It’s the moment many jobseekers dread. You’re halfway through an interview and everything is going well, until the hiring manager leans forward and asks: “So, what are your weaknesses?”
Your mind races. Do you admit to something genuine and risk looking unqualified? Do you dodge the question with a cliché like “I’m a perfectionist”? Or do you try the bold move and claim you don’t really have any?
Here’s the truth: this question isn’t a trap. Employers don’t expect perfection, but they do want honesty, reflection and a sense that you’re always developing. If you prepare properly, your answer can actually make you look stronger.
Key takeaways: Biggest weakness interview question
- Employers ask this question to understand how you think, not to catch you out.
- Clichés and deal-breaking admissions rarely land well.
- The smartest answers admit a real weakness and show what you’re doing to improve.
- A prepared answer makes you appear confident, reflective and professional.
Why interviewers bring it up
On the surface, it feels like a cruel question. But from the interviewer’s side, it’s a useful way of finding out a few things.
- First, they want to see if you’re self-aware. Nobody is brilliant at everything, and pretending otherwise raises eyebrows.
- Second, it’s a test of honesty. Can you give a straightforward answer without trying to wriggle away?
- And third, it’s about role fit. A weakness that stops you doing the job effectively will cause concern, but something outside the core duties is usually fine.
Think of it less as a trap and more as a chance to show maturity. If you can admit where you’ve struggled, and explain how you’ve handled it, you’ll earn respect.
Where people go wrong
Plenty of candidates panic and say the wrong thing:
- Some flatly deny having weaknesses at all.
- Others trot out overused lines like “I work too hard”.
- Then there are those who overshare, confessing to flaws that directly undermine the role.
The other common slip is rambling. An answer that goes on and on usually loses focus — and the interviewer’s attention.
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Building a strong answer
The most convincing responses usually follow a simple pattern: admit something real but not major, explain it briefly, then talk about what you’ve done or are doing to get better.
You don’t need a polished script — in fact, sounding too rehearsed can backfire — but you should have one or two examples in your back pocket.
Turning weaknesses into strengths: examples
Let’s take public speaking:
- Imagine a candidate who admits they’ve always been nervous about presenting.
- Instead of leaving it there, they add that they started volunteering to give team updates.
- At first it was daunting, but after a few months they noticed their confidence growing, and now they’ve even delivered a short client presentation.
- That answer is honest, but it also shows progress and initiative.
Or think about delegation – many people struggle to hand over tasks because they want control. A good answer might sound like this:
“I used to take on too much work myself because I wanted everything to be perfect. Over time I’ve realised that slows projects down. I’ve worked on setting clearer expectations and regular check-ins, and now I feel more comfortable sharing responsibility.”
Again, it’s a weakness, but it ends with growth.
But never raise a red flag e.g. saying you’re sometimes late. Instead, think of a weakness that isn’t a deal-breaker and is also something you’re actively working on.
You don’t need to copy these word for word — in fact, it’s better if you don’t. Think about moments from your own career where you’ve spotted a shortcoming and taken steps to improve.
The story doesn’t need to be dramatic. What matters is that you show awareness and action.
Framing it the right way
A weakness should be real, but it doesn’t have to be career-ending. The trick is to avoid anything that directly clashes with the role.
An accountant shouldn’t admit they’re bad with numbers. A teacher shouldn’t say they struggle to explain things clearly.
Instead, choose something genuine but manageable. Show how you’ve worked on it — through training, practice, feedback or new habits — and finish with a note of progress.
The interviewer should walk away thinking: this person reflects, learns, and adapts.
Check out our other articles with interview advice including, but not limited to:
- The What Motivates You Interview Question
- How To Manage Conflict At Work Interview Question
- Scenario Based Interview Questions
- What Can You Bring to the Company?
- How To Answer Tell Me About Yourself: Sample Answers
- Questions To Ask In A Job Interview
FAQs – How to answer: “What are your weaknesses?”
What’s a good weakness to mention?
Anything that’s genuine but not central to the job. Public speaking or delegation are safe options if you can explain how you’re improving.
What’s the best way to phrase it?
Keep it short and specific. One or two sentences on the weakness, then another couple on how you’re addressing it. Ending on progress leaves the right impression.
Should I say I don’t have weaknesses?
No. Everyone has them, and claiming otherwise sounds unrealistic. It’s better to pick something small but real than to dodge the question.
Are there three top weaknesses to use?
Not officially, but the most common are public speaking, delegation and overcommitting. They’re relatable and they give you plenty of room to show improvement.
Final thoughts: Talking about weaknesses for job interviews
Most (74%) candidates want opportunities to present their knowledge, experience and skills during the hiring process, according to a LinkedIn Talent blog. The biggest weakness interview question may not feel like a way of doing that, but you still need to answer it and it doesn’t have to derail you.
In fact, with preparation, it can help you stand out for the right reasons. By choosing a real but manageable example and showing what you’ve done to improve, you’ll prove you’re self-aware and committed to growth.
So when the question comes up, don’t panic. Think of it as an invitation to tell a short story about how you’ve developed.
There is lots of useful career-focused advice in our blog. For example:
- How To Tell If An Interview Went Well: Good and Bad Signs
- How To Get A Job With No Experience: Can You Do It?
- CAR Method: How To Use the CAR Technique in Interviews
If you’d like more help preparing for interviews, PurpleCV can support you with tailored CV writing and one-to-one career coaching services.
Take the next step in your career with confidence. Contact us today.
