What would you consider your greatest weakness?

Question

Kevin Downey · Accepted Answer

"I can be too hard on myself when it comes to making mistakes. One day, my boss expressed that I needed to go easier on myself. They observed that when I was hard on myself, I'd start tripping over my own feet and be prone to making more mistakes. They helped me create systems and implement them to ensure my work was of the highest quality and mistake-free. That gave me the confidence I needed to be better at my job, and as a result, I'm much easier on myself these days when the rare mistake happens."

Kevin Downey · Answer

This question evaluates your emotional maturity by looking for signs of defensiveness or stress behavior. How you answer will offer insight into your self-awareness and whether you identify your weaknesses and growth opportunities. Frame your greatest weakness as an asset in its own right while being open and honest about your shortcomings. Convey that you actively pursue professional self-growth. As they state on their site, "Have fortitude. Have a fierce resolve in everything you do. Demonstrate determination, resiliency, and tenacity. Do not let temporary setbacks become permanent excuses. Use mistakes and problems as opportunities to get better, not reasons to quit."

Kevin Downey · Answer

Once a question is posed, you'll be allowed roughly 20-30 seconds per question to formulate your response. You're allowed up to three minutes to record each answer. There are no retakes. You get only one opportunity to record your answers. Some questions may take longer to answer than others, but only take as much time as you need. Don't try to run out the clock or allow it to cut you off. Be as succinct as possible.

Anonymous User · Answer

"I can be a perfectionist at times. I like to get things done the right way and not always does that happen. When I worked at my last position in healthcare, I had been precepted by fellow techs. I watched as I learned, and asked questions, but was anxious during my first attempts at taking vitals on patients and helping with toileting. I was told just relax and to rest assured to trust the learning curve."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Sometimes I can be too hard on myself. I find myself overly critical when I make mistakes or fall short of my expectations and this self-imposed pressure can sometimes hinder my productivity and creativity, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt.
However, I'm actively working on improving this aspect of myself. One of the strategies I've been implementing is practicing self-compassion. I'm learning to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.
Additionally, I'm making a conscious effort to reframe how I perceive setbacks or mistakes. Instead of seeing them as failures, I view them as valuable learning experiences that help me grow and improve. This mindset shift has been instrumental in reducing the harsh self-criticism that has held me back in the past."

What would you consider your greatest weakness?

How to Answer: What would you consider your greatest weakness?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a JPMorgan Chase job interview.

3. What would you consider your greatest weakness?

The Goal

What You Need to Know

Experienced Example

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback