Even your greatest weaknesses can become your strengths.
What the Interviewer Wants to Find Out
What they’re really looking for is how you answer it.
• Does it show that you think about your weaknesses and how to improve them?
• Do you have high standards for yourself?
• Dodging the question might make you appear overconfident.
• Giving an answer like, “I work too hard,” will make them roll their eyes.
Let’s talk about how to do it right.
Tips on Answering "What is Your Greatest Weakness"
• Be truthful and authentic. This will come through in your body language and they’ll appreciate your honesty.
• Select a weakness that’s not critical to the responsibilities of the position. It should be related,
but not something that would make you seem unqualified.
• Talk about a weakness that’s easily improved with mentoring, education, or practice.
• Follow it up with how you’re working on this weakness.
Sample Answer to the Question "What is Your Greatest Weakness"
"I’ve recognized that my public speaking skills are not the best. Like most people, I get nervous when I’m presenting to a large group. I’ll have plenty of practice in the next few weeks though because I’ve volunteered for the United Way as a community fundraiser. I figured talking to groups of friendly people is the best way to get through my fears."
To become stronger you must first face your weakness.