“Tell me about your greatest weakness” is one interview question which is capable of throwing off guard 90% of the candidates. Why do you think the “weakness” question presents such a problem to the candidates? It is primarily because you are being judged in an interview setting and it feels like you are indirectly asked “Ultimately, why shouldn’t you get this job?”
A lot of times candidates use generic answers like, “I’m a perfectionist!” or “I’m just a type-A person”. But the problem with these responses is that they don’t sound very authentic. It’s basically saying you’re the perfect human—and there’s no such thing. The worst would be either by saying you don’t know, or that you don’t have a weakness. Both scenarios are bad.
Employers ask these questions to get a sense of how well you know yourself. They also ask these to see if you know how to improve on your weaknesses. There are a number of ways you can answer these questions. The most important things to remember when answering questions about weaknesses are to remain positive, focus on solutions, and be honest.
Why remain positive?
It is because you have to prove that whatever weaknesses you have or challenges you face, they will not hinder (and may even help) your ability to do your job. One way to remain positive is to simply avoid negative words like “weak,” “weakness,” and “failure” in your answers. You might also emphasise how the skill or quality you struggle with is either unimportant to the job, or even a positive.
Why focus on solutions?
Instead of focussing on the weakness you have, talk about what steps you are taking to overcome these. This makes you sound a positive person. One who is aware of his/her shortcomings and is willing to improve it.
Why honesty is always the best policy?
While you should remain positive, you also want to be honest. Do not pretend you have a weakness that you do not, or say you have no weaknesses. Interviewers appreciate truthful answers. Before answering, think carefully about your past work experience and the skills you have developed or would like to continue to develop.
After all, it’s hard to talk about your flaws in an interview without making yourself sound like a horrible candidate. You don’t want to raise any major red flags with your interviewer, but you also don’t want to talk about how you’re “too perfect”. But there is a way to strike a balance, showing your interviewer that you’re aware of your flaws and—better yet—working to improve them.