Do you dread this interview question?

Many candidates say the toughest question in an interview is “what is your weakness?”

When asked about this, it's important to provide an honest and thoughtful response that demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to learn and grow.

Here are some tips for answering the question effectively:

Choose a genuine weakness: Don't try to give a "fake" weakness that is actually a strength, this will come across as insincere. Instead, choose a real weakness that you have identified through self-reflection and that is not essential for the position you're applying for.

Explain how you're working on it: After you've identified a weakness, explain what steps you're taking to improve it. This could include seeking feedback from others, taking courses, or training, or working with a mentor or coach.

Focus on the positive: While you're discussing your weakness, try to frame it in a positive light. For example, you could talk about how your weakness has helped you learn and grow, or how it has motivated you to work harder.

Connect it to the job: Finally, try to connect your weakness to the job you're applying for. This will show the interviewer that you have thought about how your weaknesses might impact your performance in the role and that you are taking steps to address them.

When I was much younger, public speaking scared me like nothing else. I was a very shy person and quite introverted. So I would say 'One area I'm working on improving is my public speaking skills. I've always been a bit nervous in front of large groups. I have taken a public speaking course and have been practicing with friends and colleagues because I know that effective communication is important in this role, and I'm committed to continuing to improve in this area.'

Don't try to avoid or side-step this dreaded question. Demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to grow will be far more beneficial to you as a candidate.