How to Answer: What are your weaknesses?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a RSM job interview.
23. What are your weaknesses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Consider offering those growth opportunities you are already actively working on. It is even better if you can offer a strength as a weakness. Being a perfectionist is a strength but can also be a weakness if it interferes with your time management. When trying to think of what to volunteer as a weakness, look through your previous performance reviews and see what it says there. Also, explore Cappfinity's brochure on Strengths Profiles on The World's Strengths for ideas, especially since they list the most common weaknesses of each of the five strengths families.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 10th, 2023
What You Need to Know
When sharing your self-perceived weaknesses, the more ownership you take, the more emotionally intelligent you will seem. Someone who is hesitant to volunteer their weaknesses, fearing they'll be exposed or exploited, may be less likely to take ownership or grow professionally. However, someone who is hesitant to volunteer their weaknesses out of a fear of seeming weak may be perceived as having less mastery of their emotions. By constantly developing yourself professionally and taking ownership of your growth opportunities, you'll seem more driven. This showcases not your weaknesses but your strengths. No one can hold over you what you already own. As RSM advertises on their career site, "There's no one like you, and that's why there's nowhere like RSM. Our people are empowered to make an impact, to own their career, and to achieve their personal and professional aspirations."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 10th, 2023
Tips
RSM's recruiters suggest you set your computer up in "a quiet place with limited disruptions and natural lighting." You'll want as little background noise as possible. Also, when discussing your weaknesses, make sure your camera angle is at eye level. Positioning it too high may make you seem small, whereas setting it too high may make you seem domineering. Also, be mindful of your facial expressions. Avoid furrowing your brow while concentrating. You want to make sure you are comfortable in every way and come across as 'at ease.'
Written by Kevin Downey on April 10th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I'd say one of my weaknesses is that I try too hard to be there for my clients in a bind and work super hard to rescue them. I am aware of this and have gotten stronger at reiterating the training I have provided for them to use the tools to remedy these issues more swiftly on their own. I have improved quite a bit but have a little further to go before it becomes habitual."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 10th, 2023