Proven tricks to stand out with the 'weaknesses' question

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of an interview, the conversation’s flowing, and then the interviewer asks, “What are your weaknesses?” Your mind races as you try to come up with an honest answer that won’t hurt your chances of landing the job. The weaknesses question can feel like a trap, but with the right approach, it becomes a valuable opportunity to showcase your self-awareness, honesty, and commitment to growth.

Why do interviewers ask this question? And what can you do to answer it effectively without oversharing or underselling yourself? In this guide, we’ll walk through why interviewers ask about weaknesses, what they’re looking for in your answer, and a step-by-step method to craft a response that highlights your strengths—even when discussing an area for improvement. By the end, you’ll feel prepared to handle this tricky question with confidence and authenticity.

Why interviewers ask about weaknesses

The weaknesses question often makes candidates nervous, but interviewers ask it for good reason. They’re not necessarily trying to catch you out; they’re aiming to understand your level of self-awareness, resilience, and growth mindset. Here are some key reasons behind this question:

Evaluating self-awareness

Self-awareness is a crucial quality in any role. Employers want to know if you can realistically assess your own strengths and areas for improvement. Being honest about your weaknesses signals that you understand yourself and can accurately gauge where you might need support or further development.

Assessing a growth mindset 

More than identifying a flaw, interviewers want to see if you’re proactive about your professional growth. Discussing a weakness and the steps you’re taking to address it suggests that you’re adaptable and willing to learn—qualities that are essential in most professional settings today.

Understanding your approach to challenges

The way you discuss a weakness also tells employers how you handle challenges. Do you ignore areas for improvement, or do you seek ways to improve and adapt? An answer that highlights resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving can help you stand out as a candidate who can grow within the company.

The weaknesses question is, therefore, more about self-awareness and proactive growth than simply pointing out a flaw. By viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate your strengths, you can give an answer that adds to your credibility and appeal as a candidate.

Step 1: Self-reflection and preparation

Answering this question effectively begins with self-reflection and preparation. Take time before your interview to think deeply about your strengths and areas where you could improve. This will help you choose a relevant weakness to discuss.

Reflect on past feedback

Think about recent performance reviews, feedback from mentors, or constructive criticism you’ve received from colleagues. Was there an area that you were encouraged to develop? Reflecting on this feedback can help you pinpoint an authentic area for growth.

Choose a non-critical weakness

Select a weakness that doesn’t directly interfere with the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a position that requires analytical skills, avoid choosing data analysis as a weakness. Instead, select a skill that isn’t core to the role but still shows a proactive approach to self-improvement.

Focus on a skill over a personality trait

When discussing weaknesses, it’s generally better to focus on skill-based areas rather than personality traits. Skill-based weaknesses (e.g., proficiency in a certain software or public speaking) tend to be less personal and feel more manageable than character traits. They also make it easier to demonstrate tangible progress.

Be honest but strategic 

Avoid fabricating a weakness, but choose one that you’re comfortable discussing and actively working on. A well-considered response will demonstrate self-awareness and thoughtfulness without undermining your abilities.

Examples of appropriate weaknesses:

• “I’m currently working on improving my proficiency with advanced Excel functions to streamline data analysis.”
• “Public speaking in large group settings can be challenging for me. I’m comfortable in smaller groups but am working to improve my presence with larger audiences.”
• “I have a tendency to focus on details, which can slow me down on certain projects. I’m actively learning to find a balance between thoroughness and efficiency.”

These examples demonstrate areas for growth that won’t raise red flags about your qualifications but will provide genuine insights into your approach to professional development.

Step 2: Demonstrate a desire for improvement

Once you’ve chosen a genuine weakness, the next step is to highlight the actions you’re taking to address it. Employers want to see that you’re proactive about self-improvement. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Describe specific actions you’re taking

Rather than just mentioning that you’re “working on it,” describe specific steps you’re taking to address your weakness. Are you taking an online course, practicing with a mentor, or reading relevant material? These details add credibility to your answer and make your efforts feel real.

Be concrete and measurable

When possible, use quantifiable details to show the scale of your efforts. For instance, saying, “I’ve enrolled in a weekly Excel workshop” is more convincing than “I’m trying to get better at Excel.”

Emphasise progress over perfection

Show that you’re making consistent strides without implying you’ve completely mastered the area. Employers value progress and adaptability; they don’t expect you to be perfect.

Example responses:

1. Weakness: Advanced Excel Functions
   “One area I’m working on is my proficiency with advanced Excel functions. It’s not essential to my current role, but I know it could improve my efficiency in data analysis. To develop this skill, I’ve been taking online courses focused on Excel’s advanced features, and I practice using real datasets. I’ve already noticed that my analysis process has sped up, and I’m excited to continue improving.”
   
2. Weakness: Public Speaking
   “Public speaking has always been a challenge for me. I’m comfortable in small groups, but larger audiences can feel intimidating. To improve, I joined a local speakers’ club where I present each month. Recently, I gave a presentation to about 30 people, which boosted my confidence. I’m seeing steady progress and look forward to becoming more comfortable in this area.”
3. Weakness: Detail-Oriented Tendency
   “I tend to be very detail-oriented, which can slow me down on some projects. I’ve recognised this, and I’ve been working on balancing thoroughness with efficiency. I now set specific time limits on tasks to help me keep a broader focus. So far, it’s helped me manage time better, and I’m committed to refining this balance.”

In these examples, the candidate isn’t just identifying a weakness but showing they’re taking concrete steps to address it. This approach highlights a growth mindset and conveys to the interviewer that you’re actively developing your skill set.

Step 3: Communicate progress and commitment

The final element of a strong answer is to share the progress you’ve made and your ongoing commitment to improvement. This reassures the interviewer that your weakness won’t affect your performance and demonstrates your adaptability.

Provide specific examples of positive impact

Mention instances where your progress has made a positive difference, either in your current role or personal life. This will show that your efforts are paying off.

Show demonstrated self-improvement

Even if you’ve made great strides, mention that you’re still working to refine your skills. Employers like candidates who view professional growth as a continuous process.

Example Progress Statements:

1. Advanced Excel Functions:
   “Applying the Excel techniques I’ve learned has made a noticeable impact on my work. I’m now able to streamline reports much faster than before. While there’s still more to learn, the progress I’ve made has boosted my efficiency.”
2. Public Speaking:
   “After months of practice, I recently led a workshop for my team and received positive feedback on my presentation. This was a huge milestone for me, and it boosted my confidence. I’m committed to continuing to work on this skill and look forward to more speaking opportunities.”

By finishing with specific examples of progress, you can turn a weakness into a success story, showing how you’ve used it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Mistakes to Avoid

While preparing for the weaknesses question, even the most thoughtful candidates can fall into some common traps. Here are six mistakes to steer clear of, with tips on how to avoid each one and make sure your response shines.

Using overused answers

Some responses, like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard,” are so commonly used that they’ve become interview clichés. While they may seem like safe answers, they rarely leave a lasting impression on interviewers. Instead, these types of responses can come across as rehearsed or insincere, as if you’re trying to disguise a strength as a weakness.

What to Do Instead: Opt for a genuine, skill-based weakness rather than a personality trait or “fake flaw.” For example, mentioning a specific software or technical skill you’re working to improve is far more believable and will resonate better with interviewers. Your answer should reflect your true growth areas and demonstrate that you’re committed to self-improvement.

Choosing a critical weakness

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is discussing a weakness that directly impacts the essential requirements of the job. For instance, if you’re applying for a customer service role, mentioning a discomfort with public speaking or communication skills could raise red flags. This approach may inadvertently cause the interviewer to question whether you’re suitable for the role.

What to do instead:  Carefully review the job description and avoid weaknesses that are closely tied to the core responsibilities of the position. Choose a weakness that doesn’t affect your ability to perform well. If you’re applying for a data-driven role, for example, you might mention an interest in strengthening your presentation skills, which is related but not critical to daily responsibilities.

Neglecting to discuss improvement efforts

Stating a weakness without explaining what you’re doing to improve it can make you seem passive or unmotivated. Employers are interested in how you approach self-improvement and whether you have a proactive attitude toward personal growth. Merely admitting a weakness without a plan to address it can give the impression that you’re not engaged in your own professional development.

What to do instead: Always follow up your weakness with concrete actions you’re taking to improve. Whether it’s attending a workshop, seeking mentorship, or setting personal goals, showing that you’re actively working on this area demonstrates commitment. For instance, if you’re improving your Excel skills, mention the specific online course you’re taking or how you’ve dedicated time each week to practice.

Providing a “fake” weakness

While it’s tempting to share a weakness that doesn’t actually impact your work, this can often backfire. Responses like “I care too much” or “I try too hard” may come across as disingenuous. It can appear as though you’re either avoiding the question or not taking the interview seriously. Fake weaknesses can make interviewers feel like you’re trying to dodge the question rather than engaging in a genuine conversation about self-improvement.

What to do instead: Honesty goes a long way. A small, real weakness that you’re genuinely working on is better than a fabricated flaw. Avoid choosing a weakness that’s an exaggerated strength, and opt for a skill or area that you’ve genuinely invested time in developing. This approach shows that you’re capable of honest self-reflection and are comfortable acknowledging areas for growth.

Overstating your progress

Some candidates feel the need to claim they’ve already fully overcome their weakness. While it’s great to share the progress you’re making, suggesting that you’ve “solved” the issue entirely can make your answer feel less believable. Most employers value humility and understand that meaningful change takes time, so it’s okay to show that you’re a work in progress. Even if you have resolved one area, it’s realistic to acknowledge that there are always other aspects to work on. Continuous improvement is far more important than perfection.

What to do instead: Rather than trying to prove that you’re now an expert in this area, be realistic about your progress. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I’ve made good progress, and I’m still working on this area.” This answer is genuine and emphasises your dedication to ongoing development. By acknowledging that you’re on a journey rather than at the destination, you come across as grounded and relatable, showing you value growth over perfection.

Rambling or going off-topic

When discussing weaknesses, some candidates feel nervous and may end up sharing too much, drifting off-topic, or revealing unrelated information. Rambling responses can dilute the message, make you appear unfocused, and take up valuable interview time. Sharing too much detail can also shift the conversation away from the positive aspects of your response.

What to do instead: Keep your answer concise and focused. Remember the key elements: identify a real, skill-based weakness, explain your improvement efforts, and share specific progress. Aim to keep your answer under two minutes, ensuring you cover each element without oversharing. Practising your response ahead of time can help you stay on track and keep your answer clear and impactful.

Crafting your own authentic response

With these strategies in mind, here’s a quick checklist to guide you in crafting your own answer:

• Identify a Real, Non-Critical Skill to Work On: Choose a weakness that doesn’t directly impact the essential requirements of the job but shows self-awareness.
• Describe Specific Actions You’re Taking to Improve: Be concrete about the steps you’re taking, whether it’s a course, mentorship, or practice.
• Share the Progress You’ve Made and Show Ongoing Commitment: Mention specific examples of how you’ve grown, while signalling your dedication to further improvement.
• Practise and Refine Your Answer: Practising your response beforehand can help it sound more natural and less rehearsed in the interview.

Answering the weaknesses question effectively is a skill that can set you apart in an interview. By approaching this question with thoughtfulness, honesty, and a growth mindset, you’re not only addressing an area for improvement but also demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to self-improvement. Remember, the way you talk about your weaknesses can highlight your strengths.

So, the next time you’re asked, “What are your weaknesses?” remember that this is your opportunity to show your self-awareness and dedication to growth—qualities that employers value.

Ready to elevate your career and ace your next interview? Join my community now for exclusive career and interview insights delivered to your inbox.