What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

The question, “What is your greatest weakness,” helps to tell the hiring manager what skills you’ll need to improve on. It’s also a great opportunity for you to tell them of a weakness you had in the past but took action to overcome it.

• Think about some of your weaknesses
• Which weakness(es) could you address in the interview?
• Consider your past weaknesses – how have you overcome them?

Points to Emphasize

There are ways you can talk about your weaknesses that don’t sound negative, such as:

• How you overcame a weakness
• A weakness that doesn’t prevent you doing a good job
• A weakness that is actually a strength
• Spin it around to talk about your strengths

This question about your weaknesses is an opportunity to discuss what you’ve done in the past to improve your skills.

• Think of a time when you overcame a weakness
• Consider how you could describe a weakness as actually a strength
• Make sure your weaknesses are related to the job or industry

Mistakes You Should Avoid

To make sure you answer this question well, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t say you don’t have any weaknesses
• Don’t talk about weaknesses that prevent you from doing a good job
• Don’t just skip over your weaknesses
• Don’t be too honest

While honesty is important, you shouldn’t bring up all the things you want to improve in yourself. Use this time to sell yourself and utilize this question to your advantage.

• Are any of your weaknesses too honest?
• Do any of your weaknesses prevent you from doing your job well?
• Does your discussion of weaknesses help to show you’re the right fit for the job?

Sample Answer

Here’s an example of how to answer the question, “What’s your greatest weakness?”:

“Sometimes, I can be too critical of myself and my work. I have spent a lot of time reviewing all of my work to make sure it was perfect. Now, I’ve learned to trust my skills and not get caught up in all the insignificant details.”

Notice how this response turns your weakness into an improvement and strength. Be sure the examples you provide relate to the job you’re trying to get.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.