How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”

Yes, the question that is asked in almost every interview.

The last thing you ever want to do at an interview - tell the interviewer that you are bad at something.

You already feel like puking. And now, you have to make yourself look good while discussing how you’re terrible at something.

And no, you can’t pretend like you have no professional (or personal) weaknesses. You’re a human after all.

What the Employer Really Wants to Know
When you’re asked about your weaknesses, the employer wants to know whether you are qualified to do the job. The hiring manager is also looking for indicators that show you’ve been able to learn new tasks and handle new challenges. So, this question is an opportunity to show that you’ve got the right assets for the job

Here are the top mistakes that candidates typically make:

1. Trying to turn a negative into a positive.
You’ll find many books and articles that advise you to “turn a negative into a positive” by sharing a supposed weakness that is actually a desirable quality in an employee.
A few examples:
I am too much of a perfectionist.
I work too hard sometimes.
I care too much about my work.

Clever idea. At this point, though, it’s an old trick and the interviewer sees right through it. They are seen many candidates try the same song and dance. In fact, this approach will likely make them think you are hiding something.

2. Refusing to answer the question.
Some candidates will assert that they can’t think of a single weakness. This is probably because they don’t prepare for the question properly and freeze up, afraid to say the wrong thing. This answer also makes you look like you are hiding something
3.Don’t go overboard
It’s important not to talk too much about your weaknesses or what you need to improve. You don’t want the interviewer to perceive you as a candidate who isn’t qualified.

The Best Ways to Talk About Weaknesses

1. Be authentic
Don’t select a weakness just because it sounds good. You will make a better impression with sincerity. That doesn’t mean you have to share a weakness that makes you look bad. If you’re like most of us, you have several weaknesses and at least one of them will be interview-friendly as defined by the additional guidelines below.

2. Focus on accomplishments
Another option is to discuss skills that you have improved upon during your previous job or that you are actively working on improving. This shows the interviewer that you’re committed to self-improvement. If you use this strategy, be sure not to mention anything that you improved upon that would be critical to the position for which you are interviewing, as you don't want your qualifications for the job to be questioned.

3. Pick a weakness that is acceptable for the job at hand.
Be aware of the job requirements and don’t cite a weakness related to any of the required skills or desired qualities. If you’re an accountant, don’t talk about hating math or lack of attention to detail. If you’re in sales, don’t confess to being too reserved or lacking persistence.
4. I can have trouble asking for help
Asking for help is a necessary skill both when you are lacking expertise in a certain area and when you are feeling burned out or cannot handle your workload. Knowing when and how to ask for help shows strong self-awareness and helps the organization by getting ahead of a possible inefficiency. While having a strong work ethic and being independent are positive qualities, it is better for the business to know when to ask for help.
If you know it has been difficult to ask for help in the past, explain why you know it is beneficial and the ways you have tried to improve this skill.

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