One of my weaknesses was getting asked this question in an interview. Early in my career I did not know how to answer it. I might have just as well answered it with “kryptonite” for all I knew about it. But the years have enabled me to give a better response, probably because some of my weaknesses have come to light. The real trick to answering this question is in the tone in your answer.
Most people only want to talk about their strengths or what they are good at doing. That’s because those things are much easier to discuss. Everyone knows what they do well, and if the truth be known, they all probably know what they don’t do well. But they rarely think about that because they do not want to discuss it. In an interview situation though, you don’t have a choice if that question arises.
Sometimes you can use a pre-emptive strike to evade this question. An interview will usually start with a “tell me about yourself” type of question. In your response, you can usually work in something about the things that you are not so good at performing. If the question comes up regarding your strengths (and it usually precedes a question about your weaknesses), you can sometimes offer up your strengths and then give a brief explanation of those things you are not so good at doing.
Earlier, I said the real trick the tone in your answer to this question. Using your best body language, answer it confidently, letting the interviewer know that you know it’s a weakness but that you are working on it. Whatever you say, do NOT say that “I really don’t have any” (weaknesses). Employers take a dim view of candidates who say that. Words like egotistical and arrogant come to mind.
Another good trick if you are uncomfortable with the above is to take what an employer may see as strength and use it as a weakness. For example, “I sometimes have to be re-directed to the next task because I get so wrapped up in the one I am working on.” Employers love employees who are that diligent.
Whatever your response to this question is, spend some time thinking about what you will say in response to it because there is a very good chance that it will be asked of you. You want to be thoughtful, yet confident in your response.
Isaiah 40:29
