What Are Good Weaknesses to Say in an Interview That Aren’t “I’m a Perfectionist”?

I’ve been advised numerous occasions that the toughest half about getting a job at my dream firm (Nickelodeon — spoiler alert, I received it!) is getting my foot within the door.

I refreshed my resume and practiced answering many widespread interview questions, together with “What’s your best weak point?” This query by no means fails to journey me up, because it typically seems like a trick or take a look at. I’m making an attempt to promote myself on the highest caliber, and also you need me to say what’s unsuitable with me?

The secret is discovering the right steadiness between having the ability to admit that nobody is ideal and never itemizing weaknesses that might forestall you from succeeding on the position. Right here, I’ve cultivated some unimaginable solutions to “What’s your best weak point?” — and don‘t fear, these solutions aren’t, “I’m a perfectionist.”

Desk of Contents

What are good weaknesses to say in an interview?

Interviewers who ask, “What’s your best weak point?” need to understand how sincere and self-aware you might be.

Earlier than you reply, ask your self:

What are my weaknesses?
How did I discover this weak point in myself?
How did I react to that realization?
What steps am I taking to note that behavior for the time being?
What am I doing to alter this habits?

The perfect solutions to this query sincerely clarify a weak point and supply an instance of how you might be actively working to enhance.

Professional tip: I additionally requested Nehal Patel, the director of analysis know-how and innovation and hiring supervisor at Smith & Nephew, methods to nail this query:

He stated, “Good areas to level to for this query are organizational expertise that may enhance as new instruments grow to be accessible, or interpersonal expertise that may repeatedly advance as you’re employed with new folks with totally different kinds.”

Listed here are a few of my favourite examples of methods to reply “What’s your best weak point?” and why they work.

1. I’ve problem working with others.

“I can wrestle when working with a crew — I’m extremely self-sufficient, so it‘s troublesome to depend on others to finish my work. That’s why I‘ve pursued roles that require somebody to work independently. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally labored to enhance this weak point by enrolling in team-building workshops. Whereas I usually work independently, I have to be taught to belief my coworkers and ask for out of doors assist when crucial.”

This reply works as a result of the weak point — the lack to work properly with a crew — doesn‘t hinder your skill to carry out properly within the position, because it’s a job that does not depend on teamwork to succeed. Moreover, you show an eagerness to develop methods to fight your weak point, which is a vital office ability.

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2. I might be disorganized.

“I wrestle with group. Whereas it has but to affect my efficiency, I‘ve seen my messy desk and cluttered inbox intrude with my effectivity. Over time, I’ve realized to put aside time to prepare my bodily and digital area, and I’ve seen it enhance my effectivity ranges all through the week.”

I’m the most important wrongdoer of a messy workspace. This reply works as a result of it‘s a relatable and fixable weak point. You observe that disorganization doesn’t intrude along with your skill to do your job, which is vital, however you additionally acknowledge it’d make you much less environment friendly.

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3. I’ve hassle delegating work.

“I typically discover it troublesome to delegate accountability after I can end the duty properly myself. Nevertheless, after I turned supervisor in my final position, it turned crucial I be taught to delegate duties to ease a few of the work off of my plate whereas permitting my direct stories to tackle extra accountability. To keep up a way of management when delegating duties, I carried out a undertaking administration system to supervise the progress of a undertaking. This method enabled me to enhance my skill to delegate effectively.”

This reply works as a result of it suggests you are able to flexibility, which is vital for long-term development. Moreover, you showcase a stage of initiative and management once you point out the profitable implementation of a brand new course of that enabled you to achieve your previous position, regardless of your weak point.

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4. I’m timid when offering suggestions.

“Usually, I might be timid when offering constructive suggestions to coworkers or managers, out of worry of injuring somebody‘s emotions. Nevertheless, in my final position, my coworker requested me to edit a few of his items and supply suggestions for areas of enchancment. By way of my expertise with him, I noticed suggestions might be useful and sort when delivered accurately. Since then, I’ve grow to be higher at providing suggestions and realized I can use empathy to supply considerate, productive suggestions.”

Whereas interning on the HubSpot Weblog, I copyedited visitor writers’ posts. I at all times puzzled why I, a school pupil, had the best to supply detailed suggestions to an expert author.

With time, I’ve realized that constructive suggestions is at all times useful to folks when offered respectfully, no matter their stage or expertise.

This reply works since you’ve defined how you could possibly flip a weak point right into a power by way of real-world expertise.

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5. I can come throughout as too blunt.

“My blunt, simple nature has allowed me to succeed over time as a crew supervisor, as a result of I can get issues completed effectively, and folks typically recognize my honesty. Nevertheless, I’ve acknowledged my bluntness doesn’t at all times serve my workers properly when delivering suggestions. To fight this, I’ve labored to develop empathy and deeper relationships with these I handle. Moreover, I took an internet management administration course, and labored with the professor to develop my skill to ship suggestions.”

Sides of our personalities will help us in sure areas of our work whereas hindering us in others. On this instance, you first clarify how your blunt nature permits you to achieve success in sure conditions. Then, you point out how it may be seen as an absence of empathy, and also you present examples of the way you’re making an attempt to unravel this challenge.

It really works since you’re demonstrating a capability to acknowledge when your persona interferes with the features of your position, and how one can clear up for that.

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6. I worry public talking.

“Public talking makes me nervous. Whereas I don‘t must do a lot public talking as an internet designer, I nonetheless really feel that it’s an essential ability — particularly after I need to supply my opinion throughout a gathering. To fight this, I spoke with my supervisor and she or he really useful I communicate at every crew assembly for a couple of minutes about our undertaking timeline, deadlines, and objectives when creating an internet site for a consumer. This follow has enabled me to chill out and see public talking as a possibility to assist my crew members do their jobs successfully.”

On this instance, you point out qualities that don’t apply to the position, however which you nonetheless have been working to enhance. This works as a result of it reveals your need to satisfy extra enterprise wants than crucial in your present position — and that speaks to your skilled ambition.

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7. I wrestle with analyzing information.

“I‘m not nice at analyzing information or numbers. Nevertheless, I acknowledge this flaw can forestall me from understanding how my content material performs on-line. In my final position, I arrange month-to-month conferences with the web optimization supervisor to debate analytics and the way our posts have been performing. Moreover, I acquired my Google Analytics certificates, and I make it a degree to investigate information associated to our weblog commonly. I’ve grow to be way more snug analyzing information by way of these efforts.”

As somebody creative-minded, I additionally wrestle with the info facet of my work. For instance, understanding how advertising and marketing campaigns carry out and incorporating these outcomes into our marketing campaign technique is a crucial a part of my job, regardless that there are groups who particularly deal with that information.

I like this instance as a result of it reveals your need to go above and past a job description and higher perceive the wants of the entire division, reasonably than simply your position.

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8. I’m indecisive.

“Generally I wrestle with ambiguity and making selections when instructions aren‘t clear. I come from a piece atmosphere that at all times gave clear and direct directions. I had such a robust crew and management that I haven’t had a lot follow making selections within the warmth of the second. I am engaged on this by leaning extra into my expertise and practising listening to my intestine.”

This job interview reply works since you exhibit that you could each observe a pacesetter and grow to be one your self. It‘s all proper to not know what to do within the second. Admitting that you simply relied on robust management reveals that you already know when to step up and when to hunt course.

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9. I’m a harsh self-critic.

“My interior critic might be debilitating at occasions. I take satisfaction in producing good work, however I don’t at all times really feel glad with it, which has led to burnout. Nevertheless, I‘ve began pushing again in opposition to this interior voice by caring for myself earlier than and after work. I’m additionally studying to acknowledge when my interior critic is true and after I must dismiss it.”

Your interviewer can seemingly relate to this weak point; all of us have harsh interior critics (mine typically leaves me spiraling after sending any mildly assertive e mail or Slack).

It‘s additionally efficient as a result of 1) It reveals that you simply’re keen to work in your weaknesses outdoors of labor, not simply throughout enterprise hours, and a couple of) It demonstrates your interior critic might have legitimate factors.

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10. I’ve a micro-management model.

“I used to work in industries the place I needed to domesticate a strong work ethic in my workers. This coaching model has been so ingrained in me that I nonetheless want to tell apart who might have that teaching and who doesn’t. I‘ve been studying books on efficient delegation and crew constructing to work on this shortcoming. One approach that works for me is reassuring myself that if I set up clear expectations, my crew will heed them. I’ve additionally realized to belief my crew members extra.”

This reply works finest for those who’ve held a management place earlier than and are making use of for a managerial position.

When you could also be used to working your crew or crew a particular means, this means that you simply‘re keen to confess when your technique isn’t the best.

Exhibiting your flexibility demonstrates your skill to develop and adapt to a brand new tradition at a brand new job.

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11. I typically chat an excessive amount of with my colleagues.

“I get pleasure from creating a relationship with my coworkers by partaking in dialog, and that‘s an awesome team-building ability. Nevertheless, I habitually keep it up a dialog to some extent the place it could distract different coworkers. I’ve realized since then that there are different methods to attach with my coworkers and that if I’m asking about their day, I must maintain it temporary and redirect myself again to my work.”

Please rise up for those who additionally got here dwelling with report playing cards in your faculty days stating, “[Name] is a superb pupil, however talks an excessive amount of in school,” and one way or the other nonetheless have that challenge as an grownup!

This reply works as a result of it reveals consciousness of how your talkative tendencies could also be distracting within the office. You’re additionally telling your future employer that you simply’re keen to construct relationships with coworkers however not at the price of productiveness.

That’s what units us aside from our harmless, talkative childhood selves.

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12. I’ve hassle sustaining a work-life steadiness.

“I‘ve struggled with work-life steadiness, particularly after I began working remotely through the pandemic. This elevated my stress ranges to the purpose the place my productiveness was at an all-time low, and I didn’t deliver my finest self to work. As a result of I need to proceed working remotely, I‘ve added higher construction to my day and instituted a pointy begin and finish time. I’ve already seen enhancements in my ranges of focus throughout work hours.”

At first, this would possibly appear to be a “power” masquerading as a weak point — pouring your self into work is nice, proper? Meaning you’re keen on your job. But it surely’s not so nice if it impacts your productiveness and your relationships with coworkers.

This reply works as a result of it doesn‘t imply, “I work a lot that my dwelling life suffers.” It implies, “I work lots to the purpose of burnout, and I’ve realized that I must construction my day higher.”

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Different Frequent Interview Weaknesses

Want extra inspiration? Listed here are another widespread weaknesses you may contemplate mentioning in a job interview.

“What Are Your Weaknesses?” Examples

Organizational Weaknesses:

Scuffling with time administration.
Managing missed deadlines.
Not having the ability to prioritize a number of duties at a time.
Delaying duties unnecessarily.

High quality of Work Weaknesses:

Having restricted expertise in a particular ability or specialization.
Having hassle adapting to new processes or applied sciences.
Striving for perfection.
Discovering it arduous to let go of tasks.

Interpersonal Weaknesses:

Points speaking with colleagues of upper titles.
Problem working with totally different personalities.
Problem delegating duties.
Challenges asking for assist.

Private Progress Weaknesses:

Balancing work and private life.
Struggling to say “no.”
Being hesitant to talk up or advocate for your self.
Missing self-assurance.
Avoiding taking accountability for errors.
Being late sometimes.

Methods to Determine Your Biggest Weak point

My high piece of recommendation for figuring out your best weak point in an interview is that this: Reply actually however don’t threaten your probability at getting the job supply.

Right here’s methods to do exactly that.

1. Rule out any expertise which are listed within the job description.

Scan each phrase of the job itemizing to make sure the weak point is not included within the required expertise and duties.

For instance, my job description at Nickelodeon talked about in search of a candidate who might construct relationships with companions in any respect ranges. Since that’s a vital qualification for the position, I wouldn’t have answered “What’s your best weak point?” with “Speaking with colleagues of upper titles.”

2. Take into account weaknesses that you’ve got overcome.

I spoke with Sneha Alagappan, the assistant director of laptop science profession providers on the College of Chicago and a former tech recruiter, and she or he talked about the concept of highlighting weaknesses that you simply’re already tackling:

“There may be at all times a constructive technique to spin potential errors and areas of alternative for your self by speaking about classes you’ve realized alongside the way in which and the way you could have already modified your means of working shifting ahead.

[For example,] in case your weak point is ‘group,’ give an instance of a time once you recognized your weaker group expertise and mirrored that it was holding you again in a roundabout way, and the way you labored to beat that [weakness] shifting ahead.”

3. Discover inspiration by trying by way of outdated efficiency evaluations.

Should you’re battling a particular weak point instance, learn by way of outdated self-assessments and efficiency evaluations. These paperwork are nice sources of inspiration for examples of your accomplishments and areas you may enhance.

Alagappan agrees, including, “Receiving suggestions from a direct supervisor, skip-level managers, friends, or cross-functional companions is an effective way to establish your areas of alternative.”

Certainly one of my first efficiency evaluations at Nickelodeon talked about I ought to communicate up extra throughout conferences. Since then, I’ve come to guide a number of bi-weekly and month-to-month conferences, which I did due to the encouragement from my supervisor.

Methods to Reply “What Are Your Biggest Weaknesses?”

1. Be sincere and select an actual weak point.

The reply, “I’m a perfectionist” gained‘t lower it as a result of it’s not an actual weak point.

Perfectionism can by no means be attained — it is a fear-based sample that results in short-term rewards like getting the job completed early and exceeding expectations however can finally result in burnout.

As an alternative, select an actual weak point. Beneath the will to do excellent work might lie a extra genuine weak point like hassle asking for assist or reluctance to delegate.

2. Present an instance of how you have labored to enhance your weak point or be taught a brand new ability to fight the difficulty.

Hiring managers do not count on you to beat your weaknesses in a single day. As Patel advised me, “Hiring managers are regular folks with their very own shortcomings, too.”

Everybody has areas they need to repeatedly work on to maintain their expertise sharp, so present the interviewer that you simply’re conscious of your weak factors and dealing to enhance.

3. Take into consideration weaknesses in your private life.

Humanizing your self within the interview permits your interviewer to attach and visualize working with you sooner or later. It is not nearly weaknesses that pertain to the job.

In my private life, I’ve hassle saying “no” to mates. This can be a relatable weak point in each work and life. Demonstrating your self-awareness this fashion reveals that you simply perceive that self-improvement correlates to work efficiency.

4. Consider the place you’d prefer to be and what help you want to get there.

Total, development is part of life. Take into consideration folks you look as much as that could be associated to the sector that you simply’re in. Ask your self what character traits these folks have and what work you would possibly must do to get there.

For instance, I’m impressed by my supervisor who I consider strikes the right steadiness between self-assuredness and kindness. I do know I can obtain this by making myself heard in conferences and listening to my intestine even when others might imagine in another way.

5. Do not be conceited or underestimate your self.

Crucial factor when responding to the query “What’s your best weak point?” is to exhibit confidence in your reply. Fortunately, confidence might be realized — it begins with being sincere with your self and figuring out you’re being truthful in what you say.

Should you‘ve recognized an space of weak point and really feel certain about it, let that assurance shine by way of in your reply. As I’ve talked about, everybody has areas of enchancment, so there’s no must really feel embarrassed about one thing you wrestle with that you simply’re working to refine.

5 Suggestions for Speaking About Weaknesses in Job Interviews

Now that you already know the best solutions and finest practices for selecting a weak point, it’s time for the true take a look at: delivering the reply to the interviewer.

This doesn’t should be panic-inducing — I prefer to think about speaking by way of this query with my finest buddy.

Listed here are 5 suggestions I observe to get rid of a few of the worry:

Observe your reply beforehand. I choose practising interview questions like this one with mates so I can obtain dwell suggestions, however practising aloud to your self in a mirror might be equally efficient.
Look the interviewer within the eye and undertaking confidence. I can relate to how troublesome it’s to really feel safe whereas discussing your weaknesses. I handle this by not essentially being assured in my weak point, however assured in my conveyance of stated weak point.
Be temporary and to the purpose. I usually put together a response between thirty seconds and one minute lengthy. The primary assertion ought to straight state your weak point, and the remainder of the reply ought to spotlight the way you’re overcoming it.
Perceive the interviewer’s objective. The “What’s your best weak point?” query isn’t meant to disqualify you. It’s simply one other means for interviewers to be taught your tender private {and professional} attributes.
Showcase your persona whereas retaining it skilled. I prefer to infuse some humor into interviews. It helps take the sting off the nerves and helps me construct extra of a reference to the hiring supervisor.

Observe: The following tips additionally apply to different widespread interview questions like “How do you deal with battle?” or “What motivates you?” So, be sure you plan accordingly. Don’t fret, we have compiled a complete record of questions for simple prepping).

There’s Power in Each Weak point

I’m human, too — and it has at all times been troublesome for me to vocalize my weaknesses in an interview setting the place I already really feel my most susceptible. However I’ve realized that each weak point additionally has a power on its flipside.

Leaning in your teammates who excel in your weak areas is an effective way to indicate that you simply‘ll work properly on the crew and know methods to use your assets to unravel issues. Taking free on-line programs to progress your skilled improvement signifies you’re keen to work towards enchancment.

Irrespective of which of those solutions you share with the hiring crew, as long as you might be real in your method, they will be more than pleased that can assist you develop and exceed the expectations of the position.

Editor’s observe: This submit was initially printed in December 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.