5 ways to answer a question about your weaknesses in a job interview

Answering the question "What are your weaknesses?" during a job interview can be a tricky task, rather than an interrogation to trick you. However, this question can be an opportunity to showcase your ability to positively turn a negative trait into a beneficial aspect, by highlighting examples of how you've utilised your flaws to your advantage previously.

Weaknesses are a normal part of any behaviour – it makes no difference if the person is experienced, so please don't worry!

1. ' 'I'm very hard on myself'.

It's often said that giving credit where it's due and acknowledging your team's hard work is one of your greatest strengths. However, it's quite common to overlook your own accomplishments in your work. On the other hand, as Faraz suggests, "You could discuss how you create a supportive workplace culture by frequently acknowledging the efforts of others, which, in turn, allows you to develop a more positive attitude towards your own work.

Posting your impressive work on LinkedIn, Instagram or X can showcase your skills quickly and easily, thereby making a positive impression on your future employer as well.

2. 'I generally try to resolve things on my own'

Taking up new challenges is crucial, but it's equally important to know when you need help, guidance or assistance. "An employer is always going to be looking for a candidate who's not afraid to get fully involved in their work and take the initiative to rise to new challenges," the career advisor suggests. "But it's also essential to be able to work as part of a team, demonstrating that you'll have no issues getting along with your new colleagues. You could give examples of times when you've successfully passed tasks on to colleagues, making the task far more efficient as a result, or asked for team members' opinions that have led to innovative and fresh ways of thinking.

3. 'I'm a bit hesitant to take considerable chances'

In various sectors, a slow and cautious approach is often viewed as a shortcoming, however, it can actually give you an advantage. As Faraz notes, "adopting a cautious attitude towards risk-taking allows you to demonstrate your willingness to seek input from others before making a decision, even if it means taking slightly longer than making a hasty choice. Consider sharing a case where a calculated risk paid off, despite initial reservations. It's also helpful to illustrate how you assess situations and weigh the advantages and disadvantages, as well as your understanding of sound risk-taking strategies."

I'm a bit apprehensive about speaking in large gatherings.

Public speaking in front of a crowd is inherently a daunting experience, so it's a straightforward problem to mention. However, be certain to include instances where you've successfully overcome the challenge, and explicitly state your readiness to do so once again.

Remember, it's normal to feel nervous when presenting, so it's essential to let the interviewer know about any experiences you've had when speaking in front of a large audience. This could be something like presenting at a conference or simply sharing your ideas with your colleagues. You'll continue to want to take on more opportunities to speak in public, as this will help you become more confident and overcome any nerves you may have.

5. I sometimes get frustrated when things don't progress as quickly as I'd like them to.

Bear in mind that this is a sensitive area. As Faraz suggests, if you say you sometimes feel impatient due to slow progress, this could give the impression that you get bored when work is slow, but phrasing it correctly can actually showcase your ability to work efficiently.

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