How to answer ‘what is your weakness’ in a job interview

November 1, 2018

Tips to enable you to give the best answer possible.

This interview question most job seekers dread isn’t necessarily asked to see what your answer will be but how you will answer. It is important to remain calm and be as honest as possible. Below are a few tips to enable you to give the best possible answer.

Discuss non- essential skills - have a look at the skills required for the job then give a weakness that will not hinder performance for the job you are applying for. For example, you’ve applied for a truck driver position your weakness could be analyzing data. This is a skill that isn’t required by truck drivers.

Turn a negative into a positive - strong attention to detail that makes you proofread information several times before being satisfied could be a negative turned positive if the job requires a keen eye that will ensure concise communication.

Mention your weaknesses and state ways you work to improve on them - For example, you say one of your weaknesses is that you aren’t able to work well with others then you could go on and say you’ve joined different social clubs or a sports team that is teaching you to work with others or whatever else that is relevant.

Have three or more weaknesses prepared - the employer may be looking to hear about more than one weakness so be prepared with three that are not essential to your success at the firm. You may be asked follow up questions so make sure to do research on the firm so that nothing takes you by surprise.

Do not answer by saying you do not have a weakness - this will either be seen as denial or trying to hide something because nobody is so perfect as not to have a weakness.

What’s the most difficult question you’ve ever been asked in an interview? Share with us in the comment section below.

Author bio: Susan Atika is a lover of life and enjoys writing.

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Comments

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Lorine | November 01, 2018 12:49

Your comments how to deal with your weakness

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