3 Keys to Talking About Your Weaknesses (2024)

“Do you have any weaknesses we should know about?”

If you’re like me, you have dreaded this interview question for your entire professional life. Dread no more! With the right strategy you can ace this age old interview staple.

1. It’s Real –The most common mistake people make in answering this question is using what I call “fake weaknesses”. These areweaknesses that are just strengths in disguise. Working too hard, caring too much, and being a perfectionist are all examples of these “fake weaknesses”. Take a hard look at yourself. With a little self awareness it should be easy to come up with some honest weaknesses. Just remember that fake weaknesses are coins with two sides. Onthe other side of every fake weakness is an honest weakness. You don’t work too hard, you burn yourself out – You’re not a perfectionist, you sometimes lose sight of the big picture.
2. It’s Fixable –Once you’ve come up with an honest weakness you want to ensure that is not something viewed by an employer as an irredeemable flaw.Avoid things like tardiness, attendance, conflict with coworkers, and delivering work product late. While proper modifications can remedy these problems, they are often viewed more negatively by potential employers. However, just because you aren’t talking about it doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Be sure you are working to address all your flaws to be a stronger candidate and employee.
3. You’re Fixing It –This is where most job seekers fall short with the weakness question. To best answer this question you should be able to discuss the steps you have taken and/or are continuing to take to remedy your weakness.For example –many experienced workers struggle with more complex tasks involving computers. You may consider taking a computer class to address any skills gap, and increase confidence at the keyboard. It’s also acceptable to discuss weaknesses that you haveresolved through some modification or helpful technique that you continue to use. For example –You used tolose track of smaller assignments. In response,you started making check-lists.Now you don’t lose track of smaller assignmentsbecause you continue to employ your check-lists.

If you have struggled with this question in the past you must start by taking an honest look at yourself. You may have corrected weaknesses overthe course of your career without even realizing. By providing an answer to the weakness question that is honest, direct, and corrected, you will set yourself apart from the field of candidates.