I’ve been advised numerous instances that the toughest half about getting a job at my dream firm (Nickelodeon — spoiler alert, I obtained it!) is getting my foot within the door.
I refreshed my resume and practiced answering many common interview questions, together with “What’s your best weak spot?” This query by no means fails to journey me up, because it typically appears like a trick or check. I’m attempting to promote myself on the highest caliber, and also you need me to say what’s fallacious with me?
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The bottom line is discovering the right steadiness between with the ability to admit that nobody is ideal and never itemizing weaknesses that might stop you from succeeding on the function. Right here, I’ve cultivated some unbelievable solutions to “What’s your best weak spot?” — 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 spot?” need to understand how trustworthy and self-aware you’re.
Earlier than you reply, ask your self:
- What are my weaknesses?
- How did I discover this weak spot in myself?
- How did I react to that realization?
- What steps am I taking to note that behavior in the meanwhile?
- What am I doing to vary this conduct?
The most effective solutions to this query sincerely clarify a weak spot and supply an instance of how you’re actively working to enhance.
Professional tip: I additionally requested Nehal Patel, the director of analysis expertise 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 change into out there, or interpersonal expertise that may constantly advance as you’re employed with new individuals with totally different kinds.”
12 Greatest Weaknesses to Share With an Interviewer
- I’ve issue working with others.
- I could be disorganized.
- I’ve hassle delegating work.
- I’m timid when offering suggestions.
- I can come throughout as too blunt.
- I worry public talking.
- I battle with analyzing information.
- I’m indecisive.
- I’m a harsh self-critic.
- I’ve a micro-management model.
- I typically chat an excessive amount of with my colleagues.
- I’ve hassle sustaining a work-life steadiness.
Listed here are a few of my favourite examples of methods to reply “What’s your best weak spot?” and why they work.
1. I’ve issue working with others.
“I can battle when working with a crew — I’m extremely self-sufficient, so it‘s tough 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 spot by enrolling in team-building workshops. Whereas I sometimes work independently, I need to study to belief my coworkers and ask for outdoor assist when mandatory.”
This reply works as a result of the weak spot — the lack to work nicely with a crew — doesn‘t hinder your capability to carry out nicely within the function, 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 spot, which is a crucial office talent.
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2. I could be disorganized.
“I battle with group. Whereas it has but to influence my efficiency, I‘ve seen my messy desk and cluttered inbox intervene with my effectivity. Over time, I’ve discovered to put aside time to arrange my bodily and digital area, and I’ve seen it enhance my effectivity ranges all through the week.”
I’m the largest perpetrator of a messy workspace. This reply works as a result of it‘s a relatable and fixable weak spot. You be aware that disorganization doesn’t intervene together with your capability to do your job, which is crucial, however you additionally acknowledge it would make you much less environment friendly.
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3. I’ve hassle delegating work.
“I typically discover it tough to delegate accountability after I can end the duty nicely myself. Nevertheless, after I grew to become supervisor in my final function, it grew to become crucial I study to delegate duties to ease among the work off of my plate whereas permitting my direct stories to tackle extra accountability. To take care of a way of management when delegating duties, I applied a challenge administration system to supervise the progress of a challenge. This method enabled me to enhance my capability to delegate effectively.”
This reply works as a result of it suggests you are able to flexibility, which is crucial for long-term development. Moreover, you showcase a degree of initiative and management whenever you point out the profitable implementation of a brand new course of that enabled you to reach your previous function, regardless of your weak spot.
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4. I’m timid when offering suggestions.
“Usually, I could be timid when offering constructive suggestions to coworkers or managers, out of worry of injuring somebody‘s emotions. Nevertheless, in my final function, my coworker requested me to edit a few of his items and supply suggestions for areas of enchancment. Via my expertise with him, I noticed suggestions could be useful and sort when delivered accurately. Since then, I’ve change into 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 scholar, had the proper to supply detailed suggestions to knowledgeable author.
With time, I’ve discovered that constructive suggestions is at all times useful to individuals when offered respectfully, no matter their degree or expertise.
This reply works since you’ve defined how you possibly can flip a weak spot right into a energy 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 through the years as a crew supervisor, as a result of I can get issues finished effectively, and folks typically respect my honesty. Nevertheless, I’ve acknowledged my bluntness doesn’t at all times serve my workers nicely when delivering suggestions. To fight this, I’ve labored to develop empathy and deeper relationships with these I handle. Moreover, I took a web-based management administration course, and labored with the professor to develop my capability to ship suggestions.”
Aspects 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 lets you 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 attempting to resolve this situation.
It really works since you’re demonstrating a capability to acknowledge when your persona interferes with the features of your function, 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 necessary talent — particularly after I need to supply my opinion throughout a gathering. To fight this, I spoke with my supervisor and he or she advisable I communicate at every crew assembly for a couple of minutes about our challenge timeline, deadlines, and targets when growing a web site for a shopper. This observe 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 function, however which you nonetheless have been working to enhance. This works as a result of it exhibits your want to satisfy extra enterprise wants than mandatory in your present function — and that speaks to your skilled ambition.
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7. I battle with analyzing information.
“I‘m not nice at analyzing information or numbers. Nevertheless, I acknowledge this flaw can stop me from understanding how my content material performs on-line. In my final function, I arrange month-to-month conferences with the search engine optimization supervisor to debate analytics and the way our posts have been performing. Moreover, I obtained my Google Analytics certificates, and I make it a degree to research information associated to our weblog usually. I’ve change into way more snug analyzing information by way of these efforts.”
As somebody creative-minded, I additionally battle 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 vital a part of my job, although there are groups who particularly deal with that information.
I like this instance as a result of it exhibits your want to go above and past a job description and higher perceive the wants of the entire division, fairly than simply your function.
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8. I’m indecisive.
“Typically I battle 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 observe making selections within the warmth of the second. I am engaged on this by leaning extra into my expertise and training listening to my intestine.”
This job interview reply works since you display which you could each comply with a frontrunner and change into one your self. It‘s all proper to not know what to do within the second. Admitting that you simply relied on sturdy management exhibits that you realize when to step up and when to hunt route.
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9. I’m a harsh self-critic.
“My internal critic could be debilitating at instances. I take delight 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 internal voice by caring for myself earlier than and after work. I’m additionally studying to acknowledge when my internal critic is correct and after I must dismiss it.”
Your interviewer can possible relate to this weak spot; all of us have harsh internal critics (mine typically leaves me spiraling after sending any mildly assertive electronic mail or Slack).
It‘s additionally efficient as a result of 1) It exhibits that you simply’re keen to work in your weaknesses exterior of labor, not simply throughout enterprise hours, and a couple of) It demonstrates your internal critic could 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 may have that teaching and who doesn’t. I‘ve been studying books on efficient delegation and crew constructing to work on this shortcoming. One method that works for me is reassuring myself that if I set up clear expectations, my crew will heed them. I’ve additionally discovered to belief my crew members extra.”
This reply works greatest in case you’ve held a management place earlier than and are making use of for a managerial function.
When you could also be used to operating your crew or crew a selected approach, this means that you simply‘re keen to confess when your technique isn’t the simplest.
Displaying your flexibility demonstrates your capability 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 growing a relationship with my coworkers by participating in dialog, and that‘s an awesome team-building talent. Nevertheless, I habitually stick with it a dialog to a degree the place it might distract different coworkers. I’ve discovered since then that there are different methods to attach with my coworkers and that if I’m asking about their day, I must hold it temporary and redirect myself again to my work.”
Please rise up in case you additionally got here house with report playing cards in your faculty days stating, “[Name] is a superb scholar, however talks an excessive amount of in school,” and one way or the other nonetheless have that situation as an grownup!
This reply works as a result of it exhibits 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 carry my greatest 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 may seem to be a “energy” masquerading as a weak spot — pouring your self into work is nice, proper? Which means you’re keen on your job. However it’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 house 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 Widespread Interview Weaknesses
Want extra inspiration? Listed here are another frequent weaknesses you may take into account mentioning in a job interview.
“What Are Your Weaknesses?” Examples
Organizational Weaknesses:
- Battling time administration.
- Managing missed deadlines.
- Not with the ability to prioritize a number of duties at a time.
- Delaying duties unnecessarily.
High quality of Work Weaknesses:
- Having restricted expertise in a selected talent or specialization.
- Having hassle adapting to new processes or applied sciences.
- Striving for perfection.
- Discovering it laborious 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 Development 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.
Find out how to Establish Your Biggest Weak point
My high piece of recommendation for figuring out your best weak spot in an interview is that this: Reply actually however don’t threaten your likelihood at getting the job supply.
Right here’s methods to do exactly that.
1. Rule out any expertise which might be listed within the job description.
Scan each phrase of the job itemizing to make sure the weak spot 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 necessary qualification for the function, I wouldn’t have answered “What’s your best weak spot?” with “Speaking with colleagues of upper titles.”
2. Contemplate weaknesses that you’ve got overcome.
I spoke with Sneha Alagappan, the assistant director of laptop science profession providers on the University of Chicago and a former tech recruiter, and he or she talked about the thought of highlighting weaknesses that you simply’re already tackling:
“There’s at all times a optimistic option to spin potential errors and areas of alternative for your self by speaking about classes you’ve discovered alongside the best way and the way you may have already modified your approach of working transferring ahead.
[For example,] in case your weak spot is ‘group,’ give an instance of a time whenever you recognized your weaker group expertise and mirrored that it was holding you again indirectly, and the way you labored to beat that [weakness] transferring ahead.”
3. Discover inspiration by wanting by way of previous efficiency critiques.
In the event you’re combating a selected weak spot instance, learn by way of previous self-assessments and efficiency critiques. 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 determine your areas of alternative.”
Certainly one of my first efficiency critiques at Nickelodeon talked about I ought to communicate up extra throughout conferences. Since then, I’ve come to steer a number of bi-weekly and month-to-month conferences, which I did due to the encouragement from my supervisor.
Find out how to Reply “What Are Your Biggest Weaknesses?”
1. Be trustworthy and select an actual weak spot.
The reply, “I’m a perfectionist” received‘t reduce it as a result of it’s not an actual weak spot.
Perfectionism can by no means be attained — it is a fear-based sample that results in short-term rewards like getting the job finished early and exceeding expectations however can finally result in burnout.
As an alternative, select an actual weak spot. Beneath the will to do excellent work could lie a extra genuine weak spot like hassle asking for assist or reluctance to delegate.
2. Present an instance of how you have labored to enhance your weak spot or study a brand new talent 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 individuals with their very own shortcomings, too.”
Everybody has areas they need to constantly 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 pals. This can be a relatable weak spot in each work and life. Demonstrating your self-awareness this fashion exhibits that you simply perceive that self-improvement correlates to work efficiency.
4. Consider the place you’d prefer to be and what assist you could get there.
General, development is part of life. Take into consideration individuals you look as much as which may be associated to the sector that you simply’re in. Ask your self what character traits these individuals have and what work you may 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 otherwise.
5. Do not be smug or underestimate your self.
A very powerful factor when responding to the query “What’s your best weak spot?” is to exhibit confidence in your reply. Fortunately, confidence could be discovered — it begins with being trustworthy with your self and figuring out you’re being truthful in what you say.
In the event you‘ve recognized an space of weak spot and really feel positive 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 battle with that you simply’re working to refine.
5 Suggestions for Speaking About Weaknesses in Job Interviews
Now that you realize the simplest solutions and greatest practices for selecting a weak spot, it’s time for the true check: delivering the reply to the interviewer.
This doesn’t need to be panic-inducing — I prefer to think about speaking by way of this query with my greatest buddy.
Listed here are 5 suggestions I comply with to get rid of among the worry:
- Follow your reply beforehand. I want training interview questions like this one with pals so I can obtain stay suggestions, however training aloud to your self in a mirror could be equally efficient.
- Look the interviewer within the eye and challenge confidence. I can relate to how tough it’s to really feel safe whereas discussing your weaknesses. I handle this by not essentially being assured in my weak spot, however assured in my conveyance of stated weak spot.
- Be temporary and to the purpose. I sometimes put together a response between thirty seconds and one minute lengthy. The primary assertion ought to immediately state your weak spot, and the remainder of the reply ought to spotlight the way you’re overcoming it.
- Perceive the interviewer’s aim. The “What’s your best weak spot?” query isn’t meant to disqualify you. It’s simply one other approach for interviewers to study your comfortable private {and professional} attributes.
- Showcase your persona whereas holding 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.
Be aware: The following pointers additionally apply to different frequent interview questions like “How do you deal with battle?” or “What motivates you?” So, make sure to plan accordingly. Don’t be concerned, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions for straightforward prepping).
There’s Power in Each Weak point
I’m human, too — and it has at all times been tough for me to vocalize my weaknesses in an interview setting the place I already really feel my most susceptible. However I’ve discovered that each weak spot additionally has a energy on its flipside.
Leaning in your teammates who excel in your weak areas is an effective way to indicate that you simply‘ll work nicely on the crew and know methods to use your assets to resolve 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’re real in your method, they will be more than pleased that will help you develop and exceed the expectations of the function.
Editor’s be aware: This publish was initially printed in December 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
