Don't Get Thrown by the "Greatest Weakness" Question!

Interviews are full of tricky questions, but one that I see my clients struggling with most is ?“What is your greatest weakness?”. How do you share a weakness without sabotaging your chances? The first thing to understand is that as humans, we all have areas in which we are strong and others in which we are less strong. Awareness of those areas in which we need to improve is itself a strength and being able to demonstrate how you are or have addressed that shows potential employers that you are someone who can learn and develop further.

So let's jump in to how to approach that question. In answering, it is important to be honest without risking losing the opportunity, and thoughtful without sounding fake. Here are some ideas and examples of how you can best respond when that question or some version of it inevitably comes up.

1. Pick a Genuine (But Manageable) Weakness

Choose a real weakness, but one that doesn’t undermine your ability to excel in the job. Avoid overly personal traits or something critical to the role. For instance:

• Example: If you’re applying for a project management position, avoid saying you struggle with organization. Instead, choose something like: “I’ve historically been hesitant to delegate because I want things done a certain way. However, I’ve realized that trusting my team allows us to achieve more collectively.”

2. Show How You’re Addressing It

Employers want to see self-awareness and growth. After naming your weakness, explain the steps you’re taking to improve.

• Example: “I’ve been working on my delegation skills by actively assigning tasks to team members during smaller projects. I’ve also been setting clearer expectations upfront, which has built trust and led to better results overall.”

This demonstrates that you’re proactive and committed to personal development.

3. Keep It Relevant to the Job

Tie your improvement journey back to the role to show that you’re growing in ways that benefit the company.

• Example: “As I’ve become more comfortable delegating, I’ve noticed my team feels more empowered, which has improved both morale and efficiency. I know this will help me contribute to the success of your team here.”

4. Avoid Clichés or Perfectionist Tropes

Saying, “I’m a perfectionist” or “I care too much” can come across as disingenuous. Instead, share something authentic and nuanced.

• Example: “In the past, I sometimes struggled with public speaking, especially in larger settings. To address this, I joined Toastmasters and began volunteering to lead meetings. Now, I’m much more confident and even enjoy presenting.”

5. Practice, But Stay Natural

Rehearse your response to ensure it’s polished, but don’t over-rehearse to the point of sounding robotic. Authenticity is key.

Final Thought

Acknowledging a weakness and showing how you’re actively working on it is a strength in itself. It highlights your self-awareness, adaptability, and commitment to growth—all traits that employers value.

What’s a professional weakness you’ve turned into a strength? Share your story in the comments!

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