“What is your greatest weakness?” is one of the most common interview questions recruiters use to evaluate your self-awareness.
Answering it strategically allows you to demonstrate honesty about your development areas and commitment to continuous improvement.
In this article, we cover the basics, including honest weaknesses to say in an interview, examples of strong responses, and practical interview preparation tips.
Key Takeaways
Interviewers ask “What is your weakness?” not to catch you off guard, but to gauge your self-awareness, honesty, and capacity for growth.
Some honest weaknesses that you can mention in an interview include struggling with specific software, speaking in large groups, and juggling multiple tasks.
The best answer to “What is your weakness?” is one that is genuine but does not directly contradict your job.
Practicing your answers and preparing multiple interview weakness examples will help you respond confidently in an interview.
Why Do Employers Ask About Your Weaknesses at Interviews?
Employers ask about your weaknesses at interviews to assess your self-awareness, honesty, and capacity for growth. Recognizing your own limitations and actively working on overcoming them demonstrates emotional intelligence, which is a highly valued trait in the workplace.
Research has found that emotional intelligence contributes to 58% of overall job performance, and 90% of top performers demonstrate high emotional intelligence. Therefore, employers use “What is your greatest weakness?” question to evaluate your emotional intelligence. As a matter of fact, companies that prioritize emotional intelligence when hiring are 22x more likely to outperform competitors.
Besides evaluating emotional intelligence, employers use the weakness question to understand a candidate’s approach to problem-solving. It highlights whether you can identify challenges early, acknowledge areas requiring improvement, and take initiative in addressing them. This perspective allows employers to assess overall performance beyond technical expertise.
Cultural Differences in Answering “What Is Your Weakness?”
Cultural differences can also impact how this question is perceived and answered, and it is important to understand the context of the interview to respond to “What is your greatest weakness?” appropriately.
The table below shows common expectations in different regions of the world and best approach in answering the question about your weaknesses:
Region | Common Expectation | Best Approach |
US | Focus on self-improvement | Turn weakness into a growth story Highlight individual achievements |
Europe | Genuine vulnerability | Show collaboration & improvement |
Asia | Humility & learning | Emphasize continuous learning |
How Can You Choose the Right Weakness to Mention?
To choose the right weakness to mention in your interview, keep the following in mind:
Avoid Deal-Breakers
Avoiding deal-breakers means never mentioning weaknesses that directly contradict what the job requires. For instance, if you are applying for a customer service role, you should never state that you struggle with communication.
Saying that you are often late can be damaging if punctuality is essential. Similarly, admitting that you have difficulties meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment or that you are not a team player for a collaborative position can immediately create doubts and hurt your chances.
In addition, you should avoid mentioning challenges with basic professional expectations, like critical thinking, following instructions, or maintaining confidentiality. These are considered fundamental qualities, and admitting difficulties with them can make you seem unfit for the role.
Pick Something Genuine, but Not Fatal for the Role
Your answer to "What is your weakness?" should address a trait you are actively working to improve that does not prevent you from succeeding in the desired position.
For example, difficulty with public speaking is acceptable if the role does not require frequent presentations. Similarly, needing extra time to learn how to use new software can work if the position provides software skills training and is not entirely centered around said software.
The key is to focus on your awareness of the weakness and show that you have taken steps to address it and made measurable progress.
Acceptable vs. Fatal Weaknesses
Not all weaknesses are equal. While some show self-awareness and growth potential, others raise red flags.
Follow the table below to see examples of which weaknesses are safe to mention—and which ones can instantly hurt your chances.
Acceptable Weakness | Why It Works | Fatal Weakness | Why to Avoid |
Public speaking nerves | Shows growth potential | Poor communication | Contradicts most jobs |
Learning new tools slower | Can be improved with training | Missing deadlines | Signals unreliability |
How Should You Structure Your Answer?
Here is how you should structure your answer to “What is your greatest weakness?”:
#1. State the Weakness Clearly
Your weakness should be stated clearly right away, as vague language might make you seem dishonest. Instead, use a straightforward statement such as, “I have struggled with presenting in front of larger groups.” In line with the top interview tips, this demonstrates self-awareness and sets a clear foundation for your structured response.
#2. Provide a Short Context
To provide a short context, briefly explain when or how your weakness has manifested; avoid over-explaining or providing emotional details that might make the interviewer uncomfortable.
For example, you might say, “In my previous role, I often felt nervous delivering presentations to the whole team, which sometimes affected my confidence and clarity.” This way, interviewers can gain insight into your reflection and situational awareness without perceiving your explanation as making excuses.
#3. Explain What You’ve Done to Improve
Your response should detail the specific steps you have taken to address your weakness. This might include taking courses, reading relevant books, adopting new systems, or making behavioral changes. For instance, you could say, “I joined Toastmasters and began volunteering to present in smaller team meetings to build my confidence.”
Ensure your efforts are ongoing rather than one-time events. Instead of saying "I took a public speaking course," try "I enrolled in Toastmasters six months ago and have been practicing speeches monthly." This shows sustained commitment to growth rather than a quick-fix attempt.
#4. Show Your Current Progress
To show your current progress, provide measurable or observable improvement with metrics or outcomes, like “I now lead team presentations with confidence and have received positive feedback from my manager on my delivery and clarity.” By doing so, you reassure interviewers that you are actively developing and that the weakness will not affect your performance.
The best progress indicators combine quantitative and qualitative evidence. You might share a metric like "I reduced my project completion time by 15% after using delegation practices" alongside feedback like "my team members have mentioned feeling more empowered and skilled after taking on additional responsibilities."
#5. Link Back to the Role
Connect your improvement to the position you are applying for. You should explain why this weakness will not hold you back and why it may even enhance your contribution. For example, “Learning to overcome my presentation anxiety has made me more confident when delivering client-facing presentations, which I understand is a key responsibility in this role.”
15 Sample Answers for “What is Your Greatest Weakness?”
Below are 15 greatest weakness examples with answers to help you prepare your own response:
#1. Time Management
I used to struggle with time management, often underestimating how long tasks would take and missing deadlines. So, I started using time-blocking techniques to manage my time better.
Over the past year, I have improved my deadline adherence by 95% and reduced last-minute stress significantly. My new structured approach to time management will be especially valuable in this role's project-driven environment.
#2. Sensitivity
I can be overly sensitive to feedback, taking criticism personally rather than professionally. This sometimes caused me to feel discouraged after performance reviews, but I have worked with a mentor to reframe feedback as growth opportunities.
Now, I actively seek feedback and have received praise from supervisors for my receptiveness, which has also made me better at giving supportive feedback to others.
#3. Impatience
I tend to be impatient when processes move slowly or when I am waiting for input from others. As a result, I previously took on too much work independently rather than collaborating, but in the meantime, I have learned to rechannel my focus into project planning.
I now send regular check-ins and create buffer time in schedules. My team has noted that I keep projects on track while remaining patient. This ensures I can keep projects moving forward smoothly, which is valuable in this role.
#4. Shyness
I am a naturally shy person, especially in larger groups. I recognized this was limiting my impact and enrolled in a communication skills workshop. I also started preparing talking points before meetings and volunteering for smaller presentation opportunities.
I have now presented to groups of 50+ people and regularly contribute to brainstorming sessions. This has helped me confidently share ideas, which will allow me to contribute fully in this position.
#5. Software/Tool
I am proficient in basic Excel functions but lack advanced software skills, such as pivot tables and complex formulas, and this slowed down my tasks significantly. Due to this, I decided to complete an Excel certification course and practiced using new functions weekly.
I can now create data models that have reduced my reporting time by 60%, and I can apply these enhanced analytical skills directly to this role's data-heavy requirements.
#6. Procrastination
I tend to put off challenging tasks, which can create stress near deadlines. So, I implemented the Pomodoro Technique and broke large projects into manageable tasks with deadlines.
I also made it a habit to schedule challenging work during my peak energy hours. My on-time completion rate has improved from 70% to 90%, and the quality of my work has increased. This improved discipline ensures I will deliver high-quality results here as well.
#7. Inability to Delegate
Sometimes I find it challenging to delegate tasks and usually prefer to handle them myself. I learned that this was not the most effective approach, so I started trusting my team by assigning responsibilities clearly and checking in periodically.
I have successfully delegated 40% of my previous workload while maintaining quality standards. This improved collaboration and allowed me to focus on higher-priority work.
#8. Avoiding Confrontation
I often avoid difficult conversations, hoping problems will resolve themselves. This can allow small issues to escalate and affect team dynamics. To address this, I am developing my conflict resolution skills through training.
I now schedule regular one-on-ones to address concerns early on and have successfully mediated several team conflicts. My manager has noted my improved ability to handle challenging situations professionally, so I believe these skills will allow me to contribute to another positive and solution-focused workplace.
#9. Self-Criticism
I tend to be overly critical of my work, sometimes spending too much time perfecting minor details. However, I have learned to distinguish high-impact improvements from perfectionist tendencies by seeking feedback earlier and setting ‘good enough’ benchmarks.
This balance has improved both my efficiency and team collaboration, and it also ensures I can deliver high-quality results on time.
#10. Technical Jargon Communication
I often use too much technical language when explaining concepts to non-technical stakeholders. I realized this was hindering cross-departmental collaboration, so I practiced explaining complex ideas using analogies and visual aids.
Thanks to that, cross-functional project completion rates improved by 10%. Clear communication of complex ideas will be especially valuable in supporting cross-departmental projects in this position.
#11. Networking
I find professional networking events awkward and usually avoid them, which limits my industry connections and awareness of best practices. Therefore, I started attending one industry event monthly.
Since then, I have built a network of 50+ relevant contacts and have brought three innovative ideas from external sources to my current role. Expanding my network in this way will help me bring fresh insights and connections to this role as well.
#12. Overcommitment to Multiple Projects
I tend to accept too many projects simultaneously because I am eager to contribute. This often leads to me spreading myself thin and occasionally delivering work that do not meet my usual standards.
I recognized this was unsustainable and learned to use priority matrices to limit myself to three major projects. My project quality scores have now increased by 20%. I have also become better at setting boundaries while remaining a reliable team member.
#13. Analysis Paralysis in Decision-Making
I tend to research extensively but struggle to make timely choices. To manage this, I use frameworks like pros-and-cons matrices and set specific deadlines for analysis phases.
I also learned to distinguish between reversible and irreversible decisions, acting faster on the former. My decision-making speed has improved by 60% while maintaining quality, and my team now views me as more decisive, a crucial trait for this position.
#14. Limited Experience with Cross-Cultural Communication
I sometimes rely too heavily on my native communication patterns without fully considering cultural nuances, which can lead to misunderstandings. So, I began studying different business etiquette across cultures and adapted my directness levels based on cultural context.
My client satisfaction scores from international projects have improved by 35%, and I now serve as our team's go-to person for culturally diverse client relationships.
#15. Presentation Design Skills
While I am comfortable with the delivery of presentations, I struggle with creating visually appealing slide designs that enhance my message rather than distract from it. Often, my presentations look basic compared to those of my colleagues, which can sometimes undermine the impact of strong content.
I invested time in learning graphic design skills and created templates for different presentation types. I also sought feedback from our marketing team on visual best practices. My presentation effectiveness ratings have improved by 30%, and I believe my improvements will enhance this role's client-facing responsibilities.
3 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Talking About Weaknesses
Avoid these three common mistakes when talking about your weaknesses in an interview:
#1. Turning Strengths Into Fake Weaknesses
Turning strengths into fake weaknesses with the classic “I work too hard” or “I care too much about quality” responses immediately signals insincerity. They are pseudo-weaknesses that suggest a lack of self-awareness or that you are not taking the question seriously.
By the same token, avoid saying “I’m too much of a perfectionist” without providing genuine context about how it creates real challenges. It is likely that your interviewer has heard this countless times and will see through it immediately.
#2. Over-Sharing Personal Issues
Over-sharing personal issues can make interviewers uncomfortable while raising concerns about professional boundaries and your communication skills. Although it may seem like a good idea because authenticity is important, remember that the interview is not a therapy session. You should keep your response focused on work-related soft and hard skills or habits.
#3. Sounding Defensive or Blaming Others
Sounding defensive or blaming others can undermine your answer. For example, saying “I miss deadlines because my team did not provide the data on time” shifts responsibility away from you and raises concerns about accountability.
You should avoid statements such as “My previous manager never taught me” or “The company did not provide proper training.” Instead, focus on your own role in the challenge and highlight the steps you are taking to address the issue. This demonstrates your emotional maturity, personal responsibility, and a proactive approach to growth.
How to Prepare Your Answer About Weaknesses in Advance: 3 Tips
Here are three tips to help you prepare your answer to “What is your weakness?” in advance:
Practice with a mock interview. You should rehearse out loud multiple times and with a partner, if possible; this is one of the most effective job interview tips for staying confident, even under pressure. Also, remember to focus on natural transitions between the five components of your answer.
Keep your answer between 60 and 90 seconds. This way, you can provide sufficient detail without losing the interviewer's attention. Time yourself during practice sessions and remove any unnecessary words or phrases. A concise response will also help demonstrate your respect for the interviewer's time.
Prepare 2-3 different weakness examples. Even though you may want just one best answer to “What is your weakness?”, it helps to have a few ready. Having options allows you to adapt your response if the interviewer asks follow-up questions or if you realize during the interview that the weakness you have initially chosen does not fit the company culture.
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Resume.co’s resume builder will help you ace your next application!Closing Thoughts
Understanding how to answer the common interview question, “What is your greatest weakness?” effectively allows you to present yourself as self-aware, proactive, and committed to growth, which are all skills employers look for.
By selecting genuine areas for improvement and demonstrating clear steps being taken to address them, you can turn a potentially difficult question into an opportunity to reinforce your suitability for the role.
Also, do not forget to practice your answers and prepare multiple examples to ensure you can respond confidently and minimize your interview anxiety.
What is Your Weakness FAQs
#1. How to know which weakness to talk about?
To know which weakness to talk about in an interview, think about the role and areas where you have made measurable improvements. If you are a fresher, the best answer to “What is your weakness?” in an interview could be a skill you are actively developing, such as project management, and explain the steps you are taking to improve.
#2. Can you use the weakness interview question to talk about growth?
Yes, you can use the weakness interview question to talk about growth. Outline the specific steps you have taken to improve like upskilling and reskilling, share the progress made, and explain how the process has made you more self-aware and more effective in your work.
#3. How can I prove that I’m working on my weakness in an interview?
You can prove that you are working on your weakness in an interview by giving concrete examples tied to your improvement. If networking skills are your weakness, mention attending networking events, joining professional groups, and practicing meaningful conversations to build confidence.
