Interview guide
How to answer "What is your greatest weakness?"
Everyone dreads it, and the classic dodge, "I work too hard," fools nobody. Interviewers ask this to see self awareness and whether you work on your gaps. The best answers name a real weakness that is not central to the job and show what you are doing about it.
The formula
- Name a real weakness, briefly.
- Give a quick example of how it showed up.
- Explain what you are doing to improve, and what has changed.
Example answers
- Delegating: I used to take on too much myself because it felt faster. On my last project I started handing off work earlier and setting short check ins, and the team delivered more than when I tried to do it all.
- Public speaking: I was uncomfortable presenting to large groups, so I started volunteering to run our team updates. I am much more comfortable now, though I still prepare a lot.
- Saying yes too often: I tended to agree to every request. I now check priorities with my manager before taking on new work, which has made my deadlines more reliable.
- Detail on long documents: I sometimes rushed the final review. I now build a review step into my schedule and use a checklist.
Weaknesses to avoid
- Anything that is the core of the job, like "numbers" for an analyst role.
- Fake weaknesses like perfectionism with no real example.
- "I do not have any weaknesses."
A little humor for the prep
If you need a laugh before the interview: our Interview Notes notebook asks the other classic, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Honestly? Probably still in this interview.
Need a laugh before the next application?Get professionally rejected with our free rejection letter generator, or enter the Worst Rejection Contest for a chance to see yours printed on a shirt.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to say perfectionism is my weakness?
Only with a specific, honest example and what you did about it. On its own, it sounds like a dodge.
How long should my answer be?
Three or four sentences. Name it, give an example, show progress.
Can I use the same weakness in every interview?
Yes, as long as it is not central to the role you are interviewing for.
