What exactly is the right way to answer “What is your greatest weakness?”
For such a popular interview question, it just isn’t really clear.
Are you supposed to deny that you have a weakness? Or confess your most genuine one to the hiring manager?
In reality, neither of those approaches will work – and we’ll show you why in our article.
Read on to learn:
- Why Do Interviewers Ask “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
- How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
- 23+ Examples of Weaknesses You Can Mention During Your Interview
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
The first step to answering “What is your greatest weakness?” correctly is to understand why interviewers ask the question in the first place.
When hiring managers ask you to identify your greatest weaknesses, they are looking for the following three things:
- Honesty. They want to know if you're honest enough to admit a real weakness. Keep in mind that if you get hired, your professional weaknesses will come up in one way or another, so being open about them in advance is the best option.
- Self-awareness. The ability to analyze yourself and recognize the areas where you need to improve is a valuable quality employers want in their candidates.
- Willingness to improve. Everyone has weaknesses. That’s why interviewers don’t expect you to lie about it. What recruiters do expect, however, is for you to be willing (and trying!) to improve.
How to Never Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
This is one of the trickiest
interview questions, so there are a few common mistakes you need to avoid when answering it.
Here’s what you should never do when talking about your greatest weakness:
- Say something cliché. Saying things like "I'm a perfectionist" or "I work too hard" comes across as disingenuous and unimaginative. The interviewer is going to want a more insightful answer than that.
- Be too self-critical. Don’t highlight your weaknesses to the point where it undermines your confidence or skills. This can make you seem insecure or even cost you the job.
- Skip the improvements. Simply naming a weakness without discussing how you’re working to overcome it isn’t a good answer. Be ready to explain the steps you’re taking to address this weakness and improve your performance.
- Go off-topic. Don't get sidetracked by going into excessive detail. Your answer should be clear, concise, and focused on explaining your greatest weakness and how you're managing it, not a summary of every mistake you’ve ever made.
9 Tips to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Now that you know what to avoid when talking about your weakness, it’s time to learn how to address it effectively during your job interview. Here are our top tips:
#1. Think How It’s Relevant to the Job
Before talking about your weaknesses in a job interview, you need to consider how relevant they are to the position you're applying for.
We recommend focusing on weaknesses that won't directly impact your ability to perform the job, but that are also realistic and relevant to a professional setting.
For example, if you're applying for a role in
data analysis, mentioning that your presentation skills aren’t great may be acceptable, as long as you explain how you’re working on improving them. However, the interviewer doesn’t need to know about any personal weaknesses that won’t come up at work.
Here’s an example of how you can mention a professional weakness:
#2. Be Specific
Nobody likes talking about their weaknesses, but try not to look as if you're avoiding answering.
So, instead of giving vague answers like "I'm not good at everything," pinpoint a particular area where you need improvement.
For example, you might say, "I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I’m a perfectionist and I want to make sure I do everything correctly."
You should also be ready to back up your weakness with an example of when you had to overcome it in your work.
Being able to talk about specific weaknesses shows that you're self-aware without being insecure.
#3. Turn a Weakness into a Strength
Who said a weakness can’t work to your advantage?
Say, for instance, your weakness is that you’re stubborn.
While stubbornness tends to be viewed badly, in certain roles – such as sales or project management – persistence and determination are great traits.
In this context, you could explain to the interviewer that, while you might come across as stubborn, this trait also helps you stay committed to your goals despite the challenges you face along the way.
So, you can present your weakness as a potential strength and show the interviewer that you’re aware of how it can impact your performance at work.
Make sure you
prepare an elevator pitch before your job interview. Chances are, you’ll need it to answer common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself.”
#4. Avoid Deal-Breakers
When discussing your weaknesses, be careful not to mention any that could be a deal-breaker for the role since it will probably cost you the job.
For example, if you're applying for a position that requires strong attention to detail, such as a
data entry clerk, don't admit to being careless or prone to mistakes. Instead, choose a weakness that’s manageable and won't significantly impact you on the job.
So, you can admit to a different flaw, such as being hesitant to ask for help or not being too familiar with the software they use. In most cases, companies will teach you how to use the specific software they expect you to work with.
Here’s an example:
That being said, we don’t recommend you apply to jobs where you know you lack the most important skills they require. There’s nothing wrong with applying for a job where you’re not the perfect candidate; but if you know you’re not well-suited to begin with, it’s a waste of everyone’s time.
#5. Talk about Self-Improvement
The most important thing about discussing your weaknesses is showing the interviewer what you’re doing to improve, and actions speak louder than words.
So, when you mention your weakness, immediately follow up with the steps you're taking to address it. For example, if you struggle with
time management, explain how you've started using productivity tools and techniques to better organize your schedule.
This shows that you're proactive and willing to learn from your mistakes, which are qualities that employers value. Like so:
#6. Highlight Strengths
When talking about your weaknesses, it’s important to balance the conversation by
highlighting your strengths, too. Every time you acknowledge a weakness, mention a strength that compensates for it.
For instance, if you mention that you sometimes struggle with delegating tasks, you can follow up by emphasizing your strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex projects by yourself.
Highlighting your strengths reassures employers that, despite your weaknesses, you have valuable skills and traits that make you a strong candidate for the position.
Here’s an example of how you can highlight a strength along with a weakness:
#7. Avoid Clichés
Keep in mind that, while this may be your
first job interview, your interviewer has probably done hundreds of them – which means they’ve likely heard it all. That being said, it's important to avoid clichés that are going to come across as insincere or unoriginal.
Statements like "I'm a perfectionist" or "I work too hard" are obvious attempts to avoid talking about your real weaknesses, and they’ll only make you appear disingenuous.
Instead, choose a more authentic and less overused weakness.
For example, you might mention that you sometimes struggle with giving critical feedback, but you’re working on developing this skill through training and practice. The interviewer will appreciate your honesty.
Here’s an example:
#8. Don’t Mention Too Many Weaknesses
If the interviewer doesn’t explicitly ask you for more than one or two weaknesses, then don’t overshare with the hopes of sounding honest.
As a rule of thumb, two to three flaws are more than enough to show that you’re self-aware and sincere.
Of course, how you present your weaknesses is more important than how many there are, but you don’t want to leave the interviewer feeling like you’re a very flawed candidate.
So, be sure to balance out your weaknesses with at least two or three more strengths.
Here’s an example:
#9. Practice Your Response
Like with most other interview questions, a crucial step to answering “What is your greatest weakness?” is practicing your response in advance.
Your response should be clear and show confidence, so rehearse your answer multiple times, either alone or with a friend.
You don’t want to sound hesitant or uncertain, which might leave the interviewer with a bad impression.
But, on the other hand, you don’t want to sound scripted either. Don’t learn your answer by heart - if the interviewer asks you a follow-up question, you’re likely to end up stumbling over your words.
Instead, practice your delivery so your answer sounds natural. This way, you’ll be ready for anything else the interviewer might throw your way.
6 Questions to Help You Identify Your Weakness
Before you can talk about your weakness confidently, you need to know what it is.
If you’re not sure, it’s time for some self-reflection. In case we didn’t stress this enough, it’s important to be as genuine as possible when the interviewer asks about your greatest weakness.
This means you should tell them about a real weakness, not just something that you picked out of a list because you think it’s harmless to the position you’re applying to.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to try and find your weakness:
- Did your past supervisors criticize you for a particular aspect of your work?
- Were you ever asked to improve something, and how did you approach it?
- How have you failed to complete work tasks, and what have you done to improve?
- What is something you’re really not fond of doing in terms of work?
- What were some of your weaknesses back when you were a student?
- Was there something specific that professors criticized you about during your academic studies?
Write down your answers and compare them. If something comes up more frequently, it’s likely to be your main weakness.
6 Tips to Address Your Weakness
Now, identifying your weaknesses doesn’t mean much unless you go the extra mile and improve on them.
And sure, you can take a shortcut and say you’re doing something to address your weaknesses just for the sake of replying to the interview question, but sooner or later, that will harm your performance at work.
That’s why, instead of just mentioning an answer you learned by heart during the job interview, we recommend you try out the following ways to address your weakness:
#1. Use Tools That Can Help You Improve
There are plenty of tools and resources out there to help you.
For example, if you're working on time management, apps like
Trello or
Todoist can help you stay organized. If public speaking is your weak spot, consider joining a group like Toastmasters or using online courses to build your confidence.
Using these tools will help you improve and back up your claims when you want to show potential employers that you're proactive and dedicated to self-improvement.
So, go ahead and get the most out of these resources to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
#2. Enroll in a Class
One of the best ways to address your weaknesses is by enrolling in a class.
Whether it’s an online course or an in-person workshop, taking a class shows that you’re serious about self-improvement and
professional development.
For example, if you struggle with certain
computer skills, look for courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
So, find a class that targets your weakness, sign up, and start learning. It’s a proactive step that can make a big difference in your career.
#3. Ask for Feedback
When it comes to reflecting on your weaknesses, getting an outside perspective can be incredibly valuable.
That's where asking for feedback comes in. It might feel a bit daunting, but it’s one of the best ways to get a clear picture of where you need improvement.
Reach out to coworkers, mentors, or even friends who can give you honest, constructive feedback. Ask them specific questions about areas where you can improve, and be open to their suggestions.
Plus, acting on this feedback can lead to significant improvements in your
soft skills and work performance.
Asking the right questions during a job interview is just as important as giving the right answers. Our guide on the topic can show you just what kind of
questions to ask the interviewer.
#4. Consult an Advisor
Consulting a professional advisor,
such as a career coach, mentor, or experienced coworker, takes you one step further.
An advisor can give you feedback, tailored guidance, and the support you need to improve.
Advisors can offer valuable insights and practical strategies that you might not have considered on your own. They can also help you
set realistic goals, develop a plan of action, and keep you accountable as you work on improving your weaknesses.
Seeking advice from a professional shows that you’re willing to learn and grow, and this can be a game-changer in your journey toward self-improvement and career success.
#5. Practice Skills Outside of Work
Improving your weaknesses isn't limited to the workplace. Practicing your skills outside of work can be incredibly effective.
For example, if you're looking to improve your writing skills, start a blog, or contribute to online publications.
Practicing outside of work gives you extra training, and it shows initiative and a genuine desire to improve. So, find ways to work on your skills in your free time—it’s a great way to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
#6. Join a Workshop
Another effective way to improve your weaknesses is by joining a workshop.
Whether it's a leadership workshop, a coding boot camp, or a
communication skills seminar, these sessions offer focused learning and the chance to interact with experts and peers.
You’ll gain valuable insights, and you'll be able to prove to potential employers that you’re proactive and take self-improvement seriously. So, find a workshop that aligns with your goals and dive in!
“What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” Sample Answers
Need more inspiration to talk about your weaknesses? Here are some sample answers that can help inspire you:
#1. Self-criticism
“One of my weaknesses is that I tend to be overly critical of myself. After completing a project, even if it's received positive feedback, I often feel like I could have done more. This has led me to overwork myself and burnout. To address this, I've learned to take time to objectively evaluate my achievements and celebrate my wins. This steadily improved my work and my confidence, and it also helped me appreciate the support of my team. I still strive for excellence, but I’ve learned to balance it with self-care and a healthier perspective on my accomplishments.”
#2. Introversion
“Well, I’m really introverted, so I used to struggle with sharing my ideas in group settings and speaking up during team meetings. However, I recognized how important participating actively is, and I’ve been working on improving. After my team underperformed on two consecutive projects, I realized that I needed to make changes in order to contribute more effectively. So, to overcome some of my introversion, I enrolled in local improvisation classes and started pushing myself to speak up more during team meetings. Although it’s still a work in progress, I have made some significant improvements over the past year and am continuing to work on my communication skills to be a more effective team member.”
#3. Extroversion
"I'm naturally very extroverted and love interacting with people, which can be a bit tricky in a data entry role since it's more solitary. Early on, I noticed that my tendency to chat with colleagues sometimes distracted me and affected my productivity. So, I decided to set specific 'focus times' where I minimize distractions and use breaks for socializing. I also started using noise-canceling headphones and created a quiet workspace to help me stay focused. These changes have really boosted my productivity and helped me balance my social nature with my work. It's still a work in progress, but I've made great strides."
#4. Avoiding Confrontation
“I tend to avoid confrontations, both in my personal and professional life. While I believe it's important to maintain a peaceful work environment, I understand that conflicts can arise and need to be addressed. I am taking steps to improve by developing my conflict resolution skills. I’ve been attending workshops and reading books on conflict management. I’m also practicing having difficult conversations with coworkers and friends so I can get more comfortable with the whole process.”
#5. Insecurity
“My greatest weakness is my tendency to second-guess myself and my abilities. I sometimes doubt my work and worry that it isn’t good enough, even when I know it is. I am taking steps to overcome this, though. I’ve been working on building my confidence by reminding myself of my past accomplishments. I also actively seek out feedback from others, including coworkers and managers. It helps validate my work. I understand it’s a common issue a lot of people have, but I’m willing to put in the work to overcome my insecurities.”
#6. Presentation Skills
“My greatest weakness is my presentation skills. While I’m comfortable communicating one-on-one or in small groups, I tend to get nervous when giving presentations to larger groups. However, I am taking steps to overcome this. I’ve been practicing and watching online tutorials on how to improve my presentation skills. Additionally, I’m also on the lookout for opportunities to present in front of others, both in and out of work, so I can gain more experience and confidence. For example, I recently gave a presentation at a local meetup, which allowed me to practice my skills in a more relaxed environment.”
#7. Teamwork
"One of my weaknesses has been working effectively within a team. In the past, I struggled with delegating tasks and often tried to handle everything myself, which led to stress and tons of problems down the line. Once I recognized this, I decided to take proactive steps to improve my teamwork skills. I participated in a few team-building workshops and started actively seeking feedback from my coworkers on how to collaborate better. I also started practicing more open communication and trust in my team's abilities. Now, I’m significantly better at working as part of a team, and I've seen improvements in our projects and overall team morale, too."
#8. Procrastination
"A weakness I have been addressing is procrastination. I often postpone starting tasks because I want to make sure everything is perfect before I begin, which results in a lot of last-minute rush and unnecessary stress. So, I started setting realistic goals and breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps. I also set personal deadlines ahead of the actual due dates to make sure I complete them in a timely fashion and don’t end up in a circle of endless revisions. Having a structured approach helped me stay on track and complete my work more efficiently, which reduced stress and improved my productivity a lot."
#9. Impatience
"Impatience has been a weakness of mine, particularly when waiting for others to complete their parts of a project. This often led to a lot of frustration and strained relationships with coworkers. When I realized I was in the wrong, I started practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques to remain calm and patient. I also improved my communication skills by discussing timelines and expectations more clearly with my coworkers. Setting realistic deadlines helped, as did understanding the challenges others might be facing. I definitely became more patient and supportive, so now I can foster better collaboration and smoother project execution."
#10. Multitasking
"Multitasking has been a challenge for me, as I often found myself juggling too many tasks at once. Obviously, that led to decreased focus and efficiency. Once I realized this, I decided to adopt a more organized approach to my work. I began prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, using techniques like time blocking to dedicate specific periods to single tasks. I also started practicing mindfulness to improve my concentration. These changes really helped me manage my workload effectively, so now each task receives the attention it deserves and is completed on time."
#11. Lack of Experience
"Lack of experience in certain areas has been a weakness for me, particularly when starting a new role or project. To overcome this, I made an effort to seek out learning opportunities and additional training. I actively participate in workshops, webinars, and online courses relevant to my field. I also regularly seek mentorship and feedback from more experienced coworkers to accelerate my learning curve. I’ve significantly expanded my knowledge and skills, which helps me contribute more effectively and confidently in my role."
#12. Task Delegation
“I've sometimes found it difficult to delegate tasks. I often feel like I need to handle everything myself to make sure it's done right. Naturally, this led to me feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin. I realized how important teamwork is, and I've been working on improving my skills in that area. I started by identifying the strengths of my coworkers and then assigning tasks that aligned with their skills. I also make a conscious effort to trust my team and provide clear instructions. This approach lightened my workload and empowered my team, so it’s been great so far. I’m still improving, but I've made a lot of progress when it comes to task delegation these past few months.”
#13. Humour
“I tend to find humor in everything, which can sometimes mean I bring a bit too much fun into serious situations. While it often creates a positive atmosphere, it can occasionally distract from important tasks. I've realized I need to strike a better balance, so I’ve been working on reading the room and reserving my humor for the right moments. This way, I can maintain a positive work environment without losing focus on professionalism. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m getting better at knowing when to lighten the mood and when to stay serious.”
#14. Spontaneity
“I have a spontaneous nature, which means I sometimes act on impulse rather than sticking to a plan. While this can lead to creative solutions, it has occasionally resulted in last-minute changes that disrupt workflows. I’ve been working on balancing my spontaneity with better planning to try and manage it. I now make it a point to create detailed plans and set clear goals before starting projects. This way, I can still be flexible, but within a structured framework. It's a work in progress, but I've come a long way in maintaining spontaneity without compromising on efficiency.”
#15. Organizational skills
“Organization hasn't always been my strong suit. I used to struggle with keeping my workspace tidy and managing tasks efficiently, which sometimes resulted in misplaced documents and missed deadlines. To address this, I started using digital planners and task management apps to keep everything in order. I also set up a daily routine to help me stay on track. These adjustments significantly boosted my productivity and helped me stay organized. It's still a work in progress, but I'm seeing noticeable improvements in my organizational skills.”
#16. Lack of Creativity
“I’ve noticed that I’m not always the most creative person. This used to hold me back when trying to find unique solutions to problems. But, to address it, I’ve started engaging in different activities that stimulate creativity, like brainstorming sessions and cross-disciplinary learning. I also collaborate more with my creative coworkers to gain different perspectives. I’d say my efforts paid off. Now, I think outside the box more often. Creativity is still an area I'm working on, of course, but I’ve made good progress in my work.”
#17. Not Taking on Risks
“I’ve often been cautious about taking on risks. Early in my career, I tended to play it safe, which sometimes led to missed opportunities for growth. Realizing this, I’ve been working on being more open to calculated risks. I started by analyzing successful risk-taking strategies and gradually implementing them in smaller projects. This approach has helped me become more comfortable with uncertainty and better at evaluating potential rewards. While I’m still learning, I’ve made significant progress in taking on risks to drive business growth.”
#18. Being Too Honest
“I tend to be very honest, sometimes too much so. I like being direct but it can occasionally come across as blunt and hurt people's feelings. I’ve been working on being more mindful of how I deliver my honesty. I've started to focus on being more tactful and considerate when I communicate so I can convey my thoughts without being harsh. Now, I also take a moment to think about the best way to phrase things so I don’t compromise kindness. It's an ongoing process, but I think I’m a lot better at balancing honesty with empathy now.”
#19. Shyness
"Being naturally shy has been a bit of a hurdle in my software engineering career, especially when it comes to collaborating and sharing ideas with the team. In the beginning, I found myself hesitating to speak up during meetings or to ask for help, which sometimes slowed down project progress. To overcome this, I started actively participating in team discussions. This has really helped build my confidence. Now, I'm much more comfortable communicating with my team and contributing my ideas. While there's still room for improvement, I've made significant progress.”
#20. Time Management
“I've had challenges with time management where I often find myself juggling multiple tasks and struggling to meet deadlines. This sometimes led to a lot of stress and left me feeling overwhelmed. I started using project management tools to improve. Creating detailed to-do lists to prioritize my tasks was a game-changer. I also set specific time blocks for each activity so I stay focused and avoid multitasking. The strategies really helped me become more organized and efficient. While I’m still refining my approach, I’ve made a lot of progress in managing my time better and meeting deadlines more consistently.”
#21. Sharing Responsibility
“I’ve sometimes struggled with sharing responsibility, especially in video editing projects. I used to take on most tasks myself to ensure everything was perfect, which led to burnout and slowed us down. Lately, I've been working on trusting my coworkers more and delegating tasks effectively. Now, I make sure we define roles clearly at the start of each project and keep the lines of communication open. This has really improved our efficiency and created a more collaborative atmosphere. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m seeing great strides in how I share responsibilities.”
#22. Sensitivity
“I can be quite sensitive, which means I sometimes take feedback or criticism more personally than I should. This used to affect my confidence and productivity a lot. Once I realized it was a problem, I started working on developing a thicker skin and viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth. I've started to regularly ask for constructive feedback and I’ve been practicing mindfulness to stay grounded. So far, this helped me become more resilient and better at handling criticism. While I’m still working on it, I've made some significant progress in using sensitivity to my advantage without letting it affect my performance.”
#23. Particular Software
"Honestly, I haven't had much experience with Toon Boom Harmony, as I've primarily worked with Adobe Animate. When I realized this could be a gap, I started looking into resources and tutorials for Toon Boom to get a head start. While I haven’t mastered it yet, I’m confident that my strong background with Adobe will help me learn the ropes quickly. I’m proactive about picking up new skills, and I’ve already made a plan to dive into learning everything I need to use Toon Boom comfortably. I’m excited about the opportunity to expand my skill set and bring my animation experience to your team."
Key Takeaways
Well, that was a lot to take in!
Hopefully, now you’re more than prepared to answer “What is your greatest weakness?” and ace your job interview,
Just in case, let’s go over some of the main points we covered in the article:
- When interviewers ask “What is your greatest weakness?” they’re looking to see if you are honest, self-aware, and willing to improve.
- Choose a weakness that isn’t essential to the job you’re applying to and stress exactly how you’re addressing it.
- Some weaknesses you can mention include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.
- An authentic answer goes a long way. That’s why the best solution is to identify your real weaknesses and take proactive measures to address them.
