Why Are You Asked About Weaknesses In Interview And How To Answer
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Preparing for any significant conversation – a job interview, a college application meeting, or a crucial sales pitch – often involves anticipating challenging questions. Few are as universally anticipated, or dreaded, as being asked about weaknesses in interview settings. While it might feel like a trick question, understanding the purpose behind being asked about weaknesses in interview can transform it from an obstacle into an opportunity [^1]. This question isn't designed to disqualify you, but rather to gain deeper insight into your self-awareness, honesty, and commitment to growth. Mastering how to respond effectively when asked about weaknesses in interview is a vital communication skill applicable across diverse professional contexts.
Why are you asked about weaknesses in interview
Self-awareness: Do you understand your own areas for improvement? Can you critically evaluate yourself? [^2]
Honesty and Authenticity: Are you genuine, or are you trying to give a rehearsed, cliché answer?
Growth Mindset: Do you take initiative to address your weaknesses and develop your skills? [^4]
Humility: Can you acknowledge areas where you aren't perfect?
Fit: Are your potential weaknesses incompatible with the core requirements of the role or opportunity?
Interviewers, whether for jobs, admissions, or sales, aren't looking for a perfect candidate who claims to have no flaws. When you are asked about weaknesses in interview, they are assessing key traits:
The true goal when you are asked about weaknesses in interview is to see how you handle a slightly uncomfortable question and how you demonstrate reflection and proactivity.
How to prepare when you are asked about weaknesses in interview
Identify Real Weaknesses: Spend time thinking about areas where you genuinely struggle or could improve. Consider feedback you've received or challenges you've faced [^1].
Choose Non-Critical Weaknesses: Select a weakness that is real but won't disqualify you for the specific role or opportunity. For instance, if the job requires meticulous data entry, "poor attention to detail" is probably not a good choice.
Align with Context: Consider the specific context (job, college, sales). A weakness relevant to academic study might differ from one relevant to a sales role.
Brainstorm Improvement Steps: Crucially, think about what steps you have taken or are taking to address this weakness [^2].
Effective preparation is key to confidently answering when asked about weaknesses in interview. This involves genuine self-reflection.
Adequate preparation ensures your answer feels authentic and strategic when you are asked about weaknesses in interview.
What are effective strategies when asked about weaknesses in interview
Be Honest, Strategically: Pick a real, non-critical weakness. Avoid saying you have none or using disguised strengths like "I work too hard." [^2][^5]
Show Self-Awareness: Clearly articulate the nature of the weakness. This demonstrates your ability to evaluate yourself critically.
Highlight Growth: Explain specific steps you've taken to improve. This is perhaps the most important part of the answer. Did you take a course, seek mentorship, practice a skill, or implement a new system? [^1]
Keep it Relevant and Concise: Your answer should be brief and to the point. Don't dwell excessively on the negative [^3].
Responding effectively when asked about weaknesses in interview requires balancing honesty with strategy.
Using a structure like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help organize your thoughts when you are asked about weaknesses in interview, especially when demonstrating improvement.
What are good examples when asked about weaknesses in interview
Commonly Cited Examples: Examples often considered acceptable include public speaking, delegation (if not a core management role), asking for help, attention to detail (if not paramount), or technical skills that can be learned [^2][^5].
Avoid Clichés: Steer clear of overused or insincere answers like "I'm a perfectionist" or "I'm too passionate." Interviewers hear these frequently, and they lack authenticity.
Customize: The best weakness is one that is real for you and is somewhat relevant to the professional world, but not debilitating for the specific opportunity. Tailor your example to the context [^1].
Selecting the right example is crucial when you are asked about weaknesses in interview. Good examples are genuine, coachable, and not essential to the core function of the role.
The key is that the weakness is genuine and you can discuss concrete steps you're taking to mitigate it when asked about weaknesses in interview.
What common mistakes should you avoid when asked about weaknesses in interview
Claiming No Weaknesses: This comes across as arrogant, dishonest, or lacking self-awareness. Everyone has areas to improve.
Mentioning Critical Flaws: Do not state a weakness that directly undermines a core requirement of the job or opportunity.
Oversharing or Dwelling: Don't spend too much time discussing the weakness. Keep the explanation concise and focus on the improvement aspect.
Failing to Show Improvement: The answer is incomplete if you don't explain what you're doing to address the weakness. This misses the crucial "growth mindset" aspect.
There are definite pitfalls to navigating when asked about weaknesses in interview. Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your response [^1][^3]:
Being prepared helps you avoid these common missteps when you are asked about weaknesses in interview.
How can you turn weaknesses into growth when asked about weaknesses in interview
Storytelling: Briefly share a specific, concise story about a time this weakness presented a challenge and what you learned or did [^1].
Demonstrate Adaptability: Highlight how acknowledging and working on your weakness shows your ability to adapt and respond to challenges.
Commitment to Development: Frame your efforts to overcome the weakness as part of your ongoing professional or personal development journey [^4].
The most impactful way to answer when asked about weaknesses in interview is to frame it around growth and continuous learning.
Focusing on improvement shows proactivity and resilience, turning the vulnerability of being asked about weaknesses in interview into a positive demonstration of character.
Are there special considerations when asked about weaknesses in interview in different contexts
Job Interviews: Focus on professional skills or traits, linking improvement efforts to career development [^1].
Sales Calls: If applicable, frame a weakness around a communication or persuasion skill you're actively refining, demonstrating a commitment to improving client interactions.
College Interviews: Discuss a learning challenge or an area for personal growth in academics or extracurriculars, emphasizing lessons learned and efforts to overcome it.
Video/Telephone Interviews: Be extra concise and articulate. Tone of voice is important – remain positive and confident [^3]. Ensure your setting for a video interview doesn't distract from your message when you are asked about weaknesses in interview.
While the core principles apply, the specific context influences how you should answer when asked about weaknesses in interview.
Tailoring your response ensures relevance and demonstrates your understanding of the specific opportunity.
What are practical tips for nailing when asked about weaknesses in interview
Prepare and Rehearse: Think about your answer beforehand and practice saying it aloud.
Use a Structure: The STAR method or a simple "Weakness -> Awareness -> Action -> Result/Learning" structure can keep you focused [^1].
Be Concise: Aim for an answer that takes 60-90 seconds.
Stay Positive: Frame your answer around growth and learning, ending on a forward-looking note [^3].
Be Authentic: While prepared, let your personality show. Sincerity is key.
Mastering the art of answering when asked about weaknesses in interview comes down to preparation and practice.
By applying these tips, you can feel more confident and deliver a compelling response when you are asked about weaknesses in interview.
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With asked about weaknesses in interview
Preparing for tough questions like being asked about weaknesses in interview can be daunting. Verve AI Interview Copilot is designed to help you practice and refine your answers. Verve AI Interview Copilot offers realistic mock interview simulations, allowing you to practice responding to common and challenging questions like "What are your weaknesses?" You receive instant feedback on your delivery, structure, and content. This personalized coaching from Verve AI Interview Copilot helps you identify areas for improvement in your answer, ensuring you sound confident and authentic when asked about weaknesses in interview in a real setting. Practice with Verve AI Interview Copilot to turn this challenging question into a confident demonstration of your self-awareness and growth mindset. Learn more at https://vervecopilot.com.
What Are the Most Common Questions About asked about weaknesses in interview
Q: Should I say I have no weaknesses?
A: No, this is a common mistake. It suggests a lack of self-awareness or honesty.
Q: Can I use a disguised strength?
A: Avoid clichés like "I work too hard." Interviewers see through these easily [^2][^5].
Q: How long should my answer be?
A: Keep it concise, typically 60-90 seconds. Focus on action and growth [^3].
Q: Should I choose a weakness unrelated to the job?
A: Choose a weakness that isn't core to the role but is still professionally relevant [^1].
Q: Is it okay to mention a soft skill as a weakness?
A: Yes, communication, delegation, or public speaking are often acceptable, provided you show improvement steps [^2].
Q: What if I freeze or don't know what to say?
A: Take a breath, briefly acknowledge the question, and refer to your preparation. It's okay to pause.
[^1]: https://www.robertwalters.com.au/insights/career-advice/blog/how-to-answer-what-are-your-weaknesses-in-a-job-interview.html
[^2]: https://dovetail.com/employee-experience/good-weaknesses-for-job-interviews/
[^3]: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-career-advice/telephone-video-interviews/how-to-answer/strength-weakness-questions/
[^4]: https://www.coursera.org/articles/strengths-and-weaknesses-interview
[^5]: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/list-of-example-weaknesses-for-interviewing
