How to Answer: What are your weaknesses?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Southwest Airlines job interview.
30. What are your weaknesses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interview questions are more than just words - they're designed to provide insights into your worldview, performance, habits, and experience. So, when asked about weaknesses, remember that your answer stands to reveal your self-awareness, honesty, and growth potential. Are you open about your shortcomings, framing them as opportunities? Do you speak with confidence, aligning your strengths and weaknesses with the company's culture? Craft your answer to showcase your ability to self-reflect, embrace challenges, and contribute to the team.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 14th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Southwest Airlines advertises that they are interested in hiring and developing the right talent, those who will contribute to their mission and purpose. Those who are the right fit for their culture. So, when choosing your weakness, avoid offering something that is a required skill for the job. Rather, share something that shows you share the same values and a high level of emotional intelligence. Take ownership of your weaknesses and showcase a growth mindset.
Southwest describes their culture as "a culture of caring. People come first. We're a company that takes care of its people and its communities, and our people take care of each other. We hire and develop the next generation of talent. We want to enable our people, present and future, to achieve their professional goals through learning and personal growth, while fostering relationships founded on honesty, civility, and understanding."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 14th, 2024
Answer Example
"I would say that one of my strengths is also an Achilles heel of mine, and that would be how empathic I am. Although this obviously is a benefit in many situations, especially concerning communication, I have to admit that when I feel someone is having a difficult time, whether it's my fellow crew, my partner, or a passenger, I have difficulties with not internalizing their emotions. Like the other day, I had a heartfelt conversation with a passenger who was transporting a loved one's ashes to scatter them in a beautiful place. We really connected, and suddenly the tears started streaking down my cheeks. It took me a little while to clean myself up to be presentable agian. I'm working on this, but it tends to be an ongoing struggle."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 24th, 2023