How to Answer 'What Is Your Biggest Weakness?' (with Examples)
The "What is your biggest weakness?" question can make even the most confident candidate nervous. However, it's not a trap. It's an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, honesty, and a commitment to professional growth. This guide will show you how to frame your answer perfectly.
Why Interviewers Ask About Your Weaknesses
This question isn't designed to catch you out. Instead, hiring managers use it to gauge several key attributes. They are looking for your ability to be self-aware and honest, and they want to see if you are proactive about self-improvement. A thoughtful answer shows maturity and a growth mindset, which are highly valued in any role.
The Winning Strategy: A 3-Step Formula
The best way to answer is to be genuine, strategic, and positive. Choose a real but non-critical weakness, and frame it as an area for growth. Follow this simple formula:
- State a genuine weakness that is not essential to the core functions of the job.
- Provide a brief example of how this weakness has manifested in a professional context.
- Explain the proactive steps you have taken or are currently taking to improve on it.
Best Weaknesses to Mention in an Interview
Here are some of the best examples of weaknesses you can adapt for your own answer. Remember to make it personal and authentic to your experience.
Overly Self-Critical
What to highlight: Your high standards and drive for quality, while also showing that you're learning to balance this with efficiency and positive self-assessment.
Example Answer: I can be my own toughest critic. While this drives me to produce high-quality work, I've learned that it can sometimes lead to spending too much time on minor details. To manage this, I've started using time-blocking techniques and setting mini-deadlines to ensure I maintain a healthy perspective and focus on the most impactful parts of a project.
Difficulty Delegating Tasks
What to highlight: Your sense of ownership and commitment to quality, coupled with your growth as a leader who empowers their team.
Example Answer: In the past, I've had a tendency to take on too much myself because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I've learned that this can slow down the team. I've since taken a management workshop on effective delegation, and I now focus on identifying my team members' strengths and assigning tasks accordingly. This has led to faster project completion and higher team morale.
Discomfort with Public Speaking
What to highlight: Your honesty about a common fear and the proactive steps you're taking to build this important professional skill.
Example Answer: I've always been more comfortable behind the scenes than in the spotlight, so public speaking has been a growth area for me. Realizing its importance, I recently joined a local Toastmasters group to practice presenting in a supportive environment. It's already boosted my confidence, and I feel much more prepared to present findings to stakeholders.
Impatience with Delays
What to highlight: Your drive and results-oriented nature, while showing you are developing patience and better planning skills when faced with external blockers.
Example Answer: I'm very results-driven, which means I can sometimes get impatient when projects face delays beyond my control. I've learned to channel this energy more productively by building contingency time into project plans and improving my communication with stakeholders to manage expectations. This helps me stay focused on the solution rather than the setback.
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Weaknesses to Avoid Mentioning
Just as important as knowing what to say is knowing what not to say. Avoid these common pitfalls that can raise red flags for interviewers.
Clichés Disguised as Weaknesses
What to highlight: Avoid saying "I'm a perfectionist" or "I work too hard." These sound disingenuous and fail to show true self-awareness. Interviewers have heard them countless times.
Example Answer: Instead of saying "I'm a perfectionist," try the "Overly Self-Critical" example from above, which is a more nuanced and thoughtful way to express a similar sentiment.
A Core Job Requirement
What to highlight: Never name a weakness that is a critical skill for the job. This will make you seem unqualified for the role.
Example Answer: If you are applying for an accounting role, do not say, "I sometimes struggle with attention to detail." If you are applying for a sales role, do not say, "I have trouble talking to new people."
Character Flaws
What to highlight: Stay away from weaknesses that relate to your personality or ability to work with others, such as "I have a short temper" or "I don't work well with certain personalities."
Example Answer: Instead of highlighting an interpersonal issue, focus on a skill-based or process-based weakness that you can actively improve, like "Difficulty Delegating" or "Impatience with Delays."
Bonus Tip: The STAR Method
When providing an example for your weakness (or any behavioral question), use the STAR method to structure your answer. It provides a clear, compelling narrative of your experience.
- Situation: Briefly describe the context or background.
- Task: Explain your specific responsibility or goal.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
- Result: Share the positive outcome of your actions, showing growth and improvement.
Alex Chen
Senior Interview Coach