In a job interview, what are some good answers to the question 'What are your weaknesses?'?

Answer 1

Always answer this sort of question with a "weakness" that will sound like a strength to your employer. For example, "My biggest weakness is getting too involved in my job. Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in a project that it kind of takes over my mind. Even when I get home, I go on-line and do research on how others have solved similar problems. I'm aware of my tendency and I am working on it."
Or, " My biggest weakness is that I am too goal oriented. Once I buy-in to reaching a goal, I am relentless. I focus on a successful outcome and cannot let go until I acheive it. I am trying to less intense about it, but I actually enjoy the rush."
It's always a good idea to acknowledge that you are working on curbing this excessive behavior. You may need an excuse when you don't display this "weakness" after getting the job. "Yes, my therapist is quite happy with my progress around working too hard."

Answer 2

You have to say something, don't say you don't have any weaknesses, because that is obviously a lie, and you don't want to come across as arrogant or full of yourself. What you do is try to name something that is not important to your job. If you are applying for a job in a store, you might say one of your weaknesses is you haven't gotten the hang of HTML yet or you still haven't mastered basic Spanish yet. (Anything - just make sure it isn't a big component of your job.) You can also prove you are a hard-worker by saying that you are taking a basic computer class to learn HTML or something like that....Anything that proves you are a 'go-getter.'

Don't do the 'perfectionist' thing. I took a Job/Career class at my university and I learned that saying you are a perfectionist is way overdone and employers don't even take that answer seriously.

Answer 3

Whenever you are asked a question that sounds like they are soliciting a negative response, turn it around and make it possitive. Here are some examples:

My greatest weakness is that I am can be a perfectionist in my work...

My weakness is my extreme attention to detail, sometimes I take longer a certain tasks to make sure they are done right the first time...

Etc. Etc. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Good lord - do people still use that one in interviews? It's such a loaded question. They're mainly looking for how you react and to see whether or not you aknowledge that you have things you can work on. I reword it when I answer... like...

"I feel I'm adept at managing my time, but I am constantly striving to be better at it. I know I can always do more."

or

"I would like to improve my proficiency with...."

By the way -- I urge you to avoid the cliche answer about being a perfectionist.

Answer 5

Of course this question stinks. It's the interviewer's job to discover your weaknesses through his other questions. Common bogus answers include:
I'm a perfectionist
I push myself too hard sometimes

Answer 6

I would say since i've been in the Navy that my weakness is I always show up early im so hard on myself, I feel like the world is going to come to an end if I get to work late! Somtimes I have to sit in my car for a moment in order to not be in too early

Answer 7

just be honest, unless it will affect the work you are applying for, don't tell them that your shy if your gonna be a waiter at a restuarant, otherwise just be honest, everyone has weaknesses and interviewers get tired of hearing people make up crap about how they are perfectionists, yea we are all perfectionists at some times or another. or workaholics, just be cool and make and friendly.

Answer 8

I do not know that I am comfortable with the word "weaknesses". I prefer to think of "weaknesses" as areas of "inexperiences"
waiting for the opportunity to be expounded upon and exercised.

Answer 9

I consdier the following as the best answer: Yes, I am having the weakness of taking into confidence everyone, which sometimes takes time.
VR

Answer 10

be truthful - tell him your weakness but turn it around so that it's a positive thing.

for example, say something like - I'm a perfectionist - but that's a good thing because i push myself to continuously strive for perfection.

good luck!!