When asked what the most difficult part of an interview is, most clients say that they do fine, until the dreaded question, “What are your weaknesses?” rears its ugly head.

It is a tough question, and one that you should prepare for, as it will come up in most interviews.

Why do interviewers ask this question?

• To determine if you have the ability to self-evaluate and are honestly able to identify your weaknesses and take steps to correct them. This is a very valuable skill to an employer.
• To gauge your ability to deal with difficult questions. It is the WAY that you answer and the WAY that you deal with it that demonstrates a great deal about your personality and how you behave when put on the spot.

Factors to consider when responding

• An honest answer shows you are human, willing to change when needed, have ways to solve problems in an effective manner, and are aware of yourself. Depending on how you answer, the employer will get a sense of not only your suitability but your motivation to overcome it.
• There is a fine line between sounding confident and coming across as arrogant or cocky. A response of “I don’t feel I have any weaknesses” crosses that line.
• Never say anything negative about your ability to perform the job. Even though we all have weaknesses, you want to stay away from shining a large spotlight on them. State a minor weakness and explain how you have resolved or are resolving it. Or state a weakness that is not job related.
• Never jump to the answer like you had rehearsed it. Take a moment to reflect on the question before responding.
• If applying for a Customer Service position, do not say “My weakness is working with the public.” One possible response is, “I put a lot of pressure on myself to learn the products in a short period of time.” Not so bad, to the interviewer!
• Thinking through this question should be part of the preparation you undertake to get yourself ready for the interview. Being well prepared will reduce your nervousness and allow you to present yourself in the most positive fashion to the interviewer.

An Employer’s Perspective

“I ask this question, and whenever I get an answer like “I work too hard” I know I’m dealing with somebody that I can’t really trust, and that I’m going to have a hard time developing an open and honest working relationship with them.”