How to answer 'what are your weaknesses?' in an interview

For some, one of the most dreaded questions during an interview is "What are your weaknesses?" Usually, you want to focus on your positive attributes, not the negative ones, which is why you may find this question stressful. While the employer usually asks about your talents, you should also prepare to talk about your weaknesses.

Employers discuss your negative qualities to see how self-aware you are. They may also ask this to see how well you can turn a negative into a positive. Let's look at how you can answer this question, including some examples you can use as a model.

Why do employers ask about weaknesses?

During an interview, employers ask about your weaknesses to learn more about your personality. Even though you want to talk about your strengths, the interviewer learns a lot about you by discussing your weaknesses. Talking about your weaknesses shows that you're self-aware, and hiring managers might be more willing to hire someone who can recognize their faults. While you talk about your weaknesses, you can also make them into positives. Despite any of your weaknesses, you can show how you're a great candidate.

How to answer “What are your weaknesses?” in an interview

When answering the "What are your weaknesses?" question in a job interview, it's essential to strike a balance between honesty and professionalism. A well-crafted response should highlight a genuine area for improvement, while also demonstrating your proactive approach to overcoming it. This shows self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth.

For instance, you might mention a weakness, such as difficulty with public speaking, followed by how you've taken steps to improve, such as enrolling in a communication course or practicing through smaller group presentations. The key is to present your weakness in a way that ultimately underscores your strengths and suitability for the role. Here are some steps you can follow:

Choose a real weakness: Select a genuine area where you've struggled or have room for improvement. Avoid cliche answers, such as “I'm a perfectionist,” as they can come across as insincere.
Provide context: Briefly explain how this weakness has affected your work or professional development. This helps the interviewer understand the significance of the weakness.
Show growth: Discuss specific steps you've taken to address this weakness. This could include taking courses, seeking feedback, or practicing new skills.
Highlight progress: Share any improvements or successes you've had because of your efforts. This demonstrates that you're proactive and capable of change.
Tie it to the role: Connect your improvement efforts to the job you're applying for, indicating how overcoming this weakness makes you a better candidate for the position.

"Talking about your weaknesses is also a good way to talk about improving yourself."

Tips for answering interview questions about your weaknesses

When talking about your weaknesses for an interview, so many people use the same, boring answer of "I'm a perfectionist." Here are some tips to help you think of a fresh and better way to answer this question:

Be honest: One of the most important things to remember when answering this question is to be honest. Everyone has weaknesses, and answering honestly can help employers trust you.
Use positivity: Once you think of a weakness, try to use positivity to turn it into a strength. One of the main reasons why employers ask about your faults is to see how you're improving yourself, which is why it's important to put a positive spin on your weaknesses.
Be relevant: When you talk about your weaknesses, try to be relevant. This means that you only discuss faults that relate to the job you're applying to.
Make it specific: Try to make your answer clear and specific. Being clear helps the interviewer understand exactly what you mean.

Example responses for “What are your weaknesses?”

Here are some example responses that you can use in an interview.

I'm new to the industry

Whether you've changed careers or are new to the workforce, you may have little to no experience in the industry in which you're applying to work. It's okay to admit this to the interviewer because it shows you're aware of the issue and trying to improve it. You can turn this weakness into a strength by explaining what you've learned so far, what skills you bring to the table, and how you intend to expand your knowledge base.

I have a hard time asking for help

It's important to ask for help because it shows that you're willing to ask questions when needed. While being independent is a good quality, being able to ask for help shows that you're a team player. In fact, both qualities are excellent to include on a CareerBuilder profile. To make this weakness a positive, describe why it's useful to ask for help. Then, provide a few examples of how you've tried to work on this weakness. Maybe talk about a time when you asked a question and it benefited you.

It's difficult for me to say “no”

While it's nice to lend a helping hand, it's just as important to say "no" sometimes. Being able to do that shows that you recognize your boundaries, but it can be hard to tell your peers when they ask for help. To make this a positive, explain how you like helping your co-workers, but it's difficult for you to deny them. Next, explain how you plan to overcome this and show how you prioritize your work.

Being able to talk about your weaknesses shows how you're a strong candidate. Employers rarely expect you to only have strengths. It takes professional growth and character to admit that you have some faults. Talking about your weaknesses is also a good way to talk about improving yourself. Try to be authentic when discussing your weaknesses in an interview by following the provided tips.