The Dreaded Question—How to Handle It Like a Pro
You’ve prepped for the interview, polished your resume, and practiced answering questions about your experience. Then, the hiring manager drops the question most candidates fear:
“What are your weaknesses?”
Cue the nervous pause. Do you admit to something real? Do you offer a fake weakness to sound perfect? Do you try to dodge the question altogether?
Here’s the truth: discussing weaknesses in a job interview doesn’t have to feel like a trap. When done correctly, it can actually work in your favor—showcasing self-awareness, honesty, and a commitment to growth.
Let’s break down how to express your weaknesses in a job interview with confidence—without sabotaging your chances.
Why Do Employers Ask About Weaknesses?
Let’s get one thing straight: employers aren’t trying to trick you. They ask about weaknesses in a job interview to assess:
- Self-awareness – Do you recognize areas where you can improve?
- Growth mindset – Are you actively working to improve?
- Honesty – Are you giving a thoughtful, real response?
The key is to choose a weakness that is honest but not a deal-breaker for the role. That’s where good weaknesses for job interviews come into play.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Weakness
The best way to answer this question is by selecting a weakness that:
✅ Is real but not critical to the job
✅ Shows you’re taking steps to improve
✅ Ends on a positive note
So, what are some best weaknesses for an interview that fit these criteria?
Safe Weaknesses to Mention
Here are some good weaknesses for job interviews that work for a variety of roles:
- Public Speaking – “I used to struggle with speaking in front of groups, but I’ve been actively working on it by taking online courses and practicing presentations.”
- Perfectionism – “I sometimes spend too much time perfecting small details, but I’m learning to focus on efficiency and delegate when needed.”
- Time Management – “I used to take on too much at once, but I’ve started using project management tools to stay organized.”
- Asking for Help – “I tend to be independent and hesitate to ask for assistance, but I’ve learned that collaboration often leads to better results.”
- Delegation – “I sometimes struggle with trusting others to handle tasks, but I’m actively working on improving by giving team members more responsibility.”
These responses show self-awareness and proactive improvement, making them ideal choices when crafting your what are your weaknesses answers.
Step 2: Structure Your Answer the Right Way
Now that you’ve picked your weakness, it’s time to deliver your response with confidence.
Use this simple 3-step formula:
1️⃣ State the weakness – Briefly explain the challenge you’ve faced.
2️⃣ Show awareness – Acknowledge why it’s an area of growth.
3️⃣ Demonstrate improvement – Explain what steps you’ve taken to overcome it.
Example Answer (Using the Formula)
Question: What are your weaknesses?
Answer: “I used to struggle with time management because I wanted to take on multiple projects at once. While my enthusiasm for work is a strength, I realized it was making it hard to prioritize tasks effectively. To improve, I started using productivity tools like Trello and setting clearer daily goals. This has helped me manage my workload better and ensure I meet deadlines efficiently.”
This response checks all the boxes: it’s honest, strategic, and shows growth.
Step 3: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even the best-planned answer can go wrong if you fall into these traps:
- Insincerity – “I work too hard!” (This sounds a bit pompous.)
- Choosing an essential job skill – If you’re interviewing for a customer service job, don’t say your weakness is “communicating with people.”
- Rambling too much – Keep it short and structured!
Step 4: Practice Your Delivery
The best answer in the world won’t help if you sound unsure, nervous, or rehearsed. Practice your response until it sounds natural.
✅ Confidence matters – Answer calmly and maintain eye contact.
✅ Keep your tone positive – This is about growth, not failure.
✅ Stay professional – Avoid personal weaknesses that aren’t relevant.
By practicing, you’ll turn how to express your weaknesses in a job interview into an opportunity rather than a roadblock.
Additional Sample Answers (Using the 3-Step Formula)
Here are three more strong sample answers for “What are your weaknesses?”
Weakness: Difficulty Saying No
Answer:
“I’ve always been someone who wants to help wherever I can, which sometimes means I take on more than I should. I realized that overcommitting can affect my productivity, so I’ve been working on setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks effectively. Now, I use a workload management system to assess my commitments before saying yes, ensuring I can give my best effort to the tasks I take on.”
Why It Works: Shows self-awareness, acknowledges a common workplace challenge, and demonstrates active improvement.
Weakness: Struggling with Spontaneity
Answer:
“I like to plan ahead and follow structured processes, which means I sometimes struggle when unexpected challenges arise. I’ve realized that being adaptable is essential, so I’ve been making a conscious effort to improve by exposing myself to dynamic work environments. I now practice staying flexible by taking on last-minute projects and adjusting my approach when needed, which has helped me become more comfortable handling change.”
Why It Works: Shows self-improvement in a key workplace skill (adaptability) without making it seem like a critical flaw.
Weakness: Overanalyzing Decisions
Answer:
“I have a tendency to overanalyze decisions because I like to consider all possible outcomes before moving forward. While this helps me make well-informed choices, I’ve learned that sometimes it can slow down my decision-making process. To improve, I’ve been setting time limits for myself when evaluating options and trusting my instincts more. This has helped me become more efficient without sacrificing quality.”
Why It Works: Demonstrates a balanced approach to problem-solving and practical steps taken to improve.
Final Thoughts
The “weakness” question doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Instead, it’s an opportunity to show that you are self-aware, proactive, and constantly improving. Choose a safe but real weakness, structure your answer well, and practice your delivery.
The next time an interviewer asks, “What are your weaknesses?”—you’ll be ready to turn it into a winning moment.
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- Candidates have only about 7 seconds to make a positive first impression.
- Candidates with a positive interview experience are 38% more likely to accept a job offer and 50% more likely to stay with the company after three years.
- 86% of companies conduct at least one stage of interviews virtually, making it essential for candidates to be comfortable with online interview formats.
- Employers value self-awareness in candidates, as it demonstrates an understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial for personal and professional growth.
- 36% of job candidates decline an offer after a negative interview experience
Sources: TeamStage, TestGorilla and Glassdoor
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Written by Nancy Schuman, CSP – Nancy served as Lloyd’s Chief Communications Officer for nearly three decades and is a well-known author of career guidance books targeted at helping job seekers find meaningful employment. You can find her books on Amazon.
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