What are your greatest weaknesses?

is no way to ensure that you are going to get this a 100% correct if you decide to be honest about your answer. Most companies put prospective candidates through a psychometric test to determine their strengths and weaknesses amongst other things. Despite this, you might get asked during the interview regards your strengths and weaknesses.

The actual answers are not what is being looked for, instead your ability to…

1. Portray yourself in the best possible light. (Positive Attitude)

2. Express yourself. (Communication)

3. Be politically correct. (Understanding work culture and being able to fit in.)

Example – 1:

As tricky as it could possibly be, the easiest way to approach this is to portray a weakness as a hidden strength.

“I work very hard to give the best at my job and expect the same from my team members who are not always of the same mindset.”

This strategy is better than admitting an actual weakness. It is however commonly used and is a clichéd response, transparent to most experienced interviewers.

Example – 2:

Depending on your rapport with the interview thus far in the interview and if you have managed to get information on his/her needs and wants; the below is also a very good, and possibly the easiest approach to this question.

“After getting a clear picture of what is required, I can positively say that there is nothing to keep me from performing in this position with excellence. As a matter of fact...

(And wrap-up by introducing, or re-introducing your strengths and/or qualifications to the requirements of the position).”

Example – 3:

Lead with this assuming that you have already covered needs and wants and are on a good footing with the interviewer thus far.

“When I need to hire people I look for two things most of all; their qualifications for the job and the level of motivation that they can bring to the workplace. I know for a fact that everything in my background indicates that I have both the qualifications and a drive to achieve excellence in everything I take on. Of course I have my weaknesses, but basis what you’ve told me about this position I am sure that I would make an exemplary match. Rest assured, I see nothing that would cause you even a small concern regarding my abilities, or my drive to perform with excellence.”

OR

In case you have not managed to garner enough information about the position to feel comfortable using the above, move into describing something that you like or dislike. Ensure what you like most matches with important qualifications for success in the position, and what you like least is not really important. Let’s assume you are applying for a sales position.

“If it were up to me, I’d spend as much time as possible out in the field selling as opposed to shuffling paperwork at the office. Of course, I realized long ago the importance of completing related paperwork and I do it conscientiously, but what I really love to do is sell.”

If your interviewer happens to be a sales manager, this should appeal to him/her greatly.

Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.

Like with weaknesses, regardless of how you feel, you should never admit regret. Put it across that you have no misgivings and illustrate how you ensure that it stays that way.

Example:

“Well I can’t really think of a situation like that. As a general managing principle I feel that the best way to avoid regretting something is to not do it in the first place. At the end of every day I review my actions, interactions and developments I am involved in. On occasion I realize things need a follow up. Be it a pat on the back, a one on one conference, or just something that needs doing. I like to ensure that all the members of my team feel special by being liberal with appreciation and respecting their feelings at all times. Working hard myself to set an example and letting each team member know that I expect excellence in their performance at the same time; leaves me with a highly motivated group of people, a team that’s focused more on excellence than over slights or regrets.”