Interview questions weaknesses help and advice. How you respond to the job interview weaknesses question says a great deal about you and that's why it's been around so long.
It reveals a number of things:
These are actually the qualities the interviewer is assessing, not the actual weakness itself.
Go through this list of weaknesses as they present in the workplace and decide which applies to you - everyone has a weakness or two!
Weakness |
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Procrastination Misses deadlines, rushing at the last minute to complete tasks, needing help to complete tasks, unprepared for meetings, low productivity. |
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Impatience Frustration with others who perform at a slower pace or to a lower standard than you expect of yourself. Doesn't accept mistakes easily. |
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Reluctance to delegate Doesn't assign tasks to others, lacks confidence in co-workers, doesn't fully utilize other staff members, checks up on others. |
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Unassertive Reluctant to speak up and contribute in group situations. Agrees with others despite own feelings. Allows others to take advantage. Difficulty in saying "no". Puts other's needs ahead of own. |
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Cautious Adverse to taking risks and trying new things, difficulty in accepting change, continually reviews all details before making a decision or starting on a task. Over-analyzes outcomes. |
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Uncompromising or stubborn Inflexible, difficulty in adapting to changes, resistant to different ideas, one way communication. |
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Strong willed or controlling Single minded on own goal achievement, does not take direction easily, can be insensitive to feelings and needs of others, wants to be in charge. Tries to control other people's activities. |
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Talkative Distracting and distracted, indiscreet, does not get the job done, wastes time, often away from desk. |
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When disclosing job interview weaknesses avoid focusing on something that is a core competency for the job. Rather describe general behaviors that impact on a number of areas of your life - personal, home and work.
Respond to interview questions weaknesses with answers such as:
"My family tell me I am impatient. I acknowledge this is a weakness of mine at home and sometimes in the workplace - I like things to be done promptly and in the way I regard as best. When that doesn't happen I get frustrated.
I am making a conscious attempt to see it from the other person's point of view, recognize that people approach things differently and not impose my own methods and expectations on others. I find if I provide constructive help rather than getting impatient it improves the situation."
This answer provides honest feedback about impatience as a weakness while positively highlighting that you are a results-driven person.
Be aware of your interview body language when answering questions about your weaknesses.
Example of weaknesses interview answers. Sample interview answers when your weakness is:
Choose from these sample answers to the weakness interview question and get ready to impress as an insightful and considered job candidate.
Go here to view a comprehensive list of strengths that can be used to successfully answer this interview question.
Find out how to determine your own strengths using this personal strengths finder
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Understand the competencies required for the job you are interviewing for by going through the sample job description
Use the interview questions weaknesses list to prepare a well considered and appropriate interview answer to the question "What are your weaknesses?"