What's a good answer for the interview question "what is your weakness"?

Question

Thanks! =) Don't have to go into specifics.

Answer 1

Some ideas here. Basic thrust is take a strength and make it look like a weakness. Good skill to have if you're entering the corp. world, where the ability to spin & sell is key (except you do the inverse in business, take a weakness & spin it into a strength).

- I work too hard sometimes, not taking enough time for myself (especially good in industries where you work your *** off like law or investment banking)
- Sometimes I listen too much, take on others' problems, and can't sleep at night thinking about it ("I care too much")
- If you have family/kids, say "my wife" or "my kids"; "I just love them to death and get all soft and silly whenever I think about them"
- If you're applying for a sales position, say something like "spending too much time with my friends and going out always meeting new people; I spend too much time doing that sometimes" or "I have too many friends and sometimes just don't have enough time for myself"
- If it's a job that doesn't require sales, then "sometimes I'm just too honest"
- I have too much courage and participate in risky sports like [mountain climbing][hang gliding] etc.
- Tailor your response to the type of work
- But try staying as close to the truth as possible without jeopardizing your chances for getting the job!

Answer 2

That would probably guarantee you a job around here. Lots of pirate activities in these waters, and ECU, home of the Pirates, is not too far from here. There's a million restaurants and shops with a pirate theme. There's even a pirate themed Chinese restaurant. Silly Asians.

Answer 3

We all have weaknesses - that's okay. It's whether you actively IMPROVE them or not is probably more what your interviewer wants to hear.

So identify your weakness(es), but don't go overboard (i.e. I browse the Internet when I'm bored). No matter what it is, there is a solution to it. State that weakness, but immediately follow up with how you are trying to issue it. For example, communicating with coworkers is really hard for me. I'm a quiet, shy person. I said that in an interview, but immediately followed it with, "Fortunately, I am very good at communicating on paper, and with instant emails, it has never been a problem. I also jot things down so I can always refer to them; that's why it might look like my computer is covered in sticky notes!"

Always get a laugh out of it. Honest answer, but also honestly shows that I try to improve.

(I know you didn't need specifics, but thought that would give you a better idea and more preparation). Good luck!

Answer 4

A lot of people will say that you should turn give them a weakness that is essentially a strength. Examples might be, "I work too hard sometimes," or "I'm a perfectionist," or "I expect too much of myself." Personally, I feel that b.s.ing is a bunch of b.s., and they will know that it is b.s. Instead, be truthful with a real weakness, but couple it with a reassurance. Examples would include, "I tend to work a bit slower than others, but I almost NEVER make a mistake," or, "Sometimes I have a hard time taking criticism, but I am really improving in that area." Always soften the weakness, too. Notice I said, "a bit slower," and "sometimes," in the examples. There are two weaknesses you should NEVER divulge, however. Never tell a potential employer that you have difficulty with attendance or punctuality.

Answer 5

They key to answer that question is turning a negative into a positive. It doesnt have to be job related.
I always answer:
One of my weakness is the computer language C++. I have expertise in repair and rebulding systems though. As a matter of fact, I am currently enrolled in Introduction to C++ at my college so I can become well rounded in all aspests of the field.

I told them my weakness, but I also demostrated that I recognize and accept the weakness as well as take steps to correct them. This demostates to the employer I am willing to learn new skills to excel as well as future emphasis a skill I have.So in the question "what is you weakness' u also explain two strengths.

Another example is try spelling. Tell them your weakness is spelling and that you correct this by reading more and becoming familair with words you dont normally use.
Just whateve you tell them make sure to include what ur doing to correct it. and dont say my weakness is Perfection,it's been used to much and it's expected.Plus if u say that they are gonna just be waiting for u to mess up so they can say 'Hhmp what happen to the perfectionist' and besides when employers are conductiing interviews and u say I'm a perfectionist then why are u unemployed if u do things so perfectly!Saying that actully makes ppl anticipate ur downfall

Answer 6

This question depends on what line of work you are leaning towards.

Construction? Office?


You should psychologically turn this one around in your favor.

Take a previous weakness you may have had in the past and shortly explain a scenario in how it may have ultimately became a strength.

Offer the idea of being a perfectionist and how this has really improved on your life goals and the previous hurdles you have overcome.

in short, keep it short and sweet. Don't beat this question to death. If you do you will be kicking yourself for weeks after the interview.

Answer 7

Here is some excellent info on this for you:
Give strong answer to 'weakness' question
@
http://jobnews.ajcjobs.com/news/content/careercenter/articles/2006_0212_lindgren.html

Answer 8

You might say....
"I prefer to think of this as something that I'm working on"....and then give answers....working on time management, constantly working on self-improvement, finding proper balance between work and family, learning a second language, etc....

Answer 9

Say something that is really good but make it sound bad. I like to say: I am persistent, when I start something I just I have to finish it, regardless of it I have to break off to perform another project, I get back to it until it is complete.

Answer 10

Whenever I am asked that question I use one of the following two:

- I tend to take it personally if something goes wrong

or

- I tend to take my work home with me.

Good luck

Answer 11

That your weakness is your keeness to learn, as it sometimes comes across as being over entusiastic.