How to Answer: What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

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biginterview.com/blog/2014/02...
Top interview coach Pamela Skillings walks you through how to build a strong answer to the most common interview question: What is your greatest weakness?

[@Biginterview]

Inside Big Interview, our complete training system for job interviews, we give you video lessons, sample answers, and an interactive practice tool for all of these different versions of “What is your greatest weakness?” Here are some details: biginterview.com/instant-access

[@whipy9203]

- "What's your biggest weakness?" - "I'm too much of a perfectionist." - "That's a very cliché answer." - "Well, it's a very cliché question."

[@samgeurdi6351]

I hate this question because you can set yourself up to fail too. So what you’re essentially telling the interviewer is that you can’t finish a project in time because you’re a perfectionist. It’s a rollercoaster and can end up as a disadvantage to be accepted for the position you want to be hired for.

[@_baller]

Boom! Nailed it, they're very amateur interviewer to ask this question, and they're probably just toying with you

[@_baller]

@@samgeurdi6351 as much of a stupid question this is, I'd reframe it and just state a previous weakness you fixed, if they push for a current weakness then say I'm not aware of one, it's my personal belief when they ask this question they don't want you anyway...and you're supplying them with the perfect reason why they shouldn't hire you

[@DJ11213]

@@_baller that question is a double edge sword

[@tommyapocalypse6096]

I think some of y’all might be missing the point. The reply was meant to be sarcastically funny. 😊

[@thetruth5084]

Definitely squats, I need to train legs more.

[@TheCareerForce]

Great advice! This is such an important topic to cover. It's difficult for most people to talk about their negative traits, but this is a very common interview question. It's so important to be prepared with a sincere weakness and the way you're working to improve.

[@cbflazaro]

"What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" - "Honesty" - "I don't think honesty is a weakness" - "I don't care what you think" ( proof of honesty).

[@mayarahes]

Thanks so much for sharing. I had an interview and brought up the "too direct" weakness and the solution and it was really appreciate by one of the interviewer since she likes staff that is direct rather than those who goes around the bush. I like this channel because they provide with concise and real examples. Thanks.

[@DayWatch]

haha i love the fact that you address how ridiculous this question is. it's definitely important to have an answer prepared and not be caught off guard

[@claudiosuarez5501]

Biggest weakness

[@QuikVidGuy]

Or just a very large piece of paper in your resume folder with "WEAKNESS" drawn on it

[@stemspiration8554]

Interviewer: "What is your greatest weakness?" Candidate: "Answering this exact question." Interviewer:"Point duly noted."

[@Alex3817]

STEM Spiration another useless comment.

[@_baller]

Yep

[@tommyapocalypse6096]

@@Alex3817 made by yourself.

[@ProfessorHeatherAustin]

I totally agree that this is an awkward question. Yes, it is still asked and being prepared is so important. I especially like that you mentioned to mention a "fixable" weakness. Fantastic advice. Thanks for sharing!

[@ksanti_07]

Thanks a lot!!! This is the real good explanation I have ever come across

[@Pokeater]

This is very helpful delegation, and giving constructive criticism and speaking in meetings is one of my weaknesses

[@ramflyer1899]

After 3 years I’m back to hear this again.

[@azynstyles6025]

The delegation response is great! I'll be using that scenario for my next interview.

[@petelee2477]

Biggest weaknesses well I used to be to honest. I definitely fixed that with some acting classes and haven't answered honestly to any of your other questions

[@miketawana3314]

lee, being liar seems to work..which i also fail to understand..

[@_baller]

Lmao perfection

[@MrJimmytu]

A weakness should directly relate to your potential job and not in the past. The trick is that you have other strengths to combat that weakness. I believe this is to test your character and ingenuity. If the rest of your interview shows you are capable this should be a positive .

[@elyarr]

Very interesting and good advises. Thank you for sharing knowledge.

[@eclecticreader961]

My greatest weakness: I focus too much on the details. Feel free to critique and grade my statement: "I love to research and learn. I think I have most of the details ironed out. I have learned from my supervisors a valuable insight that interpersonal communication is more important than having all the details. I learned how to interview clients. This experience changed my perception in the workplace and in human interaction."

[@feelinggamer999]

Thanks for this vids, actually its more way better than the other interview questions vids ive watched.. im gonna jot it down so wen im going to have an interview i could answer that question more correctly..

[@DrJonTam]

0:47 This question makes interviewers feel like they’re being thorough and “hard hitting” 1:26 The two important parts of a good weakness answer 1:30 Part #1: Briefly describe a real weakness that wouldn’t be a major handicap on the job 1:38 Part #2: How you are already working on improving your weakness 1:52 How to choose a “good” weakness 2:00 Don’t select a weakness just because it sounds good 2:13 Be aware of the job requirements 2:39 Meaning of fixable weakness 3:44 Example #1: Delegation 4:50 Example #2: Too direct 5:29 Example #3: Public speaking 6:35 What not to do

[@Elsiecruise1989]

I really likehow you are more clear than other videos. Do you have a video what are your greatest strengths?

[@MrDuboce]

Pam Skillings, you are awesome as always. Funny story; a friend of mine said she got this question and answered, "I really don't want to work anymore, but I have a kid in college." The recruiter actually laughed and said, "I get it." She didn't get the job however.

[@tc1817]

she didn't get the job because her answer didn't demonstrate a weakness. Or maybe you can explain how wanting to retire is a weakness.

[@FaithPepper]

You're 100% correct, preparation and time spent answering any and every possible question may be the different between getting the job or not.

[@timothytessier2702]

I always answer with the truth... My biggest weakness is "Please don't ask me to deliver bad news".... whether it may be about a project or a person. I tend to just pull off the band-aid and just deliver bad news... It's a Military thing... But I believe it's positive more than negative. Boss wants the truth... period. Just my two cents.. Good Video!!!

[@heedmywarning2792]

"You're too direct" "I can lie" "That is much, much, better"

[@allencaldwell5018]

Thank you for your insight to educate the masses. What still brings me great skepticism is in the end, we the client are still left to provide BS answers about smoothing over weaknesses. It just boils down to if the BS answer to this arcane BS question reaches an acceptable level to consider the person for employment.

[@aleyvlogs5415]

Amazing nice explained🎉👏

[@christopherpeters6365]

Absolutely spot on. We all have weaknesses, we all should actively own them, be honest with ourselves and work on those issues to be our best in life. Good stuff.

[@_baller]

No we don't have weaknesses Chris, maybe you're just a loser

[@QuikVidGuy]

"Somewhere I've noticed a bit of struggle is that I used to frequently ask teammates outside of my station for updates when work slowed down a bit. I felt insecure about doing enough to contribute to the work flow if I let my pace drop, but in reality I started to notice that I probably appeared controlling or invasive. I wasn't trusting myself or my team as much as I should have been. If I'm doing my job, and they're doing theirs, we'll all carry each other, but repeatedly interrupting their focus was not a useful offer of help. When I started to regulate this habit by observing and intuiting the flow of work around me, I noticed a small but immediate improvement in my own demeanor and subsequently the entire team's efficiency, as well as my ability to pick up on environmental clues rather than relying on vocal direction."

[@Gurharvir]

Good example

[@yoseiyosei11111]

My strength is the fact that I only have one weakness My weakness is the fact that I don't have any strength

[@katejones2172]

Love that you've got the job!

[@ingridchavarria7541]

She speak Very Fluently!!!!!!.. Good Advices💅

[@ncmathura]

great content and presentation

[@vegaclimbike]

Where I live, if I say or my references declare that i'm good at something ie listening, or getting the job done, got people skills, or etc everything I do and/or say is used against me at any opportunity; example: during a conversation if there is a point that needs clarification and I ask about it..then I'm told that "you see you are not that good listener after all" , or if I had to retest something then it goes: "you see you didnt finish the test or whatever so you are not that good after all"

[@sln7839]

Like how the interviewer interviews candidates, the latter too forms an opinion about the interviewer.

[@petelee2477]

1:20 it's a job interview. Being honest and authentic is a great way not to get the job

[@sln7839]

Glad you added the word not.

[@leslie-annmills-gomez8763]

Good point

[@rafaelrochaprado]

good advices

[@mosalman5541]

Im currently a MBA student so how I can tell about my self and my weakness for the placements

[@highplainsrider8734]

I've watched a few of these now and you take way to long to get to the point and really only seem to cover office type of workers.

[@owggarage723]

My biggest weakness? Cheesecake, yeah cheesecake with strawberry sauce 😋. I'm working on my weakness by focusing on German Chocolate Cake. LOL.

[@jakebarker1269]

I am trying to come up with a good answer for this question so I have special needs like a mild intectual disability and low muscle tone and more I can still work and live a normal life how can I word it I do go to a special needs school currently Called Woodfield Academy any more tips or questions

[@revolhoop]

My weakness? It that I keep asking my coworkers what my weaknesses are so I can get better at it and be perfect....... :)

[@SeasonSalad]

This is helpful, but are there any examples that might not involve taking a class?

[@Biginterview]

There's a sample answer in our channel. Plus we added some more advanced content in the Big Interview curriculum for dealing with this question (and its variations).

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

"I'm too honest." "I don't think that's a weakness." "I don't care what you think. You asked what _I_ think." "OK, I see your point now."

[@xicoric777]

my weakness is pizza. If there is pizza in the room nothing else will get done.

[@MissNolver]

That question should be abolished 😡

[@janetbusener8131]

Never tell anyone but family what weaknesses you may have. That is just a way for the beast to destroy.

[@gatnordakkoy52]

I'm honest person who cares for people as they are mind

[@MoAntphonyMo]

Does being reserved during debates or during meetings because you rather listen than share input can be seen as a weakness? This only happens during debates and I may chime in here and there

[@TyUnglebower]

In the extroverted centered corporate world that these videos cater too, yes, I dare say that would be called a weakness. I recently had an interview wherein I specifically mentioned I like to listen more than I like to talk, and I got the impression this is one reason i didn't get selected. Too many jobs, like those being discussed in these courses, want those who can't wait to not sleep, not eat, and express all the energy in the world in deference to the company in question. IN such places, boisterous, constant talking, despite saying little, is interpreted as motivation and initiative. The content doesn't matter so much as the noise. To take the time to be a listener in the corporate world of these videos and others like it, is in fact a death knell for job hunters.

[@Zandalorscat]

I'd have thought being too much of a perfectionist or working too hard would be red flags, since they may indicate trouble meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment and managing stress - qualities most employers require from you these days.

[@davidemoore1620]

On the job description, what if one of the preferred skills is speaking Spanish? I'm in my fifties, and I cannot speak Spanish at all. I've sincerely tried to learn, without success.

[@petelee2477]

You don't reveal weaknesses that hinder your chances of getting the job. Remember telling a convincing lie is much better than revealing a flaw and not getting the job

[@samgeurdi6351]

Delegation problems means you have trust issues. So your weakness isn’t delegation but trust issues.

[@privateprivate2268]

Thumbs Up

[@wanjimike7982]

why say that these answers are not appropriate for senior level jobs and then not provide any answers to the question for senior level jobs. It sounds so much negated. NOT, NOT NOT

[@tc1817]

I just tell them I am lousy with power tools.

[@majarrah]

I could not still find my weakness so this itself is my weakness.(Note Never reveal your weakness to anyone although we understand all have weaknesses.Prospective Buyer asking a Company what is your Company weakness shall anyone reveal …be honest )

[@linhpham3350]

exciting

[@jimeiden2360]

I Would you ask your HVAC tech this question before he fixes your furnace? Your plumber?

[@stefan7848]

So i have to lie that i hae a weeknes?....

[@grahamnewton3637]

My greatest strength is that I have no weaknesses and I am a great bullshit artists.

[@rickrossi7426]

Thanks for teaching us how to be a better liar 🙄

[@wendyraye]

I thought public speaking was cliche. I was going to say too shy to speak up, but now I won’t. What if you get upset by lazy coworkers?

[@QuikVidGuy]

They ask that in the online quizzes now. You're never supposed to talk about being upset with coworkers unless they ask if one should be fired.

[@janetbusener8131]

Thomson Reuters is the beast.

[@GreekNationPSU]

Neautrally

[@FERN1981]

Its a weakness, it isn't meant to be great.

[@_baller]

My weakness? Needing to research enough blogs and videos to find out how to answer this stupid irrelevant question

[@terryin20878]

Dear everyone who is on the company end of job interviews - this is a stupid, pointless question, and a waste of everyone's time. If you are asking it, you probably need to sharpen up your interviewer skills. If you have a strong justification for asking it, see the previous sentence.

[@jimeiden2360]

Would you ask your plumber this question? Does it have any bearing on fixing your sink?

[@terryin20878]

@@jimeiden2360 When's the last time it was asked during a presidential debate?

[@jimeiden2360]

@@terryin20878 So they can give a well crafted corporate speak answer that doesn'tmean anything when it's all said & done

[@welshpete12]

to much waffle at the beginning !

[@KL-bc1eg]

CEO: "What's your biggest weakness?" Me: "Trying to look sincere during this job interview knowing that we both know that I know that you know that I know and you know that I know that you know that you're expecting me to bullshit my way into this interview." CEO: ".....ya, it's bullshit."

[@forgiveness_denied]

I think the old trick is, that you are afraid of public speaking :)

[@justsmart7987]

What's your biggest weakness? I eat way too many cheeseburgers

[@_baller]

No matter how you spin it, it's a stupid question, has anyone ever got a job from a company who actually asked this question??

[@JakeMcClake2]

Ahh, the lie detector question. Yeah you might not know it, but the main reason to ask this question is to see how truthful the candidate is. Answer it the way this person says and you will be considered a liar. Be honest and tell the truth and yeah talk about what you are doing to fix it.

[@vishalbehal7746]

you need to slow down....

[@headlibrarian1996]

Greatest weakness? Thinking questions like this are really, really stupid.

[@iamlivinghuman8329]

To be

[@binham3187]

too fast, cant easy to understand for 2nd language speakers.... nor given any appropriate example. Sorry

[@cherriericardo1732]

The talented leopard prospectively possess because screw successively happen upon a fragile glass. first, incredible camel

[@nabwaba]

The typical mayonnaise oceanographically transport because bus temporally milk underneath a evanescent tramp. tiresome, clear purchase

[@siddhabuddha]

Let's be honest. This weakness question is DUMB AF.

[@iamlivinghuman8329]

My not giving a shit?