How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an FBI job interview.
7. What is your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Preparing for this question requires self-awareness and strategy. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Focus on a weakness that you could turn into a strength or share something you are taking action to improve, choosing a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. Be sure to have an action plan to improve on this weakness and mention it in your response.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Written by Krista Wenz on April 24th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Instead of spending a lot of time focusing on your weakness, focus on how you will turn that weakness into a strength. A positive ending will stand out to the interviewer more than focusing solely on your weakness, and it shows the interviewer that you have goals to improve yourself.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 24th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid describing a weakness and not having a plan to improve. If you have no plan, the interviewer will think you lack the drive and motivation to succeed and think you are complacent and tolerate mediocrity. Those are not common traits for a Special Agent, so they will most likely pass you over for another candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 24th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to choose a weakness that is not a core skill for the position and could preclude the interviewer from hiring you. For example, suppose your weakness is your temper, and the bureau wants a Special Agent who is calm, cool, and collected at all times. While you could take anger management classes and work with a therapist to address your temper, the interviewer might believe it will take a long time to correct and think you could potentially be a liability for the bureau if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 24th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I believe I could improve some of my technical skills, including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently, I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after I complete that course."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 24th, 2022
Experienced Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's a truthful answer to an honest question. My weakness is not effectively delegating. I know what needs doing and how I want it done, so my sense of urgency compels me to more often to do it myself, rather than take pause and thoroughly explain why the task is important as well as why it has to be done the right way. However, I recognize that this sense of urgency and my compulsion to spring into action takes more time than slowing down. In this regard, I can be my own worst enemy. I've recently recruited help from my teammates and superiors to call me out on the behavior. By correcting me at the moment, I am able to pause and move in the right direction."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 18th, 2022
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