Course Content
50 Most Common Non-tech Job Interview Questions
About Lesson

What Are Your Weaknesses?

Interviewer: What are your weaknesses?

Candidate: One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes find it challenging to delegate tasks. I tend to take on too much responsibility myself because I want to ensure everything is done perfectly. For example, in a previous project, I took on a large portion of the work because I was worried that others might not meet the deadlines. This led to some stress on my part and a longer completion time for the project.

Interviewer: It’s good that you recognize that. How have you been working to improve this weakness?

Candidate: I’ve been actively working on improving my delegation skills. I’ve started to break down projects into smaller tasks and assign these tasks to team members according to their strengths. I also make sure to set clear expectations and check in regularly to offer support. This approach has helped me distribute the workload more evenly and improved our team’s efficiency.

Interviewer: That’s a constructive way to address a weakness. Can you give me another example of how you’ve worked on this?

Candidate: Sure. In my last role, I used a project management tool to track the progress of tasks and ensure everyone was on the same page. I also took a course on team management and learned techniques for effective delegation and team collaboration.

Interviewer: It sounds like you’ve been proactive about this. Are there any other weaknesses you’d like to mention?

Candidate: Another area I’m working on is my tendency to be a perfectionist. I sometimes focus too much on minor details at the expense of bigger priorities. I’m learning to balance attention to detail with meeting deadlines and ensuring that the project as a whole progresses smoothly.

Interviewer: Perfectionism can definitely be a double-edged sword. How are you managing that?

Candidate: I’ve been setting more realistic goals and focusing on the bigger picture. I’ve started to prioritize tasks based on their impact and importance, and I remind myself that sometimes “good enough” is better than spending excessive time perfecting every detail.

Interviewer: It’s great that you’re working on that. It sounds like you have a good approach to improving your weaknesses.

Candidate: Thank you! I believe that acknowledging and working on my weaknesses helps me grow both personally and professionally.


Tips for Answering “What Are Your Weaknesses?”

1. Be Honest but Selective

Tip: Choose a real weakness, but one that won’t undermine your ability to do the job.

Example:

“One of my weaknesses is my difficulty with delegation.”

Explanation: Being honest shows self-awareness, but choosing a manageable weakness ensures you don’t appear unfit for the role.

2. Show How You’re Working to Improve

Tip: Explain what steps you’re taking to overcome your weakness.

Example:

“I’m actively working on improving my delegation skills by breaking down tasks and using project management tools.”

Explanation: This shows that you’re proactive and committed to self-improvement.

3. Focus on Professional Weaknesses

Tip: Choose weaknesses that are related to your work skills or habits.

Example:

“I’m working on balancing attention to detail with meeting deadlines.”

Explanation: This ensures the weakness is relevant to the job and not a personal flaw.

4. Highlight Progress and Solutions

Tip: Emphasize the progress you’ve made and the solutions you’ve implemented.

Example:

“I’ve taken a course on team management and started using project management tools.”

Explanation: Demonstrating progress shows that you’re taking the initiative to improve.

5. Avoid Clichés

Tip: Avoid overused weaknesses like “I’m a perfectionist.”

Example:

“I tend to take on too much responsibility myself.”

Explanation: A unique and specific weakness feels more genuine and less rehearsed.

6. Balance Weaknesses with Strengths

Tip: Present your weakness as something you are actively improving while balancing it with your strengths.

Example:

“While I’m working on delegation skills, I’m also focusing on effective team collaboration.”

Explanation: Balancing shows that you have strengths to offset your weaknesses.

Quick Reference Table

Tip What to Do Example
Be Honest but Selective Choose a real but manageable weakness. “One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes struggle with delegation.”
Show How You’re Working to Improve Explain the steps you’re taking to overcome your weakness. “I’m improving my delegation skills by breaking down tasks and using project management tools.”
Focus on Professional Weaknesses Choose work-related weaknesses. “I’m working on balancing attention to detail with meeting deadlines.”
Highlight Progress and Solutions Emphasize the improvements you’ve made. “I’ve taken a course on team management and started using project management tools.”
Avoid Clichés Steer clear of overused weaknesses. “Instead of saying I’m a perfectionist, I mention my struggle with delegation.”
Balance Weaknesses with Strengths Present your weakness alongside your strengths. “I’m working on delegation while also focusing on effective team collaboration.”