When asked in an interview 'What are your weaknesses' what is the best thing to say?

Answer 1

Be honest, because if you "ARE" hired, the truth will come out anyway and they'll know in the end. However, choose your words carefully.

For example, if you're applying for a secretarial position, (and ONLY assuming this is accurate for you), you might say:

"Well, I've worked with computers and Word Perfect for years, however, I've just not had much opportunity to use Power Point or Excel. So, they're probably my weakest points. However, I'm really hoping to be able to find a job that'll allow me the opportunity to work with those programs and increase my strength in them, or even be able to go back to school and take a class or two to learn them better. I do have enough computer experience though, and having worked with them on a limited basis, that I know it wouldn't take me long to become more fluent in my skills by hands-on experience. Especially since I'm a quick learner."

The key to this is (and apparently you're already doing this, so KUDOS to you), think about this question in advance, discover your weakness(es) in your field of work, and prepare your answer in advance. Then, practice saying it so that it's comfortable.

But remember, be HONEST. But just like in your paper resume, you can be honest, yet paint a pretty picture. Show that you either have worked, are working, or HONESTLY intend to work on that weakness. If you don't address a "real" weakness and it turns out to be an integral part of your job, then it's going to stand out, and you'll pay the price. Using my example, some secretarial jobs use Excel (for example) ALOT and you may not know that until you're on the job. So, be honest, but be sure to "say" it rather than hide it.

Someone mentioned opening that answer with a joke. I'd be careful about doing that. If the interviewer has set the precedence already by inserting a couple of jokes to ease the mood, then it might be more appropriate. However, if they're "down to business," then you may be construed as wasting their time, or even come across as someone who will continue to be a "clown" on the job. Be careful about that advice.

Answer 2

Well, what has worked for me is to mention actual weaknesses that I have taken specific steps to improve or overcome.

Examples:
One of my weaknesses is organization. So this summer I took a course in Time Management, and have been putting the ideas into practice. I find that I am a lot more productive now.

One of my weaknesses is taking on too much responsibilty - I worry that if I don't do everything myself, it won't get done right. Over the last year in my past job, I worked hard on training myself to coach and mentor others, and give them learning and growth experiences. In this way I could give them tasks, while of course monitoring them, that allowed me to be more productive overall.

Note that the second one isn't really 100% a weakness, and shows responsibility. Aim for ones like this if possible. Just don't use the very tired "I'm a workaholic" weakness.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It's best if you can phrase it in a way so that it could be a strength as well. Confidence is an example. You could say "I tend to be overconfident, which can cause disappointment when I don't fulfil my own expectations; however, this can also be a strength ... "

It seems cheesy, but it's a way to remain positive even when describing so-called negative aspects about yourself. Honestly, though, that is a cliche of a question nowadays, and I doubt that an actual employer will ask it. But if you're in school and doing a mock interview, then you may be asked that question.

Answer 4

i comprehend precisely what you're speaking about - a week in the past i had an interview the position i had to inform the corporate what my pals/kin/former colleagues might want to tell them about me... on your case - i became requested that question very regularly - i might want to before each little thing enable them comprehend that you do not see your weak point as a weak point, yet as a project (regardless of that is - be sparkling to carry close what that is and be straightforward about it). i once informed an interviewer that so-noted as weaknesses are there to earnings from and to enhance hence i delight in my weaknesses and fee them for letting me comprehend that i'm no longer as perfect as i regularly imagine (it quite is one in all my weaknesses - meaning stressful circumstances - :)) , the outcome became that i have been given the job because the human factors manager became inspired about my honesty and that i did not make up memories... desire you the superb!! i remember a time at the same time as it became adequate to prepare your skills and characteristic sturdy marks in college - now organizations are all fancy about psychologics and all that stuff... stunning regards, f.

Answer 5

Never mention any weaknesses that could be critical of the Job being applied for , and always mention a more content knowledge weakness rather than a personel weakness.
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Answer 6

I say that I often take on too much work. I like to see things done properly and I believe I can do them. When asked for volunteers, I always am the first to jump at the chance.
I sometimes will end up with a little more than I can chew, but I always manage to get it done!

Answer 7

As someone who has done interviews and asked this question, let me tell you that b.s. answers don't really work. I think this question is more a test of character than a a test of your strenghts/weaknesses. Answer truthfully, lies can come back to haunt you later, especially if you get the job!

Answer 8

Pick on something that isn't really a weakness ( perhaps not even necessarily true), like "I can't stand leaving a job unfinished at the end of the day; I drive myself to finish"

Something like that - it's about selling yourself as a desirable commodity.

Answer 9

It depends on the job...but avoid saying something that is really backhanded self-promotion like "I am too willing to take on work" or "I take work home with me all the time." It really sounds fake/canned....and I think is dishonest. Better to be honest and then say how you've dealt with it. Ex: "In my last job, I found I had trouble prioritizing my time. So, I developed a ranking system and began making daily lists to keep me focused on needed assignments. I found it to be very helpful...yada yada"

Answer 10

You can say that you take a lot of pride in your work and that you can be at times a perfectionist. Always answer with a weakness that can also be a positive.