Clever, honest ways to answer “What are your weaknesses?”
“What are your weaknesses?” is one of the classic curveball questions in job interviews. Be ready to knock it out of the park with help from Beacon Hill.
Back to TopIt's easy to fall off course due to anxiety and wreck your chances when weaknesses come up during interviews. We don't want that for you!
We already wrote about common job seeker weaknesses, but we'll take a different approach in this article. If you want to learn why employers care about the question, “What are your weaknesses?” why it's difficult to answer, how to stay calm when it's asked and what to consider when calling out your own weaknesses, you're in luck!
Why do employers ask about your weaknesses?
It's not as much about your weakness, but about how self-aware and honest you are.1
This is the time to ask yourself:
- Do you know yourself?
- Can you articulate your weaknesses?
- What are your limits?
- Do you want to grow?
Doing a self-assessment in that way will help you answer the question well.
Beyond self-awareness and honesty, employers want to see how you will fit in and work with others. It's important they find the ideal hire, and asking “What are your weaknesses?” helps them gauge whether you'll work out.
Why is “What are your weaknesses?” so hard to answer?
You're honest
Speaking of honesty, if you're honest, you won't want to lie in an interview (and you shouldn't!) This can be difficult when you think employers are seeking a specific answer. Even if they are, answering untruthfully isn't the answer.
It's too open
It's a very open question that can be answered in many different ways, which can be confusing. Practice helps mitigate that, though.
Things change
Weaknesses aren't static. You may solve for one you've had for a while and have to consider a new one. Essentially, you must reassess and be ready to answer well constantly.
The fear factor
You're afraid of saying the wrong thing and having an employer count you out. Don't be. It's better to know earlier on if you aren't a match.
Techniques for staying calm after being asked about your weaknesses
Take a breath. You are allowed to pause before you answer; sometimes, it's best.
Be prepared. Inventory your strengths and weaknesses and rehearse your answers so that you'll stay level when you interview.
Be honest. As we noted above, lying is never a good practice. Tell the truth, but do so eloquently. Above all, keep your answers focused on you, not others.
Show that you're willing to grow.2 Employers are willing to mold people with the right attitude. Always include details of how you are actively addressing your known weaknesses. That mindset will set you up for success in their eyes.
Calling out weaknesses to employers
In our recent article, we called out a lack of experience or program proficiencies, weak delegation or public speaking abilities and procrastination. But those aren't the only ones you can use.
If you are Googling "good weaknesses for interview," so are all the other candidates you're competing with. While these are good food for thought, please don't get caught in the trap of using them exactly as they are. Instead, springboard off other articles and use them to uncover and discuss yours.
If you've gotten this far, you've probably figured out there is no perfect way to answer any interview question. It's your approach that matters. If you are honest, open, self-aware and confident, you will succeed.
Need some coaching? Consider applying for an open role. If you're a match, we'll set you up with a recruiter who will always be in your corner.
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