Communication Conversation: What’s Your Biggest Weakness?

In response to this most-feared and inevitable question in any interview, the truly freaked-out may answer, “Well, I don’t think I have any.” This – professing the absence of any weaknesses whatsoever – happens thankfully rarely. (Essentially comparing yourself to a deity? Never wise.)

The common answer among stunned interviewees usually consists of a personal characteristic that’s not too bad – “I’m too much of a perfectionist,” say, or, “I’m too organized.” Surprisingly popular nonanswers like these, which I hear all the time, in all age groups, simply reveal avoidance.

To effectively answer this pivotal question, you first must recognize that interviewers regularly conduct hundreds of interviews and know these conventional answers like their favorite restaurant menu. Such answers immediately categorize you as “one of those” – interviewees who are afraid and hiding something.

Instead, realize the question will be asked in some form, and plan your answer in advance. A weakness is, in reality, a challenge. You don’t have to use the word “weakness” just because the interviewer does.

At its essence, the “biggest weakness” question reveals that the interviewer knows you’re going to hit bumps and obstacles. Everybody does. What the interviewer really wants to know is how you’re going to act when you do. Will you freeze or whine, blame somebody else or try to hide a mistake that could cost the company millions? Or will you show integrity, own up and soldier through? Do you know yourself well enough to recognize what you could improve and address your shortfalls? That’s valuable!

Transform a negative to a positive. Take the opportunity to reveal more about yourself and what you can offer. When you think about it this way, the “biggest weakness” question becomes a great way to show your grit and coping skills you’ve learned to apply to every new challenge, making yourself stronger and more capable than before.

Failures and struggles help you grow. Answer the negative honestly and briefly, then explain your steps toward growth with provable, positive points. Through this, weakness morphs into quantifiable strength.