Answering "What is your Greatest Weakness?"

We talk to a lot of job seekers. No other interview question seems to strike fear into the hearts of man more than "What is your greatest weakness?" There is no need to worry, it is an easily tackled question. You just have to know what the interviewer is looking for and how to appropriately phrase your answer.

We have put together this small guide with some tips on how to answer "What is your greatest weakness?" We have also included a few sample answers.

"What is your Greatest Weakness?"

What is more important than the answer is how you give it. Interviewers tend to look at how you respond as a glimpse into your personality. It is a great open ended question that if answered honestly can lead to great follow-up questions. Answer confidently and keep it real, just make sure that it is relevant and appropriate (only work related weaknesses).

Make sure the weakness you choose to share is not too over-the-top and not related to the position you are applying for. Pick something relatively minor and have an answer for how you are addressing the issue. "I tend to procrastinate" by itself is not a great answer. "I tend to procrastinate, so now I keep a very tight schedule and I'm constantly using my calendar." is a much stronger answer. If you cannot think of a weakness right off the bat, try reversing the question. What are your strengths? Assessing yourself in this manner may offer some insights into potential answers.

You should not respond with a prepackaged, canned response. Do not try to answer with a strength disguised as a weakness. "I just work too darn hard" will make you appear dishonest and will not earn you any points. The interviewer has heard it a million times and it is not what they are after. An honest, personal answer can lead to honest, personal follow up questions and perhaps even a great conversation. Every one has a few rough spots, the interviewer included. Do not be afraid to share.

Example Answers for "What is your Greatest Weakness?"

Perfectionist

"I'm a perfectionist and sometimes focus too much on details. I now try to take a few minutes near the end of each day to focus on the overall scope of whatever project I'm working on. I find by stepping back and looking at the bigger picture I'm able to wrap things up and move on easier."

Deadline/Estimating

"I tend to be overly optimistic about deadlines, which means I have to make a conscious effort to plan more for the unexpected."

Not good with details

"I'm not the most detail oriented person. I'm really great with 'big picture' things and have learned to surround myself with people stronger at dealing with detail work than I am."

Not good with customers

"One of the reasons I like being in the back office setting is that I rarely have to directly with customers. I like people, I'm just not the best sales guy in the world. I feel I'm much better suited in a support role."

Hate paperwork

"I really have a dislike for paperwork. I've found it's easier for me to address the issue if I set aside specific times during the day to fill out forms. If I break it up into small portions, it's not so bad to deal with."

Funniest Answer We've Seen

"Kryptonite."

Further Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions
Answering Behavioral Interview Questions
Complete List of Behavioral Interview Questions
What to Wear to an Interview
What to Take to an Interview
Phone Interview Tips
Interview Follow Up
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