How to answer that question in an interview: Name

Posted on 15/11/2022 by Caitlin Ielasi

How to answer that question in an interview: Name your biggest weakness!

We know it can be challenging; however, recruiters ask this to see if you are honest, self-aware and committed to self-improvement.

Joanna Slaven has been with us for 15 years and says, "Avoid the generic non-specific answers like - I take on too much, I have difficulties delegating, or I'm a perfectionist".

So prepare for your interview by identifying a list of weaknesses. However, try not to list anything crucial to your prospective duties. For example, don't say you are a poor communicator if the job requires high communication skills. Instead, consider what your references would say about you and devise an action plan about how you may improve.

So how do we approach it?

At Entrée Recruitment, we ask this question a little differently by asking, "what would your referees or managers say?" We asked a few of our consultants what they thought.

Kathy Lyrtzis, "it's less about the weakness itself and more about your recognition and action towards continuous improvement".

Jemimah Hoad, "we are looking for honest answers that demonstrate your self-awareness and solution-based thinking".

So please don't panic, try not to be broad, really work to identify an authentic weakness, discuss it genuinely, and highlight how you are working towards improving. Remember, no one is perfect. Everyone has a weakness - we want to see how you authenticate it and action plan for improving it.