4 answers
Erick
Student
San Luis, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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how can i make weakness sound better than they are ?
for interview
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4 answers
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
68
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Great question. First I would never call it a “weakness” in an interview. I usually say “I don’t have weaknesses I have challenge areas that I work to overcome and grow in.” and then you state the challenge whatever it is (time management, attention to detail, etc) and you line out a short plan of how you’ve worked to overcome said challenge like keeping a better calendar and setting alarms. This makes you present yourself as self aware but also self corrective. Meaning you can identify where you can grow and line out a plan to develop on your own.
Blane Barker
Marketing Leader
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Blane’s Answer
Hi Erick,
Great question! I'm sure many people entering the workforce think this but are not sure how to ask it. I have asked this silently to myself and tested multiple responses in interviews over the years. Here's some guidance based on my experience:
Weaknesses are unavoidable. We all have them. Being self-aware is critical. People want to work with people that know they aren't perfect. However, I agree with Mansi above in that you must frame them appropriately. Weaknesses are reframed often as "areas of improvement," so if you think of them as these, it's easier to admit what they are.
For example, an answer to this question could be, "An area of improvement I've identified is collaboration. I have observed I want to manage to the solution all by myself. I am aware this could impact my ability to work with a team long term, so I've started asking more questions rather than just providing answers in group settings. I also plan to get monthly feedback on how/if I am progressing from peers close to me."
In the above sample answer, you showed you have self-awareness, you identified a need to improve AND show that you know how to create change by taking actions toward improvement.
You'll nail it. Good luck!
Great question! I'm sure many people entering the workforce think this but are not sure how to ask it. I have asked this silently to myself and tested multiple responses in interviews over the years. Here's some guidance based on my experience:
Weaknesses are unavoidable. We all have them. Being self-aware is critical. People want to work with people that know they aren't perfect. However, I agree with Mansi above in that you must frame them appropriately. Weaknesses are reframed often as "areas of improvement," so if you think of them as these, it's easier to admit what they are.
For example, an answer to this question could be, "An area of improvement I've identified is collaboration. I have observed I want to manage to the solution all by myself. I am aware this could impact my ability to work with a team long term, so I've started asking more questions rather than just providing answers in group settings. I also plan to get monthly feedback on how/if I am progressing from peers close to me."
In the above sample answer, you showed you have self-awareness, you identified a need to improve AND show that you know how to create change by taking actions toward improvement.
You'll nail it. Good luck!
Mansi Nahar
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Lowell, Massachusetts
Updated
Mansi’s Answer
Hey Erick, I understand that you're concerned about how your weaknesses would come off to an interviewer but to be honest everybody has weaknesses and the fact that you're even aware of them is great. Employers value candidates who are self-aware and able to identify areas for improvement. Instead of trying to hide your weaknesses, be upfront about them and show that you're actively working to overcome them.
Here are some ways you can make your weaknesses sound positive:
Focus on areas for improvement: Instead of talking about your weaknesses as negative traits, frame them as areas where you're looking to improve. For example, instead of saying "I'm not very organized," you could say "I'm working on improving my organizational skills."
Emphasize your strengths: When discussing your weaknesses, try to tie them back to your strengths. For example, if you struggle with public speaking, you could say "I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person, but I excel at collaborating with others to get things done."
Provide examples: Whenever possible, provide specific examples of times when you've struggled with your weakness and how you've worked to overcome it. This can demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.
I hope this helps. All the best for your interviews. I am sure you'll do great :)
Here are some ways you can make your weaknesses sound positive:
Focus on areas for improvement: Instead of talking about your weaknesses as negative traits, frame them as areas where you're looking to improve. For example, instead of saying "I'm not very organized," you could say "I'm working on improving my organizational skills."
Emphasize your strengths: When discussing your weaknesses, try to tie them back to your strengths. For example, if you struggle with public speaking, you could say "I'm more of a behind-the-scenes person, but I excel at collaborating with others to get things done."
Provide examples: Whenever possible, provide specific examples of times when you've struggled with your weakness and how you've worked to overcome it. This can demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.
I hope this helps. All the best for your interviews. I am sure you'll do great :)
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Erick! It's fantastic that you've asked this important question about capitalizing on your weaknesses during an interview. This is a topic that many young professionals and others can truly relate to. Always remember that each one of us is a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, and it's completely natural for us to seek balance and self-improvement.
Our weaknesses serve as a reminder that we are not perfect, so we stay humble and appreciative of our individuality. They also guide us to explore our best qualities and use them for the greater good. Recognizing and understanding our weaknesses can help us grow as human beings.
For instance, if you're an impulsive person, you might learn to be more patient and think things through before taking action. This allows you to appreciate different perspectives and use them to balance your personality. The wonderful thing is that you can evolve and strengthen by addressing your weaknesses.
During an interview, honesty is always appreciated. You have the opportunity to share your weaknesses and, more importantly, demonstrate how you've worked to improve yourself. The interviewer will be keen to hear your personal journey and how your awareness of your weaknesses has contributed to your growth. So, embrace your weaknesses, learn from them, and boldly use them as a stepping stone towards becoming the amazing individual you were meant to be!
Our weaknesses serve as a reminder that we are not perfect, so we stay humble and appreciative of our individuality. They also guide us to explore our best qualities and use them for the greater good. Recognizing and understanding our weaknesses can help us grow as human beings.
For instance, if you're an impulsive person, you might learn to be more patient and think things through before taking action. This allows you to appreciate different perspectives and use them to balance your personality. The wonderful thing is that you can evolve and strengthen by addressing your weaknesses.
During an interview, honesty is always appreciated. You have the opportunity to share your weaknesses and, more importantly, demonstrate how you've worked to improve yourself. The interviewer will be keen to hear your personal journey and how your awareness of your weaknesses has contributed to your growth. So, embrace your weaknesses, learn from them, and boldly use them as a stepping stone towards becoming the amazing individual you were meant to be!