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Good Weaknesses for Interview: 10 Answers That Make You Look Like a Stronger Candidate What's your biggest weakness? is perhaps the most challenging question in a job interview. But it's also the most common and important question that hiring managers ask. Learning how to answer it effectively will separate you from other job interviewees and prove you're self-aware, coachable, and committed to self-improvement. Here in this article, we'll discuss the good weaknesses for interview answers that highlight your strengths while being honest about areas you must strengthen. In a TopInterview survey, 20% of the managers interviewed reported that the most challenging question for job applicants to answer was that of their weaknesses. It is because of this that adequate interview preparation includes having well-thought-out answers to this problematic question. Let us jump into 10 functional examples that work in real-life interviews, backed by interviewing pro guidance pieces of advice, research, and intelligent job interviewing tips that make you stand out. 1. “I struggle with delegation.” This is a common flaw in most high performers. Here's how you could put it: “In the past, it was a challenge for me to delegate as I found it simpler to do it by myself. I have realized that it holds the team back. I started using tools to delegate and track tasks like Asana, and I have also worked on having faith in the team.” This type of answer displays initiative and leadership potential that bosses value immensely. It also describes the broader context of why delegation isn't only suitable for the person but also for the entire group. 2. “I am excessively detail-oriented.” This weakness becomes a hidden strength, but you can make it sound more authentic: “I've found I've developed a tendency to spend more time perfecting little things to the detriment of productivity. In order to improve, I've started putting deadlines on review work and on when to use 'good enough' to move forward.” It's good to elaborate on this answer in a balanced manner. Employers value attention to detail, but only when it accompanies efficiency. This answer indicates that you're thinking about deadlines and quality, which are not very common characteristics. 3. “I have stage fright.” Public speaking anxiety or fear of public speaking is highly prevalent. “I was apprehensive about speaking in front of people, and it was not simple to deliver ideas confidently. I started a membership in Toastmasters recently to overcome that, and also volunteered to present in small group meetings. It's getting me accustomed to the flow of time.” Referring to Toastmasters imparts a sense of credibility to your effort. It indicates that you not only recognize your weakness but have gone and taken formal steps to do better, which reflects a seriousness of purpose. 4. I sometimes overcommit. Excessive working is a flaw, but also a testament to work ethic and dedication. I'm a people person and like to serve others. I used to grab every invitation and let that dictate priorities. These days, I think about what I have to offer first and talk about availability more openly. It's a weakness that many top performers and team players have. The key here would be to talk about how you've changed and progressed from overcommitting to better managing expectations. 5. “I get impatient when there are waits.” This is an excellent response for high-speed positions where timeliness is crucial. “I would get frustrated when the project was delayed, especially when there was no visibility as to why. However, I have cultivated both communication and flexibility skills that allow me to stay solution-focused.” Discussing your move towards problem-solving and improved communication indicates that you're an open candidate to change. Impatience when directed in the right direction becomes drive and concentration, which happen to be the values that organizations desire. 6. “I'm not comfortable saying no.” You're a good team player, but you tend to lack assertiveness. “Earlier in my career, I found it difficult to say no, which occasionally resulted in burnout. I’ve learned now to take a pause, review my workload, and provide realistic timelines rather than over-promising.” This describes a process of professional and personal maturity. Learning how to establish boundaries and communicate limits are skills that serve to maintain productivity and good mental health. 7. “I am easily distracted by new ideas.” Ideal for innovation or framed creative work. “I enjoy brainstorming and creativity, but have found that I get pulled into new things before I complete existing ones. I have started using project management tools like Trello to keep work organized and focused on top priority items.” You're staking your claim to creativity here and showing how you're committed to discipline and follow-through. Innovation must pay off in order to have merit, and you're signaling that you understand that. 8. “I'm afraid to ask for help.” Asking for help is a common challenge that even achievers face. “I once believed that I had to figure everything out on my own, which at times bogged things down. I realize now that seeking help guarantees cooperation and reinforces teams. I'm trying to be more open and communicative.” It says a good deal about emotional intelligence. They do not need an employee who works hard, but also a person who has good people skills. This response indicates a shift in thinking. 9. “I'm still learning to prioritize soft skills.” Particularly of interest to technical practitioners: “In the earlier part of my life, I put more emphasis on technical competence and less on active listening or emotional intelligence. I've since made a conscious effort to acquire those softer skills through reading leadership books and role-playing empathy in group settings.” This flaw appeals to technologically astute recruiting managers, in which high-performing employees tend to stand out through their soft skills. Your work reflects careful preparation and improvement. 10. “I'm interested in providing constructive feedback.” This is a good response for new entrants to the leadership role: “As a new team leader, I found it challenging to deliver constructive criticism without appearing critical. I've since attended a management program and now use a strengths-based approach to feedback that is positive and effective.” This reflects not only that you're aware of the need to do better but that you've taken the effort and initiative to find a better way. Such leaders are few and far between and are an asset. Why Do Employers Ask about Weaknesses Prior to getting to the examples, it's helpful to understand the interviewer's intention behind the question. When an interviewer asks you to name your weakness, they're not trying to catch you off guard. They're assessing three things: Self-awareness: Are you aware of areas for your own improvement? Accountability: You accept responsibility for your past performance Growth mindset: Are you presently trying to develop your professional self? Managers value a job candidate who is willing to own up to a weakness and explain how he or she works to correct it. According to career coach Alison Doyle, “Hiring managers appreciate a candidate who can acknowledge a flaw and show how they’re taking steps to grow.” Doyle's point illustrates the value of humility in job placement. By demonstrating that you are not above acknowledging areas for improvement and, most importantly, that you do so, it sends a message to the employer that you'll keep on improving and transforming the organization. Tips for Answering the Weakness Question Be honest but tactful in a way that avoids clichés or weaknesses that are a core part of the role. You wouldn't use the phrase “I'm always late” to apply for a receptionist job. Discuss your improvement plan, like what you need to do to improve. Avoid personal weaknesses in your answers. Stick to work habits or work behavior. The weakness you should pick must not cost you the job, but should still be a real weakness. Your job interview answers are your golden chance to leave a lasting impression because the employer usually has about 7 seconds to scan your résumé, according to Glassdoor. Thorough and well-considered responses to standard questions, such as what is your strength and weakness, demonstrate that you're more prepared and better-qualified than the competition. What to Avoid When Discussing Weaknesses There are a few things you should avoid under all circumstances: Don't claim to have no weaknesses. This comes off as arrogant or deceitful. Don’t cover up strengths as weaknesses without explanation. Stating “I work too hard” will not impress the hiring managers unless you demonstrate genuine introspection. Don't overshare. Don't do it about personal things. Career coach Amanda Augustine says in a FastCompany article, “Interviewers can usually tell when a candidate is saying what they think that person wants to hear, rather than saying something truthful and genuine.” The above quote summarizes the balance between effort and vulnerability. Augustine reminds us that vulnerability alone does not suffice and that you must have a good performance record of improvement. It's what makes your response exceptional. Prove to Be Tough by Embracing Your Weakness To develop good weaknesses for interview responses requires self-knowledge and a desire to improve. Whether or not you have trouble delegating, speaking in public, or giving feedback, the fact that you are thinking about these areas for improvement will impress potential employers. You're not supposed to be perfect. But you do need to have a good knowledge of self, learn through your experience, and have a genuine willingness to improve. When you're doing job interview prep for your next job interview, spend some time thinking about your strengths and weaknesses. Part of effective interview preparation includes compiling a list of your top three weaknesses and how you've worked to overcome these. Practice in front of a friend, a mentor, or a career adviser until the answers sound natural. These tips and examples will enable you to give that “what is your weakness” interview answer in a positive and assertive way. Because ultimately, showing that you are a work in progress only establishes that you're an incredible hire in progress as well.
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