What are your greatest weaknesses?

How to Prep
How to Answer
Answer Example

The key to preparing for this question is to identify a legitimate weakness/improvement opportunity that will resonate as authentic without knocking you out of contention for the role. Here's how:

- Think about the areas in which you want or need to grow in over the next few years and develop a list of three to five weaknesses to choose from. Consider asking current or former colleagues for assistance if needed.
- Compare your list to the job description and eliminate any items that are must-have requirements for the new role.
- Select no more than two weaknesses and think about a strategy you can use to improve upon those areas. If possible, start working on the steps you devise prior to your interview.

Using the list you prepared, walk your interviewer through one or two of your weaknesses. Keep this part of your answer brief and only provide enough detail to establish context.

Next, describe steps you are already taking to improve in the areas you describe. It is critical that you demonstrate initiative and commitment to self-improvement.

Finally, instill confidence in your interviewer that your weakness will not be an issue if you are hired, and if they have any tips for improving on any of the areas you describe (if applicable).

My greatest weakness as a relationship banker is wanting to stay involved with previous customers or customers who I need to hand off to colleagues or partners. It is important to me that my customers receive the best service possible, and I have struggled to let go in the past. However, I have made several improvements to my process that help me to feel more comfortable during handoffs. I ensure that I communicate thoroughly with my colleagues and educate my customers on exactly what to expect during the next step in the process. Setting clear expectations helps everyone to be on the same page and reduces the need to continually follow up on my part. I feel confident I can leverage similar practices here at XYZ Bank.

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How to Answer: What are your greatest weaknesses?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Relationship Banker job interview.

1. What are your greatest weaknesses?

How to Prep

The key to preparing for this question is to identify a legitimate weakness/improvement opportunity that will resonate as authentic without knocking you out of contention for the role. Here's how:

- Think about the areas in which you want or need to grow in over the next few years and develop a list of three to five weaknesses to choose from. Consider asking current or former colleagues for assistance if needed.
- Compare your list to the job description and eliminate any items that are must-have requirements for the new role.
- Select no more than two weaknesses and think about a strategy you can use to improve upon those areas. If possible, start working on the steps you devise prior to your interview.

Written by Karrie Day on June 12th, 2023

How to Answer

Using the list you prepared, walk your interviewer through one or two of your weaknesses. Keep this part of your answer brief and only provide enough detail to establish context.

Next, describe steps you are already taking to improve in the areas you describe. It is critical that you demonstrate initiative and commitment to self-improvement.

Finally, instill confidence in your interviewer that your weakness will not be an issue if you are hired, and if they have any tips for improving on any of the areas you describe (if applicable).

Written by Karrie Day on June 12th, 2023

Answer Example

My greatest weakness as a relationship banker is wanting to stay involved with previous customers or customers who I need to hand off to colleagues or partners. It is important to me that my customers receive the best service possible, and I have struggled to let go in the past. However, I have made several improvements to my process that help me to feel more comfortable during handoffs. I ensure that I communicate thoroughly with my colleagues and educate my customers on exactly what to expect during the next step in the process. Setting clear expectations helps everyone to be on the same page and reduces the need to continually follow up on my part. I feel confident I can leverage similar practices here at XYZ Bank.

Written by Karrie Day on June 12th, 2023

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