One of the most challenging questions you might face in a job interview is: “What are your weaknesses?” It’s a tough one because it feels counterintuitive—why would you highlight potential flaws when you’re trying to impress an employer? The difficulty lies in finding the balance: you need to be honest without jeopardising your chances.
While discussing weaknesses can feel like admitting you’re not up to the task, it’s actually an opportunity to show self-awareness, humility, and a proactive attitude toward self-improvement. Employers aren’t looking for perfection—they want to see that you’re reflective and actively working on personal growth.
Why it’s important to answer this question well
Employers ask this question for three main reasons:
- Self-awareness: They want to know if you can recognise areas where you need to improve.
- Growth mindset: They’re assessing whether you take initiative to address your shortcomings.
- Honesty: They’re testing your ability to provide a genuine answer without resorting to clichés or dodging the question.
A well-thought-out answer can actually make you stand out as a thoughtful and adaptable candidate.
Example 1: “I am too critical of myself”
Being overly critical can lead to self-doubt or spending too much time perfecting tasks. However, this trait can also highlight your commitment to quality. Here’s how to frame it:
“I tend to be overly critical of my work because I set very high standards for myself. While this ensures that I consistently produce high-quality results, it can also mean I spend extra time on tasks. To address this, I’ve been focusing on prioritising efficiency and setting clear time limits for projects. For instance, I recently implemented a checklist system to help me balance thoroughness with meeting deadlines, and it’s been working well.”
Why this works:
- It acknowledges the weakness without making it sound like a significant flaw.
- It frames the issue as a commitment to high standards.
- It shows you’ve taken proactive steps to improve.
Example 2: “I try to go it solo sometimes”
This example demonstrates self-motivation but also recognises the importance of teamwork.
“I sometimes get so focused on my work that I hesitate to ask for help, even when it might save time or lead to better outcomes. I’ve realised that collaboration is key to success, so I’ve started making a conscious effort to check in with my team regularly and seek feedback when tackling challenging projects. For example, in my last role, I involved colleagues earlier in the process on a group project, which helped us deliver stronger results and finish ahead of schedule.”
Why this works:
- It highlights self-motivation while recognising the value of teamwork.
- It shows awareness of how collaboration can enhance results.
- The example demonstrates how the candidate has applied this improvement.
Example 3: “I can be risk-averse”
Fear of taking risks can demonstrate caution, which is valuable in certain roles. However, in some jobs, a willingness to take calculated risks is essential.
“I tend to be cautious when it comes to taking risks, as I like to thoroughly analyse all potential outcomes before making a decision. While this approach helps me avoid mistakes, I’ve learned that some opportunities require quicker decisions. To address this, I’ve been practising taking smaller, calculated risks, like proposing new ideas during team meetings or trying innovative approaches on low-risk projects. This has helped me build confidence and deliver creative solutions.”
Why this works:
- It shows you’re thoughtful and analytical but open to growth.
- The improvement strategy demonstrates a proactive approach to stepping outside your comfort zone.
- It aligns with roles where calculated risk-taking is an asset.
Example 4: “I struggle with public speaking”
This is a common weakness, especially for roles where presentations are less frequent.
“Public speaking hasn’t always been my strongest skill, but I’ve recognised the importance of improving in this area. To address this, I’ve taken steps such as volunteering to lead smaller team meetings and practising presentations in front of colleagues to build my confidence. I’ve also joined a public speaking workshop to enhance my skills further. Recently, I delivered a team update to our department, and the feedback was very positive.”
Why this works:
- It shows self-awareness about a widely relatable weakness.
- The improvement strategy demonstrates proactive learning and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Example 5: “I have a tendency to overcommit”
This weakness shows dedication but also highlights the importance of managing time effectively.
“I sometimes take on too many tasks because I want to help wherever I can. While this shows my enthusiasm and willingness to contribute, I’ve learned that overcommitting can impact my ability to deliver the best results. To address this, I’ve started prioritising tasks and setting realistic boundaries. I now use task management tools to allocate my time effectively and ensure I focus on the most critical priorities first.”
Why this works:
- It demonstrates dedication and a willingness to help.
- It highlights a clear plan for better time management and prioritisation.
Example 6: “I’m not comfortable delegating tasks”
This is a good weakness for leadership roles as it reflects a desire for quality control while acknowledging room for growth.
“I sometimes find it challenging to delegate tasks because I want to ensure everything is done to a high standard. However, I’ve realised that trusting my team and empowering them is crucial for efficiency and morale. To improve, I’ve started breaking projects into manageable pieces, assigning tasks based on strengths, and following up regularly to provide support. This approach has helped me build trust within the team and achieve better outcomes.”
Why this works:
- It reflects a focus on quality and accountability.
- It demonstrates a commitment to building leadership and trust within a team.
Example 7: “I can be impatient when waiting for results”
This is a relatable weakness that shows a sense of urgency but can also highlight the importance of patience and process.
“I sometimes feel impatient when waiting for results, especially when I’m eager to see the outcome of a project. I’ve learned, though, that rushing the process can compromise quality. To address this, I’ve focused on improving my communication with stakeholders to stay updated and using the waiting period to prepare for the next stages. For example, during a recent campaign rollout, I used the waiting time to draft strategies for follow-up actions, which helped us move quickly once the results came in.”
Why this works:
- It demonstrates ambition and a results-driven mindset.
- It highlights how proactive planning can turn waiting into a productive period.
Example 8: “I lack experience in [specific skill]”
This example works well if the skill is not central to the role but something you’re actively improving.
“I don’t have as much hands-on experience with [specific skill] as I’d like, but I’ve taken steps to build my knowledge. I’ve completed an online course on the topic and am currently working on a small personal project to apply what I’ve learned. For example, I recently built a basic [project related to the skill] to better understand the concepts. I’m eager to continue learning and apply this skill in a professional setting.”
Why this works:
- It acknowledges a gap without presenting it as a critical flaw.
- It highlights your initiative to learn and grow.
Example 9: “I can be hesitant to ask for feedback”
This demonstrates humility while acknowledging the importance of feedback.
“I sometimes hesitate to ask for feedback because I worry about being seen as unsure of myself. However, I’ve come to realise that feedback is one of the best ways to grow. I’ve made it a point to actively seek input from colleagues and supervisors, particularly after completing projects. This has helped me refine my work and build stronger professional relationships.”
Why this works:
- It shows a desire to improve while addressing a common concern.
- It demonstrates how feedback has already contributed to your growth.
Key takeaway
When answering the “what are your weaknesses?” question, focus on presenting a genuine weakness framed as an opportunity for growth. Show the employer that you are self-aware, proactive, and committed to improving, and always provide specific examples of how you’re working to address the issue. This approach will help you turn a potentially tricky question into a chance to stand out.
