12 Unimaginable Solutions to “What Is Your Best Weak point?” — That Aren’t “Perfectionism”

So, you have lastly acquired your foot within the door at your dream firm. You’ve got submitted the proper resume and made a long-lasting impression throughout the telephone display. All there’s left to do now could be to win over the hiring supervisor within the face-to-face interview.

As a well-informed candidate, you are doing all your analysis on the corporate and making ready your solutions to a very powerful interview questions you possibly can consider — probably the most infamous of all of them being: “What’s your biggest weak spot?”

You do not wish to reply, “I are likely to work too exhausting,” or “I’m an excessive amount of of a perfectionist.” That may simply come throughout as scripted and insincere at finest and missing in self-awareness at worst.

Alternatively, you do not wish to reply with weaknesses that can forestall you from succeeding within the function. For example, should you’re making use of to be a undertaking supervisor, you do not wish to admit that you simply’re “not excellent with time administration.”

Happily, there are methods to reply this query that can provide help to reveal your worth as a candidate. Right here, we have cultivated some unimaginable solutions to the mainstay, “What’s your biggest weak spot” query — and don’t fret, these solutions aren’t “perfectionism.”

Greatest Reply for What’s your weak spot?

Interviewers who ask “What’s your biggest weak spot?” wish to know the way sincere and self-aware you might be. They’re additionally in search of proof that you’ve got a drive to enhance upon your weaknesses. One of the best solutions to this query sincerely clarify a weak spot and supply an instance of how you might be actively engaged on being higher.

Tips on how to reply What are your biggest weaknesses?

1. Select a weak spot that won’t forestall you from succeeding within the function.
2. Be sincere and select an actual weak spot.
3. Present an instance of how you have labored to enhance upon your weak spot or study a brand new ability to fight the difficulty.
4. Display self-awareness and a capability to look to others to give you the sources vital for progress.
5. Do not be smug and do not underestimate your self.

1. Select a weak spot that won’t forestall you from succeeding within the function.

When an interviewer asks, “What’s your biggest weak spot?” they wish to discover out:

• Whether or not you have got a wholesome stage of self-awareness
• Whether or not you could be open and sincere, notably about shortcomings
• Whether or not you pursue self-improvement and progress alternatives to fight these points, versus letting these weaknesses maintain you again

Finally, you may wish to use this query to reveal how you have used a weak spot as motivation to study a brand new ability or develop professionally. Everybody has weaknesses — your interviewer does not count on you to be good.

If you happen to’re making use of for a copywriting place with little necessity for math abilities, you may admit, “I battle with numbers, and haven’t got a lot expertise with knowledge analytics. Whereas math just isn’t immediately tied to my function as a author, I imagine it is necessary to have a rudimentary understanding of Google Analytics to make sure my work is performing properly. To sort out this weak spot, I have been taking on-line programs in knowledge analytics.”

A solution like this exhibits the hiring supervisor that you simply acknowledge your areas for progress and are in a position to act on them with out being instructed to take action. This type of self-starter angle is a plus for just about any crew.

2. Be sincere and select an actual weak spot.

The reply “perfectionism” will not lower it when speaking about your greatest weak spot as a result of it is not an actual weak spot. Perfectionism can by no means be attained — it is a fear-based sample that results in short-term rewards like getting the job accomplished early and exceeding expectations. Nevertheless, within the long-term, making an attempt to achieve perfectionism results in burnout, low-quality work, and missed deadlines. Burnout is likely one of the greatest contributors to decreased productiveness, turnover, and low worker engagement — all of which price an organization cash, time, and expertise.

As an alternative, select an actual weak spot. Beneath the need to do good work could lie a weak spot of belief. Maybe you do not belief that you can make errors on the crew, so that you try to do every thing completely. That is an actual weak spot you can positively overcome.

3. Present an instance of how you have labored to enhance upon your weak spot or study a brand new ability to fight the difficulty.

Hiring managers do not count on you to beat your weaknesses fully in a single day. Everybody has areas they need to always work on to maintain them sharp. Consider it this manner — should you’ve devoted six months to figuring out, you will not be capable of cease in the future and preserve your progress. It is an ongoing course of that you must work at.

4. Take into consideration weaknesses in your personal private life.

If you happen to humanize your self within the interview, it will permit your interviewer to attach and visualize working with you sooner or later. It isn’t nearly weaknesses that pertain to the job. For instance, if you’re an introvert and also you discover your desire for quiet time stops you from taking dangers, this can be a relatable weak spot. Whenever you reveal your self-awareness this manner, it exhibits you perceive that self-improvement correlates to work efficiency.

5. Consider the place you’d wish to be and what assist that you must get there.

Total, progress is part of life. Take into consideration individuals you look as much as which may be associated to the sphere that you simply’re in. Ask your self what character traits these individuals have and what work you may have to do with a view to get there. By offering an instance of the way you’re working to enhance your space of weak spot, you may give the interviewer a glimpse into a number of optimistic attributes about your consciousness, together with that:

• You know the way to establish and mitigate points that come up.
• You’ve got discovered a useful resolution to an issue that you simply and maybe others on the crew face, which implies you could be a direct useful resource to the crew.
• You reveal self-awareness and a capability to take suggestions from others.

Most of the time, you are going to have to look outdoors of your self to beat a weak spot. Whether or not you look to your supervisor, the HubSpot Weblog, or a mentor for assist, the easy act of looking for assist demonstrates self-awareness and resourcefulness — two abilities which can be exhausting to show, however helpful to study. Tapping into your sources exhibits the interviewers you can clear up issues when the reply just isn’t but clear. That is a personality trait that has a spot on any crew.

Briefly share an instance of a time while you requested somebody for assist in an space that you have recognized as a weak spot. This provides the hiring crew a transparent image of how you may work with the crew to stability out that weak spot.

6. Do not be smug and do not underestimate your self.

An important factor you are able to do when responding to the query “What’s your biggest weak spot?” is exhibit confidence in your reply. (If insecurity is your weak spot, hold studying.) Even should you’re not probably the most assured particular person, I will assume you are no less than sincere with your self. If you happen to’ve recognized an space of weak spot and also you’re certain about it, let that assurance shine via in your reply. There is no have to really feel embarrassed about one thing you are genuinely not good at so long as you are working to get higher.

Earlier than you begin expressing a real weak spot to your interviewer, get snug with the forms of solutions that make hiring managers wish to work with you. Check out the next examples and discover a number of that suit your persona and work model. Then, apply reciting them aloud so they arrive naturally to you.

Tips on how to Establish Your Best Weak point

As we already talked about, your reply have to be sincere whereas additionally not jeopardizing your probability at getting the job. So, how precisely do you determine which weak spot to speak about? Listed here are some suggestions:

1. Rule out any abilities which can be listed within the job description.

Scan via each element of the job itemizing and ensure weak spot is not included within the required abilities and obligations.

For instance, say you are making use of to be a senior product advertising supervisor. The job description says that the corporate is in search of somebody who’s a talented storyteller, can interpret knowledge and market analysis, and is self-driven and adaptable to alter.

As a result of these are important abilities for the function, you would not wish to point out them as your weak spot. Doing so would make you appear much less competent and threat your probabilities at getting the job.

2. Contemplate weaknesses that you’ve got overcome.

Whereas making ready your reply, mirror on what you have discovered and improved whereas working in your present function.

Speak about your early struggles in studying or bettering upon a ability and clarify to the interviewer what you probably did to beat it.

For instance, early on in my profession I struggled with analyzing and deciphering advertising knowledge. To be able to enhance these abilities, my supervisor mentored me and gave me weekly assignments that allowed me to apply knowledge interpretation.

Inside a number of months, I went from being a content material marketer who was averse to knowledge to 1 who embraced it.

3. Discover inspiration by trying via outdated efficiency critiques.

If you happen to’re having hassle pondering of a particular weak spot instance, learn via outdated self-assessments and efficiency critiques. These paperwork present examples of your strengths in addition to the areas you possibly can enhance upon, making them a fantastic supply of inspiration.

Relying on how lengthy you have got labored at your present firm, chances are you’ll be reminded of outdated weaknesses that you simply now think about strengths. This may also help you craft a solution that exhibits your willingness to work on your self.

Prepared? Listed here are examples of the way you may reply “What’s your biggest weak spot?” and why they work.

Greatest Weaknesses to Share With an Interviewer

1. Lack of Endurance
2. Lack of Group
3. Hassle with Delegation
4. Timidity
5. Lack of Tactfulness
6. Worry of Public Talking
7. Weak Knowledge Evaluation Expertise
8. Indecisiveness
9. Harsh Self-Criticism
10. Micromanaging
11. Talkative
12. Hassle with Work-Life Steadiness

1. Lack of Endurance

Pattern Reply:

“I haven’t got a lot persistence when working with a crew — I’m extremely self-sufficient, so it is troublesome once I have to depend on others to finish my work. That is why I’ve pursued roles that require somebody to work independently. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally labored to enhance this weak spot by enrolling in team-building workshops. Whereas I sometimes work independently, it is necessary I learn to belief my coworkers and ask for outdoor assist when vital.”

This reply works as a result of the weak spot — the shortcoming to be affected person when working with a crew — does not hinder your potential to carry out properly within the function, since it is a job that does not depend on teamwork to succeed. Moreover, you show an eagerness to develop methods to fight your weak spot, which is a essential ability within the office.

2. Lack of Group

Pattern Reply:

“I battle with group. Whereas it has never impacted my efficiency, I’ve observed my messy desk and cluttered inbox nonetheless intervene with my effectivity. Over time, I’ve discovered to put aside time to arrange my bodily and digital house, and I’ve seen it enhance my effectivity ranges all through the week.”

Loads of individuals have messy desks. This reply works as a result of it is a relatable and fixable weak spot. You observe that disorganization does not intervene along with your potential to do your job, which is essential, however you additionally acknowledge it’d make you much less environment friendly. To make sure you’re acting at 100%, you point out private steps you have taken to enhance your group abilities for the sake of self-improvement alone, which suggests a stage of maturity and self-awareness.

3. Hassle with Delegation

Pattern Reply:

“I generally discover it troublesome to delegate accountability once I really feel I can end the duty properly myself. Nevertheless, once I grew to become supervisor in my final function, it grew to become essential I study to delegate duties. To take care of a way of management when delegating duties, I carried out a undertaking administration system to supervise the progress of a undertaking. This method enabled me to enhance my potential to delegate effectively.”

This reply permits you to reveal a capability to pursue a brand new ability when a task requires it and suggests you are able to flexibility, which is essential for long-term progress. Moreover, you’ll be able to showcase a stage of initiative and management while you point out the profitable implementation of a brand new course of that enabled you to achieve your previous function, regardless of your weak spot.

4. Timidity

Pattern Reply:

“Oftentimes, I could be timid when offering constructive suggestions to coworkers or managers, out of concern of wounding somebody’s emotions. Nevertheless, in my final function, my coworker requested me to edit a few of his items and supply suggestions for areas of enchancment. By way of my expertise with him, I spotted suggestions could be each useful and type when delivered the fitting means. Since then, I’ve develop into higher at providing suggestions, and I’ve realized that I can use empathy to supply considerate, productive suggestions.”

This reply works since you’ve defined the way you had been in a position to flip a weak spot right into a energy via real-world expertise. Sometimes, timidity could be seen as a flaw within the office, notably if a task requires somebody to supply suggestions to others. On this case, you are in a position to reveal how timidity can be utilized as a energy, via considerate reflection and apply.

5. Lack of Tactfulness

Pattern Reply:

“My blunt, easy nature has allowed me to succeed through the years as a crew supervisor, as a result of I will get issues accomplished effectively, and other people usually admire my honesty. Nevertheless, I’ve acknowledged my bluntness does not all the time serve my staff properly once I’m delivering suggestions. To fight this, I’ve labored to develop empathy and deeper relationships with these I handle. Moreover, I took a web-based management administration course, and labored with the professor to develop my potential to ship suggestions.”

Oftentimes, aspects of our personalities may also help us in sure areas of our work, whereas hindering us in others. That is pure. Nevertheless, you could reveal a capability to acknowledge when your persona interferes with the features of your function, and how one can clear up for that.

On this instance, you first clarify how your blunt nature permits you to achieve success in sure conditions. Then, you point out that you simply perceive your bluntness could be seen as a scarcity of empathy and supply examples of how you have tried to unravel this challenge. Finally, your consciousness of the way you could be perceived by others exhibits a stage of emotional intelligence, which is a essential asset for a crew chief.

6. Worry of Public Talking

Pattern Reply:

“Public talking makes me nervous. Whereas I need not do a lot public talking in my function as an internet designer, I nonetheless really feel that it is an necessary ability — particularly once I wish to supply my opinion throughout a gathering. To fight this, I spoke with my supervisor and he or she really useful I communicate at every crew assembly for a couple of minutes about our undertaking timeline, deadlines, and targets when creating a web site for a shopper. This apply has enabled me to loosen up and see public talking as a chance to assist my crew members do their jobs successfully.”

On this instance, you point out a ability that is not relevant to the function, however one which you nonetheless have been working to enhance. This exhibits your need to fulfill extra enterprise wants than vital in your present function, which is admirable. Moreover, it is spectacular should you can present you are keen to succeed in out to your supervisor with areas during which you wish to enhance, as a substitute of ready in your supervisor to recommend these areas of enchancment to you. It demonstrates a stage of ambition {and professional} maturity.

7. Weak Knowledge Evaluation Expertise

Pattern Reply:

“I am not nice at analyzing knowledge or numbers. Nevertheless, I acknowledge this flaw can forestall me from understanding how my content material is performing on-line. In my final function, I arrange month-to-month conferences with the search engine marketing supervisor to debate analytics and the way our posts had been performing. Moreover, I acquired my Google Analytics certificates, and I make it a degree to investigate knowledge associated to our weblog often. I’ve develop into rather more snug analyzing knowledge via these efforts.”

On this instance, you are in a position to present your need to go above and past a job description and actively search out abilities that might be useful to the success of your organization as an entire. This kind of company-first mentality exhibits the interviewer you are devoted to creating your self a helpful asset, and check out your finest to grasp the wants of the entire division, slightly than simply your function.

8. Indecisiveness

Pattern Reply:

“Generally I battle with ambiguity and making choices when instructions aren’t clear. I come from a piece setting that all the time gave clear and direct directions. I had such a powerful crew and management that I have never had a lot apply making choices within the warmth of the second. I am engaged on this by leaning extra into my expertise and working towards listening to my intestine.”

This reply works since you’re demonstrating you can each observe a pacesetter and sharpen your management abilities. It is alright to not know what to do within the second. Admitting that you simply relied on robust management exhibits you can be a follower when wanted, however figuring out when to step up is necessary, too. With this reply, you are exhibiting that you’re going to step up if a scenario requires decisiveness.

9. Harsh Self-Criticism

Pattern Reply:

“My internal critic could be debilitating at occasions. I take satisfaction in producing good work, however I really feel like I battle feeling glad with it, which has led to burnout prior to now. Nevertheless, I’ve began to push again in opposition to this internal voice by caring for myself earlier than and after work. I am additionally studying to acknowledge when my internal critic is correct and once I have to dismiss it.”

This reply works as a result of your interviewer could relate; all of us have harsh internal critics. It is also efficient as a result of 1) It exhibits that you simply’re keen to work in your weaknesses outdoors of labor, not simply throughout enterprise hours, and a couple of) It demonstrates your internal critic could have legitimate factors. Discerning when to dismiss it’s key to stop burnout and enhance productiveness. Realizing how the internal critic could inhibit good work ethic demonstrates your willingness to develop and be an efficient employee.

10. Micromanaging

Pattern Reply:

“I used to work in industries the place I needed to domesticate a stable work ethic in my staff. This model of coaching has been so ingrained in me that I’ve forgotten to discern who may have that teaching and who doesn’t. I have been studying books on efficient delegation and crew constructing to work on this shortcoming. One method that works for me is assuring myself that if I set up clear expectations, then my crew will observe. I’ve additionally discovered to belief my crew members.”

This reply works finest should you’ve been in a management place earlier than and are making use of to a managerial function. Nevertheless, you possibly can nonetheless apply it to previous experiences the place you probably did have to point out management. This reply exhibits that whilst you could also be used to working your crew or crew a particular means, you are keen to confess when your technique is not the simplest. Exhibiting your flexibility demonstrates your potential to develop.

11. Talkative

Pattern Reply:

“I take pleasure in creating a relationship with my coworkers by partaking in dialog, and that is a fantastic team-building ability. Nevertheless, I’ve a behavior of carrying on a dialog to a degree the place it could distract different coworkers. I’ve discovered since then that there are different methods to attach with my coworkers, and that if I am asking about their day, I have to hold it temporary and redirect myself again to my work.”

This reply works as a result of it exhibits you are conscious of how your talkative tendencies could also be distracting within the office. It takes loads of braveness to confess that. It additionally exhibits you might be keen to develop a relationship with coworkers however not at the price of productiveness.

12. Hassle Sustaining a Work-Life Steadiness

Pattern Reply:

“I’ve struggled with work-life stability, particularly after I began working remotely throughout the pandemic. This elevated my stress ranges to the purpose the place my productiveness was at an all-time low and I did not deliver my finest self to work. As a result of I wish to proceed working remotely, I’ve began including extra construction to my day and instituted a pointy begin and finish time. I’ve already seen enhancements in my ranges of focus throughout work hours.”

At first, this may look like a “energy” weak spot — pouring your self into work is nice, proper? Meaning you like your job. But when it impacts your productiveness and your relationships with coworkers, that’s not so nice. This reply works as a result of it does not simply say, “I work loads, so my dwelling life suffers.” It says, “I work loads to the purpose of burnout, and I’ve realized that I have to construction my day.” If you happen to’ve struggled with work-life stability points prior to now, it is necessary to state the way you’re restoring that stability and the way it has impacted your work.

Ideas for Speaking About Weaknesses in Job Interviews

Now that you realize the simplest solutions and finest practices for selecting a weak spot, it’s time for the exhausting half: Really delivering the reply to the interviewer. Let’s go over some suggestions for answering “What’s your biggest weak spot?” reside.

1. Follow your reply beforehand.

Follow doesn’t make good, but it surely actually makes higher. Whereas it’s not assured that an interviewer will ask you about weaknesses, there’s a excessive chance that they’ll. You wish to be ready for that second by working towards the tone and supply of your reply with a pal or within the mirror.

There’s nothing worse than stumbling over an interview reply, particularly for this query about weaknesses. It’s completely okay to stutter a bit — all of us get nervous — however you need your reply to be as coherent and temporary as attainable. If you happen to ramble, stumble an excessive amount of, or return in your phrases, you’ll appear unprepared or, worse, such as you’re mendacity.

When you’ve written up your reply, remember to learn it out loud to your self a number of occasions, then retrieve it from reminiscence. Change your wording right here and there, and know that it’s okay to improvise as long as the bones of your reply stay the identical.

2. Look the interviewer within the eye and undertaking confidence.

Because you’ve hopefully practiced a number of occasions, this could come naturally, however we are able to’t overemphasize it: When answering “What’s your weak spot?,” attempt to preserve eye contact along with your interviewer throughout many of the reply, and undertaking confidence whilst you communicate.

“Undertaking confidence whereas speaking about my weak spot?” chances are you’ll ask. Sure! You wish to come clean with your most pressing alternatives of progress — not look like you’re cowed or intimidated by your personal shortcomings, or like your shallowness has suffered dramatically. (Trace: It completely could have, and that’s okay, however your interviewer shouldn’t know that tidbit). You possibly can take solace in that you simply’re not alone. All of us have weaknesses to work on.

You possibly can enhance your stage of confidence throughout your reply by figuring out the way you’ve been engaged on this weak spot. In reality, by focusing the core of your reply on the way you’ve already improved on this space, you’ll appear extra confident and actualized by default.

3. Be temporary and to-the-point.

We don’t wish to linger an excessive amount of on weaknesses; attempt to hold your reply brief, between the size of thirty seconds and one minute. Even nonetheless, solely the primary assertion ought to immediately state your weak spot, and the remainder of the reply needs to be devoted to the instruments and techniques you’re utilizing to beat it.

Alternatively, chances are you’ll give a quick anecdote on what you discovered from coping with that weak spot in your private life or at work.

Don’t suppose you must over-elaborate, both. State, in as easy phrases as attainable, the steps you’ve taken to enhance. Your interviewer possible has rather more urgent inquiries to ask about your direct expertise, and the reply to this query just isn’t as essential within the general course of as all of us might imagine.

4. Perceive the interviewer’s aim.

Your interviewer’s aim is to not intimidate you, scare you, or create a “gotcha!” second. They’re additionally not seeking to disqualify you based mostly in your reply. The “What’s your biggest weak spot?” query is just one other means for interviewers to get to know your mushy private {and professional} attributes.

They’re not seeking to discover out that you simply “completely suck” on the job you utilized for — should you utilized, you’re possible certified. They’re additionally not seeking to discover out about your exhausting skilled abilities and attributes; different questions are higher fitted to that. Quite, they wish to know in case you have sufficient self-awareness to establish your alternatives for progress. Do you have got poise when talking about your weak spot? Do you gracefully settle for suggestions?

Together with anecdotes about earlier suggestions you’ve acquired, projecting confidence, and making it clear that you simply’re taking steps to enhance can be sufficient to fly with excessive marks throughout this query.

5. Don’t stress an excessive amount of over your reply.

Excellent news: Hiring choices don’t come all the way down to your reply to “What’s your weak spot?” Surprising, I do know! Generally it looks like it, as a result of it may possibly really feel like such a loaded query.

To not fear: You possibly can relaxation simple. So long as you’re sincere and state the way you’re making an attempt to enhance, this query will possible be low in your interviewer’s notes, until you lie about your weak spot, use a “faux” weak spot equivalent to “I’m too organized,” or just evade the query solely.

Even should you stutter a bit bit, you’ll be okay. So, loosen up, make certain in your reply, keep self-aware, and easily take it as a part of the dialog between you and the interviewer. The opposite questions relating to your abilities and how one can assist their firm are a lot, rather more essential to their hiring determination.

6. Showcase your persona whereas retaining it skilled.

Is humor your model? How about dry wit? You possibly can introduce a few of that in this query, however solely evenly, and solely after you’ve gauged the corporate’s tradition and examined the interviewer’s persona. If you happen to’re interviewing for a extremely company job, we suggest retaining humor to a minimal. However it doesn’t matter what, you possibly can all the time present your persona in your inflection, tone, and supply.

Take, as an example:

“, I’ve had such a tough time with [X] prior to now, however I’m grateful to my earlier managers, who gave me helpful suggestions once I started my profession. Now, I’m ‘thriving.’ Each single day, I do [Y] to enhance upon that ability. It was such a ache level for me, however I’ve improved tremendously and have been fortunate sufficient to have a powerful assist system each step of the way in which.”

Examine that with:

“I gained’t lie. I battle with [X] generally. Happily, I’ve picked up [Y] to work on it, and like several new studying expertise, it’s been eye-opening and humbling. I’ve improved in [Z] areas — not a lot that it will be first on my checklist of abilities, however perhaps second or third. Both means, I’m pleased to report I’m getting there and look ahead to bettering much more sooner or later.”

Neither of those is best over the opposite, however they each present totally different persona sorts, and you are able to do the identical.

There’s Power In Each Weak point

No matter whether or not you are dangerous with numbers otherwise you have a tendency to not communicate up in group settings, there is a energy behind each weak spot. The energy is in how you’re employed to beat it. Leaning in your teammates who excel in these areas is an effective way to point out that you’re going to work properly on the crew and that you understand how to make use of your sources to unravel issues. Taking skilled growth programs exhibits that you simply’re keen to work towards enchancment. Regardless of which of those solutions you share with the hiring crew, they’re going to be more than pleased that will help you develop and exceed the expectations of the function.

Editor’s observe: This submit was initially printed in December 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.

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