Great Ways to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness”

Great Ways to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness”

Learn more

Next page

#1. Lack of experience

This one’s usually a very good answer if you’re a recent university graduate or if you’re switching careers. For example, let’s say you’re a recent college graduate applying for a job as a graphic designer. You can say that you lack experience with a certain software because you’ve practiced on a different one. In such a case, if you’re asked 

Next page

#1. Lack of experience

“what is your greatest weakness?” you can answer like this: – “I’m not experienced with the latest version of Adobe Illustrator, because I’ve practiced my skills using CorelDRAW. However, considering they are both design software, I think I could learn how to use Adobe in no time. ”

Next page

#1. Lack of experience

Or, like this: – “I’m not experienced in analyzing large amounts of financial data because I have yet to properly practice the financial literacy skills I acquired at University. I’m confident I will get the hang of it as soon as I get first-hand work experience.”

Next page

#2. Teamwork

Teamwork (or lack thereof) is a completely valid weakness, especially if your job doesn’t involve working with many people. Just make sure not to mix up teamwork skills with effective communication skills, even though the two are connected. See, there are hardly any jobs out there that don’t require communication skills, so 

Next page

#2. Teamwork

straight-on mentioning communication as your weakness might not be the best idea. Teamwork, on the other hand, involves close collaboration with a team to achieve a common goal, which is not necessarily required in every field. Here’s how you can tell the recruiter about this weakness: – “I’m not a team player, 

Next page

#2. Teamwork

honestly. I’ve always been less productive working with a group of people, while I do my best when I’m alone. This is one of the reasons I chose to become a writer.”

Next page

#3. Procrastination

You’d be surprised how many people struggle with procrastination. It’s a (bad) habit that’s been around for so long, there’s even a Goodreads quote page dedicated to it. As a weakness, procrastination can be a two-edged sword. If you don’t frame it properly, recruiters might assume you’re likely to miss deadlines or submit low-quality work.

Next page

#3. Procrastination

The key here is to mention exactly how you’ve improved or are planning to improve this weakness. Here’s how to frame your answer:  – “Since I was in university, I have struggled with procrastination. Before I worked my first job, I didn’t think it was a weakness, because I never missed a deadline. I just had to

Next page

#3. Procrastination

 pull an all-nighter here and there. But after I saw how my procrastination on a task affects the productivity of the entire team and the quality of a project’s result, I realized it’s a weakness I should improve. I changed my work ethic, how I tackle tasks, and how I motivate myself to work and have seen considerable improvement. I no longer rely on last-minute panic to complete my work.”

Next page

#4. Impatience

Struggling to remain patient is one of those weaknesses that is almost justifiable to have. Think about it. It’s almost impossible not to lose your patience at some point or another when you’re working.  It might happen because of a difficult task you can’t complete, or a colleague missing a deadline. The point is how you react to your 

Next page

#4. Impatience

impatience and whether you let it impact your relations with your coworkers or customers. So, unless you’re working a job where it’s essential to be patient (such as being a teacher), you can use impatience as a weakness as long as you frame it positively. Here’s how to do that: – “At times, impatience gets the best of me. If I’m working on a 

Next page

#4. Impatience

team project and I think that we’re not handling the task at hand in the best way, I tend to get fidgety and annoyed. In my last job, this weakness impacted my relationship with coworkers, so I’ve now enrolled in a training course to cultivate patience in the workplace. I’m also actively practicing patience outside of work to make it a habit in my daily life.”

Next page

#5. Self-criticism

Multitasking might not be as great as you think. Yes, our increasingly busy lifestyles can sometimes trick us into thinking multitasking is amazing, but recent studies show multitasking can seriously harm work performance. Multitasking makes you more likely to make mistakes at work, be less efficient with your tasks, 

Next page

#5. Self-criticism

and overall really hurts your productivity.Hence, you can easily use multitasking as an answer to “what is your greatest weakness?” Here’s how you’d reply to the interviewers: – “My weakness? I multitask too much. I first noticed it was an issue in my last job - I was too distracted and tackling two or three tasks at once ruined my 

Next page

#5. Self-criticism

productivity. I’ve been minding how I work ever since and I make sure to always define and prioritize all my tasks. Then, instead of juggling 3 at the same time, I try to go through them one by one.”

More

Read

10 New Job Fields for Women in 2022

10 Steps to a Resume That Will Get You Hired

10 Important Career Tips for Women

See More

See More

See More