What is Your Greatest Weakness? Interview Questions & Advice

Written By Steph Guillen

Advice on how to answer this common interview question.

Interviews are stressful on their own. You’re nervous, uncomfortable, and maybe feeling a little out of your element. So when the all too common question, “What is your greatest weakness?” gets thrown into the mix, stutters, brain-blanks, and harm-inducing deficiency statements are made. 

[Insert foot in mouth]

Avoiding disaster means understanding the purpose of the question and... preparing for it.

Here are some examples:

  1. I’ve recognized that my public speaking skills are not strong and I feel nervous when addressing a large group. To counter this, I’ve joined a Toastmasters group to further develop and practice my public speaking skills. I now have increased confidence and improved speech-making ability. I believe with more practice, I’ll be able to turn this weakness into an asset.

  2. In the past, I wasn’t comfortable with [insert software program] and I knew this put me at a disadvantage. In light of this, I signed up for an online training program through the developer. I’m now proficient with the program and have been able to utilize it in several projects.

  3. I’ve struggled with grant writing in the past and I recognized that being good at this would benefit future programs. I began a Grant Writing Specialization Certificate program and I’ll complete it and earn the certification next month.

Remember to target a relevant area, but not too relevant. Then, paint the picture of improvement. Show you hold the hidden strength of self-evaluation and active self-improvement.

So, what is a hiring manager really looking for when asking this question? They are looking for a hidden strength, specifically, the ability to recognize weaknesses and correct them. 

How can you demonstrate that? The key is to choose a weakness that isn’t vital to the position, yet isn’t so far removed that it loses relevancy. Then, you demonstrate that you’ve either corrected it or are currently addressing it.

#career #careeradvice #jobsearch #interviewtips

Steph Guillen

I’m an art therapy and counseling master’s degree program student, as well as an artist, writer, and program director with a strong background in communications, photography, art, and job search/employment strategies. I have a passion for uplifting marginalized communities through means that champion knowledge, growth, and empowerment. My professional history largely resides in working with unemployed mid-to-high level executives, refugees, immigrants, and newcomers from the Middle East. I’ve advocated for and empowered these communities through the mediums of online graphic communications, writing, education, workshops, program development, and art.

I combine skills in art, graphics, photography, writing, project management, content creation, social media, advocacy/awareness initiatives, program development, and research to make a positive impact.

Certificates in: Positive Psychology, The Science of Well-Being, Creative Writing, Therapeutic Art Life Coaching, Career Brand Management, and Social Media Marketing. Education in Graphic Communications Technology, Photography, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Relations. Pursuing a competitive M.A. program in Art Therapy & Counseling.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies while working full-time.

• Nominated for membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Sigma lota Rho Honor Society, and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.

• Recipient of the Global Goodwill Ambassador’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of years of impactful volunteer work, primarily in the refugee and international arena.

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Society with a 4.0 GPA in Middle Eastern Studies.

• Invited and accepted into the following committees and board: YMCA International’s Refugee College Scholarship Committee five years in a row, YMCA International’s Triumph of the Human Spirit Art Selection Committee two years in a row, United Nations Association of Houston Board Member & Global Classroom Liaison, World Refugee Day-Houston’s Panel Committee and Fundraising Committee.

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