How to answer interview question what is your weakness

How to answer interview question “what is your weakness”

One of the most important and difficult question that is asked in almost every interview is “what is your weakness”. This question is asked in the middle of the interview when you have crossed the 1^st barrier and the interviewer is slightly confident in your approach. The main purpose of asking this question is self-awareness, the interviewer wants to gauge your self-awareness knowledge and how to perceive yourself as a person.

Now, first of all you should be prepared to answer this question as its frequent question asked in almost all interviews. You cannot ignore this question or take it lightly. To answer this question, some thinking has be done to understand yourself and how to put the best foot forward without coming across as a weak person which will impact the role you are getting into.

So, let’s address this question “How to answer interview question what is your weakness”

You have to remember 3 things on “How to answer interview question what is your weakness”

1. Acknowledge the Question Thoughtfully

Recognize that this question is meant to assess self-awareness and growth. There is no other valid reason an interviewer will ask this question.
When you have been practicing, I hope you have thought about the weakness you will talk about in the interview. Let it sound simple original and having no much impact to the role you are applying for. Actually, you could convert a strength and showcase it as weakness which is a win-win answer.

2. Choose a Real but Manageable Weakness

Select a weakness that is relevant but does not directly impact your ability to perform the job. Avoid critical weakness statements like below
I can’t extend working hours
I can’t work under pressure
I have a short temper, I get irritated soon and so on…

Instead you can convert one you strengths and cloak it with a weakness smartly.
Example weaknesses:
I work extra hours at times impacting my personal life
I ask many questions making the person feel uncomfortable unless I get the answers I am looking for.
I demand results, pushing colleagues to their limits making them feel I am micromanaging.

3. Show How You’re Addressing It

This weakness I am trying to address it, I have learnt to balance how to handle it without making the other person feel awkward or uncomfortable with my questions or actions.
I use polite language to ensure not to offend anyone, and explain why I am asking a particular question.
I finish all my task on time and avoid carrying anything home, unless it is critical for business.

4. End on a Positive Note

I am committed to continuous improvement and actively work on overcoming my weaknesses. Over time, I have taken conscious steps to improve, whether by seeking feedback, attending training programs, or practicing new strategies. By consistently working on my weakness, I have already seen significant progress.

By following the above strategies, you should be able to efficiently answer the question on weakness.