best way to answer what is your biggest weakness

So, you lot've finally got your foot in the door at your dream company. You've submitted the perfect resume and made a lasting impression during the phone screen. All there'due south left to do now is to win over the hiring manager in the face-to-face interview.

As a well-informed candidate, you're doing your research on the company and preparing your answers to the most important interview questions you can think of — the virtually notorious of them all beingness: "What is your greatest weakness?"

You don't want to reply, "I tend to work too hard," or "I am as well much of a perfectionist." That can easily come up across every bit scripted and insincere at best and lacking in self-awareness at worst.

Alternatively, you don't want to respond with weaknesses that will prevent y'all from succeeding in the role. For instance, if you're applying to be a projection managing director, you don't want to acknowledge that you lot're "not very good with time management."

Fortunately, in that location are ways to answer this question that will assistance you demonstrate your value as a candidate. Hither, we've cultivated some incredible answers to the mainstay, "What is your greatest weakness" question — and don't worry, these answers aren't "perfectionism".

How to reply What are your greatest weaknesses?

1. Choose a weakness that volition not forestall you lot from succeeding in the office.
2. Be honest and choose a existent weakness.
3. Provide an case of how you've worked to improve upon your weakness or learn a new skill to combat the effect.
4. Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to look to others to provide you with the resources necessary for growth.
5. Don't be arrogant and don't underestimate yourself.

1. Choose a weakness that will non forbid you from succeeding in the role.

When an interviewer asks, "What is your greatest weakness?" they want to find out:

• Whether yous have a healthy level of self-sensation
• Whether you can be open up and honest, particularly about shortcomings
• Whether you pursue cocky-comeback and growth opportunities to combat these bug, equally opposed to letting these weaknesses concord you back

Ultimately, you'll desire to utilize this question to demonstrate how you've used a weakness as motivation to larn a new skill or abound professionally. Everyone has weaknesses — your interviewer doesn't wait you to exist perfect.

If you lot're applying for a copywriting position with picayune necessity for math skills, you might admit, "I struggle with numbers, and don't take much feel with data analytics. While math is not directly tied to my function as a writer, I believe it's of import to have a rudimentary agreement of Google Analytics to ensure my work is performing well. To tackle this weakness, I've been taking online courses in data analytics."

An respond like this shows the hiring manager that you lot recognize your areas for growth and are able to human action on them without beingness told to do so. This kind of self-starter attitude is a plus for virtually whatever team.

two. Be honest and cull a real weakness.

The answer "perfectionism" won't cut it when talking nearly your biggest weakness because it's not a real weakness. Perfectionism can never be attained — information technology'due south a fright-based pattern that leads to short-term rewards like getting the job washed early and exceeding expectations. Notwithstanding, in the long-term, trying to reach perfectionism leads to burnout, low-quality piece of work, and missed deadlines. Exhaustion is one of the biggest contributors to decreased productivity, turnover, and low employee engagement — all of which toll a company money, time, and talent.

Instead, choose a existent weakness. Underneath the desire to do perfect work may lie a weakness of trust. Peradventure you lot don't trust that you lot'll exist able to brand mistakes on the team, then you strive to do everything perfectly. That's a real weakness that you can definitely overcome.

three. Provide an example of how you've worked to improve upon your weakness or larn a new skill to gainsay the issue.

Hiring managers don't await you lot to overcome your weaknesses completely overnight. Everyone has areas they must constantly work on to go on them sharp. Think of it this manner — if y'all've dedicated half dozen months to working out, you won't be able to stop one twenty-four hours and maintain your progress. It's an ongoing process that yous have to piece of work at.

4. Think about weaknesses in your ain personal life.

If you humanize yourself in the interview, it'll allow your interviewer to connect and visualize working with you in the future. It'southward non just nigh weaknesses that pertain to the job. For instance, if you are an introvert and you find your preference for placidity fourth dimension stops you lot from taking risks, this is a relatable weakness. When you demonstrate your self-awareness this way, information technology shows you sympathise that self-improvement correlates to piece of work performance.

v. Think of where you'd similar to be and what back up you need to get there.

Overall, growth is a part of life. Think about people you lot wait upwards to that may exist related to the field that you're in. Ask yourself what character traits those people have and what work you lot might need to do in order to get there. Past providing an example of how you're working to improve your area of weakness, you'll requite the interviewer a glimpse into a few positive attributes about your awareness, including that:

• You know how to place and mitigate problems that come.
• You've found a helpful solution to a trouble that you and peradventure others on the squad face up, which means you tin can be an immediate resource to the team.

• You lot demonstrate cocky-awareness and an power to accept feedback from others.

Mostly, you're going to need to expect exterior of yourself to overcome a weakness. Whether you expect to your supervisor, the HubSpot Blog, or a mentor for help, the simple act of seeking aid demonstrates self-awareness and resourcefulness — ii skills that are hard to teach, only valuable to learn. Tapping into your resources shows the interviewers that you can solve problems when the answer is non yet clear. That's a character trait that has a place on any squad.

Briefly share an case of a time when you asked someone for help in an area that y'all've identified every bit a weakness. This gives the hiring team a articulate picture of how you'll work with the squad to balance out that weakness.

six. Don't exist arrogant and don't underestimate yourself.

The about of import thing you can practice when responding to the question "What is your greatest weakness?" is showroom conviction in your answer. (If lack of confidence is your weakness, keep reading.) Even if you're not the near confident person, I'thou going to assume y'all're at least honest with yourself. If you've identified an surface area of weakness and you're sure about it, let that assurance smoothen through in your reply. In that location's no demand to feel embarrassed almost something you're genuinely not good at as long equally yous're working to get better.

Before you start expressing a genuine weakness to your interviewer, get comfy with the types of answers that make hiring managers desire to work with you. Have a look at the post-obit examples and find a few that fit your personality and work style. Then, exercise reciting them aloud so they come naturally to y'all.

Ready? Here are examples of how you might reply "What is your greatest weakness?" and why they work.

List of Weaknesses for Job Interview

1. Lack of Patience
2. Lack of System
3. Problem with Delegation
4. Timidity
5. Lack of Tactfulness
6. Fear of Public Speaking
7. Weak Data Analysis Skills
8. Indecisiveness
9. Harsh Self-Criticism
10. Micromanaging
11. Talkative
12. Trouble with Work-Life Remainder

1. Lack of Patience

Sample Answer:

"I don't accept much patience when working with a team — I am incredibly cocky-sufficient, so it'due south hard when I need to rely on others to complete my piece of work. That's why I've pursued roles that require someone to work independently. Notwithstanding, I've likewise worked to improve this weakness by enrolling in team-building workshops. While I typically work independently, it's of import I learn how to trust my coworkers and ask for outside help when necessary."

This reply works considering the weakness — the inability to be patient when working with a team — doesn't hinder your power to perform well in the role, since information technology's a job that doesn't rely on teamwork to succeed. Additionally, you display an eagerness to develop strategies to gainsay your weakness, which is a disquisitional skill in the workplace.

2. Lack of System

Sample Answer:

" I struggle with organization. While it hasn't ever impacted my performance, I've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless interfere with my efficiency. Over time, I've learned to set bated time to organize my concrete and digital space, and I've seen it better my efficiency levels throughout the week."

Enough of people have messy desks. This respond works because it's a relatable and fixable weakness. You note that disorganization doesn't interfere with your power to do your job, which is critical, just you as well admit it might make you less efficient. To ensure yous're performing at 100%, you lot mention personal steps you've taken to improve your organization skills for the sake of self-improvement solitary, which suggests a level of maturity and self-awareness.

3. Problem with Delegation

Sample Answer:

"I sometimes find information technology hard to delegate responsibility when I feel I tin can end the task well myself. However, when I became managing director in my last role, it became critical I learn to consul tasks. To maintain a sense of command when delegating tasks, I implemented a project management system to oversee the progress of a project. This system enabled me to ameliorate my ability to delegate efficiently."

This answer allows you to demonstrate an power to pursue a new skill when a role calls for information technology and suggests you're capable of flexibility, which is disquisitional for long-term growth. Additionally, you are able to showcase a level of initiative and leadership when yous mention the successful implementation of a new procedure that enabled yous to succeed in your past office, despite your weakness.

4. Timidity

Sample Respond:

"Oft, I can be timid when providing effective feedback to coworkers or managers, out of fear of hurting someone'southward feelings. Even so, in my last role, my coworker asked me to edit some of his pieces and provide feedback for areas of improvement. Through my experience with him, I realized feedback can exist both helpful and kind when delivered the correct way. Since and so, I've get amend at offering feedback, and I've realized that I tin use empathy to provide thoughtful, productive feedback."

This answer works because yous've explained how you were able to turn a weakness into a force through real-world experience. Typically, timidity tin be seen as a flaw in the workplace, particularly if a role requires someone to provide feedback to others. In this case, you're able to demonstrate how timidity can be used equally a force, through thoughtful reflection and exercise.

5. Lack of Tactfulness

Sample Answer:

"My blunt, straightforward nature has immune me to succeed over the years as a team managing director, because I'm able to become things done efficiently, and people ofttimes appreciate my honesty. Still, I've recognized my bluntness doesn't always serve my employees well when I'm delivering feedback. To gainsay this, I've worked to develop empathy and deeper relationships with those I manage. Additionally, I took an online leadership management form, and worked with the professor to develop my ability to deliver feedback."

Ofttimes, facets of our personalities can aid u.s. in certain areas of our work, while hindering us in others. That'south natural. Nevertheless, you must demonstrate an power to recognize when your personality interferes with the functions of your role, and how y'all can solve for that.

In this example, yous first explain how your blunt nature allows yous to be successful in certain situations. Then, you mention that you understand your bluntness can be seen as a lack of empathy and provide examples of how you lot've attempted to solve this issue. Ultimately, your awareness of how you might be perceived by others shows a level of emotional intelligence, which is a critical asset for a team leader.

vi. Fear of Public Speaking

Sample Respond:

"Public speaking makes me nervous. While I don't need to do much public speaking in my role as a spider web designer, I nevertheless experience that it'southward an of import skill — particularly when I want to offer my opinion during a coming together. To combat this, I spoke with my director and she recommended I speak at each team coming together for a few minutes near our project timeline, deadlines, and goals when developing a website for a client. This practice has enabled me to relax and come across public speaking as an opportunity to help my team members exercise their jobs effectively."

In this example, you mention a skill that isn't applicable to the role, but ane which you lot nonetheless have been working to amend. This shows your desire to come across more business needs than necessary in your current role, which is admirable. Additionally, it'southward impressive if you tin can evidence y'all're willing to reach out to your managing director with areas in which you want to improve, instead of waiting for your manager to propose those areas of improvement to you. It demonstrates a level of ambition and professional maturity.

7. Weak Information Analysis Skills

Sample Respond:

"I'k not peachy at analyzing data or numbers. However, I recognize this flaw can foreclose me from agreement how my content is performing online. In my last role, I set up monthly meetings with the SEO manager to hash out analytics and how our posts were performing. Additionally, I received my Google Analytics certificate, and I make information technology a point to analyze data related to our blog regularly. I've become much more comfortable analyzing data through these efforts."

In this example, you're able to show your desire to go above and beyond a job description and actively seek out skills that could be helpful to the success of your company every bit a whole. This blazon of visitor-kickoff mentality shows the interviewer you're dedicated to making yourself a valuable asset, and effort your best to sympathise the needs of the whole department, rather than just your role.

8. Indecisiveness

Sample Answer:

"Sometimes I struggle with ambiguity and making decisions when directions aren't clear. I come from a piece of work environs that always gave clear and direct instructions. I had such a strong squad and leadership that I haven't had much practice making decisions in the heat of the moment. I'yard working on this by leaning more into my experience and practicing listening to my gut."

This respond works because you're demonstrating that you tin both follow a leader and sharpen your leadership skills. Information technology's alright to not know what to do in the moment. Albeit that you relied on stiff leadership shows that you can be a follower when needed, simply knowing when to footstep upward is of import, besides. With this reply, you're showing that you'll step up if a situation calls for decisiveness.

ix. Harsh Self-Criticism

Sample Respond:

"My inner critic tin can be debilitating at times. I take pride in producing good work, merely I feel like I struggle feeling satisfied with it, which has led to exhaustion in the by. However, I've started to push button back against this inner voice by taking care of myself before and later on work. I'g also learning to recognize when my inner critic is correct and when I demand to dismiss it."

This reply works because your interviewer may chronicle; we all take harsh inner critics. It'southward as well effective considering ane) It shows that you're willing to work on your weaknesses outside of work, not just during business hours, and 2) It demonstrates your inner critic may take valid points. Discerning when to dismiss it is key to prevent exhaustion and increment productivity. Realizing how the inner critic may inhibit skilful work ethic demonstrates your willingness to grow and be an effective worker.

10. Micromanaging

Sample Respond:

"I used to work in industries where I had to cultivate a solid work ethic in my employees. This style of training has been and so ingrained in me that I've forgotten to discern who may need that coaching and who does not. I've been reading books on constructive delegation and team building to piece of work on this shortcoming. One technique that works for me is assuring myself that if I establish clear expectations, and so my team will follow. I've also learned to trust my team members."

This respond works best if y'all've been in a leadership position earlier and are applying to a managerial role. However, y'all can still apply information technology to past experiences where you did take to show leadership. This answer shows that while yous may be used to running your crew or squad a specific way, you're willing to admit when your method isn't the most effective. Showing your flexibility demonstrates your ability to grow.

11. Talkative

Sample Reply:

"I relish developing a relationship with my coworkers past engaging in conversation, and that'southward a great team-building skill. However, I take a habit of conveying on a conversation to a point where it may distract other coworkers. I have learned since and then that in that location are other ways to connect with my coworkers, and that if I'grand asking about their mean solar day, I need to go on it brief and redirect myself back to my work. "This reply works considering information technology shows you're aware of how your talkative tendencies may exist distracting in the workplace. It takes a lot of backbone to admit that. It also shows you are willing to develop a relationship with coworkers simply not at the cost of productivity.

12. Trouble Maintaining a Work-Life Rest

Sample Answer:

"I've struggled with work-life balance, especially after I started working remotely during the pandemic. This increased my stress levels to the signal where my productivity was at an all-time low and I didn't bring my all-time self to piece of work. Because I desire to continue working remotely, I've started adding more structure to my mean solar day and instituted a abrupt start and end time. I've already seen improvements in my levels of focus during work hours."

At offset, this might seem similar a "strength" weakness — pouring yourself into work is great, right? That means you lot love your task. Simply if it impacts your productivity and your relationships with coworkers, that is not then great. This answer works because it doesn't merely say, "I piece of work a lot, so my dwelling life suffers." Information technology says, "I work a lot to the bespeak of burnout, and I've realized that I need to construction my day." If you've struggled with work-life balance issues in the past, information technology's important to state how you're restoring that residual and how it has impacted your work.

In that location'due south Forcefulness In Every Weakness

Regardless of whether you're bad with numbers or you tend non to speak up in grouping settings, there's a forcefulness backside every weakness. The strength is in how you work to overcome it. Leaning on your teammates who excel in those areas is a great mode to show that you'll work well on the team and that y'all know how to use your resource to solve bug. Taking professional evolution courses shows that you're willing to work toward improvement. No matter which of these answers you share with the hiring team, they'll be more than happy to help you abound and exceed the expectations of the function.

Editor'south annotation: This postal service was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

 

Originally published December 14, 2021 seven:00:00 AM, updated March 09 2022

cartersolkill.blogspot.com

Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-your-greatest-weakness

Share this post