How to Answer: What is one of your professional weaknesses?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
19. What is one of your professional weaknesses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Senior project managers are familiar with the Churchill quote "Failing to plan is planning to fail," and it 100% applies to this interview question because it is a favorite of interviewers for two main reasons. First, your interviewer genuinely wants to know which areas you need to grow in professionally so they can determine if their company offers the right environment for your development needs.
Secondly, many interviewers use this question to test a candidate's integrity. As a senior project manager, they are asking you to manage large budgets and the work of others. Trust is key and your interviewer wants to know if you are willing to be authentic with them even though you've likely just met for the first time during the interview.
Written by Karrie Day on January 29th, 2024
Remember To
Make the effort to reflect on your most recent role and identify areas in which you could improve. A key senior project manager skill is the ability to identify opportunities for improvement, and improving upon your own weaknesses is no exception. Here are a few common weaknesses you may have experienced as a senior project manager:
- Difficulty saying "no" to customers with important needs
- Balancing task delegation with taking on work yourself
- Lack of knowledge of a particular technical skill, system, or process
- Difficulty letting go and transitioning clients to support groups
- Difficulty trusting your intuition
- A nice-to-have skill from the job description you are not yet an expert in
Written by Karrie Day on January 29th, 2024
1st Answer Example
I am currently working to improve my data analytics skills. I am very comfortable working with the tools used in my current role, but there are several powerful business intelligence tools I would like to work more with in the future. I have used Tableau and DOMO, but I know there are features I am not yet an expert on. I like to encourage my teams to use a data-supported approach when making decisions, and the process is more valuable when you have the system experience necessary to find the right information at the right time.
I saw in the job description that experience with Power BI is nice-to-have. While I do not have in-depth experience with that specific tool, I have recently invested time in learning more about it. I feel confident I can apply the experience I have in this area, and I am excited to jump in and learn more if hired.
Written by Karrie Day on May 18th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
My most significant professional weakness is that I sometimes have a hard time stepping away from the detailed tasks of my team members. I wouldn't label myself a micromanager, but I used to work in several of their roles and I have a lot of valuable knowledge to share. However, I realize that it is important to let them find their own way and learn so that they can grow professionally. I now pause before getting involved and ask myself if not jumping in would cause any significant harm. If the answer is no, I take a step back and let them work it out on their own. I have my own important work to focus on, and I know that projects run more smoothly when everyone is allowed to fully leverage the skills and expertise they bring to the table.
Written by Karrie Day on May 18th, 2023
3rd Answer Example
One of the professional weaknesses I am working to improve upon is learning when to trust my intuition. As a former analyst, I prefer to have all of the information possible before deciding to go in one direction or another. As a project manager, I do not always have the luxury of time to perform analysis. Instead, I have to rely on my instincts and experience to help me decide which way to go. That can be uncomfortable for me, but I have found that it gets easier and easier as I go.
One of the reasons I am excited about the opportunity to interview here today at XYZ company is that the role requires quick decision-making. I love turning weaknesses into strengths, and working in a role that requires me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable is a perfect opportunity for me to grow in a valuable way.
Written by Karrie Day on May 19th, 2023
About the Author
As a former project manager, I genuinely appreciate the skills of talented professionals who take on the often challenging work of managing projects. Senior-level project managers have the responsibility for the success of large and complex bodies of work, and they rarely have direct authority over their teams. They have a wide range of skills including the advanced soft skills that can make the difference between smooth sailing and a perfect storm.
I had the good fortune early in my career to be led and supported by a manager who worked to help me grow my leadership and communication skills. Her approach was a mix of project management best practices and things she picked up from 'the school of keeping it real'. She taught me how to deliver information confidently. She gave me opportunities to lead through influence. She let me work out solutions to problems without jumping in to save me. Most importantly, she taught me the art of navigating difficult conversations and backed me up when I needed support.
Over time, my project management and leadership skills developed in a way that fostered a critical byproduct. My experience generated trust. My teammates and my clients trusted me to advocate for their needs. My management trusted me to keep things moving while offering the upward communication necessary for success in their own roles. My mentees trusted me to help them on their journeys. I gained a lot of valuable knowledge managing projects, but the ability to establish trust quickly was by far the most valuable skill I developed.
I know your interviewer is likely looking for similar attributes. They want to trust their senior project manager to navigate difficult situations with poise, empathy, and integrity. They want to trust that your teams will meet the objectives of your projects smoothly. They want to know that you are looking out for the best interests of your teammates and clients. They want a leader who can help to grow others.
I hope this Q&A set helps you to prepare for your interview in a way that helps inspire confidence in your skills and convince your interviewer that they can trust you to do an excellent job on behalf of their company. Want more? Be sure to check out the rest of the suggested MockQuestions sets dedicated to specific companies, industries, and related careers.
Learn more about Karrie Day