I recently had a career exploration conversation with a talented marketing leader and they shared that they kept stumbling on the age-old interview question: “What’s your biggest weakness?”
It’s a classic interview question—and it’s still very much alive in 2025. While it might seem like a trap, this question actually serves an important purpose in the hiring process. When answered thoughtfully, it gives you an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset—all traits employers deeply value.
Let’s break down why interviewers ask it, how not to answer it, and how to craft a compelling response that builds trust.
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
Contrary to what many believe, this isn’t a “gotcha” question. Hiring managers aren’t expecting perfection. Instead, they want to see how you:
- Reflect on your own performance
- Accept feedback
- Respond to challenges or criticism
- Take initiative to grow professionally
In other words, they’re testing your emotional maturity and your ability to continuously improve—both essential in a team setting.
What Not to Do
Let’s start with what to avoid:
1. Disguising a Strength as a Weakness
Many people say things like, “I work too hard,” or “I’m a perfectionist.” While this may sound clever, it’s been overused and tends to come off as insincere. Employers can see through it.
2. Revealing a Critical Weakness for the Job
Be careful not to pick a weakness that would significantly impair your performance in the role. For example, if you’re interviewing for a copywriting role, don’t say “I struggle with grammar.”
3. Being Vague or Evasive
Saying “I’m not sure” or giving a half-hearted response shows a lack of self-awareness. You’ll come across as unprepared or unwilling to reflect critically.
How to Choose a Strong Example
Pick a real weakness—something that you’ve genuinely struggled with—but one that doesn’t sit at the core of the role you’re applying for. The sweet spot is a skill that’s:
- Not a key job requirement
- Honest and specific
- Addressable and already improving
Some examples include:
- Difficulty with delegating
- Nervousness with public speaking
- Overcommitting to projects
- Struggling with time estimation
- Avoiding conflict (or being overly direct)
The goal isn’t to expose a dealbreaker—it’s to tell a story about growth.
How to Structure Your Answer
Use this simple framework to answer this job interview question effectively:
1. Name the weakness clearly: don’t over-explain or hedge—just be honest.
2. Provide context: briefly describe how the weakness impacted your work.
3. Share what you’ve done to improve: explain the specific actions or strategies you’ve taken to work on it.
4. End on a positive note: emphasize the progress you’ve made and your commitment to continued growth.
Sample Answer 1: Delegating Tasks
“Earlier in my career, I struggled with delegating. I felt responsible for doing everything myself and sometimes took on more than I should have. It slowed down my productivity and made it harder for my team to contribute fully. Over time, I realized that effective delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks—it’s about trust and collaboration. I started using project management tools to clarify ownership and deadlines, and I’ve become much better at empowering others. It’s still something I’m working on, but I’ve seen huge improvements, and it’s made me a stronger leader.”
Sample Answer 2: Public Speaking
“One area I’ve worked hard to improve is public speaking. Earlier in my career, I would get anxious before team presentations or speaking at events. I decided to take action by joining a local Toastmasters group and volunteering for smaller speaking opportunities at work. Over time, I’ve become more confident and even enjoy it now. It’s still not something I’d call a natural strength, but I’ve made great strides and can now communicate clearly and calmly in high-stakes situations.”
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Be brief but impactful: Your answer should be no more than 90 seconds long.
- Stay professional: Avoid personal weaknesses unrelated to work (e.g., “I’m bad at waking up early”).
- Be self-aware, not self-deprecating: Show growth and confidence, not guilt or insecurity.
- Be authentic: Don’t memorize a script. Choose a real weakness you’re comfortable discussing.
Why It Matters
Every candidate has weaknesses—what sets you apart is how you handle yours. Interviewers don’t expect perfection; they’re looking for people who own their development, know how to reflect honestly, and take accountability for self-improvement.
By approaching this question strategically and with sincerity, you can turn a challenging moment into one that reinforces your credibility, integrity, and readiness to grow—exactly what a great employer wants to see.
Need more job interview advice? Explore our Elevated Thinking blog for tips on prepping for an interview, building a standout personal brand, and navigating career changes with confidence.
