How to Answer "What's Your Biggest Weakness?" in Interviews

One question that often sparks anxiety is, "What's your biggest weakness?"

It's not a trap to get dirt out of you.

It's an opportunity for self-reflection and showcasing your growth mindset.

Here’s what they’re really after:

1. Self-Awareness: Acknowledging your weaknesses demonstrates self-awareness. This is the opportunity to show your dedication to personal growth.

2. Growth Potential: Recruiters are more interested in determining how much you can learn and develop. It is more important to be willing to change and grow than to be flawless.

From my own experience, I've found that candidates who approach this question with authenticity often leave a lasting impression. So, how can you navigate this question effectively?

1. Start by reflecting on genuine areas where you can improve

a. What feedback have you received?

b. What do you feel a bit insecure about in your work?

c. What have you been learning?

2. Note what you have done to improve already

a. Have you taken on new projects?

b. Read books, listened to podcasts, talked with coworkers?

c. What systems have you implemented?

3. Why should the company feel good about this weakness?

a. How can you apply this learning to the future?

b. What else are you doing to continue to improve?

There’s no need to tell your deepest darkest secret here, but be honest about your weakness.

Remember, vulnerability is not a weakness—it's a strength.

Final Thoughts:

By showcasing your willingness to acknowledge areas for growth, you demonstrate resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

And this is a HUGE asset to a company.

One last thought.

If your weakness is a key skill of the role, that’s a problem.

So if you’re applying to be a data analyst and your weakness is SQL.

Instead of crafting the perfect answer on how to frame this weakness, focus on improving your SQL skills instead.

 

Does your job search feel like a mess right now?

Like you're in this scribble, scrambling for anything to work?

Great. That means you're doing it right.

Weird right? Isn't it supposed to feel like an easy breezy walk in the park?

Unfortunately or not unfortunately, you need to go through the brainstorm phase where you feel confused.

And then the experimentation phase where you're unsure if its going to work.

And even when you're halfway through, it might still seem like you're not close.

But then, clarity happens and you finally see the clear path.

This design squiggle is a visual I reference often. Not just in the job search, but life in general.

It's a reminder that things don't happen in a straight line.

And actually even when you feel like you're in the hot mess of a squiggle, you're actually on the right path.