How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Boeing job interview.
18. What is your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to gauge whether being asked to share your weaknesses triggers stress, which will help them determine if you take ownership of, and are proactively working on them, versus resisting admitting to them, or dodging the question, out of fear of being exposed. How you answer will potentially inform them of whether you would prove to be an asset or a liability. "We are driving personal accountability to ensure quality in everything we do and in everything we deliver. Delivering quality with a focus on integrity, safety and sustainability is fundamental to our mission."
Written by Kevin Downey on November 17th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue describes a person with an intermediate skill level or above as someone who holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations needing adjustments, and mistakes. They also describe an expert as someone who holds themself and others accountable, and who considers areas where there is room for improvement as a growth opportunity rather than a weakness or debilitation. Someone who takes ownership of a growth opportunity isn't afraid to share it, which in itself is a show of strength.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
The assessment vendor will screen you on your non-verbal cues, facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, tells and posture, and the nuances of tone and choice of words. So practice and meditate on remaining calm and emotionally stable as you answer each question. You want to convey how effectively you manage your stress and are rarely governed by your emotions. Focus on the pride of that moment and let your confidence and emotional maturity shine. Remember, Boeing frequently uses the words transparency, stability, and strength when describing their people.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I struggle to recover from interruptions or task switching. I get pretty enthusiastic about my work as soon as I get my momentum and rhythm going. But when that wrench gets thrown into my plans, I have to work hard to build up that momentum and productivity again. I can be a bit hard on myself and frustrated as well. But I am working hard on not being so frustrated when such situations arise, and constantly trying to innovate new ways to build up that momentum again, but better, stronger, and faster than before."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023