https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/list-of-example-weaknesses-for-interviewing – Indeed
In a job interview, positively framing your greatest weaknesses can prove challenging. But when you combine self-awareness with an action plan, you can take the opportunity to stand apart from other job applicants. The key to answering “What is your greatest weakness?” is using weaknesses that still communicate strengths. This will show the interviewer you’re introspective enough to know the areas where you need to improve. In this article, we examine 10 weaknesses and provide some discussion tips so you can memorably answer the job interview question, “What are your weaknesses?” in a way that will reflect on you positively.
1. I focus too much on the details
Being detail-oriented is typically a good thing, but if you’re someone who tends to spend too much time on the specifics of a project, it could also be considered a weakness. In your interview answer, be sure to explain how you’re making improvements in this area by looking at the bigger picture.
2. I have a hard time letting go of projects
When you’ve devoted your time and effort to something, it’s easy to feel apprehensive about marking it complete or passing it on to another team for the next steps. There’s always room for improvement, and some people tend to over-criticize their work or attempt last-minute changes, which can threaten the timeline. If this is your weakness, share how you’re striving to improve by giving yourself a deadline for all revisions and being proactive about changes so you’re not waiting until the last minute.
3. I have trouble saying “no”
Helping colleagues on projects and properly managing your workload is an artful balance. From your employer’s perspective, someone who accepts all requests seems dedicated and eager, but can also be someone who doesn’t know their limits and ends up needing help or deadline extensions to finish their own work. If you’re so eager to take on new projects or help others that you can’t bring yourself to say “no,” share how you’re working to better self-manage by organizing your tasks and taking time to check your schedule and workload before committing to new tasks.
4. I get impatient with missed deadlines
While expressing outward stress or frustration over missing a deadline can be considered a weakness, employers value workers who place importance on deadlines and strive to keep projects within the planned timeline. If you’re using this as your job interview weakness, frame your answer to focus on how you appreciate it when work gets completed on time and ways you’re improving on your own, as well as helping to improve processes to get work done more efficiently.
5. I could use more experience in…
Whatever the case is for you, sharing something you would like to improve upon shows interviewers you’re self-aware and like to challenge yourself. A few common areas people need experience in include: verbal communication, written communication, team leadership, etc.
6. I sometimes lack confidence
Lack of confidence is a common weakness, especially among entry-level contributors. However, it can sometimes cause inefficiencies. For example, you might feel unqualified to speak up during an important meeting when your idea could actually help the team to achieve a goal. If this is the weakness you choose to present in your interview, emphasize why you value confidence, your understanding of the value you offer and the ways you’ve practiced displaying confidence in the workplace.
7. I can have trouble asking for help
Asking for help is a necessary skill both when you’re lacking expertise in some area and when you’re feeling burned out or can’t handle a workload. Knowing when and how to ask for help shows strong self-awareness and helps the organization avoid bottlenecks and delays.
8. I sometimes have difficulty working with certain personalities
Even the most flexible people can have trouble working with others who display certain characteristics or personality traits. Having good teamwork skills also means having a strong awareness of how you work with others and ways you can adjust your approach to better serve the organization. If this has been a weakness of yours in the past, explain the personality types you’ve had trouble working with and quickly identify the reasons why. Then, discuss ways you’ve adjusted your communication or work style to better achieve a common goal together.
9. It can be challenging for me to maintain work-life balance
Finding work-life balance is important to maintain motivation in your job. While it’s certainly honorable and shows a strong work ethic to spend your time and energy on work, it’s also necessary to prioritize resting, going on vacation, spending time with your family and enjoying hobbies.
10. I’ve been uncomfortable with ambiguity
While it’s a beneficial skill to closely follow detailed instructions, it’s also necessary to be able to think for yourself and determine what it will take to achieve the desired outcome. If this is the weakness you’re presenting in a job interview, explain the success you’ve found following instructions and your grasp of the benefits of working with ambiguity. Also, explain the steps you’re taking to define your workday when given ambiguous tasks or goals.
