The question, “What are your weaknesses?” is a challenging one for many job seekers.
Interviewers ask this question to gauge your self-awareness, honesty, and ability to improve.
While it may feel uncomfortable to discuss your shortcomings in an interview, answering this question effectively can leave a positive impression.
In this article, we’ll explore why this question is asked, how to structure your answer, common mistakes to avoid, and three example responses to help you navigate this tricky interview question.
Understanding the Purpose of the Question
When an interviewer asks, “What are your weaknesses?” they aren’t looking for reasons to disqualify you. Instead, they want to assess a few key traits:
- Self-awareness: Can you honestly assess your skills and areas for improvement? Candidates who lack self-awareness may struggle with growth or teamwork in a professional setting.
- Ability to learn and grow: Employers want to see if you are actively working on your weaknesses. Admitting a weakness shows honesty, but showing how you’re addressing it demonstrates initiative and a growth mindset.
- Honesty and humility: An interviewer is testing your ability to admit that you’re not perfect. Trying to appear flawless or dodging the question may signal arrogance or lack of authenticity.
By framing your weakness in a way that shows self-improvement and accountability, you can turn a potential negative into a positive aspect of your interview.
Structuring Your Answer
The key to answering the “What are your weaknesses?” question is balance. You want to show humility and self-awareness without disqualifying yourself from the role. Here’s a three-step approach to structuring your answer:
- Identify a Real Weakness
Choose a genuine weakness that won’t directly affect your ability to succeed in the role you’re applying for. Be careful not to choose a critical skill that’s essential to the job, but make sure the weakness is real, not a disguised strength like “I work too hard.” - Explain How You’re Addressing It
After identifying your weakness, talk about the steps you’re taking to overcome or improve upon it. The goal here is to demonstrate that you are proactive in self-development. Whether it’s attending training sessions, seeking feedback, or setting personal goals, show the interviewer that you’re actively working on your improvement. - Tie It Back to the Job (If Possible)
If there’s a way to relate your weakness to the job in a constructive way, do so. This shows that you’ve considered how this weakness may play into your professional development and how the job may help you grow in that area. However, this step is optional and should only be included if it genuinely fits the narrative.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a Disqualifying Weakness
Don’t mention a weakness that’s essential for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a project management role, don’t say, “I struggle with time management.” Always choose a weakness that is unrelated to the core responsibilities of the role. - Giving a Fake Weakness
Avoid giving an answer that sounds disingenuous, like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” These answers don’t show self-awareness or growth—they sound like you’re trying to avoid the question. Interviewers can easily see through this tactic. - Not Showing Improvement
Simply stating a weakness without explaining how you’re working on it doesn’t help your case. Employers are more interested in how you handle your weaknesses than what the weaknesses are. Always include the steps you’re taking to improve.
3 Example Answers
Example 1: Administrative Role
“One of my weaknesses is that I used to have trouble delegating tasks because I tend to want to ensure everything is done perfectly. However, I’ve realized that this not only slows down productivity but also puts unnecessary pressure on myself. To address this, I’ve started using project management tools and regularly checking in with team members to assign tasks and trust them to handle their responsibilities. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve become much better at relying on my team to complete tasks efficiently.”
Why This Works: This answer highlights a real weakness (difficulty delegating), but also shows self-awareness and progress toward improvement. The candidate explains how they are actively working on their weakness using tools and teamwork.
Example 2: Marketing Role
“I’ve noticed that I sometimes struggle with public speaking, especially when giving presentations to large groups. To overcome this, I’ve enrolled in a public speaking course and have been seeking out opportunities at work to present in front of smaller groups to build my confidence. I’m much more comfortable now than I was a year ago, but I still actively work on refining my presentation skills.”
Why This Works: Public speaking isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for most marketing roles, but it is a skill that could be beneficial. The candidate shows self-awareness and initiative by seeking improvement through courses and practice opportunities.
Example 3: Software Developer Role
“In the past, I’ve found that I can be overly focused on the details of a project, which sometimes means I take longer to complete tasks. I’ve been addressing this by working on my time management skills, using agile methods to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces with clear deadlines. I’m finding that this approach helps me keep a balance between quality and efficiency, without getting bogged down in minor details.”
Why This Works: This candidate admits to being detail-oriented, which could be seen as a positive trait, but balances it by acknowledging the downside of potentially slower progress. The response demonstrates that they’re already working on better time management using a structured approach.
Answering the “What are your weaknesses?” question requires a mix of honesty, self-awareness, and a focus on improvement.
By choosing a real but manageable weakness, explaining the steps you’re taking to address it, and avoiding common mistakes, you can turn a potentially difficult question into a positive part of your interview.
Practicing with tools like OneClickWorker can help you refine your response and deliver it confidently during the interview.
FAQ’s About Using AI With OneClickWorker.com
Why is OneClickWorker better than using ChatGPT?
ChatGPT provides generic responses that may not be helpful in an interview and could even hinder your performance. OneClickWorker, on the other hand, is specifically trained on best practices for elite interview performance. It takes into account your unique circumstances, background, and the job you’re applying for then delivers personalized advice tailored to your needs.
Can I use OneClickWorker for mock interviews?
Yes, OneClickWorker is designed to provide customized mock interview experiences. It asks questions about your specific situation, background, and the job you’re applying for, then gives tailored feedback to help you perform your best.
Can OneClickWorker create cover letters?
Yes, OneClickWorker can create custom cover letters based on your specific background, resume, and the job description you’re applying for. This allows you to apply for more jobs with targeted cover letters instead of relying on generic AI-generated content.
Can I use it for free?
Yes, there is a free plan available. Paid plans start at just $19.
