What are your weaknesses? (+80 Examples)

How to Answer

Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.

Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!

Professional Answer Examples

General
Answer example

"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after I complete that course!"

Admin
Answer example

"My primary weakness in the workplace surrounds my technical abilities. I consider myself a beginner level user in Excel, so I have decided to start a course this fall to expand on those skills."

Manager
Answer example

"Everyone has weaknesses. I tend to be too nice sometimes. When vendors are not fulfilling their requirements, I tend to believe there must be a logical and understandable reason. I have to remind myself that we are paying for a service and they must meet our expectations."

Marketing
Answer example

"I believe my biggest area for improvement is in my software proficiency. I have a working proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, but it's not as strong as I would like, so it's something I'm constantly working on improving. I have watched a lot of YouTube tutorials and am always seeking the advice of my graphic designer friends, so it's something that's a work in progress for sure. I hope to be much more comfortable and confident, as well as efficient, in my use of those three programs by the end of Q3. It's a personal goal I've set."

Retail
Answer example

"I would say the area I need to focus on improving would be my Retail POS proficiency. I am proficient, and it does not hinder my ability to do my job successfully, but it's certainly something that I need to work on improving, and am always asking for other managers to show me their tips and tricks."

Sales
Answer example

"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is not delegating. I know what needs doing 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. 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 often I'm not aware 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."

Teacher
Answer example

"I'd have to echo my boss and say I need to spend less time concerning myself with policy. I suppose not resigning myself to it is a bit of weakness. It's certainly something I struggle with, coming to terms with the educational policies with which I disagree. I try to walk the line of advocating for my students, and future students, while being sure to be respectful of the administration and educational system as a whole."

Building Inspector
Answer example

Benefits Manager
Answer example

Elementary Teacher
Answer example

"To be very honest with you, I'm not great at administrative work. That's why I've gotten very good at making systems to organize my paperwork. I have checklists and step-by-step instructions for myself so that I don't waste time trying to remember what I have to do next. In fact, I teach my parents about this system sometimes."

Dispatcher
Answer example

"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel. Currently I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"

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Written by:

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an executive head-hunter and job search expert. Utilized by top executives from Fortune 100 & 500 companies like Fitbit, Microsoft, General Electric, Nestle, and more, she helps professionals position themselves in a competitive marketplace. Rachelle founded Renovate My Resume, a company that focuses on helping job seekers get their edge back. Renovate My Resume creates stand-out resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and professional summaries for new grads, all the way to corporate executives. Rachelle spends much of her time training career coaches, recruiters, and resume writers. She also holds interview workshops for students and interns, globally. For great tips and tricks, follow Rachelle on Instagram @_rachelle_e or @renovatemyresume.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown, is the creator of MockQuestions. He has over ten years experience creating interview questions. His website has helped over 10 million job seekers in their interview preparation.

First written on: 06/08/2015
Last modified on: 06/28/2018

View user-submitted Answers

What are your weaknesses?

Typing. I can type 35 words per minute but I am trying to do at least 50wpm.

If I ever get to upper manage learn to speak well in front of a crowd, Public speaking.

Sometimes I can be overly critical of my own work. In the past, I have spent a good amount of time proofreading everything to ensure that it was perfect. Now I have learned to trust my instincts and not spend so much time obsessing over the little things. That may delay a project.

There is a particular skill that I would like to improve upon. That is the ability to learn the new computer programs more quickly. It seems as though when one is mastered, it is changed to another program! The importance of computer skills is very evident as our customers look for employment for in this modern world, employer are incorporating these programs into, not only how a job is done, but also how you apply for that position.

I am saying truth that I am not having any weakness I can wait and control till my task is complete.

I don't have any experience of being a leader or managing peiople. I bveleive this is something I could excell at due to my good people skills.

Too critical of my own work, trusting that it is correct and move on.

A weekness I have that id like to improve on is public speaking and taking charge of a situation.

I sometimes find it hard to let go and delegate things, because I want to be certain that a job is done well I struggle to let go.

10.

Some people would consider the fact that I have never worked in this field before as a weakness. However, being highly trainable and open minded, I have no pre-conceived notions on how to perform my job. Working with your organization will give me the opportunity to learn the job the way you want it done, not the way I believe it is done. In addition, although I have no former on-the-job experience, I do bring with me extensive hands-on training and experience which can only enhance my ability to learn extremely quickly.

11.

Being too giving of my time to others which can pull away from other priorities.

12.

To always remain with a positive mindset.

13.

The one weakness I have that I want to improve is try to depend on people.

14.

Working long hours. Need to learn to relax.

15.

I am not having any weakness that is because I improves well.

16.

I used to spend more time than necessary on tasks, but now I've learned to be more confident in my decisions and I work more efficiently.

17.

I think a weakness I have that I really want to improve on is my confidence as a vet nurse, as I have only been a student I still feel like a student but once I can improve my skill I will gain confidence with experience.

18.

Usually I keep on thinking about something for long that may be be of no use later. So I think this is my weakness as I am losing my energy on the thing which may be of no use later on.

19.

I sometimes take on more the my fair shear of work. Sometime I find it difficult to say no even when my plate is already full. While I have often been praised for my assistance, and I expect the same level of dedication from other people. Not everyone feels the same way about work and sometimes my exceptions are too high. I have then learn on ways to improve on my weakness.

20.

No degree. Working on getting my HT certification.

21.

I will improve German language skills to easily integrate with local colleagues.

22.

I am imporving on my short temperedness by taking things cooly and doing some breathing excersies.

23.

I am too much of a perfectionist which might be detrimental for meeting deadline.

24.

I have to control people who are adamant.

25.

Me, Myself and I. There are only a few things that I can change about myself.

26.

I'm working on improving my dexterity and fine motor skills.

27.

Overthinking. I tend to overthink problems before they arrive.

28.

I have been taking PMP course and SAS to widen my broad studying that I will benefit the company in a long-run.

29.

I am weak in critical thinking but I am good if I am given more time.

30.

When a task is urgent, I find that I would rather do it all by myself without delegating to team members to avoid delays that are caused by errors made. I however realize that by so doing, I deny my colleagues an opportunity to learn and grow in their skills as well. I try to assign ample time to a task though at times this may not be possible.

31.

I become impatient when My teammates don't deliver on their promises.

32.

Public speaking and I'm enrolled in toastmasters club.

33.

My confidence. I'm not a particularly overt individual but I hope that by challenging myself with this position I can grow in confidence.

34.

Spelling, and not getting involved with customers stories.

35.

Interviews is my weakness talking in front of people.

36.

No degree. Working on passing my HT examination.

37.

I'm trying to improve mi way of saing thinks some times I'm to straight ford and people don't like always whe the thrut is say strait.

38.

I can't say to coworker even I am over loaded.

39.

Sometimes I take on too much, or over estimate what I can achieve. At times I forget to take breaks, or look to see how I can address priorities better. I usually talk to my manager and get their insight on which ones can be rescheduled or find another soultion. I sometimes like to get things 100% right. I'm learning that if it's not critical that it's best to ocus on the Pareto law 80 - 20 Rule.

40.

I really don't have any weakness because I always try to improve any faults that is brought to my attention.

What are your weaknesses?

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