerant of others weakness as well. I have two friends with "mental" problems that "function" in the real world. It is so hard to "relate" to them sometimes. I do have patience as my guide.
Well everyone is intitled to be a little wiery of new places of employment. Because as you all know anything new is scary. It's a known fact that everyone is shy to some degree. With that being siad, its the employees right to stand up and say (I'm not weak).
This is a good approach to a tough interview question.
I always hated this interview question. It's like asking you, tell me something negative about you that will make me not hire you. I agree you have to be creative in answering.
HI
I hate interview:) thanks for good hub, and good article. I'm really like it.
Hi--one of my most hated questions--in the past.
Also a reason I now work for myself. I'd never get a job these days, because I don't put up with political BS game-playing, and I will say so.
So, my 'weakness' is that I am brutally honest and truthful, so my answer to this question is, "I don't play games and answer questions designed to trip me up."
So, it would be, "Thank you very much for your time--we'll let you know."
End of interview!
HA! I set my own hours, work the days of the week I choose, and I've got the last laugh!
For those who choose to or must fight the urban jungle,
however, your's is a good approach.
I also hate this question, but I agree with you on taking the honest approach! I feel like this question is usually asked to see how you deal with your weaknesses, so this is the only way to go. Great hub!
Interviews are tough. My most feared question is "why do you want to work here?" - but they are all tricky. Next time you face an interview it's maybe worth asking a friend to 'interview' you before hand, and ask all sorts of trick questions. Practice.
Great hub, You have certainly taken some time and have taken your time and laid out a well informed hub. I hope that someone will run across this and certainly bhe able to use to prepare for there interview.
SM
@Tobster1 - I agree that many people are shy to some extent but definitely not all. Thanks for reading!
@Karen Wodke - I appreciate your comment!
@2besure - yes, it's one of my least favorite questions for sure. I don't like the sneaky approach but yet I'm not going to go into an interview either and start bashing myself. For sure, one must be creative when it comes to answering this question.
@maciuras - I do not particularly enjoy interviews either! They are a necessary evil. :)
@DzyMsLizzy - Ha! Yes, I would not necessarily recommend stating that your weakness is that you are not willing to put up with political BS. :) It's wonderful that you are able to work for yourself. Good for you!
@chirls - I totally agree with you! If you can show your interview that you are able to cope with your "weakness", it's definitely in your best interest to do so. Thanks for the insight!
@Mark Ewbie - Yikes, "why do you want to work here?" is indeed another very tricky question! It's good advice you stated here to get a friend to help you practice answering questions. I've done this before and absolutely felt more prepared and calm in my interview because of it. Thanks! :)
LOL @MarkEwbie--agreed...another question that would get me into "not-hired" trouble, because the "absolute true answer" to that one is as follows:
"Seriously? Get a clue! EVERYONE needs a job SOMEWHERE so they can pay for their shelter, groceries and utilities! I just need A JOB--I don't care where!"
LOL ... naturally, I realize you do not dare say that...but..I'd sure be thinking it...comes under "ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer!"
"state one of your positive qualities and try to disguise it as a negative thing" - That's smart !
In fact, there is strength and limitation to every quality one has.
I can also identify. A job interview, when you really need and want the job is nerve racking
This is one of the interview questions I hate also and find very hard to answer. The fact that you usually know about the interview a few days in advance helps, it gives you time to really think about your weaknesses so that you can answer this questions as honestly as possible.
How true,you're right.I am glad I read your short subject,because now I will have to ask myself that same ? before I go on a job interview,and it will help me be prepaird.Thanks
Thank you PurpleOne for a crisp and useful hub! I completely agree with you on being honest while answering this question. Those who beat around the bush and revolve around the honest answer are usually caught as there are experts on the other side of the table. But at the same time, it is extremely crucial to attach the real weakness with a positive tag. For example: My favourite answer is, I suffer from time management issues occasionally as I am thorough with my work and have an eye for detail, and I am always willing to consciously work on this weakness.
Very good options. I think if there's ample time to tweak the answers in such a way that it's honest and at the same time, a bit of a "white lie", would prove to be good. Great tips for sure.
I believe it is right to approach the question truthfully, but that it is not wrong to make it into a positive. You are competing for a job, you do not, matter what, want to give the employer any reason not to hire you. As an example, you can say that you are a procrastinator, but you do your best work under pressure and always get the work done.
Great advice! I used to ask this question in interviews, and the answer that annoyed me the most was "I really don't have any." I was never going to hire someone who couldn't admit to having weaknesses.
I've always respected those who answer this question honestly. I shows that you are aware of what you need to work on and where you need to improve. As long as it isn't something that would prevent you from being successful, you should be just fine.
How about an honest avoidance of the question, such as, "Everyone has a weakness or two somewhere. I don't allow any of mine to get in the way of what I need to do."
That way, you let them know you're serious, but you also have avoided the question, and not exposed any actual flaw, so they won't know what to "watch" you for.
;-)
How about just answering with 1. - why the hell would you ask someone such a derogatory question? 2, My weakness is I cant stand working for people who cant be positive and decent with others. 3. You can stick your job!
Definitely a tough question to answer, but as you've shown, it can be done :)
Honesty!!! I Love it...
Well I take this question in different perspective....many times the interviewer ask this question to let the candidate open up for further serious talk and feels easy with the interviewer....at the same time no doubt this also means to see the candidates honesty level which is a foremost important element for any serious position....so one should not take this question in negative perspective and should use this opportunity to present a fair and honest oneself...which may make him hot prospect for this job.Thanks.
They should interview you online. That is much less threatening.
Many times, I have faced this question in interviews. Your suggestion is wonderful. I feel it will really work.
Yeah, weaknesses are sometimes to be hidden and sometimes we must show "Sorry, I'm not upto that."
I think you should know about your weaknesses and try to reduce them. In interview this question can make a negative impression but if you explain it in nice way then it could be positive for you.
Even I used to respond to this question by saying that I am a little shy... But this cannot be said for a job that requires a lot of interaction with people.. When we list our weaknesses to prepare for this question, it is important to check if that weakness is a major weakness for the job that one is applying for..
Usually, one of the difficult questions to answer for a fresher who attends one of his or her first interviews.
Our company is doing some interviews and it has been interesting to listen to people give super vague answers to very specific questions. So if its a position you don't have all the skills for, do some research so it looks like you know what you're doing, right?
I agree with you to follow the honest approach. It becomes a positive as you are eager to improve the negative quality in future.
That's one question I hate! There is a lot of advice out there on disguising your positive traits as negative but honesty is the best policy.
well, lately mine is that I work overtime wanting to complete a project than leave it for the next day. will they like that one?
Honest approach is really very essential. I am truly inspired from your article. Thanks for your wonderful support.
I told an employer the other day - my weakness is that I have trouble picking the faults in other people so you certainly had me thinking on this for days after the fact of reading!
Here's how I answered that question twice during an interview. What's your biggest weakness? I answered, "Brevity." And then just sat there. After about five seconds I smiled, the interviewer laughed and I replied that no one, no one, in their right mind is going to tell you their biggest weakness. For example, would I tell you my biggest weakness is that I yell at my reports, or I can be overbearing? No one is going to say that. And then I say if you really want an answer I probably could improve on my patience.
The fact is, that is a bull-t question that most interviewers, if they are good, don't ask.
You should be honest and tell him or them about weakness which applies to almost everybody in the world,even the interviewer/s like that my weakness is " I do hate heavy load of work with low payment" .Think about similar examples and you will find many !
I hate when I get asked this question, thanks for the help.
The other hard one to deal with is what conflicts with other employees or bosses have you had and what did you do to deal with those... Love to see a Hub on that!
I've been asked this question in an interview before. I just said Chocolate and high-heels! I didn't want to be negative about my professional skills.
I'm always honest about this question too and it's always worked out ok for me.
This is one question that always gets me confused in interviews! Thanks for the information, you're a great writer. Good Hub, Good Topic
shanmugamp, I agree with you. Before you answer that question find out what job duties you will have. For instance if you have to keep track of petty cash, your weakness shouldn't be "sometimes I spend money that's not mine". I had a menally challanged friend that answered the question... Sex? She put "sometimes". I had another friend that sent her medical records along with her resume. I think honesty is good, but most interviewers are trying to relax you and themselves. I have way too many weaknesses, so I turn that question into a lively answer..like..I can't walk away from chocolate or Ill be the first one to cry at a sad movie. You know that question..where do you see yourself in 10 yrs?....my reply, "watch you move up in the organization and me in your position.
cry at what others call "sappy movies".
Thank you for making a difficult subject easy to handle.
I think I've decided my 'interview' weakness, which is kind of a real weakness, is that I should network more.
It's not that I don't network, I do, but I generally network with whoever work brings my way as opposed to necessarily seeking out new connections and developing potentially helpful relationships. Also, I do seek people out, but it's something I would like to be more active about as I know how valuable a network of contacts can be.
I am a bit of an introvert and I don't BS which is like networking kryptonite.
Sophia
I actually like this question (possibly because I'm odd and like interviews) because i consider myself confident at interviews and that is the only thing they can judge you from i tell them my weakness is interviews that way it actually works in your favour either way if you've done a good interview they will think heck if this is your weakness then you must be great at everything and if your interview not so great they blame it on nerves knowing that's your weakness so win win situation :)
I'm usually honest about this question and typically say that my biggest weakness is going 100% when things are slow.
The other question I hate is "Why do you want this job?" It's usually, but not always, got nothing to do with the fact that "I've always wanted to join such a go-getter,progressive company such as yours"!
Great hub, my partner is preparing for an interview and we were talking just last night about how to answer this exact question. She's going for the workaholic/perfectionist option!
Yes! Agreed! As the saying goes,"honesty is the best policy"
Very useful hub there, you've managed to explain how to turn a weakness into a potential strength.
Excellent topic and very helpful. I have always been very honest in answering this question so I guess that would fall into category #2 but my answers, while being honest, may be construed as strengths disguised as weaknesses. So that fits category #1. I will usually mention my inability to WOW someone in an interview process, as I tend to be very candid and honest. In short, BS is not a strength. Of course, this might hurt if I were seeking a sales position, but that is not anything I would ever pursue anyway. Also, I might disguise the perfectionist weakness a little differently. I might say that sometimes I spend too much time double or triple checking things rather than just trusting it has been done right but that is an area I am working on. These strategies have never hurt in the past and if I did not succeed at the interview, it was usually for another reason.
Do interviewers still ask that question? Wow! I have to sympathize with any applicant who gets stuck with such a poor interviewer. I think if the interviewer asks you this question, and you didn't already feel like you were going to get further consideration, you should probably assume the interview didn't go well. HR people can easily do 15 or 20 interviews in a day when they are hiring. It gets boring. Out of civility, no one wants an interview to run only 10 to 15 minutes. So when you're in a situation where you know you're not going to consider the applicant anyway, you lose focus, ask stupid questions, and kind of take a mental break. I know I'm going to get hammered for letting on about this, but believe me it happens
It took me a while but then I started to understand my self more and more. I like this page it has information that I think every business person has to ask them selves to be successful
I agree, its poor preparation on the part of the interviewer, and it reflects the culture of the company to have such lame questions thrown your way. That said, if you get stuck, its always good to have a Michael Scott answer ready, 'My biggest weakness is that I care too much.'
Whether this is out of vogue or not, some interviewers fall back on this question out of inexperience or boredom or who knows? My answer in the past was "I'm at times guilty of being brutally honest, but I've been working on softening my approach as to how I come across."
Ooh this one is the doozie... I agree with everyone that the 'weakness-with-a-positive-spin' is the best way to go. I had a 'practice' interview as part of a class one time and my interviewer told me he has had people tell him they are kleptomaniacs or that they are constantly running late for things.. Moral to this story is in this situation, SELECTIVE honesty is the best policy!
Being able to identify your weaknesses makes you a stronger candidate because you know where you need to place more attention. A weakness identified builds strength; a weakness unidentified crumbles foundations.
this is a great tip for those who are new with interviews. but thge most important thing to remember is being honest with your answers.
its good to try and turn your weakness into a positive trait
Thank you for this hub. I actually haven't worked in my life. I'm still young '20 years old' and thinking of getting a part-time job. thanks again.
i didnt get my answer yet
I have always loved the question "What Are Your Weaknesses?" on an interview. It is a great opportunity to sell yourelf and turn your weakness into a strength.
Thank you for such a great HUB
Great hub. I always always get stuck on this question. This hub will help me navigate this tough interview question more effectively next time.
I gave a generic answer to this infamous question to an hr interviewer and he called me on it big time. Nice Hub.
Everyone has weaknesses, so you recognize your own and work around it. As long as you know and acknowledge your weaknesses, then you can focus on your strengths!
Very interesting hub.
Thanks
Admission of weaknesses seems like it takes a lot of strength to do. That's my weakness.
Love it!
Great hub PurpleOne. Indeed, honesty is the best policy :)
I think an employer is looking for honesty and you are right honesty is the best policy. Great Hub, thanks
Excellent article. Well done.
Great stuff thanks
excellent points, well presented :o) wishing you laughter
I almost never know how to answer this question, until I read this post. Good stuff!
I have an interview next week, thanks for helping me with this part of my game plan. Great Hub!
Your ideas are truly inspiring. I feel everyone wants to follow it.
Thanks buddy for giving these wonderful ideas.
Very helpful tips. I have always been prepared for this question but always used the first approach by turning a positive into a negative. I am glad I read this and would start using approach two. It is hard to admit weaknesses especially to someone you are just meeting, let alone an interviewer.
Great little Hub. I was surprised recently in two different interviews that the interviewer asked the strength and weakness set of questions. For a long time people were moving away from these questions and they marked a new HR rep or an old way of interviewing. But it seems now people are returning to these type of questions as well as character and team dynamics. Well written and right on. Be prepared for these type of questions. Voted up. Thanks.
I have often times wondered if honesty was the best policy especially in an interview. I have often felt that this was a retoracle question to see if you the interviewee would actually say that 'this' company would correct any of my weaknesses.
However, when asked what my strengths were and I told them they didn't seem to be too impressed with those either - kind of like saying - we don't want that type of person here.
I've also been asked what could you contribute to our comnpany and when I told them - I was maybe a little to powerful for them. I really don't think a lot of companies are lookin fer really high energy people to out shine the boss or the producers of that company.
This is true. Being as honest as possible during an interview will help you to connect more with the interviewers. I think they know when you're deliberately cheating a question.
Weaknesses and strength has transitions from every mans behaviour.They both are not stable versions.Neither i dont have weakness nor i have strengh,its all even the same.
Hey PurpleOne, great article. I am glad you said: honesty is the best policy. Many employers will appreciate that. Another way to answer this difficult question is to talk about a weakness that's irrelevant to the job on hand. For example, if you are being interviewed for a checkout operator position, you could say that your weakness is you can't sit in front of a desk and do computer work for too long; that instead you prefer people contact.
Awesome tips...I've got to say, though, that a creative and new answer to "What is one of your weaknesses?" can be more effective than trying to answer honestly. Instead of "I'm a perfectionist/workaholic/wannabe-slave driver to my subordinates," come up with something new. I like to say that I feel I need to learn more, to acquire more book-knowledge to be able to explain what I know instinctively/experientially so I can better explain my actions and plans to my coworkers and employees.
It's tricky, b/c employers are inconsistent. Some want honesty, others really DON'T want to hear about weaknesses, and you can't gauge anybody, no matter how 'real' they seem.
I prefer to talk about a weakness, turn it into a strength, and then turn it BACK into a weakness. For ex., "I'm obsessive about work, and although it can bring it great results, I feel that it strains my personal life."
No one would think that's a way to weasel out of the question, BUT... you leave the interviewer w/ an impression of strength, not weakness.
This was a well put together hub. I like you incorporated books on the topic throughout the hub. Nice. Might have to borrow that trick.
I was asked this question during a job interview that I really wanted! It was an easy answer for me - my weaknesses tend to be related to the home, for example I am terrible about balancing my bank book (so true)! At work, I am an over-achiever. I got the job!
Nice hub. I will like to borrow that idea from you.
Sooo glad I no longer have to deal with interviews after switching to self employment. I always found most of the questions to be ridiculous and in no way a reflection of my capabilities.
I always hate this interview question too! I'm very shy, but I'm always afraid to admit this as a weakness if the job requires you to interact with clients/customers. Interviews definitely take practice! I think I flubbed my way through a couple when I first started job hunting. Thanks for the good hub.
Glad I found this. I usually say I get my feelings hurt easily by customers or co-workers who critisize me.
I got this question on my last interview, and told them in all honesty, my biggest problem is that I don't delegate to others well because I usually want something done a certain way. Often to get something done just the way I want it done, it's best to do it myself...On the other hand, I am aware that time constraints and overall production demand that I get better at this and I am consciously looking for opportunities to delegate more, depending on the structure of the job.
I use your shy example sometimes. Sometimes I turn a weakness into a strength i.e. perfectionist. Either way, I'm not a huge fan of this question ;) Great hub!
Awesome hub with some great tips!
onceuponatime66 17 months ago
It is my belief that weakness makes us stronger.