How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nike job interview.
17. What is your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Nike describes itself as "a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it." It offers the following advice: "Consider Implications. Have I considered how this decision might affect others? Accept Responsibility. Have I considered how this decision will look to others and how I would feel if it were to be made public?"
Written by Samantha Brown on October 23rd, 2023
What You Need to Know
According to HireVue's experience level grading, someone with an intermediate skill level or above, in any particular category, is someone who holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations needing adjustments, and mistakes. Whereas someone who is more experienced considers areas where there is room for improvement as a growth opportunity rather than a weakness or debilitation. HireVue goes on to state, someone who takes ownership of a growth opportunity isn't afraid to share it, which in itself is a show of strength.
Written by Samantha Brown on October 23rd, 2023
How to Answer
Someone who takes ownership of their development will have no issues admitting to their weaknesses, as they've likely already identified them as growth opportunities. Whereas someone who is less experienced doesn't take ownership of their development and growth opportunities, would be more likely to fear revealing signs of weakness, and would be more likely to allow such weaknesses to negatively impact their performance. Consider this when formulating your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'd say one of my greatest weaknesses is how hard I push myself to succeed. I am very growth driven and ambitious to learn more and take on more responsibility. But in several ways in the past, this strength has also been a weakness. Before, I took on more responsibility than I could handle, so I learned. Then I pushed myself to accomplish too much in too short a time frame, but now I pace myself. When I didn't meet my own expectations, I would be hard on myself which caused me to then second guess myself and trip over my own feet. But now I have more control over my responses and examine each situation more analytically and learn what I can to shore up my success moving forward."
Written by Samantha Brown on October 23rd, 2023