Can you identify your weaknesses? Have you worked on improving them? In an interview, you’ll naturally want to focus on your strengths and what you do well. However, it is more than likely an interviewer will ask you about your weaknesses. Therefore, you’ll need to be prepared and identify weaknesses. But how do you identify weaknesses? How do you frame them in a light that will give the interviewer a positive impression?
Indeed and Seek provide tips on identifying weaknesses and which weaknesses to discuss in an interview.
Why do interviewers ask about weaknesses?
Interviewers will often ask about your weaknesses to assess whether you are self-aware and can identify areas for improvement. It’s also an opportunity for them to see whether you are honest. Everyone has flaws, so the interviewer wants to see if you can acknowledge yours and if you are working to improve them.
How to identify weaknesses
Before you can talk about your weaknesses, you need to know what they are. To identify your weaknesses, ask yourself questions like:
When you make mistakes, what causes these mistakes?
What do you find most challenging or draining in your work life?
Is there anything you could have done differently in your career to date?
How to choose which weaknesses to talk about
You should be careful when choosing which weaknesses to discuss in an interview. Ideally, you should identify something that relates to the role’s responsibilities but wouldn’t stop you from performing the role. For example, if you were applying for a role that required public interaction, you wouldn’t say you don’t enjoy talking to people. If you were applying for a role requiring strong computer program knowledge, you wouldn’t say you don’t know how to use a computer.
It’s a good idea to consider a few different weaknesses in case you are asked to identify more than one. Ideally, your weaknesses could be things that you are already working on. By identifying the weaknesses you are working on, you show the interviewer you are committed to learning and further developing your skills.
Types of weaknesses.
Skills Based
It can be helpful to discuss a skills weakness because skills are something you can take concrete steps to improve.
Character based
You can also choose a character-based weakness. However, you want to be careful not to give the impression that you have difficulty interacting with or getting along with others.
Tips for discussing weaknesses in an interview
Stay positive
Always phrase your weaknesses in a positive light. Be optimistic and talk about how you can improve your weaknesses. That way, you can frame your weaknesses as an opportunity for growth, giving the interviewer a positive impression.
Be prepared
By preparing to answer this question, you can show the interviewer that you have considered ways to improve. Preparation also demonstrates that you are taking your career and the interview seriously.
Answer honestly
By answering truthfully, you will demonstrate that you can build strong professional relationships. Answering this question with “I work too hard” or “I am an overachiever” can be tempting. However, responses like this should be avoided as they may make you appear ungenuine and not open to criticism.
Include specific details
Make yourself convincing by outlining how you have overcome challenges or obstacles.
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