How to Answer: What do you do very poorly? Your example can be from work or your personal life.
15. What do you do very poorly? Your example can be from work or your personal life.
How to Answer
This question is another "Tell me your greatest weakness," but in a clever disguise! Your answer can have a twist of humor to it if that fits your personality, but be sure to bring yourself back to reality and discuss how you are working to improve this weakness. Make sure that your example is not one that would make you ineligible for the role. For instance, you do not want to say that you are painfully shy if you are interviewing for a sales position.
Here are some examples that you could use:
- Mathematics
- Delegation
- Spontaneity
- Public Speaking
- Software (non-core programs)
- Perfectionism
- Providing feedback
Written by Rachelle Enns
Admin
"One weakness that I am currently working on is my ability to delegate overflow work to others. I would rather stay late to complete a project than potentially inconvenience someone by asking for help. I know it seems silly to not ask for help, which is why I am consciously working on this. Last week I passed a few A/P entries to our junior clerk. She was appreciative of the fact that I trusted her to do a good job, which made me feel great in return. It's a work in progress, but I am getting there!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager
"Not raised in a highly technical generation, if I had to choose a weakness, I would say that my understanding of cloud-based software is something that may humor you. Initially, I thought that information was just 'out there.' Like a cloud! One of my more tech-savvy team players took the time to explain the concept to me, and I have a much better understanding now. It's much more secure than I initially thought and I am teaching myself to trust the cloud now fully!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"I am not a strong public speaker, and this is a weakness that I would like to improve. Because so much of my work is performed online, and behind a computer screen, I have not needed to develop my public speaking skills. I find myself watching Ted Talks and being a little bit envious of the skills these speakers have. I am currently looking into Toastmasters clubs in my area to help me develop this skill."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I am a perfectionist who has, in the past, slowed down my work a little bit. I should have been a merchandiser. You will never see a jean display so perfect! My current boss recently gave me the helpful feedback that there are some things I just need to move on from such as the perfect fold every time. I like my store to look tidy and neat, but I was going overboard. Now that I received the feedback, my perfectionism is very much under control."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"I must admit that math is not my strong suit. I tried so hard in school but it just never quite came to me. Of course, I am fine with basic math concepts, but once you throw algebra or calculus in there, I am an absolute mess! I found a great YouTube channel that teaches these concepts, and I have had some fun with those recently. All in all, I am happy to be blessed with the gift of sales to offset my poor math skills!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Teacher
"If I had to choose a weakness I would say that spontaneity is my biggest hurdle. As a teacher of young children, I love to be organized, ready for anything, and prepared with plan A, B, and C! The thought of throwing out a lesson plan and just going with the flow makes me panic a bit. I am working on incorporating more off-the-cuff lessons in my day and know that the more years of teaching experience I have, the easier this will come to me."
Written by Rachelle Enns