What are your weaknesses

by makemycareernow.com

The question “What are your weaknesses?” is a common one asked during job interviews. It can be a challenging question to answer because it’s natural to want to highlight your strengths while downplaying your weaknesses. However, being honest about your weaknesses can also demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

When answering the interview question, “What are your weaknesses?” it’s important to provide a thoughtful and strategic response. Here’s a structured approach, including examples

1. Identify a real weakness:

Choose a genuine area where you could improve but avoid mentioning a critical skill required for the job.

2. Show self-awareness:

Acknowledge that you’re aware of this weakness, which demonstrates maturity and a willingness to grow.

3. Highlight efforts to improve:

Discuss steps you’ve taken or are taking to overcome this weakness. This shows your commitment to self-improvement.

4. Relate it to the job:

Explain how this weakness might be relevant to the position but emphasize that you’re actively working on it.

Here’s an example:

Weakness: Public Speaking

“One area I’ve been actively working on is public speaking. In my previous role, I noticed that I occasionally felt nervous when presenting in front of larger audiences. To address this, I joined a local Toastmasters club, where I’ve been consistently practicing and receiving feedback. I also enrolled in an online public speaking course to improve my skills further. I recognize that effective communication is crucial for this role, and I’m committed to becoming a more confident and articulate speaker.”

Here’s another example:

Weakness: Delegation

“One area I’ve been working to improve is my ability to delegate effectively. In the past, I tended to take on too many tasks myself because I wanted to ensure everything was done to my standards. However, I’ve come to realize that effective delegation is essential for team productivity and growth.

To address this weakness, I’ve started delegating more tasks to team members and setting clear expectations. I’ve also been working on my communication skills to provide guidance without micromanaging. For instance, in my last project, I assigned specific responsibilities to team members and scheduled regular check-ins to provide support and ensure the project’s success. I’m actively learning how to trust my team’s abilities and empower them to take ownership of their work.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your greatest weakness?

One of my weaknesses is that I tend to be overly critical of my own work. While this drives me to constantly improve, I’ve learned to strike a balance by seeking feedback from others and focusing on the positive aspects of my contributions.

Can you tell me about a time when a weakness of yours impacted your work?

In the past, I struggled with time management, which occasionally led to missed deadlines. To address this, I started using time management tools and techniques, such as setting clear priorities and creating detailed schedules. This significantly improved my ability to meet deadlines.

How do you handle stress or pressure?

I used to find it challenging to manage stress, but I’ve since developed effective coping strategies, such as practicing mindfulness and prioritizing tasks. These techniques help me stay calm and focused even in high-pressure situations.

What's an area you're actively working to improve?

I’m currently working on my public speaking skills. I’ve joined a Toastmasters group to practice and receive constructive feedback. I believe improving in this area will enhance my overall communication abilities.

Do you have any technical weaknesses?

While I’m proficient in many programming languages, I’d like to strengthen my skills in a specific framework. To address this, I’ve enrolled in an online course to deepen my expertise in that area.