When it comes to job interviews, there’s one question that can make even the most confident candidates stumble: “What is your greatest weakness?” It’s a tricky question because you don’t want to reveal any major flaws that could cost you the job, but you also don’t want to come across as insincere or unprepared. So how do you answer this question in a way that shows self-awareness and a willingness to improve? Here’s our step-by-step guide on answering “What is your greatest weakness?” like a pro.
Step 1: Be Honest, But Not Too Revealing
The first step in answering this question is to be honest but not too revealing. You don’t want to give the interviewer any reason to doubt your abilities or question whether you’re a good fit for the job. At the same time, you don’t want to come across as disingenuous or evasive. So think carefully about your greatest weakness and how you can frame it in a way that shows you’re aware of it and actively working to improve.
Step 2: Focus on a Minor Weakness
The next step is to focus on a minor weakness that will only impact the job slightly. For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, you might say that your greatest weakness is public speaking. While this isn’t directly related to the job, it shows that you know an area to improve and take steps to address it.
Step 3: Discuss How You’re Actively Working to Improve
discussing how you’re actively working to improve in this area is essential. This could involve taking classes or workshops, seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors, or practicing independently. By showing that you’re committed to self-improvement, you demonstrate that you’re a proactive and motivated candidate who is always looking for ways to grow and develop.
answering the question “What is your greatest weakness?” can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and willingness to improve. By being honest, focusing on a minor weakness, and discussing how you’re actively working to improve, you’ll impress your interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.
What is the Best Answer to “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Picture this: you’re in the middle of a job interview, feeling confident and prepared. The interviewer asks all the standard questions, and then suddenly, they hit you with the dreaded question: “What is your greatest weakness?”
It’s a tricky question that can leave even the most seasoned job candidate stumbling for an answer. But fear not – with some preparation and careful thought, you can turn this potentially awkward moment into an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and commitment to self-improvement.
So, what is the best answer to “What is your greatest weakness?” Here are some tips to help you nail this question:
Be honest. It can be tempting to try to spin your weakness into a strength or to choose a weakness that isn’t really a weakness at all. But trust us – interviewers have heard it all before. Instead, choose a genuine fault you have identified and are actively working to improve.
Keep it minor. While it’s essential, to be honest, you also don’t want to shoot yourself in the foot by revealing a major flaw that could raise red flags for the employer. Stick to something relatively minor that will only impact your job ability.
Provide specific examples. Don’t just say, “I’m bad at public speaking,” and leave it at that. Instead, give concrete examples of times when this weakness has come up in the past and how you have worked to overcome it.
Emphasize your willingness to learn and grow. Employers want to hire people who are committed to self-improvement and aren’t afraid to admit their weaknesses. Use this question to demonstrate your growth mindset and desire to continually improve.
Take your time sharing. While it’s essential, to be honest, there’s no need to reveal every single weakness you have. Avoid sharing anything that could raise red flags for the employer, such as being disorganized or unreliable.
By following these tips, you can turn “What is your greatest weakness?” from a potential stumbling block into a chance to showcase your strengths and commitment to self-improvement. So go forth and nail that interview!
Why Do Interviewers Ask, “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”

Employers want to see how candidates handle difficult or uncomfortable questions. They also want to assess the candidate’s self-awareness and honesty. By asking about weaknesses, employers can determine whether a candidate can reflect on their limitations and work towards improvement.
For example, imagine a hiring manager interviewing a candidate for a customer service position. The candidate admits that their greatest weakness is public speaking. However, they explain that they have been taking online courses to improve their communication skills and have gained confidence through volunteering at local events. The candidate’s willingness to acknowledge their weakness and take steps to improve it demonstrates their dedication and self-awareness.
Another scenario could involve an interview for a marketing position. The candidate admits they struggle with time management but explains that they have implemented new organizational tools and techniques to help them stay on track. They also emphasize their creativity and ability to think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving. This response shows the employer that the candidate is not only aware of their weakness but actively working to overcome them while highlighting their strengths.
being prepared to answer “What is your greatest weakness?” is crucial for job seekers. By acknowledging a weakness honestly and tactfully, discussing steps taken to improve, and emphasizing strengths that counterbalance the liability, candidates can turn a potentially damaging question into a positive opportunity to showcase their self-awareness and dedication to growth.
25+ Examples of Weaknesses for a Job Interview
As a job seeker, one of the most daunting interview questions you may face is, “What are your weaknesses?” It’s important to remember that this question is not meant to trip you up or make you look bad. Instead, employers can see how you handle difficult questions and assess your self-awareness and honesty.
When preparing for this question, it can be challenging to come up with examples of honest and tactful weaknesses. However, providing various defects relevant to different types of jobs and industries can help you stand out as a thoughtful and self-aware candidate.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in a technical field, you might mention a lack of experience with a specific software or programming language. If the position involves public speaking or communication skills, you could discuss the difficulty with those areas. Alternatively, mention a personality trait such as being overly critical of yourself.
It’s essential to frame your weaknesses to show how you are actively working to improve or overcome them. For instance, if you struggle with public speaking, you could mention that you have been taking classes or practicing to become more confident.
While it’s essential, to be honest about your weaknesses, including too many or ones that are too severe could hurt your chances of getting the job. Choose carefully and focus on flaws that are relevant to the job at hand.
Providing examples of weaknesses can also demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to learn and grow, which are valuable traits in any job candidate. By approaching this question thoughtfully and honestly, you can impress potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job.
Expert Tips for Answering “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”

Regarding job interviews, one question that often causes anxiety is, “What are your weaknesses?” It can be tempting to give a cliché answer or try to dodge the question altogether, but this is a missed opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and ability to improve.
One expert tip for answering this question is to choose a weakness that is not directly related to the job but still demonstrates your ability to learn and grow. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you might discuss how you struggle with public speaking but have been taking steps to improve by attending Toastmasters meetings.
Another approach is to discuss a weakness you have already worked on improving. This shows that you are proactive and willing to take action to overcome challenges. For instance, if you used to struggle with time management, you could explain how you started using a productivity app and now consistently meet deadlines.
It’s essential to avoid cliché answers like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” These responses can come across as insincere or lacking in self-awareness. Instead, focus on being honest and genuine about areas where you could improve while highlighting your strengths and achievements.
In a real-life scenario, imagine you are interviewing for a customer service position. You might say, “One weakness I’ve identified is that I sometimes struggle with empathy in high-stress situations. However, I’ve been working on this by practicing active listening techniques and putting myself in the customer’s shoes. In fact, I recently received positive feedback from a customer who was impressed with my ability to stay calm and find a solution during a difficult interaction.”
When answering the question about weaknesses in an interview, remember that it’s an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn. Choosing a moral weakness and discussing how you are actively improving it can set you apart as a strong candidate for the job.
The Best Response to “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, and one of the most challenging questions you may face is “What is your greatest weakness?” It’s a question that can trip up even the most confident candidates. However, with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and ability to learn and grow.
So, how do you answer this question effectively? Firstly, being honest and genuine about an area where you could improve is essential. This shows that you are self-aware and willing to acknowledge your weaknesses. However, it’s also crucial to choose a fault that is optional to the job you are applying for but is also not trivial or irrelevant.
One strategy is to frame the weakness positively by discussing how you have learned from it and developed new skills or systems. For example, if you struggle with public speaking, you could talk about how you have taken courses or sought opportunities to practice and improve your skills.
Another approach is to discuss how you have sought feedback from others and taken steps to address the weakness. This demonstrates a growth mindset and a willingness to learn from others. For instance, if you struggle with time management, you could discuss how you have worked with a mentor or coach to develop strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing your workload effectively.
It’s also essential to avoid giving a generic or cliché answer, such as “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” These responses can come across as insincere and lacking self-awareness. Instead, take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and choose a genuine fault you have worked on improving.
when faced with the question “What is your greatest weakness?” in a job interview, remember to be honest and genuine about areas where you could improve. Choose a weakness that is optional to the job you are applying for but is not trivial or irrelevant. Frame the fault positively by discussing how you have learned from it and developed new skills or strategies. And finally, avoid giving a generic or cliché answer by reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses and choosing a genuine fault you have worked on improving.
How to Create a Winning Resume in 2021: Step-by-Step Guide
Do you need help creating a winning resume in 2021? With the job market becoming increasingly competitive due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to have a solid and effective resume that stands out. Here are some step-by-step tips to help you create a winning resume that catches the attention of potential employers.
First and foremost, choose the correct format for your resume. There are several resume formats: chronological, functional, combination, and targeted. Choose the design that best suits your skills and experience.
Next, tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. This will show potential employers that you have taken the time to understand their needs and are a good fit for the position.
Using keywords is also essential when creating a winning resume. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Therefore, include relevant keywords related to the job position to increase your chances of getting past the ATS.
Instead of just listing job duties, highlight specific accomplishments and achievements in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your skills and experience and show potential employers what you can bring to their organization.
Remember to keep your resume concise and easy to read. A summary should be at most two pages long. Use bullet points and short sentences to make it easy for potential employers to scan through quickly.
proofread your resume thoroughly before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as these can be a red flags for potential employers.
By following these step-by-step tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning resume in 2021 that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Good luck!
Concluding
Candidates may be asked about their most significant weaknesses during a job interview. It is essential to approach this question with honesty and tactfulness. By acknowledging areas where improvement is needed, candidates can demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to learn and grow. It is also helpful to frame weaknesses positively by discussing how they have worked to overcome them.
When crafting a resume in 2021, several vital elements must be considered. Choosing the correct format, tailoring it to the specific job being applied for, including relevant keywords, highlighting accomplishments and achievements, keeping it concise and easy to read, and proofreading thoroughly are all essential steps in creating a winning resume. By considering these factors, candidates can increase their chances of standing out from other applicants and landing their desired job.