How to Talk About Your Weaknesses at a Job Interview

Career Help Center

A Plan to Talk About Your Weaknesses

As you sit down for a job interview, fully prepared to answer anything and everything you are hoping to make a positive and lasting impression on the hiring manager. A question about your failings is surely not one that you will be able to answer comfortably. Many applicants feel that when employers ask them questions like this, it is a trap; the manager must want to see if they will crack under pressure. While that may be one tactic employed by asking this question that is not its primary purpose. Talking about your weaknesses at a job interview is important because your failings can be turned around to become strengths.

So how can answering a question that goes against your best interests possibly be a good idea? Interviewers are expecting this honesty, and if you do not answer appropriately, you will not be accepted by them.

For years there has been advice for answering this difficult question. The advice was when they put you on the spot; they suggested that you respond with a vague but positive answer. For example, stating that you are a perfectionist, or you work too hard seems conceited and false.

Managers know that as human beings, we all have our flaws. When you give one of those fake positive answers, you are conveying to the recruiter that you don't want to give them a sincere answer. Understandably it is difficult to discuss something that truly detracts from your personal growth. It also shows that you may not strive to improve yourself as employees should continually do.

While you should be honest with your answer, remember that employers are still looking for specifics. When it comes to describing your failings, there are a few guidelines which you should apply.

• Make a List
  First, come to terms with that fact that having weaknesses is not always a bad thing; they can demonstrate that you have something to work toward, and something that you will accomplish. Think about some of your weak spots and make a list. If you have trouble doing this, ask yourself questions regarding your previous work experiences:
  • What have I always struggled with?
  • What negative aspects of my job performance have past managers or coworkers brought to my attention?
  • Is there a specific character trait that I would like to change to improve my work performance?
  As you answer these questions, hopefully you can uncover your weaknesses so that you will more accurately answer this question at your next interview.
• Formulate a Response
  Now that you have an answer pinpointed to your question, you need to know the way to phrase your answer into something that makes you seem appealing to the employer. There are certain things that you shouldn't say. Here are a few examples:
  
  
  1. What not to say: “I have trouble controlling my temper, sometimes I get very angry in heated situations.” Stating your weakness in this way it makes you seem unstable and potentially dangerous or unproductive. Avoid talking about your personality traits in this way. If at all possible, relate everything back to the workplace.
     
     What to say: “I have trouble because I put a lot of pressure on myself as I complete tasks. I have been working on this and have come up with an organized system to help me get things done more efficiently.” This doesn't sound nearly as bad, and it focuses more on work. Also, a response regarding the ways you have attempted to improve yourself should always be included in every answer that you give.
  2. What not to say: “I am not a very organized person.” This answer is too blunt and honest, and it doesn't mention anything in respect to your personal growth and development.
     
     What to say: “I have noticed that the ways I used to do things were not the most organized. However, I now write everything down and stick to a system which helps me to better control everything that I handle in the office.” Not only have you explained a method of self-improvement, but you have provided an honest, yet gentle response to this question.
• Improvise as Needed
  After you have prepared the rebuttal that is necessary to answer this question, it is up to the hiring manager to decide if your weaknesses will not affect their plans. You may need to improvise where needed; you don't want your response to sound robotic and rehearsed. While you should have a solid idea of what you are going to say, go into the meeting and explain your weak points in a conversation.

After all this preparation, you may be able to answer the difficult question concerning your failings more confidently. Good luck with developing your solutions for how to talk about your weaknesses at a job interview. Remember, the best thing that you can include in your response is sincerity.