How to Answer: What is your biggest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Department of Water Resources job interview.
2. What is your biggest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and how you identify your weaknesses and growth opportunities. They are also interested if you will overshare and offer them any red flags that would prove you to be more of a liability than an asset.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 12th, 2022
How to Answer
When discussing your weakness, your goal is to turn that weakness into a strength. Your greatest weakness as an asset in its own right. Think about self-assessments you may have done before previous performance reviews and see if any of those growth opportunities can be applied.
Remain professional and strategic in your answers. Don't highlight any tangible issues you've faced in the past, like being written up or given corrective action concerning attendance issues or issues with authority.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is not being able to say no. In the past, I've bitten off more than I can chew and struggled with how to communicate 'no' functionally. I wanted to be a can-do employee but would push myself to the limit. I've learned that not communicating what I can and can't do within my well-managed time can lead me to underperform. I am also my own worst critic. I rarely need to be disciplined because I am harder on myself than anyone else could be. Even though I am a perfectionist and give my all, sometimes I can push myself too hard. I've gotten a handle on this and on managing my time. I'm now striking a harmonious balance between the two."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 12th, 2022