How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Apple job interview.
6. What is your greatest weakness?
The Goal
This question will indicate what kind of professional you are and whether you take ownership of your development. You want to come across as the type of person who performs self-assessments, seeks feedback, and seizes every opportunity to learn and grow. That will allow them to assess your level of self-awareness and whether you're open and honest about your shortcomings and growth opportunities or if you allow your shortcomings to control you and impact your performance.
There's an expression that says, 'No one can hold over you what you already own.' Take ownership of your growth opportunities. If you can, volunteer a shortcoming that benefits the greater good, such as helping out the others on your team while sacrificing your work priorities. Go deep in a way that exhibits your values and integrity. A well-intentioned shortcoming, or a growth opportunity you've self-identified that is integral to your career goals, would be a good example.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2022
What You Need to Know
You want to seem in control of your development and emotions. Try to come across as relaxed as possible, speaking in a level yet enthusiastic tone. Maintain eye contact with your computer camera, and smile softly. Avoid looking at yourself on the screen; the computer's algorithm could misinterpret that as looking down, a sign of a lack of confidence or shame. Confidence, poise, and nature are the demeanor you want to strike.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say my sense of empathy. In the past, when I've noticed a member of the team or a coworker suffering and going through something, I'd stop everything to help them. In the past, I'd let those good intentions impact the quality of my work by confusing these priorities. I've always been hypersensitive to other people's needs and place a lot of value on promoting harmony. My weakness was not being able to strike a balance, but I am very aware of this and have improved on maintaining my focus on the big picture."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2022