How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Weakness

You finally landed an interview for the job of your dreams. You have anecdotes to relate that will show you are a team player, work well independently and know how to resolve issues before they escalate. When the question comes, though, asking what you consider your biggest weakness, you never know how to answer. You do not want to blow the interview by divulging some awful flaw, yet you do not want to come across as arrogant. Be prepared with an answer that will make a potential employer take notice---in a positive way.

Instructions

1. Be honest. Nobody is perfect. If you give a pat answer, the interviewer will see through it. While it might be a safe way to go, it will not help you stand out from the crowd.

2. Name a legitimate weakness and talk about how it has affected your ability to do your best at work, but try to give it a positive spin. For example, you might have a hard time setting boundaries because you want to help as many people as you can. While helping others is a good thing, overextending yourself can cause you to lose sight of priorities.

3. Explain steps you have taken or are currently taking to overcome this weakness. Perhaps you have taken assertiveness training or carry a day planner to schedule high-priority tasks, enabling you to say no when you are already booked.

4. Mention that you are continuously seeking ways to improve yourself both personally and professionally. Note also that you always appreciate constructive criticism. This shows the potential employer that you are flexible and likely to strive to do well.

5. Ask the interviewer whether he has any particular concerns. If so, address them without bristling and with a positive response.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice answering the question with a friend or loved one, or even in the mirror.

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Interview Tips