What area would you like to improve upon?
This question is similar to the 'what is your greatest weakness' question. The interviewer wants to see what skill you think could improve and what steps you are taking to make it a strength. You want to describe an area of improvement that is work-related but won't disqualify you as a candidate. For example, working for the CIA requires you to work well under pressure, have good interpersonal skills, be intuitive, and be discreet. If you say that you have trouble keeping secrets, which is a major part of your job role, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate.
You want to avoid describing an area of personal improvement, such as wanting to improve your golf game or cooking skills. The interviewer is only interested in areas of improvement on a professional level. When you identify an area that you could improve upon, it shows the interviewer you are self-aware of your faults and that you set goals and are motivated to grow.
"An area I would like to improve is to become better at speaking Mandarin. I learned Mandarin while living in China but never became fluent. My goal by the end of the year is to read and write fluently. I have signed up with a tutor who assured me I will be more than competent speaking and writing Mandarin before the end of the year."
"One area I have identified that I could improve is reading body language. I am an intuitive person and know when something does not seem right with someone, but I want to understand the clues related to their body language. I signed up for a body language training course that will enable me to develop the ability to interpret other people's body language and manage my body's communication to others."
Unlock all 35 CIA questions
Prepare for rigorous screening with answers from intelligence sector professionals.
Get Started