Interview tip: "What is your biggest weakness?"

[@SvedeboXque]

My biggest weakness is not knowing my weaknesses

[@filitalian]

My biggest weakness is talking about weakness in front of a panel of people I've met for the first time.

[@hankdatank09]

A boss I had once told me, "I don't consider I have any weaknesses, I tend to see them as room for improvement. I'm a glass half full type of person." This has worked for me and other peers that I've told in the past.

[@EvaSlash]

My biggest weakness is having to sell my soul to corporate America.

[@charronfamilyconnect]

***Now to be honest I never said that. The reason for this question is to see if your have some humility, and can be vulnerable. The best answer I gave on this question is the following, " I would say that my greatest weakness is that I sometimes worry. I worry about everything going well at work, I worry about my childrens future, I worry that I will not live up to all expectations from everyone in my life that depends on me... I am very conscientious of all that I do and truly care about others, and that is why I worry....***

[@jag062222]

My weakness is trying to answer this question ;)

[@someguy604]

I just went to an interview today and there's no crappier feeling then when the interviewer says "I'm interviewing five more people today...".

[@XiloChannel]

So you're interviewing 20 in a week. Let them know, non competitively, that you have many other interviews to go to, with a chuckle, when you feel it's time to tell them (this is the tricky part.) I have gotten jobs this way, the very next day, and quite frankly I wasn't expecting this at all. I told the interviewer when they remarked on my gpa being 3.7 when they said they turned down 3.9's, that, with a smile, i have quite a few more interviews to go on this week, so I have a fantastic desire to work here, and my resume speaks for itself. Indulge yourself if you will, but I want to work here, and will not be unemployed when the week is out. Got the job the next day.

[@rayfinkle9924]

someguy604 Im not a nice guy, I am brutally honest in job interviews and its gotten me hired a few times. If im rejected i usually send a very rude email

[@Jago8300]

someguy604 that means you got the job! lol XD

[@LCbabyxO]

omg I feel you. I went to a job interview two Yeats ago for a job I NEEDED financially. the lady goes "we have 8 other people that have interviews.. I've already interviewed 5..", however, I did get the job lol.

[@pammiesue7931]

+someguy604 did you get the job?

[@Artisbeauty22]

This is what I've come up with, when asked this question this is a real weakness that I've overcome, and I hope it works, for the position I'm looking to get as a cashier at a grocery store. - My biggest weakness was trying to step out of my comfort zone when talking to new people. This was something that I was determined to over come in my first job as a Courtesy Clerk, because I struggled with it at first, but with the proper training I learned ways to improve this. My last job as a sales associate helped with this too, because there was more customer interaction, and now I consider myself a people person, and I can now strike up a conversation with ease, without getting extremely nervous.

[@smartguy9765]

My biggest weakness is surprise attacks from the back when my neck is exposed.

[@MrPittman101]

Cool reply. Lol.

[@yogi2436]

great I should get that job cleaning toilets now

[@CiprianHanga]

Nobody is that incredible that their weakness makes them more incredible. LOL, cant argue with that :)

[@TheGTAVIIMaster]

Whatever.... not my problem...

[@MrPittman101]

That is awesome. Made me crack up...

[@dekota011]

I find it all so pretentious. Job interviews are more difficult than public speaking, perhaps most peoples weakness are the interviews. Anyone can lie for thirty minutes, some do it better than others. A sociopath can say he is a team player. I found the more I wanted the job, the worse the interview went because of my nerves. Perhaps we need a different system for finding the right people .

[@maymee83]

"I found the more I wanted the job, the worse the interview went..." Nail on the head. That's me every time

[@RavenRuled]

Great points Megan. As someone who has done thousands of interviews and has rarely been interviewed I would say while I was pretty good at getting great people I could mentor and develop there are always those few that sneak thru. You can have a very smart guy with lots of talent and calm on the interview yet they do next to nothing after they get the job or a gal who interviews like a champ then after hired has all these problems that never stop popping up and she is untrainable. Resumes are just as bad. One time I said that I would love to see someone put on their resume they are late often and quite lazy so I could hire them for their honesty!!

[@shruthis3516]

Couldn't agree more. In my last interview, I was a nervous wreck and I was so gutted that I did not get the job as I prepared for it a lot :(

[@baracusain12]

I couldn't have said it better. Interviews are just novelty acts. The better snake oil salesperson normally gets the job.

[@spartan1171865]

+megan hadsermeravik Interviews are pointless in my opinion. Not everyone can answer questions great. But people may perform better on the job then the interview.

[@TheOrdinaryAccountant]

I don't think answering with "in the past" is answering the question - meaning that is not your weakness anymore. The question was, what IS your biggest weakness?

[@stylishnene]

Exactly

[@QueenGween]

Couldn't agree more! :)

[@XiloChannel]

What if your biggest weakness is dealing with deadlines? what if your biggest weakness is alcoholism? what if your biggest weakness is tardiness due to paramount productivity? what if your biggest weakness is a psychological disorder that requires medication? Maybe one of all of those I listed is marginally acceptable to list. The reason why people "lie" so to speak, is because this is an aspect of their private lives, and though the question is being asked by the employer, ergo, you won't get the job unless you answer satisfactorily... it also is unethical and quite frankly prying into your private life. I think the best remedy to this question is to deflect and answer it how it pertains to your professional execution, without making you look incompetent. She's right in this video by avoiding the weakness which equals strength. Think outside the box, and DO NOT get personal. Remember, it's not personal, its business.

[@ajs6036]

+Sam K Have you heard a politician talk? If you are too literal and don't dodge the questions as much as possible to make yourself out to be the best candidate you will not get the job.

[@gimkilo57]

My biggest weakness: When I'm concentrated on my work, I have a facial expression that may make me look like i'm frustrated or sad. I've been working on tricks to remind myself to smile, like drawing a happy face in the palm of my hand :D

[@km-rv6gm]

***** lol that's me!

[@brittanyjohnson859]

I believe this is the first time I have commented on a youtube video. You are so refreshing and I really appreciate your time. Thank you.

[@ApiaryManager]

My biggest weakness is my age. I have 3 degrees and lots of experience but all companies seem to want is newly graduated 20-somethings because they are cheap and have no exprience so they do as they're told.

[@Alignmented1]

perfectly stated, I'd just say that if I were you (but more as a joke so it wouldn't sound as criticism).

[@XiloChannel]

I respect you for saying this. I'm in my 30s, and a lot of the jobs i'm going for (i changed careers) tend to be difficult for me to go for because a lot of the hiring managers are my age or slightly younger. They don't want someone more decorated than them, or quite possibly, my image is not what they want... Or even worse, as you had alluded to, they're afraid of someone who is empowered and has more of a self-defining individuality and work ethic.

[@TheLivingDeadOne]

my biggest weakness, "Interviews"

[@kierondec]

My interviewing days are over I hope, but saying that, this video and advice is honestly the best I've heard or read in the last 35 years in the job field both on the interviewee and interviewer roles that I've played. It is the examples that I found were something new and believable, and I would have hire Aimee if her other answers were as good. Well Done Aimee. Aimee, you are well suited for these videos.

[@eddiewang1395]

This approach really could show the interviewer you're being sneaky and adding in another strength when they want to know about a weakness and how you recognized and approached the problem.

[@lee_parker]

Exactly. I think the key here is you have "Recognized and approached" the problem. That's the kind of person you want to work with every day, not a fake person unwilling to admit what stinks about their personality they needs some work to improve. Why do people have to be robots. Can we just be human?

[@FrancisPGalvin]

What happened to just telling the truth instead of trying to misrepresent oneself? And do employers asking such questions really expect to hear the truth? If not, why ask the question? I have usually struggle to get to interview; but once there, I'm usually offered the job. I find that what works best (for me) is just to try and relax, be myself, be honest, and treat it as if it were a friendly conversation.

[@jimmy20097]

how is that a weakness if you have overcome it already?

[@benevolentsoul8920]

My biggest weaknesses : (1) I'm a detail guy but sometimes I'm far too detailed and it uses up too much time. I'm trying to work on this by being less detailed with things that aren't of great importance. (2) When troubleshooting technical issues that I can't solve the same day, sometimes I will be thinking about the problem while at home in the shower or eating dinner. I'm trying to work on this by setting reminders in my email or using One Note to noting on what the problem was, what I did, and if there is any deadlines that I should to be aware about.

[@Robert08010]

To that question, I answered well I'm slightly dyslexic and caffeine exacerbates the effects so I have to avoid caffeine when there is any critical data entry work. I think I shocked the interviewer. He said, "Wow, Someone why doesn't think they are prefect? OMG!!" He honestly said I was the first interviewee who actually was aware of my own faults.

[@mysmallpetshop8481]

For anyone worrying about an interview right now, these are the modern day questions that I was asked recently and i hope it helps! Remember it is more than normal to feel terrified XD 1. tell me about yourself - personality, future, e.g where you're studying 2. biggest strength and weakness? 3. why do you want this job? 4. How did you find out about this job? 5. For this specific role, I was asked what makes good customer service 6. where do you see yourself in the next five years? 7. any fears or health issues? I would also recommend researching where you want to work and having some questions prepared so you feel that little bit more confident! good luck

[@AnamChoudhury77]

Having had the pleasure of your acquaintance via youtube, I must say Aimee you are certainly a star and fantastic to watch. I am sure and right in saying that you speak from your heart and your strenuous work to assist people find success is marked by unsurpassed efficiency and excellence. You are simply best out of the rest so well done and I hope to work with you in the future...

[@i.p.knightly149]

"I generally hate work and would rather be doing just about anything else." or "I hate bs'ing my way through stupid insulting non-relavent questions." Which one should I use?

[@ResistTyrants]

I always struggle with this question because I can't determine if punctuality or motivation is my biggest weakness, so I guess by default that makes indecision my biggest weakness... Be sure to maintain eye contact, the reaction is priceless!

[@LeadsTheFallen]

Mine is kryptonite

[@mehariyoon]

She reminds me of Keira knightley...thanks for the video..its really helpful!

[@lilmixerrr774]

Right the resemblance is mind blowing, she's truly one of a kind

[@typhooni8]

beat me to it.... by 7 months

[@MiaCarter7]

I get nervous in interviews which is just sad because I know I could really contribute my skills to the companies I've applied for. But I feel as though the interviewers sense my nervousness and just pick other candidates.

[@nicn2446]

My awesomeness is my weakness

[@crystalwalton3244]

+Nic Nichols right

[@laurensbekker7243]

So, you are saying that when you would like to hire new talent, they could never confirm that people have weaknesses? Recently I had an application, they asked me: 'What is your biggest weakness'? Honestly I told them my weakness... Because of this they trust me because I am confident eneough to say that I do have a weakness... Everyone is perfect people? My advice: to be honest. Good luck!

[@Ntrigme]

Thank you, Aimee! This is a great tip. I knew to mention how I had remedied the weakness but never thought of actually following up immediately with a strength.

[@Fozgorb]

My weakness is the frustration I sometimes show when I see a lack of enthusiasm for a job well done.

[@Nixlplix]

I don't speak much Spanish. That's a pretty big weakness these days, at least in the U.S.

[@lucybillington3620]

Thank you Aimee, great advice. I hadn't thought of structuring my answer like this, really helps!

[@NicoleSouthwell]

Interesting direction for this question. I will be looking for a position around April so I will keep this in mind.

[@dumonr71]

I think it is important for interviewees to know that it is ok to have a weakness. It is also important to know yourself and know how to overcome those weaknesses.

[@karenbrown4524]

This is very helpful! More than once watching this is an absolute​ must for me. I've got an interview for a dream job on Thursday and I couldn't be more nervous.

[@n.vonada9067]

You should choose a 'weakness' that is not a detriment to the job that you are applying for, such as ice skating, marathon running or juggling. This way you are being 100% honest.

[@Cara-Moore]

This question basically asks "What are you not good at, what skills do you need to develop or improve?" If you can answer this honestly, it means you are developing your skills and are aware of your own abilities. It can also show you are proactive, as you can mention what training or development plan you have in place to improve in those areas.

[@TheLivingDeadOne]

kathryn moore Oh brother. Is that what it means? I would honestly think these are all "Behavioural" questions. Thats my weakness. I have a great deal of patience when it comes to pertanent issues. But if you give me a hard time with bullshit, I find myself explaining to the bullshit (drwn into an arguement) I've been handed, then I ask, Why did I just answer to that nonsense. You may not understand what I mean, but I have been subjected to grown children in the workplace. And I am still reelling from it.

[@stevehowe1677]

Would be more useful if you actually gave examples -statements like "I am sure you know what not to say" aren't particularly helpful, I have interviewed plenty of people that don't.

[@dashaftaway]

my biggest weakness? my strength!

[@JamesWilson-sb9iq]

My biggest weakness is sweets. That's not a lie lol.

[@juliaeve]

Lol the first time I heard this question while in an interview I thought I had to be honest too so I said "well, I would say my biggest weakness is being too polite.. I oftentimes don't judge a person well enough and so when a person hurts my feelings, I just brush it off to avoid conflict rather than confronting them head on." I didn't get the job lol so maybe that was wrong.. I would rather go with the textbook answer than go on a limb and say something like that because at least then they would know you've researched how to do well in an interview and tried lol

[@jasminerahmel7548]

+newguy33X I just read your comment and it made me laugh so hard!

[@pjmoreau]

This is excellent. Best advice I have seen on this question.

[@yadiracardona8315]

Well, one of my weaknesses is being really hard on myself when I make a mistake. Even my supervisor used to tell me, "Yad, you're being too hard on yourself, this mistake is fixable. Don't worry about it". And I would still feel bad for a few days. lol

[@Cassandra6]

Public speaking is my weakness too! I am going to use that as my weakness and to show how I have improved I will say I took a public speaking class and passed with a good grade and feel much improved now :)

[@Cassandra6]

***** Lol I did use that as a weakness and I didn't get the job. At least I know now what not to say..

[@MrPittman101]

+Cassandra, wow that is sad. The smallest variation can make the biggest difference.

[@Cassandra6]

XOLANI SANGWENI It really can, you have to be very careful about what information you reveal in an interview

[@chantelthompson2344]

Good suggestions and I love the flow. I agree with the idea that you have to show how you're working on it, or how you're overcoming it. Just like you are saying, have a good example of what you're doing, or have done, to correct the behavior. Knowing is only 1/2 the battle.

[@lobojoalfred438]

I truly appreciate your support to me, to tackle my interview on Friday next week pray for me to pass my interview i was having weakness in talking to public but i have overcome it by trusting what i will say, interaction with colleagues and giving presentation in public, many thanks to you.

[@lynnw7618]

Love this and the other videos you presented great information. Please, share some advice on how to KILL it on the interview, over 50 years old? I do not want to ramble on with the situational interviews. I was beat out on 5-6 interviews by a younger person, with no experience, and missed out on two amazing jobs. PLEASE HELP ME OUT! I am 6 months on my search and really frustrated. Thanks!

[@rajchakraborty1602]

Your conversations contains lot of Energy and Logic.Its good

[@elep7526]

Great advice!!!!! I'm definitely the perfectionist one - but I can turn it to - "In the past I have somewhat of a perfectionist issue (hard to take the "different" view of others), but being placed in groups for most of my classes throughout my last two years of college I have learned to work with others"... Wonderful :-)

[@NiqueSumthinViscious]

Thank you Aimee for this helpful tip. I recently had an interview and thought the whole "perfectionist" being a strength and weakness combo would surely win her over and i didn't get the job obviously. But not at all discouraged, i will stay positive and know that a position will come through. Thanks so much =)

[@randysingh9334]

Great video, you provided a great example that applies directly to me. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@wisruba]

I'm extremely honest but not rude, and so transparent and extraordinarily initiative in sharing my unintended thoughts too, I trust everyone right away, so far I failed in marriage, and lost millions of dollars to trusting the wrong people! could you advice me if I hit my head into a wall would that help me at all??

[@aprilblenk]

My biggest weakness is that I'm just not very confident which honestly sucks in interview situations..

[@fliamonjeevans]

awwwee. I really felt that good luck last words... Thanks

[@BangingMash]

Interviewer: What is your biggest weakness? Me: Job interviews...

[@lovingbritt]

I get very nervous like I stutter really badly when I'm on the spot

[@ashlynpeterson9430]

I will take this advice in consideration tomorrow at my office administrative assistant interview. All though i don't want to sound like a robot and make it seem like i say all the same things other people do, I will just be honest with myself and the person hiring me. So for instance the employer asks me, what is your biggest weakness? I will reply with "My biggest weakness would be that i have trouble asking questions because i feel i don't want to bother any one or be a nuisance. But i have learned that in the office it's important to be able to ask questions or a concern i have, so this is something i work on to make it more of a strength then a weakness."

[@palomasalmeron1565]

You are great :) Thank you! :) I have an interview tomorrow for a campaign... I pray that I do well. :)

[@Yaboimonker]

Thanks a lot for your tips they might come really helpful

[@Vatierville]

Hi Aimee, I used your techniques to deal with this interview question the other day on my assessed interview and passed with great feedback! So thank you very much for this! Lewis

[@EcoEnvious]

That was great. Now I know exactly what I should say!

[@xercxees]

You're the best! Such good advice!!!

[@tedoymisojos]

This is one of those questions no one should bother asking

[@josephpahari8586]

We should try to be honest and tell the fact but you should be true to yourself be yourself and you should know there is probation period as well so how you can hide the secret will be revealed soon and your career will have negative impact than positive. So try to be proactive and try to overcome your weaknesses be prepared and than apply

[@cameronrich3857]

Give a real weakness? Never...Not unless you want that to be the first thing the interviewer thinks about when your name crosses their mind. If I hire an employee I do not want them answering the real weakness of my org when talking to clients. It's more of a test at how well you can effectively dodge the question. Telling your interviewer that you have struggled in the past with public speaking is a losing strategy.

[@TheStainDrain]

I find that the only correct/"ideal" answer to this question has been: I'm so hardworking and such a perfectionist that I will stretch myself too thin, taking on too many tasks.

[@gilbertoresendez37]

there is nine competencies that are general in all jobs most people dont have all of them but to be successful an any job you need them therefore its best to pick one of these and tell them you want to improve on this

[@cheapflights247]

Great advice. Thanks!

[@stefanperera6881]

My biggest weakness is cheesecake. Is this an appropriate answer ?

[@Lesley1000]

Hi Aimee are your videos on various youtubes sites please? I noticed that you have your channel, Career Cake, but that you were on Firebrand as well. I really want to watch all your uploads they are so good:)

[@AquentAustralia]

Hi Lesley, you'll find Aimee's videos here: careercake.com/videos/

[@Lesley1000]

FirebrandTalent Thanks a lot!

[@GhulamAli-ge8gi]

+FirebrandTalent Miss I want to ask something from u. first of all i admire ur video on basis of uniqueness test in comparison to other youtube videsl. secondly miss comsidering u as ma well wisher and ma guide.i want to discuss ma personal experience. I m an accounts guy. But during ma prior 2 jobs ma department fellows became ma foes. just because of technical skills i had which crossed many of experienced guy in department. and it lead to politics against me. so can i explain this as ma weakness. Please do respond me as i m eagerly awaiting for ur response

[@harpreets5560]

+Ghulam Ali I do no think at all that would be good idea of describing your weakness.by doing that you are showing your over confidence in your work compare to others.politics is running in every field....

[@billdaniels3922]

Well I don't about everyone else , I like Aimee Bateman. She seems to ' know ' how interviewers think. I've always disliked 'that one question'. "My strongest weakness ? " Mine is 'answering this question, that and that one statement right after you enter their office , " tell me about yourself ". My immediate response has always been (in mind only) "just cut through the chase and get down to it ! " I mean, what are you expected to tell them ?

[@dlis7224]

thank you so much! I have an interview coming up in a few days and this is really straightfoward and helpful! XD

[@robinpadgett5155]

Thank you really good advice

[@yvonnecaryl]

very helpful thank you. tomorrow we will be going to have a Job Interview for our school final project. I'm now confident of what i'am going to answer for my weakness question.

[@ak91207]

I LOVE your accent! thanks a lot for the useful tips. Cheers from Mexico.

[@maryfranklin8477]

Thanks for the interview tips. They are right-on-time, b/c I'm job searching.

[@UnitedPebbles]

My weakness will be overworked, taking all the responsibilities for others, sometimes I likened to do all the managers work for them as well despite not titled as management.

[@Allaahuakkbar]

Amazing person : ) God bless you Aimee

[@mikeshinoda2806]

hi ma'am, i am an immigrant living in the U.S. Can I use "having a non-American accent" as my answer? Having an strong accent is my biggest weakness because it really limits my ability to communicate with other people. Last year I decided to find my first job, and ended up working as a waiter at an American restaurant where most of the customers are American. After 8 months, my English improved significantly.

[@robertmeredithwarmack8096]

I found this to be extremely helpful!

[@garv9391]

Lovely Amiee, that was very beautifully covered. Thanks :)

[@gigigi3064]

Can I say that " My weakness is that I like perfect in my works. I used much of time for doing works, reviewing my works and checking what I did. I seldom delegated the important works to my subordinates to do. I did the works after the office hours. I learnt time management and writing working schedules in order to do work more efficiency and efficiently."

[@luciolibanori]

I'm 39 years old and I'm dyslexic. My learning curve is, in general, longer than the average person. With time I learned to overcome some difficulties and compensate this problem with a great deal of effort. Should I mention it on a job interview? Could the interviewer think that I have cognitive problems, although that's not the case? How to explain that I'm pretty able to perform complex tasks to someone who may not know this kind of disturb?

[@itsmeHiBeth]

Love it..excellent tips and very helpful. I am going for an interview in a weeks time. Btw, you look like Keira Knightley.

[@Lillefoden]

this was really helpful, thank you!

[@TruongTammie]

Great ideas. Thank you!!! Subscribed!!!

[@LEEROYKUVASEKERA]

You're a genius.I liked your video and it helped me a lot.Thank you.

[@Lesley1000]

I interviewed someone who said they didn't have any weaknesses when asked this question! I think that was their weakness, not knowing their weakness.

[@Lesley1000]

Shawn Steuer Of course weaknesses, or something you feel is a weakness of your own is subjective, you are correct. However, I am lousy at Maths and I can prove it! Failed my GCSE, but did a AEB to at least get some sort of qualification. Therefore, I recognised I had a weakness and would never be great at it, but at least tried to do something about it. So I think the question shows someone being honest about their 'faults' and seeing if they have tried, or are willing to try, to improve. I didn't actually choose the questions, this was done by someone else. However, I disagree that the question is of no use at all. It let's people analyse themselves and gives balance to the interview, as everyone wants to show the best side of themselves at interview. It can also highlight how a person can improve or could be trained. I would never dismiss a person solely on the answer to one question, whichever one it was. For a person to think they have no weaknesses at all, to me, shows lack of insight of the self. It can appear to be arrogant and that a person has nothing to learn, which is incorrect for everyone whoever they are. If someone cannot recognise a weakness in themselves, they can be lacking of empathy for others and be judgmental of people who are 'weaker' than them. Maybe it depends on the career setting. Take care:)

[@andrewgomes1984]

Thanks for big help for me.

[@robertsimons7296]

Thank you very much for this interview tip, I have not often been asked about what my biggest weakness is during my previous interviews. However, I have been assessed during the interview about how I would cope working in a busy hospital environment. Is this a method that interviewers use to assess a candidates strengths and weaknesses?

[@dwheel39]

Well presented and helpful, thank you for sharing!

[@1602vipul]

it is excellent and very useful...thanks

[@NKeddle]

The problem with this answer is that it is also textbook fake one especially when you are saying: ‘in the past...’ it again gives the impression that you are perfect. I am a big procrastinator and when I have to do things I hate I just delay them until the very last minute. This is the truth and probably 99% of the people are the same. Asking about weaknesses is a stupid question anyway, I used to pick my people based upon their strength as I know that nobody will tell an interviewer what their real weakness is as people would then never pass these stupid interview questions. When someone asks this question I know that the interviewer is just not senior enough to conduct a proper interview!

[@Iceni007]

past weaknesses doesn't answer the question and the employer will see that. just say in the competencies for the particular role you are being interviewed for you don't have any weaknesses- it shows confidence.

[@edcashwell5723]

She is awesome!!

[@noname-lq2kg]

I would answer by saying, "I get really impatient when asked stupid questions."