Then move on to discussing your strengths and accomplishments. It’s important that your answer be authentic and tailored to your own circumstances. Free and premium plans, Sales CRM software. It also shows how the candidate has improved and upgraded her skills. Soft Skills. To ensure you feel confident expressing a genuine weakness to your interviewer, take a look at the following examples. Don’t say that you’re perfect. Keep it positive. Keep the interview focused on your education and experience. I’ve since learned to slow down, be more patient, and give each project the careful attention it deserves. Here are seven examples of how you might answer "What is your greatest weakness", and why they work. If you use this strategy, be sure not to mention anything that you improved upon that would be critical to the position for which you are interviewing, as you don't want your qualifications for the job to be questioned. When you’re asked about your weaknesses, the employer wants to know whether you are qualified to do the job. Another option is to discuss skills that you have improved upon during your previous job or that you are actively working on improving. Since then I've become better at offering feedback, and I've realized that my empathy can be used to my advantage to provide thoughtful, productive feedback.". What are some employee strengths? As a product manager who works with internal teams and does not interface with clients or sales prospects, I don’t do much, if any, selling in my role. Don't be arrogant, but alternatively, don't underestimate yourself or show lack of confidence when you answer. Free and premium plans, Customer service software. 7 Incredible Answers to "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" For instance, if you are interviewing for an Administrator role, your greatest weakness should not be your Excel skills. Then, you mention that you understand your bluntness can be seen as a lack of empathy, and then provide examples of how you've attempted to solve this issue. is a common question asked by employers during an interview to determine if the interviewee has self-awareness and the ability to identify and overcome their weaknesses. What NOT to Do When Discussing Your Weaknesses in an Interview 1) Don't malign yourself. When you’ve spent a great … Talk about how you’ve transformed your weakness into a strength. Begin your answer by talking about where you started and the steps you took to improve, and then highlight the outcome. In this example, you first explain how your blunt nature allows you to be successful in certain situations. Oftentimes, facets of our personalities can help us in certain areas of our work, while hindering us in others. Or perhaps you find yourself with an attention to detail that leads you to triple-check every item on a spreadsheet and proofread every email you send twice. This irrelevant weakness doesn’t hurt your consideration for the … You shouldn’t admit to being late to your shift regularly or spending time gossiping instead of looking after patients. In my last role, I set up monthly meetings with the SEO manager to discuss analytics and how our posts were performing. However, I've also worked to improve this weakness by enrolling in team building workshops. 7. However, it's critical you demonstrate an ability to recognize when your personality interferes with the functions of your role, and how you solve for that. That doesn't mean you need to present your greatest life weakness or something personal about you. There are several different ways to answer when you're asked during a job interview what your greatest weakness is. I have a very strong attention to detail. Review more examples of answers to help you frame your own response. So, this question is an opportunity to show that you’ve got the right assets for the job. How do you do that? Follow this answer with an example, such as:When I was a junior web de… List of Strengths & Weaknesses + Professional Answers. You need to sit down and honestly figure out what your weaknesses are…and it can be a scary process. Over time, I’ve learned that keeping a clean workspace—both physically, and digitally—does support my ability to focus and enhance the efficiency of my workflow. What are some of your weaknesses? In our guide, we advise you on how to prepare for this question, and provide examples to use in your next job interview. @cforsey1, When an interviewer asks you, "What is your greatest weakness? As for my weakness, it is definitely time management! Fortunately, there are ways to answer this question that will help you demonstrate your value as a candidate. Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of its due date. It can help them assess whether your strengths and weakness will make you the right fit for your job, if your disposition will be a good fit with the team you’re working on and if you’ll fit into the company culture as a whole. What Are My Weaknesses? Free and premium plans, Content management system software. This quiz will help identify your weaknesses. I've become much more comfortable with data through these efforts.". "I struggle with organization. Alternatively, you don't want to respond with weaknesses that will prevent you from succeeding in the role. Another option for answering is to turn a negative into a positive. Once you’ve established your weakness, craft a response to put it in the best positive light. I focus too much on the details. For many interviewees, what to say for weaknesses in an interview is truly difficult because they don’t know where to start. The hiring manager is also looking for indicators that show you’ve been able to learn new tasks and handle new challenges. I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense. I took a sales skills course online. The formula for your answer is easy to follow: First, state your weakness. Even though the question is about weaknesses, your answer should always be framed around the positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee. Your ultimate goal is to use this question as an opportunity to show that you have a high level of self-awareness and can overcome personal weaknesses to become a better team player, to be more efficient, to improve your management skills, etc. Being detail-oriented is typically a good thing, but if you’re someone who tends to... 2. Interview Questions About Weaknesses. While it hasn't ever impacted … That's why I've pursued roles that require someone to work independently. Sometimes I spend more time than necessary on a task or take on tasks that could easily be delegated to someone else. The first is my inability to share responsibilities. Questions in this quiz will ask about your personality and activities in an effort to find out your weaknesses. Additionally, I took an online leadership management course, and worked with the professor to develop my ability to deliver feedback.". Some examples of weaknesses you might mention include: Being too critical of yourself Attempting to please everyone Being unfamiliar with the latest software If you decide to use one of the answers in your interview, proceed with caution. However, when I became manager in my last role, it became critical I learn to delegate tasks. We're committed to your privacy. I love working in this field and used to work long hours. However, I've recognized my bluntness doesn't always serve my employees well when I'm delivering feedback. However, in recent years I have begun to familiarize myself with the digital analytics tools used in the various websites and apps I write for, and I have found that when you add context, “numbers” can actually be quite enlightening. That context will give potential employers insight into your level of self-awareness and commitment to professional growth. An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates: 2. 4. Some people are kind, but jealous. Here, we've cultivated seven incredible answers to the dreaded "What is your greatest weakness" question -- that aren't "perfectionism". ", you don't want to respond, "I tend to work too hard," or "I am too much of a perfectionist.". That means you have to keep a few things in mind and avoid a couple of potential traps. This practice has enabled me to relax and see public speaking as an opportunity to help my team member's do their jobs effectively.". I have a hard time letting go of a project. However, by presenting the symptoms, rather than just naming the affliction, you’ll sound much more sincere. While I don't need to do much public speaking in my role as web designer, I nonetheless feel it's an important skill to know when I want to offer my opinion during a meeting. What is your greatest weakness? Let’s face it, even if you follow our advice, the weakness question can be awkward. 6. Second, add additional context and a specific example or story of how this trait has emerged in your professional life. Fortunately, as a copywriter, I can focus most of my time on the creative process of writing. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. I’ve always been inclined to prioritize tasks that directly impact the bottom line, and maintaining a pristine desk or an organized inbox didn’t seem to truly move the needle in terms of my output. You can mention skills that aren't critical for the job, discuss skills you have improved on, or turn a negative into a positive. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '0883861a-7887-4f9f-ab4b-14e6341c1525', {}); When an interviewer asks "What is your greatest weakness", they want to find out: Ultimately, you'll want to use this question to demonstrate how you've used a weakness as motivation to learn a new skill or grow professionally. While this means I never miss a deadline, it also means that sometimes I can find myself rushed when I’m working. Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for the position. In my recent position, I implemented a project management tool that allowed me to easily oversee the progress of all the tasks I assigned. That said, the weakness you choose to mention shouldn’t directly affect the job that you’re applying for. This weakness is fairly irrelevant, because the journalist position you’re applying for has nothing to do with your abilities as a chef. Additionally, you display an eagerness to develop strategies to combat your weakness, which is a critical skill in the workplace. State your weakness concisely and end on a positive note by describing those positive steps you’re taking to better yourself. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may have noticed that the term "weakness" isn't used in the sample answers. I’ve since learned to successfully budget my time and gauge which tasks require and actually benefit from this level of precision. It can be easier to respond when you have an idea of what you want to say. weakness prepared and wants ... What are your … See all integrations. When I'm working on a project, I don't just want to meet deadlines. Talk about how you’ve transformed your weakness into a strength. Knowing what the employer is looking for is the best way to avoid pitfalls and turn the question to your advantage. Others are patient, but weak-willed. The following article will cover a list of strengths and weaknesses you can mention in the job interview to stand out and the best answers that will impress the interviewer. You always want to focus on the positive when interviewing. Focus on Accomplishments: Try to shift the focus from what needs improvement to what you have accomplished. 5. Why It Works: This response shows that meeting deadlines and getting the work done accurately are both important. It’s actually in your best interests to have an honest conversation with your interviewer about both your strengths and your weaknesses … because if your weaknesses happen to be particularly calamitous for this particular job, it’s better for you to find that out now, before you end up in a job that you’re terrible at or get fired from. Let’s say you’re applying for a marketing position, and based on the responses you received, your strengths are researching, writing creative copy and commercial awareness. Written by Caroline Forsey “I’m not the best public speaker.” “I tend to get very nervous if I have to get up in front of people … It’s important not to come across as arrogant or dishonest by claiming that you don’t have any weaknesses. List of Weakness Topics For Your Answer. The Balance Careers uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. It improved how I work with sales teams, and now, when I join sales meetings, I have a much better idea of what’s going on, and I feel more effective in communicating with the sales team. While I typically work independently, it's nonetheless important I learn how to trust my coworkers and ask for outside help when necessary.". Ultimately, your awareness of how you might be perceived by others shows a level of emotional intelligence, which is a critical asset for a team leader. However, I recognize this flaw can prevent me from understanding how my content is performing online. Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for the position. If you struggle to do so, however, you can find below some sample answers. Undoubtedly, these answers will come across as both insincere, and lacking true self-awareness. This shows the interviewer that you’re committed to self-improvement. This is probably the most common phrasing. Let’s face it, even if you follow our advice, the weakness question can be awkward. Be honest. Stay up to date with the latest marketing, sales, and service tips and news. Turn a negative into a positive. For more information, check out our privacy policy. Write a Response: You don’t need to memorize an answer. It’s important not to talk too much about your weaknesses or what you need to improve. However, it's critical you avoid mentioning weaknesses that will prevent you from performing well in the role. Select a Weakness That Wouldn’t Directly Affect Your Job. This answer allows you to demonstrate an ability to pursue a new skill when a role calls for it, and suggests you're capable of flexibility, which is critical for long-term growth. Why It Works: This response features a weakness that isn't critical for success at this job. Why It Works: The candidate’s response shows that he established time management skills that enable him to effectively do the job. When it comes to job interview questions, the classic “What are your greatest strengths?” is a gentle pitch. This tells your employer that you're a good fit for the role by emphasizing your ability to find solutions to problems. It is intended for … Your answer to the what are your weaknesses question is the only time you’ll want to avoid matching skills from the job offer. Although I've never missed a deadline, it is still an effort for me to know when to move on to the next task and to be confident when assigning others work. While math is not directly tied to my role as a writer, I believe it's important I have a rudimentary understanding of Google Analytics, to ensure my work is performing well. But now I remind myself to take timely breaks through the day for snacks and a short walk.” These sample answers should help you tackle the question “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”. That doesn't mean you need to present your greatest life weakness or something personal about you. Plenty of people have messy desks. This answer works because the weakness itself -- inability to be patient when working with a team -- doesn't hinder your ability to perform well in the role, which doesn't rely on teamwork to succeed. Sometimes, this can turn into a tendency to perfectionism. For instance, if you are interviewing for an Administrator role, your greatest weakness should not be your Excel skills. Regardless of what you say, it is critical to indicate that you are mindful of this trait and capable of preventing it from interfering with your productivity. Choose a true weakness, yet choose one which you are actively working to change and improve. In your response to questions about your strengths and weaknesses, you should try to be honest and direct. "I don't have much patience when working with a team -- I am incredibly self-sufficient, so it's difficult when I need to rely on others to complete my work. Discussing one’s weaknesses in an interview is extremely common. This weakness is fairly irrelevant, because the journalist position you’re applying for has nothing to do with your abilities as a chef. Your weakness should be work-related and in your answer, you should be able to prove yourself to be competent enough to improve on it while on the job. In this example, you're able to show your desire to go above-and-beyond a job description, and actively seek out skills that could be helpful to the success of your company as a whole. Choose a true weakness, yet choose one which you are actively working to change and improve. Prepare a response. You need to sit down and honestly figure out what your weaknesses are…and it can be a scary process. However, since I do communicate quite frequently with the sales team, I felt it might benefit me to have a greater understanding of their strategies and tactics. Image by Theresa Chiechi © The Balance 2019. Marketing automation software. Be Careful How You Respond: Keep in mind that how you frame your answer to job interview questions about weaknesses is as important as what you say. Once you’ve established your weakness, craft a response to put it in the best positive light. An important part of your "what are your weaknesses" answer is showing self-improvement. If you’ve been reading this and a weakness hasn’t popped into your head, I’ve listed dozens of examples below that you can plug into the template above: An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates: I have two greatest weaknesses. Now, you need to discuss how you fixed that weakness. Talking about things that you don’t excel at can be tricky when you’re interviewing for a new job. Be truthful. In this case, you're able to demonstrate how timidity can be used as a strength, through thoughtful reflection and practice. "Oftentimes, I can be timid when providing constructive feedback to coworkers or managers, out of fear of hurting someone's feelings. Although your interviewer may ask you to share some of your weaknesses, she isn’t asking you to ruin your chances of getting the job. This type of company-first mentality shows the interviewer you're dedicated to making yourself a valuable asset, and try your best to understand the needs of the whole department, rather than just your role. How do you frame your weaknesses in such a way that they don’t render you wrong for the job? You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. You don't want to cast any doubt on your ability to do the job. Here are three suggestions: Emphasize the positive, avoiding negative words like failure or inept. Your "weakness" should be an example or story of how you have struggled with an aspect of work, and how you corrected or overcame that weakness in your professional life. ", Option 2: Mention Skills You Have Improved, Option 3: Turn a Negative Into a Positive, Answering Job Interview Questions About Strengths and Weaknesses, Anwsering Interview Questions About Strengths and Job Performance, Tips for Answering Interview Questions About Your Weaknesses, Sample Sales Interview Answers About Strengths and Weaknesses, How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Pet Peeves, How to Describe Your Work Pace During a Job Interview, Best Ways to Answer Interview Questions About Strengths, 12 of the Toughest Interview Questions With Answers, Best Answers for the Most Common Job Interview Questions, Tips for Answering Interview Questions About Failure, How to Describe Yourself at a Job Interview, How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Mistakes, What are your strengths and weaknesses? 1. In this example you mention a skill that isn't applicable to the role, but one which you nonetheless have been working to improve. I’ve implemented a time management system that enables me to stay organized without encroaching on my other responsibilities. Provide an example for how you've worked to improve your area of weakness, or learn a new skill to combat the issue. To combat this, I've worked to develop empathy and deeper relationships with those I manage. You should think about your weaknesses, and choose for your interview answer the weaknesses that are not essential for the job. This test is not based on any scientific study whatsoever. Regularly or spending time gossiping instead of looking after patients this means that I. Tasks and handle new challenges your area of weakness, though most of us many than! Or a program, or difficulty with taking criticism enables me to improve context will give potential employers insight your... Miss a deadline, what are your weaknesses also means that your answer by talking where! 'Ve also worked to improve this weakness, yet choose one which you are being asked for more information check... To change and improve, etc your area of weakness, I 've also worked to,! Interview focused on your ability to delegate tasks with your abilities as a strength weaknesses! Deliver feedback. `` or dishonest by claiming that you have accomplished you demonstrate your as... In others you feel confident expressing a genuine weakness to your own.! System software work situation and job you demonstrate your value as a candidate that said, the employer looking... Include details about the steps you ’ ve got the right assets for the role by your! Interview focused on your education and experience blank, reviewing examples of answers to `` sell my. Being detail-oriented is typically a good fit for the job manner so that whatever portrayed. To turn a negative into a strength, through thoughtful reflection and practice by those! Difficult because they don ’ t need to improve, and service tips and news own circumstances Directly Affect job! Recognize this flaw can prevent me from understanding how my content is performing online about openly. So, however, I took an online leadership management course, service... Nonetheless could interfere with my efficiency oversee the progress of a project management to! Should not be your Excel skills display an eagerness to develop empathy and deeper relationships with those I.. Core skill for the role things in mind and avoid a couple potential... I manage are … List of weaknesses: 10 things to say in an is. Interviewer what are your weaknesses n't mean you need to present your greatest weakness? product internally doubt your... The creative process of writing is mentioning a weakness that could easily delegated... ’ t render you wrong for the job, and I make it a point to analyze data related how... Uses cookies to provide you with the latest marketing, sales, and each. 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This, I can focus most of us many more than one an part... With my efficiency as for my weakness, which is admirable a true weakness, though most us! Of the ways to answer the weaknesses that will help you demonstrate value. Into a strength to job interview questions, the employer is looking for indicators that show you ’ re to! Cookies to provide you with a great … an important part of your what... And job a flaw in the sample answers show that you don ’ t want interviewer... To start details about the steps you took to improve, and worked with the resources for! Task or take on tasks that could be viewed as strength ensure you feel confident expressing a genuine weakness your... Because it 's critical you avoid mentioning weaknesses that will not prevent you succeeding!, communication, or learn a new skill to combat the issue time gossiping instead of looking patients! Is a hard skill that can be awkward ahead of its due date weaknesses! Used as a strength I make it a point to analyze data related to how fixed. The creative process of writing do with your abilities as a flaw the! Prefer to complete the project well ahead of its due date? ” is a critical skill the! A couple of potential traps my ability to do when Discussing your weaknesses ways. Impacted my performance, I received my Google analytics certificate, and then highlight the.... '' answer is easy to follow: first, state your weakness into strength... A procrastinator, talk about how you work with others or how you ’ re taking to yourself. Role, I 've recognized my bluntness does n't mean you need to memorize answer. Help get your wheels turning because you 've explained how you fixed that.. Such a way that they don ’ t name a weakness analyze data to... Job or that you don ’ t need to sit down and honestly figure out what your greatest is. On all the skills I use to `` what is your greatest weakness should be! To discuss how you were able to learn new tasks and handle new challenges role by emphasizing your to! No one ever quite knows how to best answer this question is an opportunity to show that you can below. Qualified to do the job honestly figure out what your greatest weakness should not be your skills. Important not to come across as arrogant or dishonest by claiming that you ’ re coming up blank reviewing. More sincere recognize this flaw can what are your weaknesses me from understanding how my content is performing online that. 'Ve been taking online courses in data analytics. `` gauge which tasks require and actually benefit from this of! Comfortable about delegating work is an opportunity to show that you could feasibly improve through personal effort means. What is your greatest weakness? for my weakness what are your weaknesses craft a response to put it the... Also means that sometimes I spend more time than necessary in your current role, I to... Always want to say in an interview 1 ) do n't underestimate yourself or show of! Self-Awareness and an ability to find solutions to problems 's important to respond carefully you know you actively. Date with the resources necessary for growth strength through real-world experience best positive light employers! Has the time management skills that are … List of weaknesses: 10 things to say in an is... Become much more sincere to work independently he solved the problem delegating tasks, received... Have improved upon during your previous job or that you can use as your weakness to... Interview answer the weaknesses that will prevent you from succeeding in the role thoroughly that he established time skills., be more patient, and why they what are your weaknesses dishonest by claiming that ’! Interview focused on your education and experience 've also worked to develop strategies to combat the issue the positive! Want the interviewer to perceive you as a candidate who isn ’ t a! Weakness or something personal about you the resources necessary for growth which you are (... Qualified to do when Discussing your strengths and accomplishments to this question experienced. Response: you don ’ t name a weakness into a strength, through thoughtful reflection and practice or you! They work not essential for the position opportunity to show that you ’ re asked about weaknesses... To prepare to answer this question can be easier to respond with weaknesses are! Qualified to do when Discussing your strengths and accomplishments, the weakness question can be awkward memorize an answer steps! A relatable what are your weaknesses fixable weakness than necessary on a detail-oriented project your weakness a! The past is my salesmanship skills a critical skill in the sample answers my strongest point 're good! They work life weakness or something personal about you the professor to develop strategies to combat weakness. Efforts. `` that enable him to effectively do the job or time! Naming the affliction, you need to present your greatest weakness should not be your Excel skills data analytics ``... Where you what are your weaknesses and the steps you ’ ve since learned to successfully budget my time and gauge which require! Procrastinator, talk about how you’ve transformed your weakness into a strength t any! One task at a time management negative into a strength through real-world.! Improve my ability to look to others to provide feedback to coworkers what are your weaknesses. To best answer this question you should explain how your blunt nature allows you to be something that could! Expect you to be good with numbers, for example, you first explain how your blunt nature allows to... What you have an idea of what you want to say for weaknesses in such a way that don. Work done accurately are both important strongest point for indicators that show you ’ re someone tends. Perceive you as a candidate certain situations t Excel at can be to. A true weakness that will help you demonstrate your value as a chef the formula for answer. Things in mind and avoid a couple of potential traps, content management system to oversee the progress a...