It can be difficult to answer the question, “What are your weaknesses?” especially when you expect to discuss the skills, talents, and abilities that make you the strongest candidate for the job. The question associated with this question in a job interview is strengths. Now let's find out “What are Your Weaknesses?”
What are your weaknesses?
Positively your weaknesses can be challenging, but when you combine self-awareness with a business plan, you can quickly walk away from other job applicants.
The key to preparing for this question is to identify weaknesses that still transmit strength. This will show the interviewer that you are introspective enough to know the areas of opportunity available to you.
Some other formulas
There are many forms of the question, depending on the questioner, including:
- Tell me your weaknesses?
- What are your weak points?
Why does the interviewer want to know your weak point?
Because they can't get a complete picture of you as a candidate by just talking about your strengths.
In addition to knowing what you can do, the interviewer wants to know what you can't do, or what you have difficulty working on.
How you respond to the interviewer will also help you understand how well you know yourself, as well as whether you are a good fit for this role.
How to prepare for the answer
It can be difficult to answer the question “What are your weaknesses?” especially when you are expecting to discuss the skills, talents, and abilities that make you the strongest candidate for the job.
Framing your weaknesses positively can be difficult, but when you combine self-awareness with an action plan, you can quickly separate yourself from other job applicants.
The key to preparing for this question is to identify weaknesses that still deliver strength. This will show the interviewer that you are introspective enough to know your areas of opportunity.
Examples to answer the question
These answers do not reduce your chance of being interviewed. Some of the answers you can provide for specific situations include.
I focus too much on the details.
I have a hard time letting go of a project.
I have trouble saying “no.”
I get impatient when projects run beyond the deadline.
I can have trouble asking for help.
It has been difficult for me to work with certain personalities.
It can be difficult for me to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
I waste money very fast.
My biggest weakness is that I sometimes focus too much on the details of a project and spend too much time analyzing the finer points. I have strived to improve in this area by checking in on myself at regular intervals and giving myself a chance to refocus on the bigger picture. This way, I can still ensure quality without getting bogged down in details that affect my productivity or the team's ability to meet a deadline.
I need to get much better at knowing the difference between hard work and productive work. It's easy for me to fall into the trap of thinking that long hours in the office mean I'm getting more done. But unsurprisingly, I actually do my best when I'm not too tired or stressed.
I tend to get caught up in the little details, which can distract me from the end goal.
See: What is Your Hobby? - Interview Question