What is your greatest weakness?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Many job seekers dread the question about their greatest weakness. It's understandable to feel uneasy about discussing a potentially negative aspect of yourself during an interview. However, the interviewer is not asking this question to catch you off guard or make you uncomfortable. They are trying to gauge your self-awareness and willingness to improve. Don't fear this question - embrace it as an opportunity to showcase your strengths and desire to learn. By acknowledging a weakness and discussing steps you've taken to address it, you demonstrate your ability to take constructive criticism and your commitment to personal and professional growth.

When describing your greatest weakness in your interview, it's important to focus on how you're actively working to improve in that area. Instead of admitting a flaw, talk about how you've recognized it and taken steps to address it. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to learn and grow, which can be seen as strengths by the interviewer. Additionally, try to frame the weakness in a way that isn't directly related to the job requirements but still shows a relevant skill or trait you're working on. Overall, the key is being honest and transparent while demonstrating your commitment to self-improvement. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest and greatest book on the subject, or taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!

"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is having difficulty delegating. I know what I want and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I cannot take on every step of a project; I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report, let go of the control and know it will be taken care of. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where he can call me out on the behavior since I'm often unaware of it. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."

"As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of self-evaluation to enhance my skills. I acknowledge that managing stress is an area where I can grow. However, I can remain composed and focused in high-pressure situations. Coping with the emotional demands of healthcare can be challenging, but I am actively working on improving my self-care practices and seeking support from my therapist when needed. I started a twice-weekly yoga practice with my best friend and weekly massages, which have drastically helped reduce my stress levels."

Anonymous Answer

"I used to be quite a perfectionist when I started out in my training. Thankfully as I've matured throughout my career I have learned the benefit of delegating to others to prevent myself from becoming burnout."

Stephanie's Feedback

You definitely want to share a weakness that could dual as a strength, but perfectionism is often a bit overused. Is there another area that you could share to show your growth areas, while also pitching your strengths to this prospective future employer?