How to Answer What Are Your Weaknesses? (+ Sample Responses)
By Marta Gongos In a job interview, a hiring manager might ask “What are your weaknesses?” to gauge your self-awareness and desire for growth. Your answer to this question can improve your hiring profile and make you stand out from other candidates when applying for a job.
We’re here to help you nail your answer to the greatest weakness interview question. Keep reading for the interview tips and sample responses that’ll put you one step closer to a job offer.
How to Respond to “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Don’t get caught off-guard when this question comes up in a job interview. Follow this simple formula we’ve created and answer with confidence.
- Describe Your Weakness: Explain your weakness first. It can be anything about your work ethic, work-life balance, communication skills, or any issue regarding your career.
- Cite a Real Life Situation: Next, mention a time your weakness surfaced and affected your performance.
- Explain How You’ve Overcome This Weakness: Walk hiring managers through the actions you’ve taken to grow.
💡Pro-tip: Learn how to answer situational questions too in case there are any follow-up questions!
“What Are Your Weaknesses” Examples
When answering this common question, the rule of thumb is to avoid mentioning a weakness vital to the job description. Instead, choose an actionable weakness that wouldn’t affect your overall performance. Here are some examples to get you started.
Struggling to Delegate Tasks
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Difficulty delegating responsibilities is a good weakness to say in an interview, as it reveals a workable issue. A lack of trust in team members can cause micromanagement, communication strains, and high turnover rates. If you choose to share this weakness, make sure you can show your willingness to take action and demonstrate flexibility.
Sample Answer
“I find delegating tasks difficult because I have more control over projects when I give them my full attention. However, I was forced to delegate tasks to my team members because I was swamped with projects. At that point, I knew I needed help and had to trust them. I eventually delegated tasks to each team member and used a project management system. Doing this helped me stay on top of everyone’s work and ensured we met deadlines. ”
Fearing Public Speaking
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Around 75% of people are afraid of public speaking, so it’s not an uncommon weakness to give in an interview. In fact, this answer demonstrates the courage to confront your fear head-on, which is why it’s a good example of how to answer “What are your weaknesses.” Showing you’re willing to work on this issue can convince a potential employer that you have the grit and determination necessary to meet their job requirements.
Sample answer
“I’ve always felt nervous in front of crowds and feared public speaking. As a result, I avoided making client presentations, which significantly affected my presentation skills. I understand that I need to overcome this fear to move forward in my career, so I’m taking small but effective steps.
Recently, I’ve attended public speaking seminars and participated in activities that promote sharing with a group. Compared to who I was years ago, I’ve changed for the better, but there is still room for improvement.”
→ Read more: The Importance of Upskilling Employees
Time Management Challenges
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Time management is a common issue among professionals that often results in feelings of being overworked and burnt out. Interviewers may be looking for dedicated employees, but they also want someone who can navigate these challenges and maintain a good work-life balance.
Make sure you can explain how time management issues have affected your work life balance when you give this answer to the question “What is your greatest weakness?” Be prepared to provide examples of how you’re actively working to change things.
Sample Answer
“I struggled with time management in my previous job. I was hitting deadlines on time, but my mental and physical health suffered. I’d often bring work home, work late, and let work overflow on the weekends. As I worked, I realized I spent too much time on each task because I wanted everything to be perfect.
I opened up this issue to a close friend and they recommended various techniques such as Eat the Frog and the Eisenhower Matrix. Both have worked well for me to regulate my schedule and reduce my overtime.”
Ace the Greatest Weakness Interview Portion
When you know how to answer “What are your weaknesses?” you’re showing hiring managers that you’re hungry for growth and willing to take initiative—characteristics that anyone would want in their company!
Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Send your resume to Ad Culture today, and we’ll find the right fit for you. As Toronto’s trusted recruitment agency, we’re your doorway to a brand new job that can turn your weaknesses into strengths.
Apply now! Contact us to learn more.
