Being aware of your weaknesses is a strength.

"What is your biggest weakness?" is a question many fear being asked in an interview. I have researched the right answer to this question multiple times in the past. I have found the common strategy of "spinning a weakness so that it is actually a strength," like the classic response, "I often struggle to find a positive balance between work and my personal life because I am so career-driven." I have also observed that often stating your weakness and how you are overcoming it is also a great response.

From my perspective, I think it comes down to how being aware of your weaknesses is the biggest strength of all. People who can take a step back, look inward, and realize that they do have weaknesses are incredibly strong people. It is what you do with those weaknesses thereafter that separates you from the person you were yesterday. Being aware of a weakness and not trying to improve upon it is cause for concern.

When I ask candidates this question, I am genuinely looking for honesty and a sense of self-awareness. Nobody is perfect, and I am not looking for you to bring yourself down and relate it to the job. It can be something small like struggling to try new things or asking for help.

Since being back in the office full-time, I have realized that my biggest weakness is asking for help. I took a step back to try to find the root of my weakness, and I have narrowed it down to having worked remotely for so many years and having to figure things out on my own. To solve this problem, I am now asking for help with things I would normally deem "silly" in order for me to step out of my comfort zone and engage with the supportive people around me.

So, tips for today:

• Take a seat.
• Ask yourself what your biggest weaknesses are.
• Try to find the root of the weakness: when did it begin, and what impact has it had on you and those around you?
• How can you overcome these weaknesses?
• Hold yourself accountable and make the necessary changes.