What No One Tells You About What Are Weaknesses To Say In An Interview And Interview Performance
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
The interview question "What are your greatest weaknesses?" can feel like a trap. It's often dreaded by candidates, who worry about revealing too much or sounding unqualified. However, mastering what are weaknesses to say in an interview isn't about perfectly hiding flaws; it's about showcasing self-awareness, honesty, and a commitment to growth. This seemingly simple question is a powerful tool for interviewers to gauge your potential and fit.
In job interviews, college admissions, sales calls, or other high-stakes professional communication scenarios, how you answer what are weaknesses to say in an interview can significantly impact the impression you leave. Let's explore how to turn this challenge into an opportunity.
Why do interviewers ask what are weaknesses to say in an interview?
Interviewers aren't trying to disqualify you. Instead, the purpose of asking about what are weaknesses to say in an interview is multifaceted. They are primarily looking for honesty, self-awareness, and a growth mindset [^1]. A well-articulated response demonstrates that you can reflect critically on your professional habits and skills, understand areas for improvement, and, crucially, are actively working on them. It signals maturity and a willingness to learn, which are highly valued traits in any professional setting. This question also helps assess your authenticity and how you handle challenging inquiries.
How do you choose what are weaknesses to say in an interview effectively?
The art of choosing what are weaknesses to say in an interview lies in striking a balance. You need to be genuine but strategic.
First, avoid deal-breakers. Never mention weaknesses that are core skills essential for the role you're applying for. For example, if you're interviewing for a meticulous data analyst position, admitting a weakness in attention to detail would be detrimental. Researching the job description thoroughly will help you identify critical skills to avoid [^2].
Second, steer clear of clichés or insincere responses like "I work too hard" or "I'm a perfectionist." These often come across as veiled strengths and can signal a lack of genuine self-reflection [^3]. Interviewers have heard these countless times, and they offer little insight into your true character or capacity for growth.
Third, pick genuine but non-critical weaknesses that genuinely show self-awareness and a proactive approach to improvement. The best what are weaknesses to say in an interview examples are those where you can clearly articulate a specific plan of action you've taken to mitigate or overcome them.
What are appropriate examples of what are weaknesses to say in an interview?
When considering what are weaknesses to say in an interview, think about areas that show room for growth rather than fundamental flaws. Here are some constructive examples:
Being shy or uncomfortable with public speaking: This is common, and you can explain how you've joined a public speaking club or volunteered for presentations to improve.
Struggling to delegate tasks: This often shows dedication but can lead to burnout. Explain how you're learning to trust your team more and empower others.
Discomfort asking for help: Some individuals prefer to figure things out independently. You can share how you're now recognizing the value of collaboration and seeking input when needed.
Avoiding risks: While caution can be good, excessive risk aversion can hinder innovation. Explain how you're learning to assess calculated risks and embrace new challenges.
Being self-critical or insecure: This can drive high-quality work but might affect confidence. Share how you're learning to celebrate successes and trust your judgment more.
Limited experience in specific software or skill: If a particular software isn't a core requirement but would be beneficial, admitting limited experience but expressing eagerness and a plan to learn it shows initiative.
Impatience: This can sometimes lead to rushing, but it can also translate to a drive for efficiency and adherence to deadlines. Explain how you're learning to practice patience and focus on process alongside results.
Difficulty saying no: This can lead to overcommitment. Describe how you are working on setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks more effectively.
Focusing too much on details: While attention to detail is valuable, it can sometimes impede progress. Explain how you're learning to balance granular focus with the broader strategic picture and when to zoom out.
Occasional disorganization: If you sometimes struggle with prioritization or disorganization, explain how you’ve implemented new organizational systems or time management techniques to improve efficiency [^4].
The key is that for each example of what are weaknesses to say in an interview, you immediately pivot to the steps you've taken or are taking to improve.
How can you structure your answer for what are weaknesses to say in an interview?
The most effective way to structure your answer about what are weaknesses to say in an interview is by using a condensed version of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
State the Weakness (Briefly): Acknowledge a genuine weakness concisely.
Example: "One area I've been actively working on is my tendency to be overly self-critical."
Provide Context (Optional, Short): Briefly explain how this weakness manifested or its impact.
Example: "In the past, this sometimes led me to spend too much time perfecting a task, even when it was already strong."
Describe Action Taken to Improve: This is the most crucial part. Detail the concrete steps you've implemented to address this weakness.
Example: "To counter this, I've started setting strict deadlines for review cycles on my projects and actively seeking early feedback from colleagues to gain an external perspective. I've also been focusing on celebrating progress rather than solely aiming for perfection."
Share the Result/Learning: Explain the positive outcome of your efforts and what you've learned.
Example: "As a result, I've found that my productivity has increased, and I'm able to deliver high-quality work more efficiently, while still maintaining my high standards."
This structure demonstrates self-awareness, a proactive approach, and a commitment to personal and professional growth when discussing what are weaknesses to say in an interview.
What should you not say when asked what are weaknesses to say in an interview?
Just as important as knowing what are weaknesses to say in an interview is knowing what to avoid. Missteps here can undermine your candidacy.
Avoid mentioning core skills needed for the role: As mentioned, don't admit a weakness in an area vital to the job. If the role requires strong communication, don't say you struggle with verbal presentations.
Avoid vague or irrelevant weaknesses: "I'm not a morning person" or "I dislike paperwork" are unhelpful and unprofessional. Your chosen weakness should relate to professional skills or work habits.
Don’t pretend to have no weaknesses: This suggests a lack of self-awareness or arrogance. Everyone has areas for improvement.
Avoid responses that sound like thinly veiled strengths: The "I work too hard" or "I'm a perfectionist" responses fall into this trap. Interviewers see through these immediately. Focus on an actual area you're developing [^3].
Don't blame others or past situations: Take ownership of your weaknesses.
How can you tailor what are weaknesses to say in an interview for different contexts?
The specific examples of what are weaknesses to say in an interview might vary slightly depending on the professional context:
Job Interviews: Focus on professional skills or work habits that, while areas for growth, don't directly impede your ability to perform the core functions of the job. For instance, a junior role might allow admitting limited software experience if you highlight a strong willingness to learn.
College Interviews: Admissions officers are looking for maturity and self-awareness. You might discuss a weakness related to academic habits (e.g., procrastination with less interesting subjects) or extracurricular involvement (e.g., struggling with time management when juggling many activities), always emphasizing what you've done to improve.
Sales Calls: This is less about admitting personal weaknesses and more about acknowledging challenges or learning curves in specific sales scenarios. For example, a salesperson might discuss "over-explaining product features" as a past weakness, now refined by focusing on active listening and customer needs. The goal here is to build trust by showing authenticity and adaptability.
The underlying principle remains the same: identify a genuine area for growth, and detail your proactive steps toward improvement.
What common challenges arise with what are weaknesses to say in an interview?
Candidates often face several challenges when preparing to answer what are weaknesses to say in an interview:
Fear of sounding unqualified: This is the biggest hurdle. Remember, it's not about being flawless, but about demonstrating self-awareness and a growth mindset.
Over-preparing "safe" answers that sound insincere: When you try too hard to craft a "perfect" answer, it can lose its authenticity. Focus on being genuine.
Lack of authentic self-reflection on real weaknesses: Many people struggle to identify a true weakness without feeling vulnerable. Take time to genuinely reflect on areas where you know you can improve professionally.
Being caught off guard by this question in less formal settings: Even in casual networking events or informational interviews, being asked about your weaknesses (or challenges) can occur. Practice allows you to be ready.
The key is to remember that an interviewer is looking for honesty and a plan for improvement, not perfection.
How can interview preparation improve your response to what are weaknesses to say in an interview?
Effective preparation is crucial for confidently answering what are weaknesses to say in an interview.
Practice crafting personalized weakness stories: Don't just pick a weakness; develop the full STAR-method narrative for it. Tailor it to the job description and your own experiences.
Seek feedback from mentors or peers: Sometimes an outside perspective can help you identify a constructive area for improvement that you might not have considered. They can also tell you if your chosen weakness sounds genuine.
Role-play or record your answer: Practice delivering your answer aloud. This helps you refine your wording, improve confidence, and ensure a clear, concise delivery. You can catch filler words or awkward phrasing.
Research the job description thoroughly: This is vital to ensure you don't inadvertently pick a weakness that is a critical skill for the role. Understand the core competencies required [^2].
By reflecting honestly, choosing wisely, structuring your answer effectively, and practicing your delivery, you can transform what are weaknesses to say in an interview from a challenging question into a powerful demonstration of your professional maturity and potential.
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With what are weaknesses to say in an interview
Preparing for tough interview questions like "What are your weaknesses?" can be daunting, but Verve AI Interview Copilot offers a significant advantage. The Verve AI Interview Copilot is designed to provide real-time coaching and feedback, helping you refine your answers for maximum impact. You can practice articulating what are weaknesses to say in an interview in a simulated environment, getting instant insights on your clarity, tone, and conciseness. With Verve AI Interview Copilot, you'll build the confidence and precision needed to turn this challenging question into an opportunity to shine, ensuring your responses are self-aware, growth-oriented, and perfectly pitched for any professional communication scenario. Visit https://vervecopilot.com to learn more.
What Are the Most Common Questions About what are weaknesses to say in an interview
Q: Should I really share a genuine weakness?
A: Yes, absolute honesty tempered with strategic framing is best. Insincere answers are easily spotted.Q: What if my weakness is really critical to the job?
A: Do not pick a critical weakness. Choose one that shows growth potential but won't disqualify you.Q: Is "I'm a perfectionist" ever a good answer?
A: Rarely. It's often perceived as a disguised strength and lacks genuine self-reflection. Avoid clichés.Q: How long should my answer be?
A: Keep it concise – a brief statement of the weakness, followed by 1-2 sentences on your actions and results.Q: What if I can't think of any weaknesses?
A: Take time for honest self-reflection. Everyone has areas to improve. Ask a trusted friend or mentor for input.Q: Can I use the same weakness for every interview?
A: While the core weakness might be consistent, tailor the context and improvement actions to align with the specific role or organization you're interviewing for.[^1]: Societe Generale Careers - Qualities and Weakness Interview
[^2]: Indeed - List of Example Weaknesses for Interviewing
[^3]: Bright Network - How to Answer Strength & Weakness Questions
[^4]: Coursera - Strengths and Weaknesses Interview
