REUTERS/Phil Noble Don't fall at the last hurdle.
It's probably one of the most discussed of all common interview questions, but also one of the most difficult to come up with an answer for. Not to mention, it's all about identifying and presenting your main flaw, but in a way that still makes you seem employable. Sounds easy, right?
Why is the employer asking this?
- To see how you handle a tricky question like this (and whilst under pressure)
- How well you are able to self-evaluate
- Whether you are making positive steps towards self-improvement
- Whether your weakness will hinder your ability to do the role in question
- How prepared you are for the interview (because it's such a common question)
How do I think of one?
Well firstly, don't even think about saying "I don't have any weaknesses," because clearly you do. And secondly, your biggest "flaw" does not have to be a permanent hindrance.
Begin by looking through the job specification in question, and check to see if there are any requirements which you might not fulfill (i.e. a skill like Excel, or the need to give presentations). If so, pick the most important and carry on reading.
If you are in fact qualified for the role, think about times when you've faced trouble during university or previous jobs; was it your fault (in even the tiniest way)? If so, what did you do wrong? What was holding you back? Or perhaps something your housemates, family or significant other have noticed about you?
What must my answer include?
Identifying your 'weakness' is just the first step. Realising that you're impatient, for instance, won't bode too well if the role you are applying for needs lots of patience; you don't want to immediately put the employer off.
Yet, you also don't want to come across as fake and dishonest. So ensure your weakness also fulfills these four things:
- It must be a weakness
- It should be sincere, and not just plucked from the internet
- It is appropriate for the job in question
- It is reasonably minor and 'fixable'
Many people will therefore use one of these two tactics:
1) A strength in disguise
It still needs to be a weakness, but with an underlying strength that isn't blatantly obvious (but not too subtle).
Examples: "I am too self-critical" = I am meticulous and careful.
"I need constant praise to validate my work" = I will work hard for praise.
Shutterstock "I am too self-critical."
2) An irrelevant weakness
It shouldn't be too irrelevant like "dairy," but something that would barely affect your performance if you actually got the job. For example:
If applying to become a software developer: "My presentation skills aren't very strong"
If applying for a financial role: "I'm not very creative"
However, by providing an irrelevant/actually a strength answer, you run the risk of being probed for another answer, depending on the interviewer's style. It's therefore best to prepare a second answer too.
So how do I actually answer?
The best way to "dress" a weakness answer is in two parts:
- Weakness: state your weakness first, demonstrating that you are able to answer concisely and directly.
- Recovery: then, explain either how you overcame this weakness, or how you are in the process of overcoming it at present. Past or present depends on the type of weakness you choose to apply to the particular interview.
Here are some examples of weaknesses, but remember, if you choose to use this as inspiration, make sure you can confidently talk about your weakness, or you run the risk of being viewed as dishonest.
Some examples:
1) I struggle to delegate tasks - a potential strength in disguise, and irrelevant answer
Weakness - "I struggle to delegate tasks, especially when it's a project I'm responsible for. It's the whole, 'if you want something done right, do it yourself' conundrum. However I know that by doing so, I put too much pressure on myself, and ending up slowly things down."
Recovery - "I came across this weakness whilst on the committee for the Law society. Since this discovery, and after a year of leadership and organisational experience, I feel that I have been able to delegate a lot more, and not worry too much when my high standards aren't met. I have also signed up for a management training course next weekend, as I was worried that being too controlling would affect my job prospects"
Jason Horton/YouTube 
Why it works - As a graduate, it is unlikely you will be entering a management role any time soon, but you have highlighted a flaw, and also shown that you have had some minor experience in organising a team of people. Your proactivity and self-awareness also comes through, as well as your high-standards.
2) I'm far too blunt / honest
Weakness - "I've been told recently by my housemates and peers that I can, at times, come across as too blunt. I am by nature a very honest and straightforward person, so I don't often sugar-coat any feedback or issues I have with people."
Recovery - "While I realise honesty is respectable in some senses, university has taught me to be more diplomatic with my opinions. I have also been volunteering in a charity shop for the last month, meaning I have met people from many walks of life, and learned a lot about communicating tactfully in a working environment."
Why it works - It is a genuine weakness which could affect your integration at a new role, however, the fact that you are self-aware, and working on improving shows your consideration for future co-workers.
Some other examples of weaknesses that could apply to you include: too impatient, too shy, or bad at public speaking, or a lack of work experience.