What do you answer during an interview when asked what are your weaknesses?

Question

What is it that employers want to hear. Like as if you answer "Oh, I am usually late to work" are they really looking for that. What am I supposed to answer. By the way, that was just an example, I have a great work ethic and take my jobs very seriously but, I don't know how to answer this question because if I say I don't have any weaknesses, wont that sound unrealistic. HELP!

Answer 1

In an interview you can say whatever you feel comfortable and confident in saying.

Its how you say something not what you say.

Depending on the position, depends on your answers. Obviously don't go saying your major weakness is the primary role of the job. Like going for a sales interview and saying your one weakness is your shy!

Confidence is what they are looking for. They don't want wishy washy people. They want people who know their faults and know how to over come them by delegating authority to make up for their weakness.

That's a true sign of a leader.

Answer 2

You should ask questions because it is their way of seeing your interest level in the job. You should prepare some questions beforehand, and yes many times your questions will be answered during the interview before you get to ask them. Make some notes that you can refer to if you need, check the link listed below for some appropriate questions. When an interviewer asks about your weaknesses, answer with something that is actually a strength, but could be viewed as a weakness by some people (a FEW people preferably). For example. When I get asked that question, I like to answer, "well, I have an unusual attention to details, I want to make sure the product is perfect before sending it off. So, sometimes I may take a little extra time to make sure the product is perfect." one interviewer actually said that sounds more like a strength... I said, "I once had a supervisor who was only concerned about producing product very quickly, the supervisor did not like my attention to detail. however, the supervisor was relocated because sales were down due to poor quality."

Answer 3

When I interview people to hire them, I ask about "challenges" not "weaknesses". I want to hear an honest answer. If you really are challenged by getting to work on time, you could put it in terms like, "Even though I am not a morning person, I have a routine that ensures my getting to work on time" -- then tell about it. Everybody has faults, and I'm looking for an employee who can both admit them and show me how they deal with them. This also tells me about your approach to job challenges. MY answer to that question is something like, "I am very social and have a great sense of humor, so I know I have to keep that in check in order for the job to get done."

Answer 4

what I do is to talk in terms of my strengths and then show how something is a strength and then talk about how that same thing can also be a weakness - and depending on the situation - and then show how it is more of a strength than a weakness. that's what I learned to do. It's a trap. you don't just share all your weaknesses.

Answer 5

for an interview u should not tell your real weakness.
Instead tell one of your strength as a weakness, for example,
you could tell that you are a hard worker and that you would not rest until you accomplish your target.

Answer 6

I get so lost in my work that I lose track of time and end up staying late at work.

Answer 7

Be realistic, and tell the truth. Everyone has weaknesses.