TOP 7 Things to Say About Weaknesses in a Job Interview

“How to Talk About Your Weaknesses in a Job Interview” "In a job interview, one of the most common questions candidates often encounter is 'Tell me about your weaknesses?' People often say 'Boast the good, hide the bad,' so how can you talk about your weaknesses in an interview while still impressing the employer?

Here are the top 7 things to say about your weaknesses in a job interview:

1. I focus too much on details:

Having a 'detail-oriented' approach is often a positive trait, but if you tend to spend too much time on specific details of a project, it can also be considered a weakness. By mentioning that you focus too much on details, you're letting the hiring manager know that you have the ability to help the company avoid minor mistakes.

Example: 'One of my biggest weaknesses is that sometimes I focus too much on the details of a project. I've been working to improve in this area by carefully managing the time I spend on a task and allowing myself to refocus on the project. That way, I can still ensure high quality while maintaining my productivity and helping my team meet deadlines.'

2. I struggle to let go of a project:

Some people are naturally perfectionists, making many last-minute changes to ensure everything is perfect. The issue with this weakness is that it can impact deadlines. If this is your weakness, share how you're working to become better at letting projects go by giving yourself a deadline for all revisions.

Example: 'One of my biggest weaknesses is that I sometimes struggle to let go of a project. I'm the biggest critic in my work, and I can always find something that needs improvement or change. To help myself improve in this area, I've set a deadline for revisions and try to avoid making too many last-minute changes.'

3. I find it challenging to say no:

From an employer's perspective, someone who is always willing to help is a potential asset. However, this can become a weakness if you end up completing tasks later than the deadline because you've spent too much time helping others. If this is your weakness, explain why requesting assistance is a good idea and how you're trying to become better.

Example: 'One of my biggest weaknesses is that I sometimes find it challenging to say no to requests and end up taking on more tasks than I can handle. I understand that at any organization, there are experts around me with specific knowledge and skills I can learn from. While I'm still working on it, I've been able to produce better work more efficiently by seeking assistance from those around me.'

4. I feel stressed when projects exceed deadlines:

While showing stress or frustration in the workplace is a weakness, employers also appreciate employees who strive to meet deadlines and understand the importance of submitting work on time. In your response, focus on the fact that you believe meeting deadlines is crucial for everyone to work as effectively as possible.

Example: 'One of my biggest weaknesses is that I feel very stressed when projects I'm working on exceed the deadline. I'm always punctual, and I feel comfortable submitting everything on time. To help reduce stress, I started taking a mindfulness meditation course to help me recognize my emotions and let them pass without affecting my work.'

5. I want to gain more experience:

Everyone has something they can improve on or gain more experience in. Sharing that you want to gain more experience with a skill or quality shows the hiring manager that you're self-aware and willing to challenge yourself. However, make sure you don't answer with a major weakness for the role.

Example: 'Some of my biggest weaknesses include my inability to share responsibility and patience in team projects. I've discussed these weaknesses with my manager because they're the areas I want to improve. We've set a timeline and goals for me to achieve. I've attended some team-building workshops. I'm learning how to let go and trust others.'

6. Sometimes, I find it challenging to request assistance:

While you might want to solve workplace problems independently, that can be a weakness. Being independent is a positive trait for many jobs, but it's best to know when to ask for help to ensure tasks are completed well and on time. If you're using this as your weakness, explain that you understand why requesting help is a good idea and how you're trying to improve.

Example: 'Because I'm independent and like to figure out solutions on my own, sometimes I've struggled to request assistance when I need it. I understand that at any organization, there are experts around me with specific knowledge and skills I can learn from. While I'm still working on it, I've been able to produce better work more efficiently by seeking assistance from those around me.'

7. I find it challenging to work with certain personalities:

Even the most flexible people can have difficulty working with others who have certain characteristics or personality traits. Having good teamwork skills also means having a strong awareness of how you work with others and how you can adjust your approach to better serve the organization. If this is your weakness, explain the types of personalities you've struggled to work with and provide a valid reason why.

Example: 'To overcome this weakness, I'm making more of an effort to spend more time with colleagues so I can feel more comfortable sharing. By learning more about their communication styles and motivations, I can better collaborate with different personalities to bring out the best in both of us.'