Humility is not denying your strengths, humility is being honest about your weaknesses.

On a list of the most misunderstood words, humility would rank in the top 10. Let’s talk about what real humility looks like.

“What is your greatest weakness?”?

Those five words can strike fear into the heart of any interviewee. Let’s be honest, how much time did you spend preparing for that question before your last interview? Last month alone, over twelve THOUSAND people searched for “3 weakness job interview examples.”

What’s really tempting is to twist your answer and say something that sounds like a strength. You might say something like, “I’m such a perfectionist and I am way too devoted to making sure every detail is perfect,” or “I’m a complete workaholic who comes early and stays late!”?

Come on, it’s 2022. Interviewers know better. You know better. When it’s time to describe your greatest weakness, you need to approach the question with a spirit of humility. We ALL have weaknesses. The important thing is what we do with them. Do you identify a weakness and say, “Well, I guess that’s just who I am and that’s that.”? Or, do you begin to think, “Wow, I see this area in my life that needs improvement, and it’s time to make a plan to fix that.”?

When it’s time to discuss your greatest weakness with a potential employer, here are some factors to keep in mind.

? Identify a weakness AND mention how you’re going to grow in that area.

? Point out inexperience AND how you’re going to learn more or gain experience.

? List a weakness that’s not directly related to the job you’re interviewing for.

? Mention previous weaknesses you’ve been able to improve.?

Personally, I would MUCH rather work with someone who is honest about their weaknesses rather than someone who won’t admit that they have any. Humility proves that you’re self-aware and willing to seek opportunities for self-improvement. Don’t skip out on that kind of attitude because you think you’re perfect just the way you are!