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I am so good at everything. I am awesome, can't think of any weakness.
Job interviews are crucial for job seekers to secure employment. One question that often makes candidates uneasy is, “What is your greatest weakness?” While it may seem like a trap, this question allows candidates to demonstrate their self-awareness and ability to learn and grow. This article will discuss how to answer the interview question about weaknesses.

Be honest and authentic

The first thing to remember is, to be honest, and authentic. Employers are looking for genuine and self-aware candidates, not someone who claims to be perfect. Therefore, it’s essential to be truthful about your weaknesses. Don’t try to give a perfect answer by saying something that isn’t a genuine weakness. The hiring manager may see right through it and think you’re dishonest or lack self-awareness. Instead, pick a genuine weakness that you can discuss constructively.

Choose a weakness that is not critical to the job

Another key point to remember is to choose a weakness that is not critical to the job. If you’re interviewing for a job that requires attention to detail, you don’t want to mention that you’re not detail-oriented. Instead, focus on a weakness that is not essential for the position you’re applying for.

For instance, if you’re interviewing for a marketing job, you could mention that you struggle with public speaking, which may not be a crucial skill for the role. However, it’s crucial to note that while you mention a weakness, you also provide ways to overcome it.

Provide a solution

Providing a solution to overcome your weakness shows that you are aware of it and are actively working to improve yourself. It also demonstrates that you’re a problem solver, a quality most employers seek in a candidate.

For instance, if you struggle with public speaking, you could mention that you have been working on your presentation skills by attending public speaking classes or workshops. You could also say that you have been seeking opportunities to speak in front of groups to improve your skills.

Highlight your strengths

After discussing your weakness, highlight your strengths. Let the interviewer know that although you have a weakness, several strengths make up for it. Emphasize how you have successfully used your strengths in past work experiences and how they will be beneficial in this new role.

End on a positive note

Finally, end your response on a positive note. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss your strengths and weaknesses and express your excitement about possibly joining the company. A positive attitude can go a long way, leaving the interviewer with a good impression of you.

One approach to answering this question is to discuss a skill or area for improvement that is not critical to the job you are interviewing for and that you have taken steps to improve. For example, “I tend to be a perfectionist and can get caught up in details, but I’ve been working on prioritizing tasks and delegating more effectively to be more productive.” This shows self-awareness and a proactive approach to personal development.

Here are a few more examples:

“I tend to be too passive in group settings, but I’ve been working on being more assertive and speaking up in meetings.”

“I sometimes struggle with time management, but I’ve started using a planner and prioritizing my tasks to be more efficient.”

“I can be overly critical of my work, but I’m learning to celebrate my accomplishments and focus on growth rather than perfection.”

“I tend to get easily distracted, but I’ve been practising mindfulness and focusing techniques to stay on track.”

Remember to keep your answer brief and focus on turning a potential weakness into a positive one by showing how you’re actively working to improve.

Answering the interview question about weaknesses can be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to learn and grow. Remember to be honest and authentic, choose a weakness that is not critical to the job, provide a solution, highlight your strengths, and end positively. With these tips, you can answer the question confidently and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.