What are your weaknesses?
TIPS TO PREPARE
TOP ANSWERS
OUR COACH SAYS
Even though the recruiters at Boeing are looking for excellence, they know you're not perfect. To successfully answer this question, you will need to be strategic! First, think of an area where you can improve. For example, maybe you could do a better job of taking the initiative to solve problems before they become an issue. Even though it may feel vulnerable to share a weakness, your self-awareness is a strength! Your insight that you know you need to grow in this area shows the interviewer that you know you have room for improvement and that you have a desire to grow. Now, think about how you can explain what you're doing to improve. Don't be hard on yourself! You can refine if you work at it! Show that you are proactive in growing and learning from your weaknesses!
Example #1
"I tend to be a perfectionist, which means I can often get caught up in the details and get behind on deadlines. I am working on creating a better infrastructure for my days, setting reasonable goals and planning. This method has helped me to manage my time and not lose time striving for impossible perfection."
Anonymous Answer
"In the past, I have had an issue with time management. I went on a management course where I learned about the Eisenhower matrix. I use this method together with my mobile phone time management app to improve my time management."
Lauren's Reply
Great response! Your experience with training courses makes you a stand out candidate. All the trainings you have attended should be reflected on your resume. Be ready to name another weakness in the event you are asked in an interview.
Lauren's Reply
"In the past, I struggled with time management. When I notice deficits, I try to better myself through continued education and training. I took a Management course that introduced me to the Eisenhower Matrix, which was very helpful and I use on a daily basis along with a mobile time management app. I took the necessary steps to better that particular weakness."
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Anonymous Answer
"I'm too focused and independent in problem-solving and sometimes find it difficult to ask for help, especially when I feel I can finish the task myself. I have worked on overcoming this weakness by implementing project management techniques that help me connect with other experts and team members when help is needed."
Rachelle's Reply
Very well said. This question can be tough to answer, but you have done this seamlessly. You show what you are doing to improve, and the weakness you provide is not a core skill for the job at hand.
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Anonymous Answer
"Spelling. Spelling is not a skill that comes easily. As I'm looking for a position in Aerospace, I have also become aware that my writing skills could be sharpened. I have already enrolled in an online college course for business writing. It is important to me when I'm aware of my weaknesses that I find a way to better myself."
Rachelle's Reply
Being aware and then taking action steps is precisely what the interviewer will want to see in your response. The approach you take is good, so long as spelling and writing are not critical skills for this role with Boeing. If that's the case, you may want to highlight another area for improvement.
Rachelle's Reply
"My spelling and writing skills could be sharpened. I have already enrolled in an online college course in business writing. It is important to me when I'm aware of my weaknesses and that I find a way to improve."
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Anonymous Answer
"I am very hard on myself. If I mess up or do not do something correctly I will get on myself. I feel this is from when I pushed myself so hard in sports to strive to be as good as I possibly could. I am trying to stop this as I know it is human nature to make mistakes and that if I do make a mistake my colleagues and employers are there to help me."
Rachelle's Reply
It's good that you have shown what you are doing to move away from this weakness.
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Anonymous Answer
"I tell bad jokes when I'm nervous.
I have gone through phrases of being too self-critical and a bit sarcastic, this I've realized doesn't help me with my confidence or the people around me. And now value an optimistic outlook and have surprised myself on what I can do, but at the same time still work hard not to be complacent and strive for perfectionism but not necessarily reaching it."
Kristine's Reply
Good answer! The interviewer will appreciate your honesty and explanation of how you have worked to improve yourself. I reworded your response to assist with clarity.
Kristine's Reply
"Sometimes I tell sarcastic jokes when I'm feeling nervous or self-critical. However, I've realized this reaction doesn't help my confidence or the confidence of the people around me. Now I value an optimistic outlook and have been surprised by the difference it makes to respond with optimism instead of sarcasm. It's helped me achieve more goals."
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