Interview weaknesses: the ultimate guide

The question about your weaknesses during a job interview: the classic. This question gives employers insight into the candidate's personality and self-confidence. Therefore, it is important for candidates to know how best to respond to these questions during the interview to leave a positive impression. We have compiled the most important rules so that you can convincingly answer the question about your weaknesses in the interview.

Rule No. 1: Honesty is the best policy 

The first rule in answering the question about your strengths and weaknesses is to be honest. It is important to be aware that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Instead of trying to hide this fact, it's better to talk about it openly. An honest answer shows the candidate that they are aware of their strengths and weaknesses and are ready to work on themselves. 

Rule No. 2: A balancing act

Another important rule is to take a balanced approach when answering this question. It is important to mention both strengths and weaknesses to paint a balanced picture. The candidate can mention a strength and then explain how they are working to overcome a weakness. An example: "One of my strengths is that I am very well-organized. I have a high level of self-discipline and can concentrate very well. One weakness of mine is that sometimes I have difficulty delegating. However, I am working on improving my delegation skills and involving my teammates better." 

Rule No. 3: Tailored to the job

Additionally, it is important that the strengths and weaknesses are related to the desired position. This way, the candidate can show that they have thought about the requirements of the job and know how their strengths and weaknesses fit this job. 

Rule No. 4: Specific instead of general

When it comes to mentioning strengths, it is important to provide concrete examples. Instead of making general statements like "I am a good communicator," it is better to give examples like "In my last job, I successfully led a project team where I communicated effectively with all team members to successfully complete the project." These concrete examples give the recruiter a better understanding of the strengths you possess. 

Rule No. 5: Weaknesses are also opportunities

When mentioning weaknesses, it's important to ensure that the weaknesses are not portrayed too negatively. Instead, the candidate should show that they are aware of their weaknesses and that they are already working on them or have taken steps to improve them. In some cases, it may be advisable to see a weakness as an opportunity and demonstrate how one can use it to grow. For example, a candidate might say that they find it difficult to make decisions but that they are learning how to gather and analyze data to make better decisions. 

Rule No. 6: Focus on your strengths 

It is also important to ensure that the weaknesses are not excessively emphasized. A candidate should focus on their strengths and how they can use them to meet the job's requirements. A candidate should also avoid referring to negative traits or behaviors unsuitable for the position, such as lack of communication skills or teamwork abilities. 

Nobody’s perfect 

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the answer to this question doesn't have to be perfect. The recruiter is interested in getting the most complete picture of you, including your strengths and weaknesses. By speaking openly and honestly about your weaknesses, you show that you are ready to improve and learn. Preparedness for the interview, including reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses, is crucial for appearing confident and competent.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of strengths and weaknesses in a job interview is an opportunity for candidates to differentiate themselves from others and show that they are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. By providing a balanced response, realistically portraying their strengths and weaknesses, and speaking openly about their weaknesses, candidates can make a positive impression. More tips on the application process can be found on our blog!

And if you receive a rejection after the interview, use it as a learning opportunity. Reflect on how you can improve your answers to questions about strengths and weaknesses as well as your overall performance.