I’ve been instructed numerous occasions that the toughest half about getting a job at my dream firm (Nickelodeon — spoiler alert, I acquired it!) is getting my foot within the door.
I refreshed my resume and practiced answering many common interview questions, together with “What’s your biggest weak point?” This query by no means fails to journey me up, because it usually appears like a trick or check. I’m making an attempt to promote myself on the highest caliber, and also you need me to say what’s unsuitable with me?
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The secret’s discovering the proper steadiness between having the ability to admit that nobody is ideal and never itemizing weaknesses that might stop you from succeeding on the function. Right here, I’ve cultivated some unimaginable solutions to “What’s your biggest weak point?” — and don‘t fear, these solutions aren’t, “I’m a perfectionist.”
Desk of Contents
What are good weaknesses to say in an interview?
Interviewers who ask, “What’s your biggest weak point?” wish to know the way trustworthy and self-aware you’re.
Earlier than you reply, ask your self:
- What are my weaknesses?
- How did I discover this weak point in myself?
- How did I react to that realization?
- What steps am I taking to note that behavior in the mean time?
- What am I doing to vary this habits?
The most effective solutions to this query sincerely clarify a weak point and supply an instance of how you’re actively working to enhance.
Professional tip: I additionally requested Nehal Patel, the director of analysis expertise and innovation and hiring supervisor at Smith & Nephew, find out how to nail this query:
He stated, “Good areas to level to for this query are organizational abilities that may enhance as new instruments grow to be accessible, or interpersonal abilities that may repeatedly advance as you’re employed with new folks with totally different kinds.”
12 Finest Weaknesses to Share With an Interviewer
- I’ve issue working with others.
- I might be disorganized.
- I’ve hassle delegating work.
- I’m timid when offering suggestions.
- I can come throughout as too blunt.
- I worry public talking.
- I battle with analyzing knowledge.
- I’m indecisive.
- I’m a harsh self-critic.
- I’ve a micro-management fashion.
- I typically chat an excessive amount of with my colleagues.
- I’ve hassle sustaining a work-life steadiness.
Listed here are a few of my favourite examples of find out how to reply “What’s your biggest weak point?” and why they work.
1. I’ve issue working with others.
“I can battle when working with a group — I’m extremely self-sufficient, so it‘s troublesome to depend on others to finish my work. That’s why I‘ve pursued roles that require somebody to work independently. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally labored to enhance this weak point by enrolling in team-building workshops. Whereas I sometimes work independently, I need to study to belief my coworkers and ask for out of doors assist when essential.”
This reply works as a result of the weak point — the lack to work effectively with a group — doesn‘t hinder your potential to carry out effectively within the function, because it’s a job that does not depend on teamwork to succeed. Moreover, you show an eagerness to develop methods to fight your weak point, which is a essential office ability.
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2. I might be disorganized.
“I battle with group. Whereas it has but to affect my efficiency, I‘ve observed my messy desk and cluttered inbox intervene with my effectivity. Over time, I’ve discovered to put aside time to prepare my bodily and digital house, and I’ve seen it enhance my effectivity ranges all through the week.”
I’m the largest perpetrator of a messy workspace. This reply works as a result of it‘s a relatable and fixable weak point. You notice that disorganization doesn’t intervene together with your potential to do your job, which is essential, however you additionally acknowledge it’d make you much less environment friendly.
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3. I’ve hassle delegating work.
“I typically discover it troublesome to delegate accountability once I can end the duty effectively myself. Nevertheless, once I grew to become supervisor in my final function, it grew to become crucial I study to delegate duties to ease a few of the work off of my plate whereas permitting my direct studies to tackle extra accountability. To take care of a way of management when delegating duties, I carried out a challenge administration system to supervise the progress of a challenge. This technique enabled me to enhance my potential to delegate effectively.”
This reply works as a result of it suggests you are able to flexibility, which is essential for long-term progress. Moreover, you showcase a degree of initiative and management whenever you point out the profitable implementation of a brand new course of that enabled you to reach your previous function, regardless of your weak point.
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4. I’m timid when offering suggestions.
“Usually, I might be timid when offering constructive suggestions to coworkers or managers, out of worry of wounding somebody‘s emotions. Nevertheless, in my final function, my coworker requested me to edit a few of his items and supply suggestions for areas of enchancment. By my expertise with him, I noticed suggestions might be useful and sort when delivered accurately. Since then, I’ve grow to be higher at providing suggestions and realized I can use empathy to supply considerate, productive suggestions.”
Whereas interning on the HubSpot Weblog, I copyedited visitor writers’ posts. I at all times puzzled why I, a university pupil, had the precise to supply detailed suggestions to an expert author.
With time, I’ve discovered that constructive suggestions is at all times helpful to folks when introduced respectfully, no matter their degree or expertise.
This reply works since you’ve defined how you may flip a weak point right into a energy by means of real-world expertise.
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5. I can come throughout as too blunt.
“My blunt, simple nature has allowed me to succeed over time as a group supervisor, as a result of I can get issues carried out effectively, and folks usually respect my honesty. Nevertheless, I’ve acknowledged my bluntness doesn’t at all times serve my staff effectively when delivering suggestions. To fight this, I’ve labored to develop empathy and deeper relationships with these I handle. Moreover, I took an internet management administration course, and labored with the professor to develop my potential to ship suggestions.”
Sides of our personalities may also help us in sure areas of our work whereas hindering us in others. On this instance, you first clarify how your blunt nature lets you achieve success in sure conditions. Then, you point out how it may be seen as an absence of empathy, and also you present examples of the way you’re making an attempt to unravel this challenge.
It really works since you’re demonstrating a capability to acknowledge when your character interferes with the features of your function, and how one can resolve for that.
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6. I worry public talking.
“Public talking makes me nervous. Whereas I don‘t have to do a lot public talking as an online designer, I nonetheless really feel that it’s an necessary ability — particularly once I wish to provide my opinion throughout a gathering. To fight this, I spoke with my supervisor and he or she really useful I communicate at every group assembly for a couple of minutes about our challenge timeline, deadlines, and targets when growing a web site for a shopper. This observe has enabled me to calm down and see public talking as a possibility to assist my group members do their jobs successfully.”
On this instance, you point out qualities that don’t apply to the function, however which you nonetheless have been working to enhance. This works as a result of it reveals your need to satisfy extra enterprise wants than essential in your present function — and that speaks to your skilled ambition.
Associated Sources:
7. I battle with analyzing knowledge.
“I‘m not nice at analyzing knowledge or numbers. Nevertheless, I acknowledge this flaw can stop me from understanding how my content material performs on-line. In my final function, I arrange month-to-month conferences with the web optimization supervisor to debate analytics and the way our posts have been performing. Moreover, I obtained my Google Analytics certificates, and I make it a degree to investigate knowledge associated to our weblog repeatedly. I’ve grow to be way more comfy analyzing knowledge by means of these efforts.”
As somebody creative-minded, I additionally battle with the info aspect of my work. For instance, understanding how advertising campaigns carry out and incorporating these outcomes into our marketing campaign technique is a vital a part of my job, regardless that there are groups who particularly deal with that knowledge.
I like this instance as a result of it reveals your need to go above and past a job description and higher perceive the wants of the entire division, moderately than simply your function.
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8. I’m indecisive.
“Typically I battle with ambiguity and making choices when instructions aren‘t clear. I come from a piece surroundings that at all times gave clear and direct directions. I had such a powerful group and management that I haven’t had a lot observe making choices within the warmth of the second. I am engaged on this by leaning extra into my expertise and training listening to my intestine.”
This job interview reply works since you reveal which you can each comply with a frontrunner and grow to be one your self. It‘s all proper to not know what to do within the second. Admitting that you just relied on sturdy management reveals that when to step up and when to hunt path.
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9. I’m a harsh self-critic.
“My interior critic might be debilitating at occasions. I take satisfaction in producing good work, however I don’t at all times really feel happy with it, which has led to burnout. Nevertheless, I‘ve began pushing again towards this interior voice by caring for myself earlier than and after work. I’m additionally studying to acknowledge when my interior critic is true and once I have to dismiss it.”
Your interviewer can probably relate to this weak point; all of us have harsh interior critics (mine usually leaves me spiraling after sending any mildly assertive e-mail or Slack).
It‘s additionally efficient as a result of 1) It reveals that you just’re keen to work in your weaknesses outdoors of labor, not simply throughout enterprise hours, and a pair of) It demonstrates your interior critic could have legitimate factors.
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10. I’ve a micro-management fashion.
“I used to work in industries the place I needed to domesticate a stable work ethic in my staff. This coaching fashion has been so ingrained in me that I nonetheless want to tell apart who might have that teaching and who doesn’t. I‘ve been studying books on efficient delegation and group constructing to work on this shortcoming. One approach that works for me is reassuring myself that if I set up clear expectations, my group will heed them. I’ve additionally discovered to belief my group members extra.”
This reply works greatest when you’ve held a management place earlier than and are making use of for a managerial function.
When you could also be used to working your crew or group a selected approach, this means that you just‘re keen to confess when your technique isn’t the simplest.
Exhibiting your flexibility demonstrates your potential to develop and adapt to a brand new tradition at a brand new job.
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11. I typically chat an excessive amount of with my colleagues.
“I take pleasure in growing a relationship with my coworkers by partaking in dialog, and that‘s an awesome team-building ability. Nevertheless, I habitually keep on a dialog to a degree the place it might distract different coworkers. I’ve discovered since then that there are different methods to attach with my coworkers and that if I’m asking about their day, I have to maintain it temporary and redirect myself again to my work.”
Please rise up when you additionally got here residence with report playing cards in your faculty days stating, “[Name] is a superb pupil, however talks an excessive amount of at school,” and one way or the other nonetheless have that challenge as an grownup!
This reply works as a result of it reveals consciousness of how your talkative tendencies could also be distracting within the office. You’re additionally telling your future employer that you just’re keen to construct relationships with coworkers however not at the price of productiveness.
That’s what units us aside from our harmless, talkative childhood selves.
Associated Sources:
12. I’ve hassle sustaining a work-life steadiness.
“I‘ve struggled with work-life steadiness, particularly after I began working remotely through the pandemic. This elevated my stress ranges to the purpose the place my productiveness was at an all-time low, and I didn’t convey my greatest self to work. As a result of I wish to proceed working remotely, I‘ve added higher construction to my day and instituted a pointy begin and finish time. I’ve already seen enhancements in my ranges of focus throughout work hours.”
At first, this would possibly look like a “energy” masquerading as a weak point — pouring your self into work is nice, proper? Which means you like your job. However it’s not so nice if it impacts your productiveness and your relationships with coworkers.
This reply works as a result of it doesn‘t imply, “I work a lot that my residence life suffers.” It implies, “I work loads to the purpose of burnout, and I’ve realized that I have to construction my day higher.”
Associated Sources:
Different Widespread Interview Weaknesses
Want extra inspiration? Listed here are another widespread weaknesses you may contemplate mentioning in a job interview.
“What Are Your Weaknesses?” Examples
Organizational Weaknesses:
- Combating time administration.
- Managing missed deadlines.
- Not having the ability to prioritize a number of duties at a time.
- Delaying duties unnecessarily.
High quality of Work Weaknesses:
- Having restricted expertise in a selected ability or specialization.
- Having hassle adapting to new processes or applied sciences.
- Striving for perfection.
- Discovering it exhausting to let go of tasks.
Interpersonal Weaknesses:
- Points speaking with colleagues of upper titles.
- Problem working with totally different personalities.
- Problem delegating duties.
- Challenges asking for assist.
Private Development Weaknesses:
- Balancing work and private life.
- Struggling to say “no.”
- Being hesitant to talk up or advocate for your self.
- Missing self-assurance.
- Avoiding taking accountability for errors.
- Being late often.
Learn how to Establish Your Best Weak spot
My prime piece of recommendation for figuring out your biggest weak point in an interview is that this: Reply truthfully however don’t threaten your likelihood at getting the job provide.
Right here’s find out how to do exactly that.
1. Rule out any abilities which might be listed within the job description.
Scan each phrase of the job itemizing to make sure the weak point is not included within the required abilities and duties.
For instance, my job description at Nickelodeon talked about in search of a candidate who might construct relationships with companions in any respect ranges. Since that’s a vital qualification for the function, I wouldn’t have answered “What’s your biggest weak point?” with “Speaking with colleagues of upper titles.”
2. Take into account weaknesses that you’ve overcome.
I spoke with Sneha Alagappan, the assistant director of pc science profession providers on the University of Chicago and a former tech recruiter, and he or she talked about the concept of highlighting weaknesses that you just’re already tackling:
“There may be at all times a optimistic method to spin potential errors and areas of alternative for your self by speaking about classes you’ve discovered alongside the way in which and the way you could have already modified your approach of working transferring ahead.
[For example,] in case your weak point is ‘group,’ give an instance of a time whenever you recognized your weaker group abilities and mirrored that it was holding you again indirectly, and the way you labored to beat that [weakness] transferring ahead.”
3. Discover inspiration by trying by means of outdated efficiency opinions.
When you’re battling a selected weak point instance, learn by means of outdated self-assessments and efficiency opinions. These paperwork are nice sources of inspiration for examples of your accomplishments and areas you may enhance.
Alagappan agrees, including, “Receiving suggestions from a direct supervisor, skip-level managers, friends, or cross-functional companions is an effective way to establish your areas of alternative.”
Considered one of my first efficiency opinions at Nickelodeon talked about I ought to communicate up extra throughout conferences. Since then, I’ve come to guide a number of bi-weekly and month-to-month conferences, which I did due to the encouragement from my supervisor.
Learn how to Reply “What Are Your Best Weaknesses?”
1. Be trustworthy and select an actual weak point.
The reply, “I’m a perfectionist” received‘t lower it as a result of it’s not an actual weak point.
Perfectionism can by no means be attained — it is a fear-based sample that results in short-term rewards like getting the job carried out early and exceeding expectations however can finally result in burnout.
As a substitute, select an actual weak point. Beneath the will to do excellent work could lie a extra genuine weak point like hassle asking for assist or reluctance to delegate.
2. Present an instance of how you’ve got labored to enhance your weak point or study a brand new ability to fight the difficulty.
Hiring managers do not count on you to beat your weaknesses in a single day. As Patel instructed me, “Hiring managers are regular folks with their very own shortcomings, too.”
Everybody has areas they have to repeatedly work on to maintain their abilities sharp, so present the interviewer that you just’re conscious of your weak factors and dealing to enhance.
3. Take into consideration weaknesses in your private life.
Humanizing your self within the interview permits your interviewer to attach and visualize working with you sooner or later. It isn’t nearly weaknesses that pertain to the job.
In my private life, I’ve hassle saying “no” to associates. It is a relatable weak point in each work and life. Demonstrating your self-awareness this fashion reveals that you just perceive that self-improvement correlates to work efficiency.
4. Consider the place you’d wish to be and what help it’s worthwhile to get there.
General, progress is part of life. Take into consideration folks you look as much as which may be associated to the sector that you just’re in. Ask your self what character traits these folks have and what work you would possibly have to do to get there.
For instance, I’m impressed by my supervisor who I imagine strikes the proper steadiness between self-assuredness and kindness. I do know I can obtain this by making myself heard in conferences and listening to my intestine even when others might imagine in another way.
5. Do not be conceited or underestimate your self.
An important factor when responding to the query “What’s your biggest weak point?” is to exhibit confidence in your reply. Fortunately, confidence might be discovered — it begins with being trustworthy with your self and realizing you’re being truthful in what you say.
When you‘ve recognized an space of weak point and really feel certain about it, let that assurance shine by means of in your reply. As I’ve talked about, everybody has areas of enchancment, so there’s no have to really feel embarrassed about one thing you battle with that you just’re working to refine.
5 Ideas for Speaking About Weaknesses in Job Interviews
Now that the simplest solutions and greatest practices for selecting a weak point, it’s time for the true check: delivering the reply to the interviewer.
This doesn’t need to be panic-inducing — I wish to think about speaking by means of this query with my greatest good friend.
Listed here are 5 suggestions I comply with to remove a few of the worry:
- Apply your reply beforehand. I desire training interview questions like this one with associates so I can obtain stay suggestions, however training aloud to your self in a mirror might be equally efficient.
- Look the interviewer within the eye and challenge confidence. I can relate to how troublesome it’s to really feel safe whereas discussing your weaknesses. I handle this by not essentially being assured in my weak point, however assured in my conveyance of stated weak point.
- Be temporary and to the purpose. I sometimes put together a response between thirty seconds and one minute lengthy. The primary assertion ought to immediately state your weak point, and the remainder of the reply ought to spotlight the way you’re overcoming it.
- Perceive the interviewer’s objective. The “What’s your biggest weak point?” query isn’t meant to disqualify you. It’s simply one other approach for interviewers to study your mushy private {and professional} attributes.
- Showcase your character whereas conserving it skilled. I wish to infuse some humor into interviews. It helps take the sting off the nerves and helps me construct extra of a reference to the hiring supervisor.
Observe: The following pointers additionally apply to different widespread interview questions like “How do you deal with battle?” or “What motivates you?” So, make sure to plan accordingly. Don’t fret, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions for straightforward prepping).
There’s Energy in Each Weak spot
I’m human, too — and it has at all times been troublesome for me to vocalize my weaknesses in an interview setting the place I already really feel my most susceptible. However I’ve discovered that each weak point additionally has a energy on its flipside.
Leaning in your teammates who excel in your weak areas is an effective way to point out that you just‘ll work effectively on the group and know find out how to use your assets to unravel issues. Taking free on-line programs to progress your skilled improvement signifies you’re keen to work towards enchancment.
Regardless of which of those solutions you share with the hiring group, as long as you’re real in your strategy, they will be very happy that can assist you develop and exceed the expectations of the function.
Editor’s notice: This submit was initially revealed in December 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
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